Football Game Day
Football, Athletics, Training, Mental Toughness, Perseverance, Teamwork, Competition
In This Guide:
In this guide, you will find encouraging words on how to support athletes undergoing mental and physical preparation for a competitive football game. While American football is played as early as five or six years old, this guide focuses on the preparation at an elite level, such as high school and college. This guide emphasizes core traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and perseverance to encourage athletes everywhere to perform at their best, both on and off the field.
They Might Be Thinking:
- I wonder if there will be any scouts at the game today.
- Do I have a chance to play at the next level?
- Will my girlfriend/boyfriend be able to make the game today?
- Is my uniform clean and ready to go?
- Did I pack enough food and water to get me through the day?
- Will I get to see the field today?
- I hope I don't let everyone down.
- Did I practice hard enough to beat my opponent?
- Is the guy across from me better than me?
- My match-up is a great athlete. Will I be able to keep up and stay competitive?
- What if I make a mistake and cost my team the game?
- What if I get hurt?
- What do my teammates think of me?
- Did I study my opponent enough to be prepared for the game?
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- Dream BIG; work hard.
- Get your mind right. Start the day with a focused approach and mental plan for overcoming adversity throughout the game.
- Eat like an athlete. Proper diet and nutrition with an elevated intake of carbs and water will ensure that your body is physically ready to give 100% for the entire game.
- Be sure to stretch adequately and take care of any lingering injuries or tight muscles.
- Act like somebody. Stay positive, be respectful, act as a leader, and carve out your own destiny rather than be a follower.
- Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't do something or that your dreams are too big.
- Anything is possible as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to reach your goals.
- Hard work is the best path to success in any situation.
- Give it everything you've got, and then give a little bit more.
- Be a LEADER. Set the standard for the rest of your team by setting an example of hard work and perseverance.
- Study the competition. Know who you're up against - their strengths, weaknesses, favorite moves, etc. Come up with a strategy to win every play.
- Push yourself. Work toward improving, not just maintaining.
- Make sure you've got your uniform, equipment and medical gear ready to go. The last thing on your mind should be your gear.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- Good luck; you're going to need it.
- Isn't the team you're playing undefeated?
- We've played them before; they're pretty much unbeatable.
- This is a really big game. I hope you're ready.
- You're way too small to play football.
- It's just a football game. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
- If you win today, y'all could go to state.
- You have to win today to advance to the playoffs.
- Make sure you remember to...
- I'll bet there are going to be a lot of scouts at the game today.
- You don't look like a football player.
- Your team is picked as the underdog.
See Personalized Encouragement Recommendations for Someone You Care About
Personalize: Name & Relationship (sign-in/up to complete personal profile information to improve encouragement recommendations)
Share this encouragement guide:
Readers like you rated this guide:
Was this guide helpful?
Your rating will help us improve this encouragement guide.
