Beast Mode
Contributor: Brooklyn Sherrill
Athletes train their entire lives for game day. Some games are more pivotal than others, but ultimately each game transforms the talents and training in an athlete's career.
Game day preparation is an accumulation of long-term physical and mental preparation. From weightlifting to team practices and individual training, an athlete's journey to game day can feel eternal. When the time comes to perform, the display of athleticism on the court, field or pool is truly remarkable. So how does an athlete accomplish this athletic explosion? |
Courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics
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As an athlete you need to maintain focus. It is easy to be distracted by heavy lifting schedules, academics and life; but if you stay focused on what you're doing, you will play best." |
Athletic determination is something not all people embody, but those who do ultimately withstand many tribulations in order to standout.
Becoming a standout athlete is difficult. The process includes extensive nutritional, physical and mental preparation. This development leads to a stronger performance on game day, resulting in life-long achievements. Game day preparation does not begin hours before an event. Athletes are trained by coaches and teammates for years to reach goals and become a leader in the sports industry. |
Arizona State University Men's Basketball Head Coach, Bobby Hurley, understands the anticipation his players feel before game day. Two days before the team's home opener in November, Hurley sat down and explained the excitement his players were feeling. "Competing against the same guys over and over again makes them excited to get outside of the practice floor. We are still learning, trying to improve on things and get exposed to what you need to be better at," Hurley said.
Game day can be categorized as the culmination of all athletic preparation, but as many coaches and players will point out, game day is just the beginning. When preparing for game day, athletes think of all the practices, plays, terminology and experience they have gained throughout their career. As the time clock counts down the final moments of preparation, an athlete absorbs the moment and all the game entails. The game is about being. Existing in the moment and playing with fervor, pride and drive. The desire to be the best shapes each game day and motives of athletes. By pushing themselves and their teammates, athletes are able to perform to the highest degree and understand what needs to be perfected in future preparation. |
The 2017 NCAA Final Four Tournament was held in Phoenix, Ariz.. This competition was an incredible display of athleticism, and the mindset of game day. Players were constantly challenged with distractions from cheering fans, loud music, camera lens and microphones. Each player focused on their individual game day as well as their team's goals. North Carolina Tar Heel's leader, Isaiah Hicks, said "It's about trusting your coaches have prepared you, and you have prepared yourself."
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