In order to obtain peak performance in basketball, the mind and body must be in sync and work in coordination with each other, if one falters, the whole performance falter. In today’s world of ruthless competitiveness, especially in sports like basketball where decisions are made in split seconds, and that decisions decision can change the whole face of the game. One needs to be not only physically tough but mentally tough too. In games, pressure builds up fast and at crucial time, there is not much time to make a decision at leisure. You must act fast and achieve or you may cost the team the game. Some of the ways to enhance mental and physical performance through sports psychology for basketball are discussed below.
Motivation and Positive Thinking– Thinking affects the way we act and how we act shapes our actions and our actions ultimately decide what we do. It is very important even at crucial moments in the basketball games to stay positive and motivated. A positive attitude exudes enthusiasm which is infectious and will motivate other team members. If you see that glass is half full, you may act with enthusiasm to make the glass full, but if you see it as half empty, you may lose the enthusiasm or the drive to make things happen, it is essential to keep a positive viewpoint as your thinking is reflected in your actions. Staying motivated is necessary to win any game. When you are unsure, you will not go full throttle and that little less confidence in yourself can throw the whole game away. Developing your mental game for basketball will help you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude.
Self Talk and Self Assessment– There is always room for improvement in basketball, therefore one should do a self assessment to help develop your mental game for basketball. Assessing your strength and weakness is a good way to develop your basketball mental toughness. It is very important to remain and keep yourself motivated. By doing a honest self assessment about your strength and weakness it will give you a real perspective of yourself. This realization can be utilized to maximize your mental game in basketball. Take stock of your strengths and dig out your weakness and work on them to turn them into advantages. Believe in yourself and always tell yourself “I can accomplish ________ (whatever the goal it)”.
Goal Setting– Nothing is as important as goal setting in basketball psychology because not only does it provide impetus to work, but also provides a much needed sense of direction. One can be motivated, but if the goal or final destination is not set, all efforts may get diluted. Once you set the target, your mind becomes focused and channels the energy to think about the ways to make it happen. If you want to score points, set a goal of how many point per quarter and how you plan to do it, jump shots, lay ups etc. Once you set the goal, the direction will become clearer as to how to achieve it. If there is a destination, you can find a way to reach it through sports psychology for basketball.
Visualization– It is often said that any work that has ever been done and has amazed us has been actually done twice- once inside the brain of the creator and then when it is done in reality. Visualization of the dream/vision or what you would like to achieve is very important. Developing your mental game in basketball will help you achieve this. It is important that you practice it, visualize all the possibilities of being in difficult spots and see how you would react to it. The more you visualize, the more you practice, the more your mental game in basketball will be sharpen. This will equipped you to have mentally toughness when the situation presents itself. It is a very powerful technique as the subconscious brain processes the information and assesses it step by step in the time of need; therefore, if your mental game in basketball is well developed will be able to act and react the way you need to without hesitation.
Concentration– Maintaining focus and mental toughness during the game is necessary because one wrong move can turn the game in favor of the opponent. One should be able to focus and move on the court freely without being distracted from all the noisy surroundings. To achieve this you must be able to concentrate on the game a 100%. When you are mentally tough you will be able to block out the earlier wrong moves you made or the missed shots that happen. This requires a strong basketball mind to stay orient in the present and not let your mind wander or ponder in the recent mistakes.
Relaxation– In a full stadium with the crowd cheering and shouting, one can easily get tensed at a crucial moments. It is important to remain calm and relaxed yet alert and focused. Developing a pre game routine using relaxation techniques will help you relax. There are a lot of relaxation technique so it important to tailor the pregame routine your specific need. A sport psychologist for basketball or a mental game coach can help you develop a pregame routine that will meet your need if the basic deep breathing technique does not work for you. A tensed mind causes a tension body and a tense body will affect your moves on the court. When you are able to relax and let “it” flow your perspective becomes clearer. You are able to make your shots with ease, play defense with aggression, which in turn win games.
