| This generic qualitative study explored the experiences of high school football coaches and the pregame ritual. The research question for this study was what are football coaches' experiences of pregame rituals? A generic qualitative research design involving in-depth, semistructured, face-to-face interviews was utilized. A generic qualitative approach was applied to this study, to gain an understanding of the pregame ritual. A purposive sample was employed with a minimum sample size of 11 successful football coaches. The implications of this study help to address gaps in the existing literature. Participants' experiences have not been researched, and this study will assist coaches and sport psychology professionals in helping athletes to understand the pregame ritual. Findings from the study revealed the following themes: (a) pregame rituals, (b) pregame meal, (c) personal pregame rituals and superstitions, (d) prayer and prayer effects, (e) pregame speech, (f) rituals and value/impact on players' athletic performances, and (g) getting in the zone. Results showed participants believed a regimented schedule during the week allowed for a teachable game plan and the mental and physical development of athletes. A future recommendation derived would be to perform an ethnographic study on the team meal. It is essential that more research is conducted on specific pregame ritual. |
