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The warm up is a critical period of time for mental preparation. The warm up is not simply a physical process, helping to prepare the body, but also encourages the performer to prepare mentally.

Mental features of a good warm up

• Time is provided for individual performers to be quiet and to focus on their upcoming challenge.
• Performers are allowed to socialise and to chat with their teammates. This helps the performer to relax.
• The quality of the physical aspects of the warm up is high, allowing the performer to feel confident that they are ready.
• There is a calm discussion of the key objectives of the performance, allowing the performer to focus in on what they are trying to achieve.
• Performance goals rather than outcome goals are discussed.
• Positive self-talk is encouraged by the coach who always speaks in the positive frame.

A warm up is not simply a process of increasing body temperature. The warm up allows the performer to find their zone and to prepare their mind for the tough challenge to come. A good warm up is often the difference between performing well and performing poorly.