Prepare for Game Day the Right Way – PrimingSession Benefits - Tyler Gray Thompson

Athletic development training is becoming increasingly popular in gym environments, and it’s vital to understand the importance of proper preparation in the days leading up to game day to reach your full potential.

In this lead-up period, athletes often struggle with a simple but critical question: What should I be doing to feel sharp and ready to perform at my best? While rest and recovery are key, a well-designed priming session 24–48 hours before competition can be the secret weapon that helps you show up switched on, both physically and mentally.

What Is a Priming Session?

A priming session is a short, low-volume workout that focuses on explosive, game-relevant movements such as short sprints, jumps, and change-of-direction drills. The goal isn’t to build strength or fitness, but to stimulate the nervous system, reinforce key movement patterns, and boost your confidence before game day — whether that’s rugby league, soccer, hockey, or any other competitive sport. If you’re feeling a

bit tight or stiff from training during the week, it can also be a great opportunity to stretch and loosen up with a mobility-based session instead.

Key Benefits:

1. Enhanced Neuromuscular Readiness:

High-intensity but low-volume exercises like short sprints or explosive med ball throws help ‘wake up’ your nervous system. This sharpens muscle activation, speed, and coordination, making you feel lighter on your feet and quicker to react when the whistle blows. A session consisting of these short, sharp movements is ideal 12-48 hours before kickoff.

2. Injury Prevention:

Through movement familiarity rehearsing game-specific movements in a controlled, low-fatigue environment helps

your body feel more comfortable and reactive under pressure. That familiarity reduces hesitation, which can play a key role in preventing soft-tissue injuries.

3. Mental Sharpness and Confidence

Priming sessions also serve a psychological function. Executing sharp, controlled movements before game day reinforces a sense of readiness. It bridges the gap

between rest and peak performance, helping you enter the game mentally focused and physically confident.

4. Mobility and Movement Quality

Including a dynamic warm-up or mobility circuit in your priming session ensures joints are moving freely, muscles are activated, and posture is aligned. You’ll reduce stiffness from previous training loads and move more efficiently on game day. That’s why our new Friday night ADP session gives you two options: a fast, low-volume primer; a slower mobility-focused session; or both! So you can choose what your

body needs most before the weekend rolls around.