All About Mint : Preparation

Posted by: xilef

This article is the first of a series we will be doing, where we find out each member's perspective of a certain topic. This week we discuss preparation for a big game, and asked :

How do Mint prepare for important games?

CS:Source Squad

Henry "HenryG" Greer
In the run up to big games there are few basic rules I set for my self to assure that i am on top form for the upcoming game. I always try to make sure that I get plenty of sleep the night before as being well rested makes a lot more difference to your reactions and general brain power more than you might think! Although it might sound a bit over the top, making sure you eat a decent meal will work wonders for your mental stability and will keep you concentrated through out your match. In the few hours before the game I will try and get in the zone by playing death match with the in game sound off and my favourite music in the background. This usually really gets me going and pumped up and ready to perform to my potential.

As I join the match server I do all my last minute checks, including :
- All my mouse,keyboard and net settings are correct
- All my hardware is ready to play with
- Making sure I won't have to leave suddenly during the game
- Everyone's voice communications are clear

Overall these guide lines won't really make you 'better' at the game but will really help you perform to your full potential on the day and hopefully lead you to the win!

George "HudzG" Hoskins
Before a big game I zone out with some fast music, and deep breaths Something good I also do is play www.missionred.com or something that focuses me so I dont think only on the task ahead for example it could be setting myself a target on missionred or doing things like muscle memory or even playing nQuake or quake3 on instagib helps make me think fast and react fast. I also like to make sure all my gear is working correctly and that everything feels right ingame. The otherside of preperation is drinking lots of fluids, like water - water helps increase reaction times and sometimes the odd sugar boost so a regular coke but never energy drink. I also reguarly work out, and eat healthy foods so a balanced diet cause sometimes if I dont It can make you feel quite depressed so its important to excercise as it realeases endorphines hehe. And finally just making sure my hands are not tight I really dont like to spend hours on aim map before a big game as it can stress me out I find the best way is to take a step back from the computer and do something else so when I go into the big game its fresh and im not burnt out from hours of playing repeating the same things. At lan I will prepare pretty much the same way zoning out with loud music on my ipod so I cant hear anything around me, making sure im warm enough and focusing on something specific be it past games ive played or just chilling outside or anything I can find to focus on and then in freezetime I will warm my aim up by moving my crosshair between points/heads.

Lewis "Hughsy" Hughes
Before big matches, I make sure I have played enough hours that day to make sure my aim is on top form, you don't want to let your Squad mates down for not putting in any effort before the big offical. I make sure I am feeling good by not staying up late the following night and eat well throughout the day to keep you at the best of your potential.

Just before the match I like to:
- Make sure all my periphals are how I like them and my ingame settings accordingly.
- Wash my hands & face.
- Go on deathmatch
- Listen to music
- Close my eyes for a moment to get mentally motivated and pumped.

The more big games you play, the less anything will effect your ability and this will make you a better player with experience.

Richard "Ritch" Gibbs
I do the opposite of everyone else, I don't sit at my pc play deathmatch or listen to music I just simply talk to my friends on msn or if its at a LAN event go outside have a smoke. I find I play better the less time I spend at my computer.

Tom "url" Chenery
Before big games I'll go on deathmatch for at least an hour in the day, and listen to some inspirational music, then the Squad will play some PCW's so we are all ready for the match. We'll also have a small 10-20minute break before the game to calm our minds and make sure we are fully prepared.

Forza 2 Squad

Nick "nt_101" Townsend
I treat each race individually, helping to clear my mind from what happened in the past. This helps me to concentrate on the job at hand. I make sure that Stune can trust me to get job done when necessary, that way Stune only has to concentrate on winning his battle on the track instead of having to carry the Squad.

Practice is also key to consistency, you need to be able to define your limits without ever going past them, otherwise it will show on the track, that's Why I spend many hours learning how both cars handle on each of the tracks so that I can begin to build a picture of where these limits are.

Finally its important not to underestimate your opponent, never take a race for granted, only beginning to celebrate once the chequered flag has been passed, simply because a victory can be taken away in seconds if you don't keep your eye on the ball.

Steven "Stune" Embling
In Forza obviously speed is extremely important, with that it’s necessary to know every aspect of the car and track you are driving in order to be consistently fast. It’s crucial to know what the car will do in slightly less routine situations so you are prepared for if it happens during a significant race. Knowing the collision system is also extremely important so we learn what’s possible on each corner many weeks prior to an official game so its second nature what to do when we get out there on the big stage. Myself and Nick (NT 101) have invented all sorts of mini games to test and build up our skills in a number of different areas.

Dead Or Alive 4 Squad

Avtar "Paddaman" Padda
First things first, pracitse, practise, practise. Like the old saying goes, 'Failing to prepare is preparing to fail'. Specifically, its not just about training your strengths and weaknesses, but countering your opponents strengths and exploiting their weaknesses that will get the job done. CGS accomodates this mentality, as often you will know or be able to predict your next opponent and get right to work on your strats. I try not to be to uptight about my matches, even if its really important, its often more benefitial to maintain and cool, calm and collected exterior. You don't want to give anything away to your opponent, even if you're as nervous as a kid on his first day of school. Afterall, its just a game, right?

Ruth "Strobe" Harrison
Before a big game I prefer to chill, so I like to listen to Marvin Gayes 'Sexual Healing' with a cup of tea.
When playing in a big match, you've just got to be calm and not panic, although thats easier said than done sometimes. If you don't, you could end up making silly mistakes that could cost you the game.

FIFA 08 Squad

Chris "ChrisyB" Bullard
In the run up to games I try to get the important mentalities in action. 100% Concentration and Relaxation. Before a game you can't do any more preparation and you just have to hope that you don't have bad luck. In order to get concentrated and relaxed I normally listen to music, chew gum and take my shoes off. I always drink a bottle of water also, to make sure I'm hydrated. I find it easy now to do all of this, I just have to remember to look at the screen and nothing else, even if I score a goal.