Game Time Preparation
Every sports team has a tradition that they practice before a game. From dancing in the locker rooms to chants, traditions come in many forms. For many teams it is listening to music in the locker room. Music is used before games to get teams excited and ready to play no matter what the sport is. The type of music listened to before games is crucial. “Scientists at the University of Missouri have found that people can boost their mood simply by listening to upbeat music” (healthline.com). Hip-hop and rap are extremely common “pump up musics.” Music affects the body by improving moods and it also helps to boost confidence.
Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk “Your Body Language Shapes Who You are” is about power posing. Power posing is when a person stands in a powerful position for a set amount of time, to prepare oneself for the challenge that lies ahead. If every sports team took Cuddy’s advice but instead of power posing, they listened to the same few songs before a game, their would be an increase in testosterone levels and a decrease in cortisol levels. Rising testorterone levels and decreasing cortisol levels makes a person feel more powerful and confident. What comes with power and confidence is good body language. Good body language is depicted by standing up straight and looking assertive. Being powerful and confident while heading into a game could just be the deciding factor in wheither or not that game is won.
Before I play in a soccer game or even when going into a stressful or exciting situation I have my favorite songs I listen to. Starting with: Remember the Name by Fort Minor, Lose Yourself by Eminem all the way to The Beast by Tech n9ne. All three of these songs have lyrics that are somewhat agressive and fast paced. These songs put me into a place where I feel ready to accomplish whatever it is that I came to do that day. Forming a pump up playlist for warmups can also be a part of pre game preparation. Field music and locker room music is intended to scare the other team while finding confidence within oneself.
In conclusion, listening to fast pace music pre-game will only help a team improve play. The level of play increases when a teams head is in the game. By listening to music all together instead of individually, each member of the team has the same idea and power when stepping foot on the field. A team being one step ahead of the oppenent can make all the difference. Beating an opponent is not always about the level of play, but how prepared a team is heading into the match.
