[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by Brian Watson

Watch the little things, they might have a big impact on your game.

1. Make sure all your equip. works and or fits properly. You can't concentrate on the game if your clothes don't fit, your whistle is broken, or if you have to hike your drawers up everytime down the floor (as well as lokking like a schmuck to ad's). And I know this sounds silly, but if you tie one shoe tie the other. Nothing drives me crazier than having one shoe tigher than the other.

2. Get to your game early and get your head in the game. Relax and get in the right frame of mind for a game. I pick a rule at random and I read it. A great pre-game helps as well. Don't let others interupt your pre-game. This will happen when you work JV. The varsity officials will come in and gossip, concentrate on your game. Ad's will want to come in and dump games, I just ask for a list of dates so I can get back to them.

3. Make a check list and double check your bag before you leave. Nothing worse then leaving yur pants, shirt, shoes etc. at home. Which leads to 4..

4. Never, and repeat back, NEVER let anyone else pack your bag. No matter how well intentioned a love one might be, they will forget somethng. Trust me. My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time surprised me by packing my bag one day when I was running late. The surprise was on me when I had no stripes.

5. Start breaking your shoes in now. Get a feel for how they fit, and if you will need insoles for the season. Your feet are your biggest asset, but can become your biggest nightmare if you neglect them.

Brian, great list! I would only add that your bag should
have 2 of everything, including spare shoe laces,
aspirin (or your favorite pain reliever), antacid
and a few safety pins. Zippers rarely break, but
it only has to happen once for you to want it to
never happen agan!