Preseason coming up? Here’s how to show up your best.
August is approaching, and it’s coming fast. All the work you have been putting in these summer months is about to be put to the test. And it’s all going to pay off!
Preseason isn’t just about fitness tests and technical sharpness. It’s about competing and pushing your limits even further. It’s about being present and earning a spot. It’s about consistency and how well you are willing to take care of your body.
We understand how this can be overwhelming, but we accumulated tips and tricks to beat this mental fatigue. Now you have spent the entire summer preparing physically, let’s make sure you are prepared mentally. We want to help — not just to survive the sessions, but to lead, grow, and rise.
1. Be clear on your intentions / your why
Ask yourself:
Why am I here?
What am I chasing?
What are my goals?
If I were to paint the most perfect story of this preseason, how would it look?
2. Be Present
Being present is one of the most powerful tools an athlete can develop. When you’re fully locked into the moment — not thinking about the last mistake or the future outcome — you give yourself the best chance to perform at your highest level.
Focus on one day at a time, rep at a time — don’t think about tomorrow’s session or the first game. Focus on right now.
Talk to yourself with intention — phrases such as ‘now’ or ‘focus here’ seem small but can be highly rewarding.
Mentally reset after each rep — quick breath and refocus
3. Embrace the Discomfort
Treat fatigue as a skillset — every time you feel exhausted, say to yourself
look to your teammates who are pushing just as hard as you — think ‘I choose to be here, chasing greatness, with these people who do the same for me and for this team’
‘this is preparing me for the 85th minute of a game’
‘training when tired like this is setting me apart from my competition’
‘how badly do I really want to win?’
‘this is training for when my team needs me most — fatigued and under pressure’
4. Control The Controllables
Here are CHOICES you make every day:
Attitude
Effort
Body language
Communication
Leadership
Being on time
Mindset
Coach-ability
Recovery
Hydration + nutrition
5. Be a Pro in Your Routine
During this time period, preseason is your job. That means you must treat it as such.
how are you preparing for each session?
what do your meals look like?
how often are you getting treatment or doing the proper recovery?
are you laying on the coach all day leading up to training, or are you going for a walk, clearing your mind, journaling, stretching etc.?
are you showing up early?
are you leading the team with your actions?
are you being intentional with each film session?
One things for sure, preseason is a GRIND. Thats the way it’s supposed to be. Between double days, back to back meetings, fatigue, early mornings, fitness tests, etc. you’re going to get tired. Refer back to these tools when that happens, and you’ll feel the difference in your game. The mental aspect of this sport is just as important at the physical.
until next week team,
Talia
post beep test feeling
