For some athletes, the pre-game ritual is nearly as important as what they do on the field, court, or ice.
Many athletes have a special set of actions that they must do before their games. Some may include putting equipment on the exact same way each time, retaping their hockey stick, or even wearing specific undergarments.
Rituals have been going on forever but they have become more relevant due to how sports teams broadcast their players on social media. This in-depth broadcast shows the viewers their favorite players doing their rituals, and now viewers, because of this unfettered social media access, can try to match what they see their favorite players doing.
According to imgacadamy.com, “If performing a certain behavior makes an athlete feel that they will have a better game, then they will likely go into the competition with the confidence to perform better.”
Rowan Lonergan’s special ritual begins when he puts on his lacrosse gear from his, “left piece of equipment before [my] right.” Rowan does this, “for every piece of equipment: cleats, elbow pads, gloves, all of it.”
“I have no proof or evidence at all as to why this works [for me],” Rowan, a junior, said. “I just have a feeling or thought that I have to do it every game and practice.”
Rowan has no proof the rituals are what’s making him successful, but he also sees no reason to stop. “It’s been ingrained in me for a while and I’ve had success athletically, so I haven’t thought of changing it.”
Rowan has been putting on his shoes and gloves by the left first since elementary school.
Sports rituals don’t always have to do with your equipment, though.
Jack Nolan, a senior from Scottsdale AZ., likes to keep to himself and sleep before his track meets to stay focused.
“Before big races I pretty much disappear and don’t talk until after if it’s just me racing or right before with the other three guys in a relay,” Jack said. “Before big meets I can’t eat, it used to be nerves at home but now it’s habit.”
Personally, as a hockey and lacrosse player I have my own sets of rituals and superstitions. I try my best to have Subway before every game, because fueling my body with the same food makes me feel as consistent as possible pre-game.
Once I get on the ice I have a special stretch that I have to do at the opposite side of the ice compared to the benches. On the lacrosse field I have a special water bottle spray I do as I run to my net. I make three circles with my water and then tap my post in a specific pattern.
My rituals started randomly, but now I make sure I partake in all of them to try and stay consistent.
