I’m going to put a few things down first:
Left sock on first
Left boot on first
Shinpads left off until after warm up
Touch the posts before kick off
Etc etc
I’m fairly certain that I could be here all day writing down ever goalkeeper’s superstition before a game; but is it superstition or routine? Well, I hope for your sake that it is routine…
As you may already be aware from reading my Blog, I acknowledge that a players mentality is a huge component of a players performance, and that can mean that any imperfections mentally can have a devastating affect.
As a player, I was guilty of having a routine but I would not allow it to be called my superstitions as I do not like to be a slave to anything. If, for whatever reason, I could not complete part of my routine then it genuinely did not matter but I know that some of my team mates were not of the same opinion.
Some of the lads would panic if they could not fulfil their superstition, for whatever reason. I would sit next to them and listen to them saying “I’m not going to play well today as I’ve forgotten x, y or z” – and that is the danger of match day superstitions.
‘Lucky’ Pants, ‘Lucky’ Shin Pads or ‘Lucky’ anything should be taken out of your kit bag and set alight! They are all dangerous to your performance, as you’ve allowed this item into your psyche and are allowing it to dictate your performance.
Routine is good, as it allows you to focus on your preparation. Routine can help to release the positive emotion pre-match as each step of your routine is completed so the fact that you have to put your left boot on first is good; relying on the fact that you have to dress in this way is bad!
Analyse what you do pre-match, and if anything plays a part in how you mentally picture your performance then it is time to get rid I’m afraid. Do not be afraid to change things around, and with each change generate a new positive image in your mind, this will help to affirm your confidence. Don’t be afraid of change, embrace it and be positive – the only thing that has the ability to affect your game is………..YOU!
I used to believe in all that superstitions stuff, putting on my kit in the same order, worried that if I deviated it would mean bad luck. My water bottle had to go in a specific spot, I kissed the posts and crossbar is a particular order (not weird enough I kissed the posts but had an order to it).
ReplyDeleteThese days I just do what ever is at hand, when I pick up my shin-pads I just put which ever one I picked up fist. The water bottle goes where ever I throw it and no longer do I give the posts and cross bar some love, unless they save me. I guess I have a routine of trying not to have a routine.
" I guess I have a routine of trying not to have a routine."
ReplyDeleteBrilliant quote. It's hard when the 'routine' becomes embroiled into your performance as you don't actually realise - until something goes wrong, and you panic because the routine is broken!