There’s value in staying calm and relaxed when the stakes get higher and higher.
As the battle for the MPL PH S16 crown rages on, Team Liquid’s Sanford Vinuya and crew can still find the calm within the storm and slow down when needed. The Cavalry look like they’re playing on a different level and that’s thanks to a healthy dose of R&R.
Aside from their usual preparations for playoffs, Team Liquid also had their regular movie nights before big matches. “Ever since sumabay ako, nung ECHO pa sa season 10, tradition namin yon para maka-relax kami,” said Team Liquid’s Sanford.
That may seem rather cavalier for Team Liquid but they take their mental state very seriously. Every team has a different way of staying calm in high pressure situations and Sanford swears by its effectiveness.
“Yung naging mindset namin is kung nalaro kami nang larong ganong ganda, bakit pa kami magpapa-pressure?” said Team Liquid’s Sanford. They made short work of rivals ONIC PH yesterday and got their revenge on Team Falcons the day before. There’s no easy road to the championship for anyone, but at least Team Liquid is making sure they’re calm and collected on their journey there.
“Kasi kung galing ka sa ganung schedule, kung ipre-pressure mo yung sarili mo mas-lalo ka papagod,” continued Team Liquid’s Sanford. “So ang ginawa namin is mag relax lang talaga para kagising fresh yung utak namin.”
Of course, it can’t be all rest and relaxation. While keeping the pressure off of yourself is important, you never forget about just plain preparation and strategy.
“Kailangan balanced siya,” said Team Liquid’s Sanford. “Hindi pwede relaxed ka lang o nagpre-prepare ka lang. Kasi ang nangyayari sa mga ganyan is kinabukasan parang burnout ka na sa laro. Tapos madami din iniisip kaya hindi maayos yung galawan mo.”
As for the movie Team Liquid watched that led them to 3-0 ONIC PH? Hacksaw Ridge. An odd movie to relax to but if it inspired them to play this well during playoffs, then who are we to argue?
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.