Julianne Faucette-Johnson, former athlete with the Women's U.S National Team, describes how she starts her game prep 24 hours before the match.
The day prior to the match: The first step is working hard in your last practice before a game. Next, treat your body well: eat a nutritious meal, drink plenty of water, and get a good night's rest.
Day of the match: Look at your match as if it's a big work meeting. Prioritize an agenda for the day and stick to it. An hour before the game, take a little time for yourself. Do whatever it takes to calm the nerves, whether that's listening to music or finding solitude. Ten to twenty minutes before the match, connect with teammates and allow the adrenaline to kick in. During the warm-up, don't save energy - go all out.
After the match: Decompress, both emotionally and physically. Take the time to properly rehabilitate any lingering injuries or physical discomforts.
