What is the primary purpose of an athlete's pre-performance routine?

The primary purpose of an athlete's pre-performance routine is to help athletes mentally prepare and establish focus. This routine typically involves a series of actions or mental strategies that an athlete engages in before competition or intense training. By following this routine, athletes can create a sense of familiarity and control over their environment, which can enhance concentration and confidence. Mental preparation is crucial as it allows athletes to manage anxiety, visualize their performance, and reinforce positive thoughts, all of which can lead to improved performance.

While minimizing training time, encouraging competition, or increasing physical exertion may be aspects of an athlete's overall training plan, they do not directly align with the specific aim of a pre-performance routine, which centers on psychological readiness and focus. Thus, the emphasis is indeed on mental preparation and establishing the right mindset for optimal performance.