Top 3 State Championship Tips!

It's that time of year! Several states across the nation will be hosting their scholastic state championships in February and March. Coaches and parents can help get their players ready in several ways - this article will focus on 3 important tips to help your students have a positive experience.

Top 3 Tips!

1. Focus on the entire team! Be sure to put equal time in from your new players to the more experienced. Building team spirit makes everyone feel welcomed and being part of something bigger than results. Pre-state pizza nights, club t-shirts, regular player meetings, etc. These can help to get your team excited and ready to work together!

2. Communication! Keep lines of communication open with your students, schools, parents, state chess organizers, and coaches. Students need support and advice to feel comfortable when playing such big events. Schools should be kept in the loop about any travel plans, and resources the team might need. Parents welcome advice and advanced planning when preparing for these weekend competitions. State chess organizers can help make the registration process smooth, book team rooms, and make the rules clear for everyone. Coaches can give the students the confidence, team support, and weekly chess training advice to get everyone ready!

3. During the tournament! In the excitement of the tournament your students can burn out quickly if you do not have some guidelines for them to follow. Eat healthy -- healthy eating during the tournament will help the students keep their energy and focus -- avoid high sugar foods and junk food. Relax -- relaxing between games vs. playing blitz and bughouse will keep the students motivated and hungry to play the next round. Brief game reviews -- coaches and parents can go over games briefly and try to pick one thing that they can apply the next round, just be sure to keep them short and to the point.

Lastly, get your students in the habit of using chesskid.com everyday leading up to your state championships! Advise them to login for at least 10-15 minutes and solve puzzles, watch videos, and complete lessons so that they can stay sharp! Have a day of the week that the entire team logs in at the same time!

Best of luck to everyone participating in their state championships!!!