The Chicago Sky may have fallen just short against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, but for Isabelle Harrison, every game begins long before the whistle. As a seasoned WNBA veteran and VIS Mentor, Harrison's pre-game routine is not just preparation: It's a ritual of resilience and focus that has guided her through every challenge, including her return from a season-ending injury in 2023.
The Importance of Pre-Game Routines
For athletes, a lot of what happens is beyond our control. This can be frustrating, especially when you come up short in back-to-back games, which happened against the Aces on Sunday and the Connecticut Sun last Friday. But athletes like Harrison understand the importance of staying consistent in one aspect of the game that is controllable: Your routine.
Harrison’s Pre-Game Routine
Every detail of Harrison’s pre-game routine is planned to ensure she's physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead. Her day starts early, long before she steps onto the court.
Shoot-Around and Stretching: On game days, the Chicago Sky have shootaround hours before tip-off. Harrison and her Sky teammates and coaching staff use this time to review game strategy and get their bodies and minds in game-day mode. Harrison also works in stretching and mobility in the mornings.
Pre-Game Nap: After an early morning and a successful walkthrough, Harrison settles her body back at home or in her hotel room, depending on if the Sky plays at home or away. “I take a pretty good nap just so I can clear up my mind,” Harrison says. “It's my time to really get myself together physically.”
Reviewing Game Film: The difference between lower-level and professional sports is often in the details – not only staying consistent in training, but also studying game film. As Harrison gets ready for the game as far as her outfit, makeup, and hair, she watches her upcoming opponent’s last game. “I watch their game just so I'm really familiar with their actions, their tendencies, what they like to do, who was hot last game, and just kind of covering all bases [that were] covered in the practices before the shoot around,” Harrison explains.
Treatment and Warm-Up: As game time approaches, Harrison warms up her body beforehand to make sure everything feels good and ready to go. After entering the arena, she works with the athletic trainer to do some stretching and activation, and follows with a personal warm-up that includes layups, shots, and free throws.
Prayer and Gratitude: For Harrison, her routine is incomplete without a moment of reflection and prayer. “I make sure I go to [chapel] and obviously pray and just be thankful for where I'm at, [no matter] how I'm feeling, body's feeling, knee's feeling, [I am] just thankful to be back in the court,” she says.
Not only does Harrison’s faith ground her in the game-to-game hustle of this WNBA season, but it has also helped her overcome past injuries and setbacks such as her season-ending meniscus tear last season.“[My faith] was one of those things that carried me through being out last year,” she says. “I make sure I make time for this God in peace during my routines because it's necessary. He grounds me in everything that I do.”
After finishing all the steps of her pre-game routine, Harrison confidently steps on the floor with her team.
Creating a Routine that Works for You
Harrison’s routine is crafted to help her feel mentally and physically sharp before playing in a game. While her routine is a great example to follow, it may not be the perfect routine for every athlete, especially when we consider differences in age, body, background, and sport. But here are some steps that you can take to create a routine that works for you, regardless of who you are or what sport you play:
Warm Up Your Body: Every athlete’s body is different, so warm ups should be tailored to your specific needs for your body and sport. A solid physical warm-up typically involves stretching, mobility exercises, and muscle activation. To find the right physical warmup for you, talk to a trusted trainer or coach and experiment with exercises that help you feel prepared and ready to perform.
Sharpen Your Focus: Watching film before the game like Harrison may be the best way for you to focus before a game. Depending on your personal needs, other habits like meditation, visualization, and affirmations may also help you achieve the ideal level of focus before competition.
Calm Your Mind: Many athletes, including Harrison, take a power nap before competition. Resting and regrouping before a game can help to calm nerves and ensure both physical freshness and mental clarity. Other strategies to calm your mind may include listening to your favorite music, spending time in prayer, or taking time for deep breathing exercises.
Preparation is one aspect of athletics and life that is in our control. Pre-game routines serve as an anchor, helping athletes like Harrison stay grounded, focused, and ready for whatever comes their way. As she and her teammates gear up to take on their upcoming WNBA opponents, Harrison will once again turn to her trusted routine — ensuring she is at her best physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Through her dedication and unwavering commitment, Harrison not only prepares herself for success but also sets a powerful example of consistency and resilience for women athletes around the world to follow.