MIES (Switzerland) - When the FIBA Pre-Competition Programme (PCP), the 12-week online and fitness preparation period leading into FIBA’s world-level summer tournaments, overlaps with the playoff time of many domestic leagues, good planning becomes essential. Both Oscar and Silvia stress that success starts with consistency built throughout the season, but during this demanding stretch, week-by-week organization is what makes the difference. Oscar explains that he often treats a playoff game itself as part of the week’s physical load, fitting one training session in before travel and another after returning home. Silvia takes a similarly structured view, emphasizing the importance of planning workouts in advance and adapting them to travel, game assignments, and even webinar timing.

Recovery is just as important as the work itself. Oscar relies on a clear routine, explaining, “I use dynamic stretching, a foam roller, and a massage gun before each session, then static stretching afterward, and after game travel, I keep recovery light with morning stretching and a reduced session to stay active without overloading.” Silvia highlights other valuable tools, including compression therapy, weekly recovery massage, and above all, quality sleep. Their shared message is simple: staying in top shape is not only about completing the programme, but also about listening to the body and managing intensity wisely to avoid burnout or injury.

Mentally, the challenge is to switch quickly between different demands without losing clarity. Oscar describes this as a shifting skill: moving from work life to family life and then adjusting again between local competitions and FIBA expectations by reviewing the right material at the right time. Silvia captures her approach clearly: “I stay focused by taking each objective in turn, giving full attention to the playoff game first and then returning to PCP work once it is done.” Together, their advice shows that mental focus during the busiest weeks is built on small, deliberate transitions that help referees stay present, organized, and ready for each challenge.