TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT
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#1
FITNESS IS THE KEY |
The
two factors that are probably the most important to your success in a
tournament is the condition of your body and your mind.
Your
physical conditioning ensures you are always playing with 100%
energy. Therefore, drink plenty of
water and natural fruit juices…all day.
Have 4 to 5 small meals throughout the day. To build up your muscle strength, you will need food high in
protein such as steak, chicken, salmon/tuna, and ham. To give you energy to burn, you will need foods high in
carbohydrates (i.e. bread, pasta, rice, baked potato, fruits and veggies).
Avoid all types of deep fried foods as much as possible. i.e. a french fry before a game will reduce,
not increase your energy level.
Your
mental conditioning ensures your mind is capable of thinking about the
things that needs to be done while you’re out on the ice. Anticipation is likely the biggest mental
skill you need in this game. If you’re
unable to anticipate and react to what your opponents, and yes, even what your
teammates are going to do next, you will often find yourself one step
behind. Get plenty of rest over the
course of the tournament. A good
night’s sleep will make you feel energetic for the morning game and a small nap
or quiet time in between games will give your head the rest it needs to focus
on the next challenge.
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#2 PRE-GAME WARM-UP |
Playing
a game without first warming up your muscles is ground for injury. A sharp turn/stop or a collision with
another player could cause a muscle or ligament to tear, which can cause a
great deal of pain, or worse, take you out of the tournament for good. Why take that risk? Take two minutes to stretch from head to toe
in the dressing room before the game.
When you first go out on the ice, start with a slow skate then increase
your speed to get your heart rate to rise gradually. This could be done over 30
seconds or so, giving you plenty of time afterwards to practice your
passing/receiving and shooting.
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#3 ATTITUDE & BELIEF |
E +
R = O (Event + Reaction =
Outcome)
This
formula will help you keep the right attitude towards success. Quite simply stated, if your reaction to an
event, on or off the ice, is negative, the outcome will likely be negative. So obviously, if your reaction is positive,
the outcome will likely be a good one.
SCENARIO
#1: A player checks you heavily into the boards (Event), you fall to the ice,
turn, and slash the player on the ankles in retaliation (Reaction), the player
gets two-minutes for body contact, you get a four-minute major for slashing in
a deliberate and aggressive manner (Outcome).
SCENARIO
#2: You’ve been playing hard all period
and you’ve persistently missed the net or hit the goalie on every shot you took
(Event). You know you can do better, so you ask yourself the right question;
“What do I need to change to make my shots more accurate?” The solution you come up with is to make the
goalie move a little more or see the mesh instead of the goalie when shooting
(Reaction). You score two goals in the second period (Outcome).
If
you keep a positive attitude and truly believe you can come out as a champion in a tournament, you will do what it takes to do so. See yourself in your mind achieving the goals
you have set for yourself. Actually
seeing yourself achieving that goal will allow you to get into a state of mind
that will support you in creating the results you desire. You will be resourceful, focused and
energetic.
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#3 SKILLS AND DETERMINATION |
It is assumed you
have been taught the skills needed to be successful in a tournament. Now you need to apply those skills with
confidence and determination. When you’re on the bench, keep your mind in the
game while you’re resting. Study your
opponents. Defense…study their
offense. Offense…study their
defense. Ask yourself; “What do I (or
my line) need to do to be successful on my next shift against this team?” Then
go out and do it!
Don’t
let the score on the board, your opponents, the referees, the fans, get in the
way of your determination to achieving your goals. Stay focused and play the game the way you know best how to play
it, and the goal will surely come to reality.
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#5 TEAMWORK |
If
each and every member of your team applies the first four keys mentioned above,
then teamwork will be a natural occurrence in a tournament. Have confidence in yourself and in the
abilities of your teammates.
“Where
there is unity, there is always victory.”
…and
finally, as G.K. Nielson once said!
“Successful
people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose.”
