{"id":14939,"date":"2022-11-23T19:26:53","date_gmt":"2022-11-24T00:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=14939"},"modified":"2025-06-04T07:00:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T11:00:24","slug":"routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"Routines vs Superstitions for Athletes\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Training \" class=\"wp-image-15000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes-300x150.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Differences_Between_Superstitions_and_Routines\"><\/span>The Differences Between Superstitions and Routines?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/#The_Differences_Between_Superstitions_and_Routines\" >The Differences Between Superstitions and Routines?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/#Routines_can_be_executed_before_a_game_or_preshot_routines_during_a_game%E2%80%A6\" >Routines can be executed before a game or, preshot routines, during a game&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/#Mental_Keys_for_a_Warmup_Routine\" >Mental Keys for a Warmup Routine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Sports Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/#The_Confident_Athlete\" >The Confident Athlete<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>A superstition can be irrational because it&#8217;s based on luck. Another way of putting it is when athletes believe they will achieve positive results by engaging in a random act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of athlete superstitions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>* MLB pitcher Steve Kline never washed his hat for fear of washing away his luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*NHL goalie Ed Belfour would not allow teammates to touch his equipment. Belfour&#8217;s superstition was so entrenched he would yell at teammates who came close to his equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan wore his college practice shorts underneath his game shorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the time, a superstition is based on luck only &#8211; what&#8217;s worked in the past for athletes. Athletes stick with what&#8217;s worked for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these athletes believed they needed to perform their ritual to perform their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pregame <strong>routines <\/strong>are quite different. Routines are a series of steps performed to prepare your mind and body to compete. <strong>Routines <\/strong>are a form of mental and physical preparation and help you get your game face on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Routines_can_be_executed_before_a_game_or_preshot_routines_during_a_game%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>Routines can be executed before a game or, preshot routines, during a game&#8230;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pregame <strong>routines<\/strong> are essential for peak performance. For example, you follow a series of steps, such as listening to music, stretching, visualizing, warming up, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you perform this series of steps consistently, you will minimize distractions, keep your body relaxed, and feel prepared for the start of the competition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each step narrows your focus so that you feel mentally and physically ready to go by the start of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use in-game routines to reset for the upcoming moment. In-game <strong>routines <\/strong>can be utilized between baseball pitches, before a tennis serve, and before putting a ball in golf. Most stop and go sports have a time to perform a routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper has a specific prepitch routine while in the batter&#8217;s box. Harper has repeated the same routine for years which helps him stay composed and focused at the plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HARPER<\/strong>:<em>&nbsp;&#8220;I think once I got into college, I had that little routine of what I do in the box, I get in, dig in, scrape the dirt. Then I touch out, touch in, then touch out again. Then I hit the front of my foot, like my big toe, pretty much. Then I go up [with the bat], look at the pitcher and come back. It actually was a little bit longer in college, but I shortened it up &#8211; It&#8217;s just something I&#8217;ve always done, something I&#8217;m comfortable with.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harper includes biting his jersey by his right shoulder in his <strong>routine <\/strong>as a reminder to keep his front shoulder square to the pitcher longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HARPER<\/strong>: &#8220;<em>I&#8217;ve been doing that my whole life. If I fly open, that&#8217;s when I struggle. If I keep in, that&#8217;s when I do well.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Routines <\/strong>have many purposes, all of which help an athlete become immersed in the moment and focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Keys_for_a_Warmup_Routine\"><\/span>Mental Keys for a Warmup Routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>*Know what steps help you feel mentally and physically prepared to compete<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Perform the routine consistently and avoid changing it often&#8211;or searching for the perfect routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Consistently apply your <strong>routine <\/strong>in competitions and as a warmup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Make sure your routine includes steps you would take with the mental game, such as letting go of expectations before you compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-05642731-8752-4dbf-9c18-5cc4d276e821\" class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-routines-help-you-get-into-the-flow\/\">How Routines Help You Get into the Flow<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/why-warm-up-routines-help-you-perform-better\/\">Why Warm up Routines Help You Perform Better<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/do-you-have-bizarre-pregame-superstitions\/\">Do You Have Bizarre Pregame Superstitions?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-5726d13f-f715-4ca4-8813-2f8a9ebd8bc3\">*Subscribe to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a>&nbsp;on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-281f5afb-980b-4c71-9aa0-11d606b5f7c9\"><strong>Download a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/mental-toughness-report-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free sports psychology report<\/a>&nbsp;to improve your mental game!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-94138e75-d591-4645-bb1d-212cf57a8841\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Confident_Athlete\"><\/span>The Confident Athlete <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/confident-athlete-audio250.jpg\" alt=\"The Confident Athlete Audio and Workbook Program\" class=\"wp-image-19341\" style=\"width:205px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Confident Athlete\u201d consists of 2 audio programs that include 14 days of confidence fueling exercises and a simple to follow workbook that guides you through the 14 days, helps you apply the strategies, and customizes the exercises to your personal needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me help you put a <strong>stop to the confidence leak<\/strong>. You can learn to have greater levels of confidence in competition than you do in practice by identifying the specific ways you undermine your own confidence and <strong>how to convert your practice confidence into COMPETITIVE CONFIDENCE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Confident Athlete\u201d is a ground-breaking system to teach you how to think like a champion and have ultimate self-confidence every time you step on the playing field, court, track, or course. The confident athletes was <strong>developed for any athlete \u2013 junior to professional \u2013<\/strong>that wants to gain confidence. However, coaches and sports parents can learn how to teach others to perform with ultimate confidence. Use my program if you want to bust a slump or just wanting higher or more consistent levels of self-confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0b39f7aa\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-a74417ae gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-confident-athlete-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-461ab57c gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/the-confident-athlete-series-digital-download\/products\/the-confident-athlete-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Differences Between Superstitions and Routines? A superstition can be irrational because it&#8217;s based on luck. Another way of putting it is when athletes believe they will achieve positive results by engaging in a random act. Examples of athlete superstitions include: * MLB pitcher Steve Kline never washed his hat for fear of washing away his luck. *NHL &#8230; <a title=\"Routines vs Superstitions for Athletes\u00a0\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/routines-vs-superstitions-for-athletes\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Routines vs Superstitions for Athletes\u00a0\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[226,142],"tags":[247,250],"class_list":["post-14939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-emotional-toughness","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-mental-toughness-in-sports","tag-sports-psychology"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.5.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Routines are a series of steps performed to prepare your mind and body to compete. 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