Competition Preparation

All athletes are nervous prior to competition, this is natural, but often it results in a lack of confidence by the athlete. The aim is to refocus the athlete so that they are positive and confident in their ability ("You only achieve what you believe"). The following competition stages focus on track and field athletes but in general, they can be applied to any event or sport.

Day before Competition

  • Keep the training light and easy - work on technique
  • Agree with you coach the objectives of the competition - focus and performance
  • Check and pack all the equipment you will need for competition. Use an equipment checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten
  • Organise food and drink required for the competition
  • Check directions to the venue and plan to leave early so as to allow for any delay en route
  • Have a high carbohydrate dinner
  • Watch a video of good performers in your sport/event
  • Get 7 or 8 hours sleep

Morning of Competition

  • Allow plenty of time between waking and leaving for the competition venue
  • Carry out some light stretching before breakfast
  • Conduct mental rehearsal of your warm up and competition
  • Have a good healthy breakfast. Do not eat or drink anything that will upset your stomach
  • Pack all the required equipment, food and drink
  • Leave with plenty of time to reach the venue

Pre Competition

  • Once you arrive at the venue register and collect numbers
  • Check event times and decide on when to commence your event preparation
  • Fix numbers to club vest
  • Avoid your competitors (speak to them after the event)
  • Have a pre competition sports massage
  • At the appropriate time conduct relaxation and mental rehearsal program
  • Carry out your practiced pre competition warm up program
  • Gather together any equipment you require for the competition
  • Report at appropriate time to the collection point for your event
  • Keep warm, relaxed and focus on your objectives for the competition

Post Competition Evaluation

  • Congratulate your competitors
  • Thank Officials
  • Conduct your rehearsed cool down program
  • Get together with your coach to evaluate the performance. An evaluation form is useful to help the athlete and coach conduct this review.

If you have more heats or events to compete in then refer back to the pre competition stage. After the final event:

  • Have a post competition sports massage
  • Gather equipment together and go home to celebrate

"What if"

On the day of competition and at the competition venue situations can arise that may cause the athlete to panic and lose their confidence. Some situations can be created by the athlete (misplaced kit) others are outside their control (weather conditions). Prepare the athlete by going though a series of "what if" situations so should they arise they have a solution. The following are possible situations that may arise on the day of competition for a track and field athlete:

  • You are stuck in traffic on the way to the venue
  • The event time is brought forward
  • The event is delayed
  • You have entered the 200m & Long Jump and they are at the same time
  • There are additional rounds in the competition (heats, semi and final)
  • Not allowed to use your own starting blocks
  • Starting blocks not allowed in the heats
  • It starts raining
  • It gets very sunny and hot
  • Kit is forgotten, damaged or lost
  • Lace has broken on their racing shoes
  • You are not allowed to warm up on the track
  • No safety pins provided to attach your number

Talk it through with your athletes and find out what it is that worries them about competitions. Consider what can be done to reduce the chances of the situation arising or possible solutions should they arise.

How many of your athletes have an equipment checklist and as the athlete's coach what spare "bits and pieces" do you carry?

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2