Overcoming performance anxiety is an issue that many athletes face due to the tremendous competition and expectations of athletes today. It does not only exists on the professional level but all levels. Sports psychology for basketball offers ways to overcome performance anxiety.
Athletes that perform well during practice can still and many do suffer from performance anxiety on game day. It usually takes the form of nervousness, anxiety or fear that interferes with the athlete’s performance during the game. Learning to use a few tips from sports psychology for basketball may help you to get your performance anxiety under control or at least reduce the effects of it.
First let’s look further at some of the performance anxiety issues and why it may in addition to the tremendous competition and expectations take place. Performance anxiety in basketball, sometimes referred to as choking is described as a decrease in athletic performance due to too much perceived stress.
Perceived stress often increases in athletes on game day because…
• As opposed to practice, there is an audience
• Again, the extremely high expectations of success that the coach, the fans, the teammates and the media place on athletes in today’s world
With that being said a lot of the performance anxiety and stress that the athlete may feel is actually based on the way the athlete interprets the situation. Yes, stress comes from the coaches, fans, family, etc…but the way the athlete interprets the situation is what causes the performance anxiety.
By this we mean that the way the athlete’s self-talk describes the situation is what creates feelings of stress, anxiety and fear. For athletes who choke during competition it is important to understand that the thoughts they have regarding the event can be modified, adjusted or controlled with appropriate basketball psychology and mental practice.
The following are some tips that come from sports psychology for basketball in helping to overcome performance anxiety.
• Focus on the task at hand rather than the outcome. In other words stay present in the moment and don’t allow yourself to think too far ahead in the game. Also, if you catch yourself thinking negatively stop yourself and instead focus only on your breathing. If you do this it will bring you back into the present moment.
• Force a smile. If you are struggling with negative thoughts and can’t break out of the cycle, simply force yourself to smile, even if only for a few seconds. This simple action will change your attitude in a split second. Perhaps that is all the time you need to relax back into your performance at hand.
• Play like you don’t care about the outcome. If you find yourself caught up in negative thoughts and find that you suddenly expect the worst it will be impossible to perform at your peak. If you begin to play like you don’t care about the outcome, you may relax and enjoy the event for what it is – another great day of basketball!
Wow, this really helped me out, I’m a really good player, I always perform well at ymca or parks, but when I finally made my highschool team, it was like a whole different sport. I got nervous and sucked horribly. But thanks to this I now play exactly like if I was at the park with my friends. Thanks a lot
I am glad this help! Keep me posted on how you are doing.
I am glad someone else felt what I am feeling
yeah same
Saved to my favorites. Read this because I thought it had to do with worry.
My son is going through this. He loves basketball, and he is very talented. He is just so worried about turning the ball over. His coach perceives this as being mentally weak. It’s to the point he does not want to play this upcoming season. What can I do as a parent to help him through this? He is in 7th grade now.
Good Morning!
First and far most help your son see he is not mentally “weak”. When we use words like that, it destroys the child confidence and make it difficult to improve. Yes, according to what you wrote there are areas to “improve” on. At his age it’s important for him to know we all have areas we want to improve and all players are consistently trying to improve on a regular bases. It’s better to focus on what he can do and build on that. In cases like this more often than not the skill level is there, in your case that will be the place to start since he is in the 7th grade. Assess to see if he has the skills to carry the ball without turning it over. Assess to see why he is turning it over. After you have ruled out the physical then it is mental. Short of seeking professional help, encourage him to practice more, teach him how to relax – deep breathing is simple but very effective. Imagery is also effective. Review the tips in the articles they will help as well. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
All the Best!
Delice
He rarely turns the ball over. He’s had a few bad games recently. The problem he is running into this year is he is a 75 lb 7th grader and he’s playing up in the 8th grade league where the kids are much bigger and stronger. He gets so nervous before the games. To the point it doesn’t seem like he having fun.
Sound like he need to work on building his confidence.
Um I play good At my friends house and when it came to game day I was so afraid I turned over the ball a whole bunch of times. And now I’m trying out for JV next year and I’m afraid as point guard I will choke or freeze in front of a crowd
Sound like you lack confidence in your abilities and skills. If that’s the case building your confidence will help with the fear of failure and turning over the ball.
Hope this helps!
All the Best,
Delice
I am going through this also. I am a Freshmen going to be a Sophmore. During the freshmen year I was playing jv and saw little varsity mintues. But I never had a problem playing this and loved it. Just wanted more varsity time. Earlier this spring it was my first time playing in AAU. And I started throwing up before ever tournament. And that has stuck with me still this summer playin with just the jv team for our school. And I play good and everything when I play. But before ever game I don’t ever feel good and due puke. What should I do?
Sorry for the delay.
This is a form of performance anxiety. The first thing I would do is try to get a better understanding of what you are “afraid” of that causing the anxiety. Once we identify the source, then we can deal with overcoming the anxiety behind it. So take some time and think about what is it that causing me to be afraid of performing.
My daughter is a rising 8th grader and a really talented player (top 2 on the team). However, this year she’s being asked to play point guard instead of shooting guard or small forward. Her ball handling is above average and she has the potential with practice to have success at the position. She’s not a fan of playing point guard but is willing to do what’s best for the team. She has recently started getting upset about the thought of actually having to do this in a game. She’s worried about turning the ball over and letting her team down. What advice could you give me on how to handle? Thank you
The advice you can give her is to do her best and have fun, however, what’s going to keep her from getting upset and help her play well without getting upset is:
1. make sure she know the fundamentals/basic that position.
2. teach her imagery and relaxation.
3. Develop a good pre game routine.
This is a good starting point to help her be successful. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
All the Best,
Delice
I’m 15 and im 5’8. I’m a beginner who has been playing for about a year. I play casually on Saturdays and in school. I like to play shooting guard because I haven’t got the height to drive in, whenever I try it usually gets blocked or stolen. I have a good jump shot and can shoot about 6-7/10 when I’m practicing on my own. But as soon as I play any sort of match I get extremely nervous when shooting as I’m worried about missing. I’ve tried the advice provided and it has helped a little but I still can’t get shots in and always try and pass instead and get forced to a lot of turnovers. I love basketball but nerves strike me when I play any sort of match. I noticed improvements in my ability about 2 weeks ago where I scored more than usual. Then the following week I became even more nervous and sucked. I love basketball with passion and want to improve and become better. What advice would you give me?
Hi!
Being afraid of making mistakes will cause you to make more mistakes. Focus on the fundamentals and playing relaxed. As your skills improve the less nervous you will be. Let me know if you need more assistance.
All the Best!
Delice
Thank you for the advice i will use it and become better. Also i want to know what should i be thinking while making the shot? I always have a negative voice telling me i must make the shot. And do you know any drills i can do on my own in order to improve my mid ranged jump shot?
Thanks in advance
When you are making your shot you should be thinking of NOTHING. All the thinking is done in practice. Once you hit the court you want to let it flow. If you find yourself thinking a lot for now practice a little more. Every time you hear that negative voice IMMEDIATELY say to yourself I will make the shot. My area of expertise is the mental game so I don’t feel comfortable giving advice on the drills. The drills you need to do are very basic so any coach or ball player can advise you. Stay in touch and let me know how you are progressing.
Hey thank you so much for your advice. My game has improved MASSIVELY ( let it flow ) i dont think i’ve ever scored so much in my life. However im now worried about my peformance next week, i dont know if i can keep it up and im nervous again. But you are amazing.
You are most welcome! Develop a pre game routine. That will help as well.
All the Best!!
Hi. When I’m playing at the park, I am having fun and performing well. However, I always choke because I always think of negative things like my shots will miss and I will turn the ball over. FYI, It started when I am playing with my friends and we lost because I made a mistake. The blamed me. So, I always choose to pass the ball to my teammates(I am afraid to score because my shots may not go in). Please give me some advice on how to overcome that fear.
The answer is not quite that simple, however, a good place to start is building your confidence. Once you have confidence in your ability you will shoot more. When you shoot more your average of good shots will increase. Let me know if you need more assistance.
All the Best!
thanks for the advice, hope it is helpful
hey i perform in practice very well knock down shots on a basis and play good ball but when i play in a game with a whole squad i choke or give up easy looks due to stupid penalties like travels. i was driving on a smaller dude and i see people kinda wanting the ball so i just threw the ball away because i wasn’t confident i could make the layup A LAYUP and times where i pass up open fast breaks when after i realized that it was a bad decision and there are times that i get 0 points a game when i play with a squad at an open gym session. i think its pressure to not let my team down and causing turnovers. but i want to know what you think and how to fix this.
Hi im eljhon im 16 y/o basketball player , im a varsity in my school. I always do my best in everypractice
Sometimes before i go to school i will wake up too early in the morning just to take some drills with self
to streghten my lower body and do push ups before i sleep to have good upper body. In my varsity team,
im the one who is the best in defense amongst all of my teammates. I dont take too much dribble when i get
The ball i just want to take jump shots or drive it in take a contact. Im a man of fundamentals.
but sir when i play in my team in our village the coach wants me to play as a point guard
im his starting point guard but when i play on my school my position is shooting guard cause i cant handle
or guard the ball well. When i have the ball and someone run to me to steal the ball. I know have to do a
crossover or any hesitations. But when i do. I always slip the ball. The ball goes to him, right in front of him
cause i slip the ball :3 i dont know why and how im going to get rid of it
im am willing to be a point guard. I want to do the best for my team but i cant 🙁 what do you think i can do
To get rid of it. I want to be the best. I want to help a lot. Help me sir
I would start by focusing on the fundamentals of that position and building confidence. If you need help with building confidence I can help you with that. Ask your coach or someone on a higher level to assist you with the fundamentals.
All the Best!
i was 14 years old and before i’m enjoying to play at the park but after i had my anxiety i feel like i’m not as good as before because anxiety hit me. i started losing losing ang losing i cannot perform as good as before because i feel like my opponent is better than me and i overthink too much even when playing and i feel like i’m not enjoying to play basketball anymore so i am just forcing myself to play even though i do not want this kinda sounds stupid but i just want some advice to get me back on track.
Learning to relax will help you with the anxiety and meditation will help you to focus. Download the Relaxation and Meditation on the site. That will help you a lot in getting back on track.
what is the best way to forget about a negative experience on the court?
Processing the event and imagery.
I have a 13 year old son who loves basketball and is pretty good although there is room for improvement.
He has so much anxiety once the season starts that he gets an upset stomach and will even vomit before the came …..and of lately just practice is causing him to feel sick to his stomach.
He’s missing out on class because he’s in bathroom getting sick. So now he doesn’t want to eat so that he will not vomit…..I don’t want to pull him from the team but he can go on like this for the whole season it just started this week.
I have tried to get him to try meditation but he does not feel it will help of course he has only tried it a couple of times and only short 3-5 min. sessions. I live just over the line in South Carolina but I am ready to drive to where you are if it will help him with this. Really in need of help……..
Relaxation and meditation are good tools to use, however it takes practice to get to the point that it will help. If the problem is that serve sound like there are other issues going on that need to be address. I am located in Durham, North Carolina. Give me a call and we can discuss a plan 704-201-2460 or email me directly for a quicker response. delicecoffey@gmail.com.
Hi,
Just happened to stumble upon this site recently and I haven’t had the chance to actually do the mental relaxation drills. This has been my issue for the past few games in our league; I don’t know what’s happening but I get real nervous and it messes my whole game up to the point that I can’t even do a decent drive to the basket (which is the exact opposite of how I perform during pick-up games – they say I’m unstoppable 😀 ). Any advice on how I can overcome this?
P.S.
Doing a little research cause’ we got a big game this weekend. 🙂
Its hard to give advice specifically to you without more information, however in general athletes with issue you like described lack trust in their abilities and skills. Athletes who dont trust their abilities usually do better in games other than the primary competition. Hope this helps. If you need more information feel free to reach out again.
All the Best!
I play varsity basketball and Jv at first I would get nervous and I would play nervous then as I go on and play it ussallu goes away and I play like I practice but then one game came up and I just chocked Because we were going against this team that we needed to beat in that game I made so many mistakes and my coach said I need more Jv so now I play 4 quarters Jv and 1 varsity. When I play varsity now I get super nervous and I try to calm down by taking deep breathes but my heart rate is still up and then when I get out there I have a dry mouth and I make little mistakes that I shouldn’t. I need advise
Hi!
Sorry for the delay. From what you have shared anxiety and confidence seems to be your biggest problem. You are off to a good start by doing the deep breathing. I would recommend including visualization and building your confidence. If you need help with this I have a CD you can download on the site. I would recommend with that first. Go to sportspsychologybacketball.com Relaxation & Imagery. If you have more questions let me know and also let me know how the CD works for you.
All the Best!
Hi I am a senior in high school and I start on the varsity team. I am an overall good defender and I am a great shooter during practices. My problem is during games I rarely ever look to shoot and when I do I think about the outcome and it causes me to miss. I know that I should just gain confidence in myself and try to overcome it, but for some reason I just can’t. After every game my coaches and everyone are telling me to shoot but I always give the ball up because I also have a lot of other great shooters on my team. It’s towards the end of my season where winning games is very important and I just can’t gain the confidence to shoot the ball and to stop overthinking. I just don’t know what to do at this point. Thanks
Hi Alice!
Sound like you know what the problem is which is half of the battle. I would recommend my workbook to help you build your confidence. You can purchase it at this link – https://livingwellcentre.com/products. Let me know if I can be of any further help to you.
All the Best!
Hi how are you doing. I’m a 13 year old boy in 8th grade and i love basketball. I only have one problem is that I’m afraid of getting yelled at by a teamate or a coach. Every time i’m by myself playing with someone who I’m used to or a friend, or someone who I think i’m better than I play amazing. But when I start playing with someone who Is really good I start to get scared and I think they would get mad at me if I miss a shot. This has also affect me on my team because i feel like every time i make a mistake their thinking he sucks, and stuff like i wish he wasn’t on my team, And the better players get mad at me. Thanks
Hey!
Sorry for the delay. Sound like you have the skills. I would recommend building your confidence. Go to sportspsychologybasketball.com and get my building confidence book. That will help alot. Keep me posted.
Having some business cards on hand also, is another great way for your
name to get out there to potential buyers.
I’ve struggled with performance anxiety all my basketball playing life. I started playing in 5th grade, and now I’m a sophomore in high school.. these tips really helped me to get the confidence that I need… just go into the game and play, because In the end, basketball isn’t everything in life
Im so glad my posts are helping you! Keep reading and keep up the good work!!!
Cheers 🙂
Hi, this really helped. I got moved up to a more intense high level soccer team and there is so much pressure it is getting in my head and makes me mess up even when I know I can do better. I am also recovering from an injury which is also always in my head and I’m trying to find ways to overcome it and I will try these tips they seem like they will work!!
Hey,
This isn’t basketball but football. I play varsity football for my high school and before every game we have a pregame routine where we run the plays with the whole team watching us behind us. I play wide receiver and I have pretty good hands. But during this pregame session, I always get very nervous and afraid I will drop the ball that is thrown to me in he play. If I do drop the ball I think of how the coaches will be dissapointed with me and I get nervous. So far I dropped a ball in pregame but I usually catch the ball in the game. I don’t know why I fear this, yet I’m perfectly fine in the game. This makes me nervous and it’s hard to enjoy football when I’m worrying. I know that this is a confidence issue, but I don’t know how to overcome it. Could you help me with this?
Please accept my apology. I thought I responded to this. I understand what you are going through and it could be a combination of both fear of failure and confidence. Visit my football site at http://www.sportspsychologyfootball.com and see if that will help you. If you need more assistance please email back. There is also a free assessment that will also help me to help you so you may want to consider taking that.
All the Best,
Delice
I admit… Im not very good at basketball… everytime during match, i am so afraid… What if i turn over the ball? What if i do something wrong? What if my coach scolds me? What if my teammates scolds me? Blames me? That all because of me, we lost.
One time during competition, coach put me in. The next day, all my teammates say im useless im a burden… idk what to do anymore… shld i quit basketball?
Hi Jerald:
Ask yourself this question. Do I want to get better? The answer to that question will tell you if you should quite basketball. The first thing I would recommend is to build your confidence. Go to https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ and get my workbook on Building Confidence. That will help you out A LOT. After you purchase the book if you have questions let me know.
All the Best!!
Delice
Hi, I’m an 8th grader and I have 3 weeks to get ready for basketball tryouts. I worked really hard during the summer but I got injured and was out for 4 weeks.32 people will make it and 30 will get cut. I keep trying to tell myself that I’ve worked so hard so I can do it. But last year I got injured and couldn’t tryout. I’m worried that everyone is going to be good and I’m going to mess up or not be ready in time and won’t make the team. How do I call myself.
Hi There,
Did you mean how do you calm yourself?
How do I calm myself I’m a very talented point gapuard I’m averagin 15 points in practice but when it comes to games I’m only averaging like 6 what should I do? Also I often make a move on a defender when I’m bringing the ball up but then I get into trouble for not passing it what should I do? My coach runs a bad offenese where we just swing pass and cut.
Hi, sorry for the delay. In order for me to really help you I will need for you to complete an assessment. That will give me information so my recommendations can be individualize and specifically for you, however, in general most athletes improve when they build their confidence. Check out an Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series-Building Confidence at http://www.mindsetsportspsychology.com
This article has really helped me. I was even recognized by other players. They are talking to me now. Thanks to whoever wrote this article
It was me – Delice Coffey :-). I am glad the article helped you. Keep me posted on your progress!
All the Best!!
Whenever i play with people I dont know i play really well but in front of high school and friends i play horribly what should I do ?
Hey!
Sorry for the delay. Check out my workbook on Building Confidence it will help!! https://livingwellcentre.com/products/
I’m 15, and have played basketball for the past few years. A couple of my friends always remind me that I have a really good shot, but I’m always scared to take them in a game. (in fear I’ll miss badly). I also get really timid on court when the ball gets passed to me, fearing that ill turn it over. My vision sometimes blurs over this fear when playing a game, and I also hate crowds. I know that may be a lot of problems, but I’m hoping you could help build my self confidence.
Sure I can help you with your confidence. We can do individual sessions or you can purchase my workbook, An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series-Building Confidence and that will help you as well. https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ Let me know how I can help.
All the best!
I’ve been playing basketball since I was in 3rd grade, and now I’m a Sophomore in high school. There are some days I really love playing and I’m very passionate about basketball but he performance anxiety and stress gets in the way of me enjoying it. Some days I feel really confident in myself and other days it goes away for some reason. I’m a really good shooter, ball handler, passer, and aggressive on defense, but for some reason I have a hard time staying confident. Next week is my first game and I play JV and Varsity, I’m nervous and when I think about it I feel like I’m going to throw up. What should I do to calm down and be confident in myself all of the time ?
Hi Jenna,
I am hearing the need to learn how to relax and build your confidence. In addition, to those 2 things having a pregame routine will also help. Go to https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ and get The Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series- Building Confidence and Relaxation & Guided Imagery. Those two will be a big helping you decreasing your nervousness.
All the
Best!
Hi, I only started playing basketball recently before the summer. I think I’ve improved a little bit since I began but it’s hard to judge. All of the girls on my team are brilliant players and have been playing since they were 5 and 6 years old while I started this year at age 13. I have a lot to catch up on. I’ve avoided playing matches for as long as I can but now our next match in January seems pretty inevitable and I’m going to have to play. I’m super nervous that the other girls on my team or even more so the coaches are going to yell at me, and get angry and embarass me if I miss a shot, turn the ball over or forget a technique. Do you have any advice on how to not feel like throwing up before the game and just letting my movements flow?I’ve only started playing team sports and competitive sports recently so I’m not very used to the enormous amount of pressure and games that we are expected to play. Thank you.
Hi Madenzie,
Learning to relax will help your game flow a great deal. Since this is your first year playing it will be helpful to spend extra time learning the foundations of the game and building your confidence in your skills. Since your main concern is not being so nervous, I would recommend getting The Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series-Relaxation & Guided Imagery. Go to https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ and you will find it there.
All the best and don’t give up!!
I’m seeing a lot of fear through this thread. I’ve been coaching almost 20 years. I’ve learned that there is no shortcut for time spent improving and game speed repetitions. A lot of fear in kids comes from being afraid their skills aren’t good enough.
The tips above are fantastic for fear in the moment. A lot of confidence comes from practicing not until you can get it right but until you can’t get it wrong.
Parents be positive and have their back but let them know there is no shortcut to time and reps.
Hi Coach!
Thank you for the feedback. You made some good points in your response as well. I can tell you are doing some good work with your kids. Keep on keeping on!
I am so glad I found thread. My son is a freshman and plays for a local team that’s very competitive. He has played basketball for over 4 years now and loves. He has come a long way in his skills, however when he plays street ball he plays much better. He rarely makes any shots in games, turns the ball over, and loses most of his court awareness. He has said he can’t handle the pressure and I know its a lack of confidence. The couch has made him point guard this year which he is excited. But I want him to beat this anxiety. He is shy naturally and also has adhd and I noticed if he takes his medication he plays a little better. But still chokes under pressure. I’ve read all your advice and have not yet tried it. I just wish we could have a game simulation to practice not just improving skills but getting over performance anxiety. I tell him its ok to mess up. Its ok to air ball it or fail. But you keep trying and never give up. Become the best you can be. I think people are to hard on themselves especially kids these days. A competitive nature is ok but having a good time rather you win or lose matters more. This way of thinking has made me successful at many things, but I had to fail at many things in order to succeed at some. I can only hope he gets past this and unleashes the basketball beast inside of him.
Hello!
Keep me posted on his progress.
All the Best!!
I’m 15 and 5’9. I’m a sophomore and last year as a freshman I played varsity unexpectedly.Didnt get much minutes at the beginning of the season but towards the end I was starting now as a sophomore I’m in a huge slump and my confidence is at an all time low. I can score in bunches but now I only get like 2 points a game. Help me please
I totally understand what you are going to. Go to https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ and get The Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series – Building Confidence. That will help you get out of the slump.
All the Best!
I’m in 8th grade and 5’7”. I’m very athletic fast, a great shooter, and top 2 on team. Whenever I play at the Y, pickup, or practice, I’m insane. However, whenever I play in games, I think too much and can’t seem to relax. I’ve had games with 15+ points in the fall, and this year I have not been scoring as much. My dad had this problem as a kid, any advice? I need to relax more. Thanks!
Hi there!
Building your confidence will help you relax when playing. If you are confident in your skills and ability your performance will be effortless. In order for your performance to be effortless, you have to relax. Therefore, build your confidence so you can relax. Check out my workbook – An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series – Building Confidence it will help. https://livingwellcentre.com/products/
And Sorry I accidentally posted twice. It said I️ did not post my comment so I️ figured it got deleted and made a new one. Once the new one was posted, I️ was able to see both, whoops
No worries 🙂
Thanks so much
My pleasure!
Hey. I have like confidence issues. And I’ve had them for over a year. And I at this point I don’t knw what we’ll help. Like I try to breath and stuff but sometimes it’s just not that simple. When I’m shooting by myself or playing one on one with my friends I have a good shot. And my free throws fall. My post moves are more fluid. But during actual practice and games. I’m I’ve been terrified to shoot. And at this point if I do decide to shoot my body is so nervous I’ll sitball it or it will hit the side of the backboard. And I dont know whether it’s my hands my legs or what but it gets to me. And it just gets worse. My coaches last year told me I wasn’t allowed to shoot outside, after they saw me work on it all summer. And then I started the season out good on free throws. But then one game I was all jittery because my coach told me to be ready to go in and then he didn’t sub me in for at least 5 minutes. And I shanked both my free throws. And I just lost confidence in them. And ur was still alright but then at state I went 3-8 in a game and everyone kept making fun of it and just progressed and progressed to where I started airballing them. Now it’s not as bad but I’m still nervous. And at this point I feel like it’s not as simple as just block out the noise. And i don’t know what to do
Hi, I’m almost 15 and I am a freshman swing player just one game into the post season. I am the tallest on my team. I feel like at the beginning of the season I was a much better player than I am now. While I’m not very confident when attacking the basket and I excel more at rebounding and defense I used to score around 4 layups a game. But now when I go in I hardly ever drive to the basket and when I do I either end up being too far under and hitting the bottom, miss the world’s easiest layup, or get miss getting smacked on the arm without the refs calling it or noticing. My coach tells us that if we are to go to the basket then we better lay the ball in and not miss. This prevents me from going to the basket as I am not confident enough to do so. However, there is someone on my team who drives to the basket from the foul line all the time and she is just fouled and put to the line to make 19 free throws a game. I know I can play so much better for in AAU I would drive to the basket a lot more. Lately, I can’t score any points and it really just brings me down and frustrated me into thinking that I just am really bad at basketball. What can I do to improve this. This scenario just mentally brings me down especially when my family brings it up.
Hello! Sound like you have alot going on. I think the place to start is building your confidence. I have a book called An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series – Building Confidence that I think may help. Go to sportspsychologybasketball.com and click products. You will see it there.
Let me know if I can be of further help.
All the Best!
Hey
I’ve been struggling with my nerves during a game and i cant seem to snap out of it. My mind justs goes negative during a game. I really need some advice. My team don’t make it any better and i just don’t know how to snap out of it. I know this is in 2018 and all these comments have been posted on 2014 but if you could respond that would be great.
Thank you for your time.
Hi There!
The best way to control your nerves is by learning to relax before the game. Try some deep breathing exercises.It will help.
All the Best!
Thx for the help. Im so sorry foe the delay but thank you. I have a game today and i will try your advice. Thankk for your time Delice Coffey.
Hey I’m 5’9 and in 8th grade , and when I’m at home i excell at dribbling, shooting , and shifting defenders (close friends that come over) but whenever I get to school I miss open shots I can’t dribble nearly as good much as I do at home and I end up turning over the ball . Now I’m usually put on the bad team and I go against the better kids that play and my team always loses . I know that I can be good I just don’t know how to play like I do at my home .
Hi There!
The first things that come to my mind are lack of confidence, trusting your skills and anxiety. All of these will interfere with playing ball. My guess is when you are at home you are relaxed and enjoying the game. Playing relaxed will help you play well. Then when you get with other kids you get tensed, lose confidence and do not trust what you know. I would suggest starting with building your confidence. I have a workbook that can help you with that. It’s called an Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance – Building Confidence. Go to https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ you can find it there. If you have questions or need more help after getting the workbook let me know.
All the Best!
Delice
Hi, I’m 15 and for a while now I’ve been having anxiety problems whenever I try out for a team or play on a team, lately I feel like it’s been getting much worse I look up ways how to stop worrying so much to where I can play to the fullest I’m real good and think I could actually go somewhere with basketball in the future but I just get so nervous and tense up, stopping me from playing good. Lately my grandad took me to a gym and some guys were playing pick up and my grandad wanted me to play but I just felt so nervous I didn’t even wanna ask to join, and haven’t went since I told him how I felt and he was saying just play like it doesn’t matter and other things too but I just couldn’t, and at this point I’m starting to want to give up on basketball please help I wanna try out for the team this year but I feel like if I don’t get past this I’ll never get anywhere, sorry for making it so long
Kyree,
See the Previous post.
In addition to the workbook An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series: Building Confidence, try some relaxation and deep breathing. Those will help as well.
All the Best!
Hello! My daughter is 9 years old and is pretty good for her age. Her skill set is good for her age,but her IQ is kind of low.She is having a hard time ” seeing the floor” and making smart passes. She does well with driving to the basket and making layups, but her coach and I have been trying to help not just her, but her whole team with passing. She’s probably the 2nd best player on the team, but is struggling the most with this. She had her worst game today and we all noticed that she was completely off. She told me afterwards she was overthinking and it’s so much she has to remember. I usually have talks with her after games/ practices to help her see her strong and weak points. I also find videos for her to watch to help her with her weaknesses and I allow her to watch herself play and she watches college or NBA games. I researched ways to help a player know the game and these are the ideas that I found. I’m beginning to think this is too much for her. She’s very competitive, so I was looking for anything to help her. I hate seeing her struggle with a game she has so much potential in and loves so much.What are your thoughts?
Hi Latisha!
Sounds like you have a very talented daughter and you are indeed doing some good things to help her. At this point based on what you have written, I am picking up on anxiety as you said in addition to confidence, doubt, fear, frustration, and focus. I have some strategies I can share with you that will help your daughter. However, I do think you may be overwhelming her with trying to “fix” the problem – with love of course. Just like basketball, when your mental game if off and you have tried various things, and they are not working it is time to get back the basics. Your daughter is 9. If I were to meet with her, my first two questions would be: Is basketball fun now like it was when you started? “Tell me all the fun things about basketball when you started. What her face light up! I think it is time to get back to basics and put the fun back in basketball her game.
All the Best!
Delice Coffey
Last year I played JV only and I did well. My 3 was falling. My freethrows were going in just fine. This year I’ve played some varsity, and for some reason I can’t overcome the pressure of playing at that level. And it’s still converting to JV when I play there also. Overall, I’ve let anxiety take over how I play and I have no idea how to fix it 🙁
Hi Rayan!
Sorry for the delay. The best way to control anxiety is with relaxation and building your confidence. Check out my workbook – An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series – Building Confidence. https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ That will help you a great deal. Let me know if I can be of further help.
All the Best!
Hey I’m 14 and I been playing basketball since 5th grade but when I use to play in 5th grade I didn’t get nervous at all I just had fun but when I got to 6th grade I just got extremely nervous in games like I can even control how i dribble and shoot I just get so nervous that I can even play anymore and it’s been like that in 7th,8th tooo but I didn’t play this year in 9th grade because I knew how stage fright I am but My parents are making me do AAu this spring and I’m already thinking bout how nervous I’m going to be …. I need help
Hi James!
Sorry for the delay. The best way to control anxiety is with relaxation and building your confidence. Check out my workbook – An Athlete’s Guide to Peak Performance Series – Building Confidence. https://livingwellcentre.com/products/ That will help you a great deal. Let me know if I can be of further help.
All the Best!
What is the best way I can get an initial consultation for my child to determine if a long term may be needed.
Hi There!
You can email me at delicecoffey@gmail.com, call or text at 704.201.2460.
I look forward to hearing from you!
DCoffey
Hi There!
I thought I replied to this but I am not seeing a response. You may contact me directly at dr.dcoffey@gmail.com.
This is helping me, I never knew how anxious I was until the coach gave me this to read. I’ve really “slowed down” in thought provides and overall this has helped our team!
Hi There!
I am so glad I can help on your journey to becoming the best athlete you can be.
Soar To The Top!
Dr. D. Coffey
My daughter is a unbelievable athlete, type A perfectionist, national honor society, and gives 110% all the time . But she sometimes has anxiety hit her during the first quarter of basketball and she hyperventilates and it’s hard to watch . She’s very fast and I can see her struggling . But she will not ask to come out of the game to get her breathing under control . She said she feels dizzy , confused and her breathing is very fast and weird and sometimes she thinks she’s gonna pass out . She is very fast and I know it’s happening when she starts moving slow, because that’s not her. She doesn’t know what triggers it she said it just hits out of the blue. I know some things to do but want to help her . She’s such a great athlete I hate her having to fight this
Hi Ape! Sorry for the delay. COVID-19 threw me off track. Your daughter’s situation is very specific and I will be doing you a disservice giving you advice without talking to her or doing an assessment. Feel free to contact me so we can discuss her situation in detail. dr.dcoffey@gmail.com.
Cheers!
I’m 16 years old and everytime i play any type of pickup game or school game it get so nervous and scared and play timid i always pass the ball or turn it over .. i’m scared to dribble but i know i can do everything like shoot , dribble etc because i do it by myself .. everytime i get the ball someone just takes it out of my hand from me freezing up and they end up saying that i’m scared could you please give me some advice
Hi Jayden! Sorry for the delay. COVID- 19threw me off track. One way to deal with fear is to practice what you are afraid will happen. Use relaxation and affirmations while you are practicing and developed a pregame routine. By doing this you will elevate your game and not be afraid or nervous.
I am a 15 year old boy who is 5″1 and I love playing basketball. I play really well in the driveway against my five year old brother, but for some reason I can’t seem to make my high school team. Even when I give the coach that sloppy toppy, maybe I should practice on my basketball skills but I get really nervous when I shoot the ball, any tips??
Hi Seymour! Sorry for the delay COVID-19 got me off track. If you are getting nervous when you are shooting do deep breathing and affirmations. It works every time.
Cheers!
Dr. D. Coffey