ABSTRACT
Poor pregame routines and habits can mean the difference between a win and a loss. This is the time when one should be setting the mood for the upcoming game or match. Athletes should take time to figure out if they perform best when they are “jacked up” or calm and focused. Sports like football tend to lend themselves more to a jacked-up mentality, while golfers tend to do best when calm and focused. Traditionally, a moderate level of arousal is best in order to maximize performance, although this is not true in all cases. Gaining energy and focus is why cocaine and amphetamines were so popular in baseball in the past. It is also important to manage energy and level of arousal after a game. Involving superstition in one’s pregame routine is not necessarily a bad thing if managed properly. Derek Jeter is an expert in managing pregame and pre–at bat focus and arousal.
