When an athlete shows up to the arena or stadium for a game, he doesn’t park his car, already in uniform, and hit the field or the court ready to play. He spends time in the locker room preparing both his gear and his mindset (except for those players who show up to the locker room to continue their nap, Randy Moss). Most jocks have specific pre-game rituals they perform – they eat a particular pre-game meal, they play Xbox, or they listen to the All-American Rejects or Reuben Studdard (if they're a kicker). These are just ways to prep for the task at hand. We’re not suggesting that you wear the same ”lucky” underpants on every date or sit for hours staring at the wall and listening to Evanescence at top volume to put you “in the mood,” but you do need to get your head right before going out on a date, and especially on a first date.

Mental Prep

Every player wants to get off to a fast start. It’s great to go up 10 points in the first quarter of a football game or finish the first inning up 4-0. The dating “fast start” is a great first impression – that’s your goal. You’re nervous, she’s probably nervous, too, but hell, dating should be fun. Here are some tips on getting your head in the game.

• The first thing you have to do after setting up the date is relax and plan to have a good time. Also plan the afternoon or evening so that you're not starting with:  "So...what do you want to do?"  Her:  "I dunno, what do you want to do?" Somebody put these people in the trunk of a car! It's like 7th grade all over again.
• Take advantage of home field and pick a location or activity you’re familiar with that you know you'll enjoy, regardless of how the date works out. You’ll be comfortable, which will make her comfortable.
• Do not, we repeat, do not be late. If you’re picking her up, get directions from her unless you know the area well. You’ll be able to give yourself enough time to arrive on time and not have to apologize for being 20 minutes behind.
• Know that something will go awry. It will rain, there will be traffic, she’ll have a goatee. That’s life, don’t panic and don't stress.
• When making the date, be decisive. Coaches don’t go into a game hoping their team might win. They have a tight plan and though it may change over the course of the game, no detail is left up to chance.  Same goes for a successful date. The key to success is making all that pre-planning look as if you just breezed through. That's an artform that takes practice.

Physical Prep

Before going out, you’ll want to prepare your uniform and your equipment. Have you had a haircut lately? Is your go-to outfit clean and ready to go? If not, my friend, you are not ready to win this game. You get one chance to make a first impression, so get prepared properly. We’ll get deeper into grooming and clothing in upcoming articles, but this will get you thinking about it. Before your next date, check out these tips to make sure you’re on top of your game.

• Frequently, women have a favorite outfit that shows off their best . . .  attributes and hides flaws - the “go-to" outfit. You should have one, too. No one’s expecting you to be built like Ray Lewis (God love ya if you are) but if you’re tall and thin, don’t wear baggy clothing that makes you look like a bean pole. If you have the mature man’s physique (a bit of extra lovin’ around the middle), horizontal stripes and bold patterns will only make you look that much bigger.
• Women will notice the little things, such as your shoes. Wear your best pair and shine them up. Note: unless you’re on going on a gym date or to the stadium, athletic shoes are not date-appropriate.
• You don’t have to run out and buy a new wardrobe to be modern and well-dressed. For most date scenarios, a pair of dark-blue jeans, a polo or button-down dress shirt with a straight collar, and a sport jacket are all you need.
• Pop inspection! Check in the mirror for hair sprouting out of all parts of your face – your ears, your nose, any stray eyebrow. Trim or remove those wild hairs.
• Not too much cologne, Studley. A single spritz on the neck and the each wrist will be plenty. If she wants you to wear more, she’ll tell you.
• Ever watch a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison come off of the line of scrimmage? He’s ready for action – upright, looking ahead, body taut but fluid. You want to make the same impression when you walk in to meet her. Be graceful and smooth with your head up, shoulders back, and even, long strides.  Not stiff and tense, nor deflated with rounded shoulders and shuffling feet. You're not a nebbish, so stand erect. 

Whether you’re re-entering the market after having been previously married or you’ve been on the market for some time, view every date as an opportunity to win. Just like baseball players see each one of those 162 games a year as an opportunity to win, prepare your mind and your look in the same way. While there are plenty of cynical men and women out there who just know they'll "never find Mr. or Mrs. Right", you don't have to be that guy. Just be the best "you" possible. Remember that first impressions drive much of your first-date success, and a strong appearance and a prepared guy make for a Better Guy.