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Was it the flea flicker play that sealed the win in the final seconds…or was it because you wore your lucky socks (the same ones you’ve been wearing since you started coaching)?! We may never know the answer, but I’m leaning toward the latter. 😂 From game day rituals to superstitions the whole coaching family can get behind, here are some of the craziest, most outrageous superstitions we’ve ever heard (courtesy of my coaching husband and the fantastic community we have over on Instagram).
Our Favorite Game Day Superstitions
Whether wearing the same outfit, sitting in the same seat, or doing the same pregame ritual, these small things help the team win the big game (according to you 😉). I’ve learned that game day is less about strategy and the playbook and more about embracing these superstitions. Here are some of our favorites that are proven to guarantee a win:
- Lucky Socks – We all have that favorite pair of socks that just fits perfectly with all our shoes. Win the first game of the season, and you’ll wear these every game, regardless of how many holes you might get by the end of the season. Bonus: those who are REALLY superstitious won’t wash them all year (#wedontjudge).
- Same Seat – The couch or the bleachers. Wherever you watched your team win with a Hail Mary is YOUR spot. If it brought a win once, who says it won’t bring a win again?!
- Same Outfit – Whether it’s the whole outfit or just a specific article of clothing, don’t be surprised if you see your coach sporting the same look on the sidelines week after week (the same goes for the coach’s wife and her outfit).
- Pre-Game Meal – Pasta, pizza, or something else the whole family loves – the pregame meal is essential for bringing all the luck to the team. As someone nicely told me on Instagram, her family eats the same meal until they lose and then switch to a different meal. This means choosing strategically so the family isn’t eating Panda Express for a month (which may have happened!).
- Locker Room Routine – Whether doing something as a team or individually, that locker room ritual is so important for both luck and setting the tone before the game. It could be blasting a specific song, a pep talk chant, or putting on gear in a certain order.
- Lucky Charm – A coin, a small gift from one of your kids, or a lucky penny – every coach, coach’s wife, and fan has their favorite charm to rub for good luck.
- Calling a Win – You know what’s superstitious and bad luck? Calling a win before the game is over. You never know what’s going to happen in a game until the final whistle blows!
- Changing Spots – We’re all about staying in the same seat for an entire game, but those who are extremely superstitious will start moving to different seats if your team starts losing. It somehow works and can change the whole vibe of the game going forward (who knew a new seat held that much power?!).
- Praying – I like to pray before the game for not only a win, but more importantly, to protect my coaching husband and his players on the field.
- Sending Coach a Sign – Blowing a kiss, signing “I love you” 🤟, or winking, it’s a way for me to quickly remind my husband that I love him and am thinking of him before a game!
- Game Day Nails – There’s nothing more fun than getting game day nails done, and if it brings the team a win, that’s even better!
- Chewing Same Gum – If spearmint gum always ensures a win, then you keep chewing that on the sidelines! This also goes for if there’s a specific snack you love eating on the sidelines.
- Wearing Shorts – Sometimes wearing shorts all season is that superstitious bit of luck you need. However, if you’re playing outdoor sports up north, it can get pretty cold in October or November (but remember, you’re doing it for the win!).
- Pregame Hug – If you’re able to do so beforehand, there’s nothing better than you and your kids giving your coach a hug before the game starts. It grounds him and it grounds you – the ultimate good luck charm!
So what wins the game on Friday nights – the game day superstitions or the coach’s playbook? We may never know, but what we do know is that these rituals help ground your coach and the whole family! What do you, your coach, and your family do before game day to ensure a win?