COVID-19 has changed college athletics in ways that were not even imaginable. When the virus first started its wild outbreak in the United States back in 2020, colleges and their respective conferences decided it was best to have a zero fan policy for sporting events. Fast forward to February 2022, and some colleges across the country are still taking the main stage with little to no fans in attendance.
While COVID-19 restrictions seem to be lightening up in some places across the country, we truly do not know enough about the virus to expect or predict what could happen next. That is why I've learned some tricks for performing in front of no fans.
Related: NCAA Constitutional Convention Update
1. Celebrate Your Team's Successes
Since there will be no fans in attendance to root for your team, you and your teammates will have to be pseudo “fans.” I mean this in a literal sense. While you may always stand up and applaud your teammates' successes, it is tenfold more important when the only sound in the stadium is the echoing of your sport.
Related: Athletes Supporting Athletes
2. Compete With a Clearer State of Mind
Some athletes may not want to admit that the crowd has an impact on their performance. However, the fact of the matter is that an opposing crowd can rattle the strongest-minded competitor. With the crowd out of the picture, it is you and the game. There is no third party to heckle. Let this allow you to perform in a clearer and more conscious manner.
Related: Athletes: 6 Tips to Get Out of Your Head
3. Make Better Use of Communication
This one is a given. No fans means no extra sound taking away from the communication between you, your teammates, and your coaches. Allow this to spark better, stronger, and more fluid team communication. Communication is key to success at the college level.
“Playing in front of no fans benefited me as a player because it allowed for me to concentrate better, hear my coach and teammates communicate plans and ultimately brought the team together energy wise, as well as teamwork.” Trevian Grenon, Anna Maria Basketball
4. Treat It As An Open Run (Scrimmage)
This one is tricky and also correlates with tip #2. While I don't mean to take the competitive edge out of the sporting event, looking at it as a scrimmage will help to relieve some of the pressure that arises. Look at the NBA “Bubble” Playoffs (no fans allowed, in a secure place in which the players were alone) from 2020 as an example of this. Denver Nuggets star guard, Jamal Murray, exploded for 50 points on two occasions in the “Bubble.” No knock to Murray, but his average pre-bubble was 18.5 points per game. The “Bubble” allowed Murray to play more freely.
5. Have Fun
You may say this is “cliche,” but the truth is, just have fun out there! You are playing the sport that you love and you will not be able to play forever. Do not let the idea of no fans bring you down or hinder your performance. Do what you do best! Remember why you play: not for the fans, but for the sport you love!
The future is far less predictable with COVID-19 as it was before the virus originated. If you ever have to experience what it is like to play in front of no fans, I hope these tips help you out!
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
Photo source: WKBN
* Originally published on February 24, 2022, by Ashton Grenon
