Between tradition and quirks: Athletes' bizarre pre-game rituals Athletes across all sports often rely on pre-game rituals to steady their nerves and prepare for competition. While some see these routines as superstitions meant to attract luck, others swear by their psychological benefits, like calming the mind or sharpening focus. From quirky habits to flat-out bizarre practices, Gamdom takes a look at some of the strangest and most effective rituals top athletes follow before they compete.