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Mental Toughness

November 6th, 2007 |

Everything you wanted and more about Mental Toughness HERE

First about Mental Toughness I believe mental has to deal with you being in top physical shape. If you’re not in shape and you’re dragging on the court then you know you’re going to be dragging mentally too. So the first thing about mental toughness is to get yourself in good physical shape where you can go hard and be able to finish even when it’s the fourth quarter and your needing to get up for that final jump shot, for the final rebound, or for the block shot to win the game!

- Mental Imagery in Basketball -

10 Things to improver you Mental toughness Here:

1. Fast Break
When leading a fast break, always know where your teammates are and make the passes early and often. Whatever you do, don´t telegraph the pass and don´t force something that isn´t there. It’s hard sometimes when your tired, but still remember your fundaments such as fake a pass to make a pass. As a point guard and a team leader, you must know your teammates strengths and weaknesses to get them the good shot and an easy shot. Plus, I always suggest when your team is tired and loosing control get a huddle just to calm them down, and set up what your going to do next.


2. Summer Improvement
There is an old saying that says, “Basketball teams are made from October to March, basketball players are made March to October.” The off season is the time when the greatest player development should be taking place. Get a development program and work on it throughout the off season in order to become the best possible player.


3. Awareness
Even if you don´t have the ball, you should know where the ball is at all times whether you are on offense or defense. On defense, this will allow you to position yourself properly. On offense, you will be able to make decisions as to where you need to go.


4. Perseverance
If you want to be a good basketball player, be prepared to work when others are unwilling to. Many find excuses not to work, but you need to find ways to work on your game even when you are by yourself. The good thing about basketball is that all you need is a ball, a hoop, and the desire to improve.


5. Nervousness
The main reason that players don´t perform well in games is nervousness, and the main cause of nervousness is lack of self confidence. You have to believe that you can play with the people on the court and not get intimidated. You must believe that no one on the court is better than you. Have a good attitude. Believe in yourself. If you worked hard enough in the offseason, the preseason, and now in practice. Then tell yourself you deserve to shine on the court. It’s your time to shine, don’t be nervous. You know that you have worked more and harder then the other guys your facing so don’t even think about being nervous, and let the game to you!


6. Proper Preparation
Pay attention to how you prepare for each game, especially when you play well. Competing in athletic contests can often be a matter of routine, and anything you can do to keep that routine similar from game to game, especially when you have played well, can help. Follow the same pre-game routines, think about the same type of things, relax but focus on the game at hand. Most importantly, learn to visualize what you are going to be doing in the game, always seeing yourself being successful.


7. Confidence in Shooting
A shooter needs to have confidence. One good way to give yourself confidence is to remember that two balls will fit through the hoop at a time. This gives you a large margin of error to work with. Always tell yourself your next shot is going to be swoosh!


8. Run On and Off
Always run on and off the court–for a time out, when you are taken out of a game, or at half time. Psychologically, you are showing your opponent that you won´t wear down. The Boston Celtics under Red Auerbach would not even sit down during a time out in order to appear fresh to their opponents.


9. Improve everyday!
Strive to improve everyday… both physically and mentally. Play against players that are better than you… that´s how you get better. Learn from TV and watch instructional videos to learn even more. Never stop learning!


10. Believe
Always believe in yourself. If you think you can`t do it, you aren`t going to . When shooting, believe its going in and it will have a better a chance. Believe that your the best, because you have practiced hard to become the best. Everything has to do with the proper work, work ethic, and fundamentals once you have that down you should believe no one can stop you!