pregame ritual
Lucky locker-room habit
A pregame ritual is a set of actions performed before a competition or event, believed to bring luck or optimal performance.
Athletes are famous for these—specific warmups, lucky socks, particular meals: His pregame ritual involves listening to the same playlist.
The term extends beyond sports to any preparatory routine before something significant: Her pregame ritual for job interviews includes power poses.
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- locker roomShared space for dressing
- warmupPre-activity preparation
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- lucky charmObject thought to bring fortune
lucky socks · jersey · eye black · teammates · team prayer · stretch · huddle · pump up · playlist · visualization · focus · deep breaths · nerves · adrenaline · chant · fight song · national anthem · starting lineup
- sports termssoccer, football, basketball, tennis, golf
- sports traditionstailgating, huddle, seventh inning stretch, awards banquet, team cheer
- trainingtraining, basic training, training session, employee training, apprenticeships
- sports superstitionslucky socks, lucky jersey, rally cap, playoff beard, lucky charm
- mental preparationmental rehearsal, mental focus, mental imagery, readiness, focusing