How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?

I play ice hockey and last season I had one of my worst seasons points wise. I had only 1+5 in 17 games to my previous 3+7 in 7 games (last season).

The reason being, after a few games going without a goal or an assist, I ended up putting a huge amount of pressure on myself to score without great effect. However, in training I have no problem hitting the twine (back of the net).



As a sports person or otherwise, how do you relax yourself before a game so you have simmilar mind-set to that during training?



Cheers!How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?I have a few suggestions:

Pre-game:

My team used to have a mandatory team warm-up, run, stretch, after this I would put the bottom half of my equipment on (sometimes skates too), find a secluded spot in the hall (doorway of another locker room) and just chill out, stretch my lower body out a little bit more listen to some tunes, seclusion and alone time (ten minutes) was key for me. If I was too keyed up I would lie on my back and do this yoga thing; think about all your muscles,individually from your toes and travel to the top of your head, you can do a three or four minute version, try it before a run or practice first, in case it makes you too relaxed for a game.



Game Time:

I used to get really worked up when I'd screw up on the ice and it would effect my play. In High School my Dad used to have me focus on only one thing between each shift, to do better the next time. It used to go along way to help me focus and not get bogged down. I still do this, it works.How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?
Personally I do not like relaxing before a game. I prefered to get myself riled up to the point I couldnt wait just get on the ice. I was a goalie for 16 years and loved in warmups to just get shelled. getting hit by the pucks got me going. Everyone has a different game ritual, just got to find what works for you.How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?the best way I have found to get ready for a game is to joke around with the guys, get them loose in the game as well... you function better when you are relaxed... poke fun at someone who will fire right back.. have a good laugh before the game.. when you guys go out there you will be more fluid in your motion and more relaxed while under strain... my team does it and we have been undefeated for 4 seasons running... all of us (except the pk line ) where +8 at the lowest by the end of a 5 game series... when you have a slight sense of euphoria before a game the team chemistry really works...



but really it is a personalized thing...



I finished the season (28 games) with 36 goals 45 assists and a +/- of 12.. and still didn't get mvp... but its all good...
Eat something good before the game for energy. For me it was usually a granola bar and an energy drink. I always tape my stick, then I run some steel on my skates, listen to some good music, stretch out good, then close my eyes for about 10 minutes once I'm dressed. Just sit there relax and visualize the game, it sounds corny but it slows everything down. Think about how you want to start the game (with a big hit off the faceoff or something) and just plan out how you want to play. Always works for me.How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?There are lots of things you can do to help yourself.



Use imagery. Imagine yourself making an assist or goal, deeking out the goalie or plowing through the defense, making a great hit or just helping out the team. Imagining yourself in positive situations will help you stay positive.

Before you go on ice, you're going to want to get pumped and then cool down. Run, talk to friends, listen to music, do whatever gets you psyched. Then sit down on the bench and imagine what you are going to do in the game.



Just try and remember you play hockey for fun. So what if you don't play so great one game? Don't let it discourage you. Instead, use it to motivate yourself.

Hope I helped!How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?
think about the little things you gotta do on the ice, the break-out, forecheck, where you need to be in the d-zone, stuff like that. but don't shut yourself off from the rest of the team - talk it up with your boys to stay loose and get everybody going. even though you want to relax, you also gotta be pumped to step on that ice. im usually about shaking waiting for the zam to finish up.
You have to realize that your not the only person on your team. Start by calming down and using your mind to imagine what you can do when ou get out there. There's no pressure in most leagues. its just for the fun of the game. of course everybody wants to do good and score a ton of goals, but having fun with your teammates on and off the ice is all you need. I agree with joking with your team before the game. it takes the pressure away.How do you relax and focus yourself before a game?
I don't i get pumped up. i listen to heavy metal even though normally i hate it. i go to the gym, and visit my girlfriend if you catch my drift ;)
have a beer
Just relaxe and listen to music. The key is to find music that relaxs you and calms you....

Thats all you can do

it works for me!!!!%26lt;3