Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to understand the process professional hockey players experience prior to each competitive game after arriving at the ice arena. A grounded theory approach was used to elicit the player's experience. The systematic analysis of interview transcriptions yielded common categories which were linked together. A purposeful sample consisting of 15 professional hockey players was interviewed and observed. The findings indicated that precompetitive preparation was experienced as a process resulting in optimal readiness. The process was comprised of five phases of preparation directed by time: the arrival, dressing, on-ise warm-up, off-ice adjustments, and the team ritual. As the players progressed through each phase they were getting the body ready (physiological), getting a feel (psychophysiological), and getting the mind ready (psychological). The findings also indicated that the role of the coaches was minimal during these five phases. Verf.-Referat