My Field Hockey Game Day Routine | Josh Beltz
By Stephanie Lucena
My game day routine is quite flexible. It changes a fair bit depending on when we are playing, but there are a few things I always do before a field hockey match.
For me, the aim is to feel organised, relaxed and ready to execute the game plan. Here is what a typical match day looks like.
Coffee, Teammates and Staying Grounded
I love having a coffee with my teammates before a game. I enjoy the actual process of making it, and it gives me a period close to the match when I can be present with the group.
It is a simple way to stay grounded before the intensity of the game takes over.
This is also when I normally grab my field hockey sticks and make sure I am happy with the grips. We train and play a lot, so I change my grip fairly often. It is something I never want to feel rushed doing.
When we travel, I always bring plenty of tape and spare grips so I can change them whenever I need to.
Packing My Field Hockey Bag
I am big on being prepared, both physically and mentally. That also extends to how I organise my hockey bag.
I usually start getting ready around 45 minutes before the team bus is scheduled to leave. I shower, brush my teeth and then methodically pack my bag while listening to music with my roommate.
I use my Ritual duffel bag and make sure I have:
- My playing kit
- Field hockey sticks
- Glove
- Mouthguard
- Sweatbands
- Tape and spare grips
- Warm-up and recovery accessories
Before leaving the room, I grab my sticks and double-check that I have everything.
A big part of my game day routine is trying to stay relaxed. Knowing that all the small things are organised helps me do that.
Arriving at the Hockey Ground
Once we arrive at the ground, we normally have some time before the physical warm-up begins.
I use this period for stretching and activation exercises, sometimes with a skipping rope or resistance bands. I also listen to music and try to keep everything as calm as possible.
By this point, the training and preparation are done. The focus shifts to execution.
Team sport is interesting because everyone prepares differently. Depending on how I am feeling, I choose who I spend time with before the warm-up.
Sometimes I want someone who can lift my energy. At other times, I spend time with a teammate who helps keep me grounded, particularly if I am already in my own head and thinking too much about the game.
Building Consistency Through the Warm-Up
The team warm-up is about becoming physically and mentally ready to perform.
After a few laps, we move into more structured movements and running drills before getting onto the stick and ball. We follow the same warm-up routine regardless of the occasion, which helps create consistency and flow before a match.
The intent is always to execute every skill at a high level, but I also think it is important not to read too much into the warm-up.
I have had poor warm-ups and still played well. I have also had great warm-ups that did not lead to my best performance. It is preparation, but it does not decide the match.
The Final Moments Before Pushback
The final moments before pushback are always full of energy.
For me, it is a small opportunity to look around, take in the experience and connect with my teammates. Then it is time to focus, trust the preparation and execute the game plan.
Every match day can feel slightly different, but staying organised, calm and connected gives me the best chance to perform.
Josh Beltz is a Ritual Hockey athlete.
