The Power of Routines in Big Moments
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
Pressure doesn’t decide your performance. Your preparation does.
Table of Contents
⚾ For Athletes: Trust the Work, Not the Moment
3 Ways Routines Help in Big Moments
Calm the chaos. A routine keeps your mind on what’s next, not what’s at stake.
Build muscle memory. Same actions = same confidence, no matter the scoreboard.
Turn “nerves” into “ready.” Rituals help your brain know, It’s go time.
2 Quotes to Remember
“Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion — you sink to the level of your training.”
Serena Williams: “I am who I am because of the hours and hours I spent doing what I did.”
1 Question to Reflect On
If you stepped into your next big moment tomorrow, what part of your routine would carry you through?
👨👩👧 For Parents: Protect Their Routine, Protect Their Game
3 Ways to Support Your Athlete’s Routine
Respect their pre-game rhythm. Don’t add last-minute tips or critiques.
Create consistency at home. Sleep, nutrition, and mental space matter as much as practice.
Be the calm. Your composure helps them stick to their own.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“Structure gives freedom; chaos steals it.”
“Your energy is part of their pre-game environment — make it steady.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Do you add stability or stress to your athlete’s pre-competition routine?
🧢 For Coaches: Build Team Routines That Hold Under Pressure
3 Coaching Moves for Big-Moment Readiness
Practice game-day routines in practice. Make them automatic before they’re tested.
Use “reset” routines. Teach players to release mistakes and re-engage quickly.
Model calm under fire. Your consistency becomes their anchor.
2 Quotes to Coach With
Bill Walsh: “The score takes care of itself.”
“Routines create confidence, confidence creates performance.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Does your team’s preparation on ordinary days match the intensity of game day?
Big moments don’t require magic — they require habits you’ve built all along.
The work is already done. Routines are just how you cash in on it.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
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