Building Your Pre-Shot Routine

Your pre-shot routine is one of the most powerful tools in your mental game. It's a consistent sequence of actions that prepares you for each throw and triggers your best performance state.

The Big Idea

Your routine is your gateway to the zone. A consistent pre-shot routine signals your brain: "It's time to execute." With repetition, it becomes an automatic trigger for peak performance.

Why Routines Work

Consistency Creates Confidence

When you do the same thing every time, you remove variables. Your body knows what's coming. This creates a sense of control and familiarity, even in unfamiliar situations.

Routines Trigger States

With repetition, your routine becomes linked to your performance state. Starting the routine automatically begins the mental shift to execution mode.

Routines Block Distractions

A routine gives your mind something to focus on. There's no room for worry about the score, the audience, or what might happen.

Routines Manage Arousal

A well-designed routine helps regulate your energy level - calming you if you're too amped, focusing you if you're flat.

Elements of an Effective Routine

Phase 1: Assessment (Outside the Circle)

Before you step in, gather information:

• Read the terrain (slopes, obstacles, surface)
• Assess the situation (score, boule positions)
• Choose your target and landing spot
• Decide on throw type (point, shoot, lob, roll)

This is where thinking happens. Take your time here.

Phase 2: Transition (Entering the Circle)

The shift from thinking to doing:

• Physical action (step into circle in a consistent way)
• Mental cue (a word or phrase that signals "execution mode")
• Breath (one conscious breath to center yourself)

This is the switch. Analysis stops here.

Phase 3: Setup (In the Circle)

Prepare your body:

• Consistent stance (same every time)
• Grip check (feel the boule)
• Alignment to target
• Physical trigger (a small movement that's yours)

Phase 4: Visualization (Brief)

See the throw before you make it:

• Picture the ball's path (2-3 seconds maximum)
• Feel the successful throw
• Connect visually with your target

Phase 5: Execution

Make the throw:

• External focus (target only)
• Trust your body
• Release without hesitation
• Follow through naturally

Building Your Personal Routine

Step 1: Observe What You Already Do

You probably have some routine already. Notice:

• What do you do before good throws?
• What feels natural to you?
• What helps you focus?

Step 2: Design Your Routine

Create a sequence that includes:

• [ ] Assessment phase
• [ ] Clear transition moment
• [ ] Consistent physical setup
• [ ] Brief visualization
• [ ] Execution trigger

Step 3: Write It Down

Be specific. Example:

1. Assess: Read terrain, choose landing spot
2. Transition: Step into circle with left foot first, say "trust"
3. Setup: Feet shoulder-width, grip check, align shoulders
4. Visualize: See the path, feel the release
5. Execute: Eyes on target, throw

Step 4: Practice Religiously

Use your routine on EVERY throw in practice:

• Easy throws
• Difficult throws
• When you're tired
• When you're fresh

The routine must become automatic.

Step 5: Refine Over Time

Your routine will evolve. Notice what works and adjust. But don't change it during competition - only between events.

Routine Timing

Your routine should take a consistent amount of time:

• Too fast: You're rushing, not properly prepared
• Too slow: You're overthinking, losing flow
• Just right: Enough time to prepare, not so much that you think too much

Typical timing:

• Assessment: 5-10 seconds
• Transition + Setup: 3-5 seconds
• Visualization + Execution: 3-5 seconds
• Total: 10-20 seconds

Common Routine Mistakes

Mistake	Problem	Solution
Skipping in practice	Routine isn't automatic	Use it every single throw
Too complicated	Hard to remember under pressure	Simplify to essentials
Thinking during execution	Disrupts automatic performance	Clear transition point
Inconsistent timing	Creates uncertainty	Practice with consistent pace
Changing mid-competition	Introduces doubt	Stick with what you know

Routine Troubleshooting

If you're rushing:

• Add a breath at the transition
• Slow your setup movements
• Pause before visualization

If you're overthinking:

• Shorten the routine
• Use a stronger transition cue
• Focus more externally

If you're inconsistent:

• Video yourself to check
• Practice the routine without throwing
• Get feedback from a partner

Sample Routines

Simple Routine

1. Choose target
2. Step in, breathe
3. Grip, align
4. See it, throw it

Detailed Routine

1. Read terrain, pick landing spot
2. Step in left foot first
3. Say "smooth" internally
4. One breath, shoulders drop
5. Feet set, grip check
6. Align shoulders to target
7. See the path (2 seconds)
8. Eyes lock on target
9. Throw

Key Takeaway

Your routine is your anchor. In chaos, it's your constant.

Build it carefully. Practice it always. Trust it completely.