Common Sports Superstitions and Their Effects on Performance
Sports are fraught with superstitions that athletes depend on to avoid misfortune, though these beliefs can vary in form and significance. Some superstitions are more strange than others – like Michael Jordan, who always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform for luck.
In baseball, superstitious habits are particularly prevalent. Pitcher Turk Wendell, for instance, brushes his teeth and chews licorice between every inning. Wade Boggs would exclusively eat chicken on game days and drew a "To Life" symbol in the dirt before every at-bat. Former pitcher Mark Fidrych would play with the mound dirt and talk to himself and the ball.
Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra meticulously follows the same dressing routine, ensures to step on each dugout step with both feet and repeatedly adjusts his batting gloves and taps his toes at-bat.
Common Sports Superstitions
Baseball
- Spit into your hand before picking up the bat for luck.
- A chewing gum wad on the player’s hat brings good luck.
- Never let a dog cross the diamond before the first pitch; it’s bad luck.
- Some players sleep with their bats during hitting slumps for good luck.
- Avoid touching the baselines when exiting or entering the field between innings.
- Be silent about perfect games or no-hitters while they're ongoing.
Basketball
- The last shooter in the warm-up is believed to have a good game.
- Wiping sneaker soles is considered lucky.
- Bounce the ball before a foul shot for luck.
Bowling: Maintaining a winning streak can involve wearing the same clothes and carrying lucky charms.
Fishing: Superstitions include spitting on the bait or throwing back the first catch.
Football: Players often consider double numbers on their uniforms lucky.
Golf: Starting with odd-numbered clubs and carrying coins are rituals for good luck.
Ice Hockey: Avoiding the term "shutout" and tapping the goalie on the shin pads are pre-game customs.
Rodeo: Rituals include putting the right foot in the stirrup first and avoiding the color yellow.
Tennis: Players believe not holding more than two balls during serving or avoiding stepping on court lines is lucky.
Psychological Impact of Superstitions
While they may seem irrelevant to actual performance, research indicates these rituals can enhance self-confidence and task persistence. Believing in their superstitions makes athletes feel they can master tasks, which boosts self-efficacy and lowers stress levels.
Beneficial Effects
Boost in Self-Efficacy: Superstitions make athletes feel more capable and persistent.
Reduction of Anxiety: Rituals reduce stress by creating a sense of control in unpredictable situations.
Maintaining Perspective: Superstitions are excellent stress-reducers as long as athletes remain mindful, focusing on actions within their control to enhance performance rather than becoming obsessive.
Earlier, SSP wrote about 10 fascinating superstitions surrounding white cats.