The Big Game

1
The Big Game

• What is it?
• The next step up.
• Our first 1st Grade Game
• Our 1st Final
• A rep game.

2
Why do we prepare for the big game?

• We want to do our best.
• We want to be as good as or better than the
  players on the day.
• We want to be able to keep up.
• We want to get it right all the time.
• We want to achieve a milestone.

3
But above all

• We fear failure!!!

4
What does fear of failure do to us?

• Self doubt.
• We question the sanity of the coaching board in
  appointing us.
• We worry about how we will appear to our peers.
• In short,
• We suffer anxiety.

5
The key to Big Game preparation is

• How we manage our anxiety.

6
Preparation for the big game is about

• Reducing our stress levels and keeping them low.
• Self belief.

7
What do we have to believe to reduce those stress
levels

• We are the right man for the job.
• We are fit enough.
• We are good enough.
• We know our law.
• We are prepared.

8
Some strategies to reinforce self belief

• Maintain training regime with perhaps a slight
  increase - dont go overboard.
• Spend some quiet time focusing on the match - but
  not too much, do not become obsessed.
• Think through bad situations you have encountered
  in the past and wargame solutions.

9
Some strategies to reinforce self belief

• Remind yourself if you have to, that the board
  have decided you are good enough to do the job.

10
Some strategies to keep the pressure down on day.

• Get a good nights sleep the night before without
  the help of alcohol.
• On game day, be scrupulous with your food and
  hydration requirements.
• Build plenty of time into everything you do,
  never rush any preparation.
• Avoid what gets you up (loud rock music, coffee,
  arguments with spouse).

11
Some strategies to keep the pressure down on day.

• Do everything pre game slowly - take some time to
  do up your laces.
• Have a good stretch and warm up.
• Get the toss out of the way early so that the
  teams are not interrupted in their preparation.
• Keep the pre match talk short and wish them well.

12
Some strategies to keep the pressure down on day.

• Get the teams out onto the field on time.
• Take your time getting onto the field (dont
  break your leg running down the shute).
• Try to enjoy the moment.

13
Post Match Considerations

• Enjoy the moment.
• Like all games, go through your own self
  evaluation routine.
• Do not be surprised if the game takes more out of
  you than normal.
• Re-hydrate and warm down, in that order.