How to Get Mentally Ready for Preseason

To mentally prepare for preseason, you need to set a standard before day one and focus on gradual progress. This means restarting your routines and building up your physical and mental endurance. You must also learn to handle the discomfort of being unfit again.

What is Preseason Really About

Preseason is where seasons are won, yet most athletes coast through it. They show up on day one expecting to pick up where they left off, without a plan or a clear idea of what they want to achieve. You cannot afford to make this mistake. Preseason is a critical period that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Setting a Standard

You need to set a standard for yourself before preseason starts. This means defining what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there. It's about creating a mindset that will carry you through the tough times and help you stay focused on your goals. Start by thinking about what you want to accomplish in the first four weeks of preseason. What are your priorities? What skills do you need to work on?

Handling Discomfort

When you return to preseason after an off-season break, you will feel unfit and uncomfortable. Your body will struggle to keep up with the demands of training, and your mind will wander. You need to learn to handle this discomfort and push through it. One way to do this is to focus on the process, not the outcome. Instead of worrying about how you feel, focus on what you need to do to get better. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and concentrate on making progress one step at a time.

Creating a Mental Plan

To mentally prepare for preseason, you need a clear plan. This is where the four-week preseason mental plan comes in. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Week one: Set your goals and priorities. Define what you want to achieve in the first four weeks of preseason and create a plan to get there.
2. Week two: Focus on building your physical endurance. Gradually increase your training intensity and volume, and pay attention to your body's response.
3. Week three: Work on your mental toughness. Practice self-distanced self-talk and learn to handle pressure and discomfort.
4. Week four: Develop a pre-game routine that works for you. Check out our guide on how to build a pre-game routine for more information.

For more information on how to develop a winning mindset, check out The Competition Protocol by Giannis Notaras. This book provides a comprehensive guide to mental preparation and performance.

Putting it All Together

To mentally prepare for preseason, you need to set a standard, handle discomfort, and create a mental plan. You also need to be willing to put in the work and make adjustments as needed. If you're struggling with pressure and performance, consider checking out our guide on how to stop choking under pressure. For a more in-depth look at mental preparation and performance, consider enrolling in our course.