The Power of Rituals: How Superstitions Shape Athletes' Performance

After leading the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to a national championship in 1982, Michael Jordan believed it was all thanks to the shorts he wore. From then on he wore his UNC shorts beneath his Chicago Bulls shorts for every game because he thought it would bring him good luck. National Football League Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher would eat two girl scout cookies before every game, no more, no less. 23 time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams would wear the same pair of socks throughout the entire tournament. If she won the tournament she would wear the same pair at the next one, until she lost a tournament. These are three examples of superstitions and pre-game rituals that some of the world’s best athletes have.

A sports ritual is an action that athletes believe can have the power to influence their performance. Rituals are very deeply embedded into sports, for example playoff beards; players and fans support their team by not shaving their beards during the playoffs. According to the IMG Academy, there are many benefits to having a ritual before a game. Rituals are known to “boost confidence and a sense of control”(Academy, 2024) Doing something ritualistic and familiar before a game can help athletes go into the competition with the “confidence to perform better”(Academy, 2024). Sports rituals create a sense of control for players, some visualize the race or game, and oftentimes regardless of the sport they’re competing in, the ritual action prepares them both “mentally and physically for competition”(Academy, 2024). A lot of teams have a ritual ranging from motivational speeches from the captain or a coach, a group huddle, or even a handshake routine. These team rituals can amplify a sense of belonging and team unity. Sports rituals can have a positive impact by re-enforcing healthy behaviors such as “meditating and visualizing”(Academy, 2024), aligning the team’s values with chants, or even helping teammates feel more connected to one another. 

Some of our school's athletes have rituals that they believe enable them to succeed. Tennis player Nash Zakashansky strings a racket before the first match every week and never wears the same shoes he will play in, while traveling to the match. Runner Leo Lussier listens to New York Groove by KISS before every race, exclusively during the indoor track and field season. Vaughn Liss follows a family tradition of having a snickers bar before doing anything important. These are just some of the many rituals that athletes at WESS have. 

Sports rituals, whether rooted in tradition, routine, or sheer superstition, play a powerful role in an athlete’s mindset. From the professional stage to our own school teams, these pre-game habits provide comfort, focus, and a sense of control. While there’s no scientific proof that lucky socks or pre-game snacks directly impact performance, the confidence and mental preparation they inspire can make all the difference. In the end, whether it's a favorite song, a lucky charm, or a simple routine, what matters most is believing in the ritual, and the power it brings to the game.