Keys to successful game preparation
Tip #1: Begin to mentally prepare yourself the night before a
game.
"Game preparation is like a ritual to me and I feel it is definitely a
factor in how well I perform in a game. I like to visualize the night
before as I drift off to sleep. I picture myself at the plate hitting all types
of pitches, perfectly."
Tip #2: Prior to leaving for the field, begin relaxing and visualizing,
mentally preparing for competition.
"About an hour and a half to two hours before we leave for a game I start
to get ready. I try to be fully dressed and ready to go at least 45 minutes
before the departure time. At this time, I find myself a quiet place to lie
down and visualize. I visualize hitting, fielding, what the field looks like,
the crowd. I do relaxation breathing exercises."
Tip #3: Begin to focus and take things seriously once you're at the competition site.
"When we get to the field I am serious. I don't joke around much before
or during a game as my concentration is too focused."
Tip #4: Get a good warm-up in.
"My preparation at the field is usually just for warming up. I jog, stretch,
do a few agilities and sprints, throw a few balls, field a few grounders,
and spend some time on the tee warming up."
Tip #5: Right before game-time, visualize situations and scout
the competition.
"The last thing I do is to visualize different pitches and "dry swing" for
each one. I also try to watch the other pitcher warming up so I know
what she is like on that given day. Because of the way things are set
up at certain tournaments, this is not always possible. At the very least
I watch enough to pick up her release points on different pitches."
