Pre-Competition Checklist
A complete preparation guide for the day before and day of competition.
Preparation = Confidence
The best players don't wing it. Having a checklist removes decision fatigue and ensures you arrive at peak readiness.
Day Before Competition
Evening (6-10pm)
Logistics:
- [ ] Equipment packed and checked
- [ ] Clothes laid out (layers for weather)
- [ ] Transport arranged / route checked
- [ ] Registration confirmed
- [ ] Wake-up alarm set (+backup)
Nutrition:
- [ ] Light, familiar dinner (no experiments)
- [ ] Hydration: 2L water throughout day
- [ ] Competition snacks prepared
- [ ] No alcohol
- [ ] No heavy/spicy food
Mental Preparation:
- [ ] Visualize tomorrow's matches (5-10 min)
- [ ] Review personal goals for competition
- [ ] Set intention (one word/phrase)
- [ ] Gratitude practice (why I love this sport)
Sleep:
- [ ] Bedtime 8+ hours before wake time
- [ ] Room dark and cool
- [ ] Phone on silent
- [ ] Relaxation routine (reading/breathing)
Notes for tomorrow:
Competition Morning
Wake Up Routine
Time: ________ (_____ hours before first match)
Physical:
- [ ] Light breakfast (2-3 hours before play)
- [ ] Hydration started
- [ ] Bathroom
- [ ] Comfortable clothes on
Mental:
- [ ] 5 min mindfulness/breathing
- [ ] Recall intention for the day
- [ ] Positive self-talk: "I am prepared"
Arrival at Venue
Arrive: ________ (_____ min before first match)
Setup:
- [ ] Find terrain / check conditions
- [ ] Locate facilities (toilet, food, shade)
- [ ] Check draw / opponents
- [ ] Find teammates
Physical Warm-up (15-20 min):
- [ ] Light walking (5 min)
- [ ] Dynamic stretches
- [ ] Arm circles, wrist rotations
- [ ] Practice throws (pointing, then shooting)
- [ ] Feel the terrain
Mental Warm-up:
- [ ] 3-breath reset practice
- [ ] Visualize first few throws
- [ ] Connect with teammates
- [ ] "I am ready" affirmation
During Competition
Between Matches
Physical:
- [ ] Light snack every 2 hours
- [ ] Sip water consistently
- [ ] Shade/shelter if hot
- [ ] Light movement (don't sit too long)
Mental:
- [ ] Review last match (1 learning, then let go)
- [ ] Reset for next match
- [ ] Stay present (not results-focused)
Match Routine
Before each end:
- [ ] Read terrain
- [ ] Team strategy discussion
- [ ] Focus on process, not score
Before each throw:
- [ ] Pre-shot routine (consistent)
- [ ] 3-breath reset if needed
- [ ] Visualize the throw
- [ ] Trust and release
After mistakes:
- [ ] Inner Coach response
- [ ] Physical reset (shake it off)
- [ ] Next throw mindset
Competition Bag Checklist
Essential Equipment
- [ ] Boules (cleaned)
- [ ] Measuring tools
- [ ] Cochonnets (backup)
- [ ] Towel/cloth for boules
- [ ] Magnet (if allowed)
Clothing
- [ ] Competition shirt
- [ ] Comfortable pants/shorts
- [ ] Layers (jacket, vest)
- [ ] Hat/cap
- [ ] Sunglasses
- [ ] Rain gear (if forecast)
- [ ] Extra socks
Nutrition
- [ ] Water bottle (1.5L minimum)
- [ ] Electrolyte tabs/powder
- [ ] Bananas
- [ ] Nuts/trail mix
- [ ] Energy bars
- [ ] Sandwiches (for long days)
- [ ] Avoid: sugary snacks, caffeine overload
Comfort & Recovery
- [ ] Sunscreen
- [ ] Folding chair
- [ ] Shade solution
- [ ] First aid basics
- [ ] Pain relief (if needed)
Mental Game Tools
- [ ] This checklist!
- [ ] Goal card / intention reminder
- [ ] Music/headphones (for focus)
Post-Competition
Immediately after:
- [ ] Hydrate
- [ ] Eat recovery meal within 1 hour
- [ ] Brief reflection (3 wins, 1 learning)
- [ ] Thank teammates/opponents
Evening:
- [ ] Full diary entry
- [ ] What to practice next
- [ ] Celebrate effort (regardless of result)
- [ ] Good sleep for recovery
Quick Reference Card
Print this and keep in your bag:
PRE-MATCH CHECKLIST
□ Equipment ready
□ Hydrated
□ Warm-up complete
□ Intention set
□ Breathing calm
□ "I am ready"
PRE-THROW ROUTINE
1. Read the situation
2. Choose the shot
3. Visualize success
4. 3 breaths
5. Trust & throw
AFTER MISTAKES
□ Inner Coach voice
□ Physical shake-off
□ Back to routine
□ Next throw focusRelated Resources
- Sleep Tracker — Optimize pre-competition sleep
- Nutrition Guide — Competition fueling strategies
- Mental Strength — Pressure management
- Tension Management — Stay relaxed under pressure