poise (oneself) for (something)
To steady, brace, or otherwise prepare oneself for something. I poised myself for the boss's criticism at the meeting. Many companies are poising themselves for an expected tumble in the stock market this week. He poised himself for impact with the other car.
poise oneself for something
to get ready for something. She poised herself for her dive. Fred poised himself for a fall, but everything worked out all right.