The Weirdest Superstitions in Pro Sports

When do you think athletes perform the best? Some would say when they are on top of their game (physically), but athletes would say, “when we feel in control.” To boost that feeling, superstitions became a huge part of every sport. Here are some of the weirdest superstitions in pro sports we found.

Definition of superstition

A superstition is a belief or practice rooted in the idea that certain actions, objects, or rituals can influence outcomes in ways that defy logic or science. It’s not about facts, it’s about feeling. Superstitions offer a sense of control in uncertain situations.

Tennis: Serena Williams - Same Socks All the Way

We know that a lot of tennis players have their routines before and after the match. But Serena Williams used to wear the same socks throughout the tournament. She also bounced the ball twice before the second serve and 5 times before the first.

The reason is quite simple: she believed the consistency kept her focused. Only after the loss would she change them.

Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo - Right-Foot Entry

Even some of the biggest Ronaldo fans haven’t heard about the right-foot entry he started doing at Manchester United. His first step onto the pitch has to be with his right foot. This means he’s been doing it for over 15 years.

NHL: Patrick Roy - Talking to the Posts

One of the hockey legends had an interesting way of interacting with the goal. Before the game starts and even during the game, Patrick would talk to the posts like his friends and thank them while also planning to keep the goal safe.

NBA: LeBron James - Chalk Toss

This is more of a ritual than a superstition, but it’s a small line between them. LeBron tosses a bit of chalk to the left and to the right, then fills his hands and tosses it in the air, similar to Triple H spitting water in the air in WWE.

MLB: Wade Boggs - The “Chicken Man”

Another legend, just in the MLB who played full 18 seasons, Wade Boggs, also had a few interesting rituals. Wade ate chicken before every game. Just imagine how much chicken is that with 18 seasons behind him. But he also always woke up at the same time and fielded exactly 1150 ground balls in practice.

NBA: Stephen Curry - Mouthguard Chewing

This is one of the superstitions/rituals that turned out to be a fact: Curry’s FT percentage drops when he doesn’t chew his mouthguard while shifting it to one side. It helps him focus and calms his nerves.