Hockey is an intense, physically demanding sport that requires both physical and mental toughness to excel. You must train your body to possess the necessary skills and the physical pounding, and you must prepare mentally or all the skill in the world won't matter. Using a variety of techniques to mentally prepare for each hockey game will get you ready to play.
Visualization
One way to get yourself ready for a hockey game is to visualize your performance before it even happens. Close your eyes in the dressing room before the game and see yourself scoring goals, making passes, blocking shots or whatever your role happens to be on the team. See yourself skating powerfully down the ice and succeeding in every aspect of the game.
Review Opponents
Reviewing some of the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents for the game will get you ready for what to expect once you hit the ice. Evaluating the opponent is typically something the coaching staff will do before the game to help each player understand his role. Knowing the tendencies of the team you're playing gives you a mental edge that may provide your team with a little extra to come away with a win.
Positive Self-Talk
How you talk to yourself about the upcoming game, your part in it and your overall hockey skills go a long way toward effective mental preparation. Use upbeat, positive words when you think about your game, such as fast, ready or tough, and start sentences with "I will"' "I can" and I'm going to." Use statements that are goal-oriented and focus on what you want to happen on the ice, rather than things you may be afraid of happening.
Clear Your Mind
Every hockey player has a life away from the ice, and there will be times you have things going on that may distract you from hockey. To perform well, you must clear all outer distractions from your mind during the game. Find a trigger that helps get you into game mode so you are focused on hockey and only hockey. Some players play certain music, others meditate and some use the ritual of putting on equipment to get into the hockey mindset.
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