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The best part of playing sports is playing in big games. Whether the game is a championship or the first game of the season, the excitement is always intense.

Competition is what makes athletics such an awesome part of life. It teaches us to perform well in the face of challenges.

Here are six tips to help you get ready for a big game:

1. Visualization

Visualization can be a very useful tool for all types of athletes. The night before your big game, think about what you want to do during the game. Imagine the shot you want to take, the pass you want to deliver, and the defense you want to play. Think about your role on the team and what you hope to do to help your teammates, or if it’s a solo sport. Every player can think of a time that they were disappointed with their performance in a game. Decide how you can avoid your previous mistakes and play better the next day. On the other hand, imagine the best goal, shot or serve you’ve ever made and how you can recreate it.

2. Sleep

Everyone knows the importance of sleep. Try to get between eight and nine hours of sleep the night before your game to rest your body and mind. Sometimes it’s hard to sleep when you are excited about the game, but experiment with different methods to find out what works for you.

3. Diet

Food is energy.

Everything you put into your body in the 24 hours before competition will influence how you play.

Carbohydrates (pasta and grains) are very important because they provide long-term energy. If your sport is an endurance sport, carbs help you run for longer without tiring. Stay away from fatty and fried foods. Also, you should avoid eating large meals within four hours of your soccer game; you want to be fully digested by the time you take the field. Learn more what you should be eating before, and after, a game here.

4. Stretch

The importance of stretching cannot be stressed enough. You should begin stretching the day before the big game.

Tight muscles are responsible for countless injuries that are easily avoidable.

Thoroughly stretch your legs after practice, before you go to bed, and after your pre-game warm-up. Note that stretching is more effective when your muscles are already warm.

5. Routine

The best athletes in the world have specific routines that they follow every game day. You don’t need a precise ritual, but consider using at least some form of routine for each game. Not only does this discipline put you in the zone before each game, it also helps you avoid being affected by outside distractions.

6. Coaching

To play to your full potential, you should speak with your coach before the game. Your coach can tell you what he or she expects of you and what you should expect of yourself. A good coach can give you the extra push that you need to be successful in the game and will have experience and insight that you might not yet have.

The Bottom Line

If you properly prepare yourself for big games, you will be much more successful in each of them. Being nervous about these big games is not a bad thing (learn how to ease big-game nerves here). The secret is converting that nervousness into motivation and excitement. Every good player loves playing in big games because there is no better feeling than winning one.

Original article can be found here.