Staying Foccused before big games

puckstopper135

So we've got our deciding playoff game tomorrow night. If we tie or win, we go to the Championships.

Our team only has 1 loss, and 7 or 8 ties I think. We're top ranked in our 3 team league (yeah, laugh it up). But basically everybody is expecting us to take it all since we've dominated all year.

Now... if I go out there and post a shutout, we go to the championships, plain and simple. But I've been freaking out about it more than usual, because even though in a goalie's mind you know you can always make the difference in a game, this is like, do or die.

So how do you guys manage to stay calm in games like this? Suggestions greatly appreciated Smile

auburn goalie · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:11 am Post subject:

Well, I'd help you, but I don't get to play Smile

I would just say, keep a loose mind. I really don't think a lot when I'm on the ice. I know, it sounds weird, but an empty mind is a focused mind Wink

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Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:15 am Post subject:

Big games freak everyone out more so than your run of the mill facing the last place with nothing on the line games. That's to be expected. What does matter is how you handle it when you get out there...try being excited more than nervous. That always helps me for big games...err...did help me.

rjattack19 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:21 am Post subject:

Just remember no pressure, afterall its not like everyones going to hate you if you let in the deciding goal...right?
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How hard would you play today if you couldn't play tomorrow?

NO THOUGHT CONTROL
6'5" 205 Lbs.
78inch wingspan

puckstopper135 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:22 am Post subject:

Hah. Probably not, but I'd be too busy blaming myself to notice.

rjattack19 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:27 am Post subject:

im just kidding. you just need to have confidence in yourself
_________________
How hard would you play today if you couldn't play tomorrow?

NO THOUGHT CONTROL
6'5" 205 Lbs.
78inch wingspan

puckstopper135 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:30 am Post subject:

Confident but not cocky? I was confident the whole year... until they beat us. Now it just worries me and makes me a little less sure...

rjattack19 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:46 am Post subject:

yea not cocky at all, my team is horrible so i know that there not gonna have my back so every game i just remind myself of that and tell myself im going to have a good game regardless of the score.
_________________
How hard would you play today if you couldn't play tomorrow?

NO THOUGHT CONTROL
6'5" 205 Lbs.
78inch wingspan

Slinky · Minors Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 471 Location: Canton, GA

probably shouldnt say this... i don't get nervous. I get gassy. Before and after big games. My team, wont be around me. I was playing on my bosses team for one season, while the family was building a bowling alley next door, after the championship game we took a tour of the building... no one would stand near me. Sad

Music, get in a rhythm. Stay in that rhythm. Clear your mind. For big tournament games I usually get completely (except my helmet) dressed a good 5 or 10 minutes before we leave the locker room and just sit there staring at the wall... think about nothing.
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Because it hurts so good.

puckstopper135 · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:09 pm Post subject:

5 hours and counting until pock drops. Damn why am I so nervous this time Laughing

I'd be just as happy having my team come out flying and cruising to a 5-0 win...

Doosh27 · Minors Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Posts: 165

Don't be so worried about it. You'll be fine. You've done it a hundred times. Just relax and visualize your self making some big saves. Then just go out there and play your game

itechwarrior · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject:

During a game if I'm a little nervous cause it's close, or I have a shut out going. I sing to myself in the mask. Whatever song pops in to my head I'll sing it. Not super loud so anyone can hear me, but enough to keep my mind occupied without losing too much focus. It doesn't take any focus away to sing to yourself, especially if it's one of your favourite tunes.

Jase.

Slinky · Minors Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 471 Location: Canton, GA

Can I get the forum to throw a couple "LETS GO PS!" in there? Maybe some "For she's a jolly good fell-girl!"
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Because it hurts so good.

mx42 · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 6:59 am Post subject:

Prepare how you usually do. Just play. It's a wonderful game, and we should all feel privileged to be out there enjoying the game.

In the end, it's just a game.

Really, too many kids I have coached have expressed nervousness or fear before a big game and they go out and play poorly. They change up their routine, try all these funky things, try to get too amped or too relaxed. Just let your skills take center stage, that's really all that matters. It has obviously worked for you this season, so just stick to the routine.

Returning2MyNet · Minors Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Posts: 379

So how did it go? Your team a/aa or aaa?