Superstitions can be a way to reduce anxiety and build confidence, which is why they’re still popular to this day. Especially among athletes who have their variations of a superstition they follow.
A superstition is the belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action or event– either good or bad luck. Superstitions have been around for centuries, they are tied with a large amount of cultural and traditional roots. Not only do they have a cultural significance but there is also psychology behind them.
Humans are unable to control every aspect of their life. Uncertainty plays a crucial role in human existence. For some people not knowing the future causes a great amount of anxiety. Superstitions can help some people reduce their anxiety because it helps to regain a sense of control, it helps build confidence, which is why it’s popular amongst athletes.
Games and meets can cause great amounts of anxiety to athletes, especially high school athletes. 60% of student-athletes have moderate or high anxiety which hurts their performance. This is where superstitions come in.
Many athletes have a lucky item or listen to a certain song before their game. It can be a way to reduce stress. Many famous athletes have their own versions of these superstitions. Professional basketball player, Micheal Jordan, wore his University of North Carolina shorts under his uniform during every game as a good luck.
Serena Williams, a professional tennis player, has her own set of luck superstitions she follows. She believes tying her shoelaces a specific way, bouncing the ball five times before her first serve and twice before her second serve brings her luck. Additionally she brings her shower sandals to the court.
It’s not just famous athletes who have superstitions they follow but many student athletes at PV have their own versions of this. “Last year in cross-country I tried a new pair of socks and got first place wearing them and ever since then I continued to wear the socks at every race.” conveyed Allison Schafer, a senior cross-country runner at Pleasant Valley High School. Her lucky socks help her feel more confident and hopeful for a good outcome.
Having a certain warm-up is also a common superstition amongst athletes. “Right before the game starts I do three tuck jumps in a row,” said senior Bria Martell, a soccer player at Pleasant Valley High School. It’s a way for her to feel prepared for the game, and have luck on her side.
Katie Yulga, a former softball player, also has a tradition.“I used to always warm up the same way, I pitched and did change-ups a certain amount of times then threw one good fastball. If I didn’t throw a good fastball I felt like the game would go bad,” Yulga said. Her routine helped her prepare for her game and gave her confidence.
Superstitions play a different role in everyone’s lives. Whether it’s a lucky sock, music or a set of activities, superstitions have a way of boosting confidence and lowering stress levels.
