Routines are plans or techniques that athletes use to help them perform better in sports (Velentzas, 2019). They are like a tool that helps athletes evaluate and improve their mental and physical state during competitions or training. Routines can be adjusted depending on how the athletes feel. They help athletes perform consistently, improve their skills, and learn from their experiences (Velentzas et al., 2011).
Routines have different parts, including thoughts (in our mind) and actions (what we do). These parts can be done before, during, or after a performance. Routines can be used for a whole competition or training session, or for specific tasks within them. The main goal of athletes and coaches is to make routines a natural part of their movements during sports (Lidor et al., 2014).
According to the mental calibration model, how well we perform is mostly related to our mental state, rather than our physical abilities (Schack & Hackfort, 2007). Routines help athletes develop a positive mindset, which includes setting performance goals, mentally rehearsing success, and using mental strategies like self-talk. This positive mindset sets the foundation for good performance, but routines also need to include specific mental techniques, like using certain words or cues, to put the mindset into action.
There are different methods to evaluate how well athletes use routines, such as interviews, video analysis, and performance analysis (Velentzas, 2019). These methods can give information about what routines athletes use, how consistent they are with them, and how long they take. However, it is easier to measure the use of physical routines compared to mental routines.
Lidor, R., Hackfort, D., & Schack, T. (2014). Performance rou- tines in sport – Meaning and practice. In A. G. Papaioannou, & D. Hackfort (Eds.), Routledge companion to sport and exercise psychology: Global perspectives and fundamental concepts (pp. 480494). London: Routledge.
Schack, T., & Hackfort, D. (2007). Action theory approach to applied sport psychology. In G. Tenenbaum, & R. C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (3rd ed, pp. 332351). New York: Wiley & Sons.
Velentzas, K. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
Velentzas, K., Heinen, T., & Schack, T. (2011). Routine inte- gration strategies and their effects on volleyball serve perfor- mance and players’ movement mental representation. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 23, 209222.
