Unlike what
a lot of players think, game preparation does not start the day of the game. Game preparation starts at practice and
the night before the game.
(1)
Practice – It’s important for players to have a
good practice before their game as it helps them go into their game with
confidence. Players need to understand
that a good hard practice will go a long way towards helping them play at
another level come game time. They must
also remember that you cannot play better consistently than how you
consistently practice.
(2)
The night before – Game preparation also starts
with the night before the game. Players
should strive to get into bed early and get 7-8 hours of good sleep. Too many times players stay up late the night
before the game. Not only does this take
away from the rest you need, but it also leaves you open to getting into more
trouble. Just ask the college players
who get sent home from bowl games or tournaments for violating curfew. As my dad always says, “If you don’t want to
fall into the Grand Canyon, then don’t get close to the edge!” Players, get to bed early. You’ll be healthier, you won’t get into
trouble, and you’ll be prepared.
(3)
The day of – In order to be properly prepared
for your game, you need to have a good day of the game. Your body, whether you think it or now,
screams for a routine. So create one.
· Eat well. It's important that you try to eat good protein and stay hydrated. Stay away from foods that can sap you of your energy or are unhealthy. Your body needs optimum foods at optimum times in order to perform at an optimal level during the game.
· Schedule your day of the game and stick to it. Your mind loves it when you have a schedule and stick to it. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and releases stress and pressure.
· Schedule your day of the game and stick to it. Your mind loves it when you have a schedule and stick to it. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and releases stress and pressure.
·
Set an alarm for the morning of your game and
get up when it goes off. Eat a healthy
breakfast.
·
Get your school done on time.
·
Do a light, but focused shoot –around (either
individually or as a team).
·
Pack your game bag in the morning and check it
at lunch time (don’t be one of those players who shows up with 1 shoe, or
forgot your jersey).
·
Take time thru the day to think about your role
on the team and how you can best do your job
·
Leave for the game on-time and get to the game
early.
·
Dress up for the game. My first high school coach once said “You
play like you dress”. If you show up
like a slob, you’ll play like a slob.
Show up decent, and you’ll play decent.
·
Take time to visualize game situations and how
you will react to those situations
·
Review new plays your coach has taught you
recently – again, know your job
·
Stretch in the morning, at lunch, and before the
game.
·
Warm-up before the game with a purpose. Don’t walk onto the floor and start jacking
up shots. Have a purpose when you
warm-up and take your warm-up seriously.
It should
also be noted that music does not help you play better. I know, I probably just alienated half the
players reading this. But listen, no
matter what you think, or how it makes you feel, music will not make you a
better player. It’s like a drug, it may
help you get “high”, but at the end of the day it only impairs you and you will
crash during the game when you have no music.
Don’t rely on music to prepare you for a game. Do the right things every day in order to
prepare for your game and you will be amazed at how fresh and ready you will
feel at game time.
“Failure to
prepare is preparing to fail” – unknown
Coach CJ
Follow Coach
CJ on Twitter (@CJPomeroy1)
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on Twitter (@chsmhouston)
Learn more
about CHSM on the web. Visit us at www.chsmhouston.com or “Like” us on
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