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Many people have theories about how to prepare for a big sporting event. A lot of these things have no real effect on the athlete's performance in their event. Here are some tried and true methods that have been proven to improve athlete performance.

First, the athlete must hydrate. This process takes quite some time. Usually the morning before the event is the time to begin the hydration process. Water is the preferred method, in whatever form. Flavored water is also fine. During this time, however, try to avoid drinks like Gatorade, because they will make you thirstier, due to the high sugar content.

Also, it is imperative that the athlete obtain a full night's rest. A good amount of sleep before a big sporting event is around 7-8 hours. Any more than that, and the body will begin another sleep cycle, thereby leaving the athlete tired when he or she wakes up. Any less, and the body will not have had time to recharge fully for the competition the following day.

The third and final prong of the preparation process is visualization. Many people mention this as an essential preparation tool, but few truly know how to visualize productively. Visualization is of no use if it cannot be applied to the sporting event. Proper visualization does not include a person having success at their sport, it includes practicing the mechanics of that sport perfectly. Athletes should invision themselves perfectly repeating the motions of their respective sport. This, during competition, will allow the athlete to feel as though they have practiced this movement many times, and will allow the athlete to be less nervous during competition.

If an athlete practices all of the above before heading onto the field of battle for a big sports event, they will be at their best, no matter how tough the competition is.

Good Luck!

Learn more about this author, David Teter.
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