If you've ever played on a sports team before, you know how rough tournament weekends can be. Not only because of the physical toll it puts on your body, but also the preparation it takes in advance. No matter how long you train or practice, you've never truly been prepared for the hecticness of a tournament weekend. Here are my favorite tips to get through a tournament feeling your best!
1. Hydrate before, during, and after a tournament.
This is probably the most important tip, especially during those hot summer tournaments. Hydrating should start at least 24 hours before your first game and should continue even after your last game to avoid dehydration.
2. Make sure you pack your field bag in advance.
When you're out of the field, you won't be able to carry all of your belongings with you, so make sure to pack what you need in advance as to avoid forgetting anything. Your field bag can include extra socks, a dark jersey, a white jersey, cleats, a hat, cell phone, wallet, etc.
3. Don't overwork your body before a tournament.
Of course, you want to be physically prepared for the tournament, but that should happen weeks in advance and not the day before. Take time to rest your body at least 24 hours before a tournament, and save going to the gym until after the tournament for a post-tournament cooldown.
4. Make sure to stretch before and after tournament days.
Stretching is imperative for athletes to prevent injuries and alleviate any future soreness. By doing some dynamic stretching before and after tournament days, you will circulate blood to the muscles and reduce any tightness by relaxing the muscles.
5. Bananas and Pickles are life savers.
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I start every tournament day by eating a banana and drinking some pickle juice, so I don't cramp up during any of my games. They have never failed me! I also get a boost of energy from the natural sweetness of the banana.
6. Wear sunscreen.
Put on sunscreen before your first game, then halfway through that game, then at the end, and then repeat for the rest of the day. You DO NOT want to get burnt on your first tournament day and have to play with a sunburn the next day. Not only will it be painful, but you may experience headaches, tiredness, or a fever the next day.
7. Stay on your feet as much as possible during the tournament.
I know how tempting it is to want to sit down after a point or lay down during halftime, but the best thing you can do is to stay on your feet. If you sit down, you're at risk of cramping. You also might not want to get back up and lose the energy you need to play.
8. Keep a positive attitude.
As soon as one player starts feeling defeated, the rest of your team will follow suit. Keeping a positive and encouraging attitude will not only boost your confidence, but it'll boost your teammates up as well. You should be high-fiving after every point, whether you scored or not. You can cheer for your teammates on the sideline. Most importantly, you should be having fun because you get a full weekend to play your favorite sport and be with your team.
