A new season is upon us and there are so many different things for us as coaches to worry about. From the ordering of shirts and gear to player injuries, playing time and game preparation strategies.

However, it is very important to not forget about preparing our young athletes mentally for the games and season ahead.

There are no magic formulas for success but coaches and athletes can take certain measures to help improve their chances of success in their chosen playing arena.

With these thoughts in mind, please go over the principles below and begin to implement some of the ideas listed with the idea of being mentally prepared for game day.

The Day before Game Day we should ...

• Be positive and relaxed
  
• Have a short practice – Set plays, etc.
  
• Be professional – Healthy choices and lifestyle
  
• Eat and Sleep well
  
• Visualize your role and responsibilities
  
• 100% Focused
  
• Go over Game Related Reminders
  
• Make it Fun and Enjoyable
  
• Do not rush the Warm-up; feel comfortable in what you are doing
  

On Game Day we should ...

• Become focused on winning
  
• Avoid all distractions
  
• Eat and Drink correctly
  
• Practice Positive Self-Talk
  
• Arrive at the game Tuned in and On Time
  

When we Arrive on Game Day we should ...

Our Responsibilities as Players:

• Building Energy and Arousal
  
• Narrowing our Focus
  
• Self-preparation (physical)
  
• Self-preparation (mental)
  
• Rehearsing Your Role on the team
  

The Players must concentrate on:

• Building Arousal Levels
  
• Their Specific Jobs
  
• Helping the Team
  
• Getting Switched On
  
• Feeling Ready
  

Our Teammates Responsibilities:

• Positive Self-Talk and Spirit
  
• Respecting the Individual
  
• Communicating
  
• Positive Reminders
  
• Good Humour
  

The Players must not think about:

• Anything Negative
  
• The Last Game
  
• Mistakes
  
• Injuries
  
• Defeat
  

Our Coaching Responsibilities:

• Positive talk
  
• To give personal reminders
  
• To give key team reminders
  
• Not talk too much
  
• Show No Fear
  
• 100% Contribution during Pre-game Warm-up
  

If we can do all these things, Your game should be like this:

• Enthusiastic
  
• Focused
  
• Committed
  
• Relaxed
  
• Energetic
  
• Together
  
• Aggressive
  
• Bold