You’ve put in the work! Your practices have been going well! You feel like you have covered all the bases and you’re ready to play!
Or are you?
“Get Ready” is designed to cover the last, and in some ways, most important part of preparing to play.
Game Day!!
Pre-Game Warm Ups
All players and teams need to develop a pregame routine that prepares them to play, both mentally and physically. Some teams have coordinated routines that attempt to address preparation. Its also up to each player to be sure they invest themselves fully into the program and work to prepare themselves, no matter what.
Your routine should include:
Jog and Stretch: Really warm up your body to compete!
Throw and Catch: Pay attention to warming up your arm well.
Hit: Whether it is in a cage, Bownet, or on the field, you need to get quality swings in before the game.
Fielding: Pre-game ground balls and fly balls are crucial. Get comfortable with the field and conditions.
Visualization: Picture yourself performing at your best. Play the game out in your mind, with you coming out on top.
This list is useless if your player or coach doesn’t value and invest in your pre-game work. This is the last rehearsal before the big show. GET READY!!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
