why stephen curry chews on his mouthguard

Why Stephen Curry Chews on His Mouthguard

Stephen Curry, the superstar point guard of the Golden State Warriors, is known for his incredible shooting ability, flashy dribbling skills, and his habit of chewing on his mouthguard during games. Fans and analysts alike have speculated about why Curry does this, and there are a number of possible explanations.

It Helps Him Focus

One possible reason that Curry chews on his mouthguard is that it helps him stay focused during games. Many athletes have rituals or habits that help them get in the zone and tune out distractions, and chewing on a mouthguard could be one of Curry’s methods for achieving this. By keeping his mouth occupied, he may be able to block out noise from the crowd or other distractions on the court.

Another way that chewing on his mouthguard might help Curry focus is by providing a physical sensation that he can use to stay present in the moment. When an athlete is fully engaged in the game, they are often described as being “in the zone” or “in flow,” and this requires a high level of concentration and mindfulness. Chewing on his mouthguard could be a way for Curry to stay grounded and connected to his body while he plays.

It Relieves Stress

Playing in the NBA is an incredibly high-pressure job, and athletes like Curry are under constant scrutiny from fans, coaches, and the media. Chewing on his mouthguard could be a way for Curry to relieve some of the stress and tension that comes with being in the spotlight. By having something to chew on, he may be able to release some of the nervous energy that builds up during games.

In addition, chewing on a mouthguard could provide a physical outlet for the frustration or anger that Curry might feel during a game. If he misses a shot or makes a mistake, he may be able to channel that negative energy into biting down on his mouthguard instead of lashing out or getting down on himself.

It’s a Habit

Another possibility is that chewing on his mouthguard is simply a habit that Curry has developed over time. Many athletes have idiosyncratic habits or rituals that they perform before or during games, and these can become deeply ingrained over time. Curry may have started chewing on his mouthguard early in his career and found that it helped him in some way, and now he does it without even thinking about it.

In addition, habits can be comforting and provide a sense of familiarity in a high-pressure situation. By continuing to chew on his mouthguard, Curry may be able to create a sense of routine and consistency in his game, which could help him feel more confident and in control.

It Protects His Teeth

Mouthguards are typically worn by athletes in contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball to protect their teeth and prevent injuries. While basketball is not usually considered a contact sport, there is still a risk of collisions and accidental contact between players. By wearing a mouthguard and chewing on it during games, Curry may be providing an extra layer of protection for his teeth and jaw.

In addition, some mouthguards are designed to help athletes breathe better or improve their performance in other ways. It’s possible that Curry’s mouthguard has features that he finds helpful, such as improved airflow or a more comfortable fit.

It’s a Fashion Statement

Finally, it’s worth considering that Curry’s mouthguard chewing could simply be a fashion statement or a way to express his personal style. Athletes are often known for their unique fashion choices, from LeBron James’ signature headbands to Russell Westbrook’s bold patterned shirts. Chewing on his mouthguard could be a way for Curry to stand out and show off his individuality.

It’s also possible that Curry’s mouthguard has a unique design or color scheme that he likes to show off during games. Mouthguards can be customized with logos, team colors, or other designs, and Curry may have chosen a particular style that he enjoys wearing and chewing on.

Conclusion

While we may never know exactly why Stephen Curry chews on his mouthguard during games, there are a number of possible explanations. Whether he does it to stay focused, relieve stress, protect his teeth, or simply for fashion, Curry’s habit has become a trademark of his playing style and a source of fascination for fans and analysts alike.