Basketball is known as a fast paced, gut wrenching sport with some of the most conditioned athletes in the world.  Certainly physical fitness is a key component to being a successful basketball athlete, but learning to develop the mental game of basketball is also critical to winning consistently.  It is imperative for any  athlete to deliberately devote time and effort to developing their mental game in basketball  just as they work on their conditioning and fundamental skills.

The higher the level of play, the more important basketball mental toughness  becomes.  Scores are typically scored on a mental lapse made by the opposing team, and with constant possession changes it is a persistent vigil for each player to stay mentally alert.  One breakdown and often a score results from the opponent.  Learning to focus on the present task at hand, and shutting out any outside distractions is critical to a successful  player.  There will inevitably be shortcomings and possible setbacks, but moving past the temporary disappointments and maintaining focus and mental toughness makes all the difference.

Being able to play through aches and  pains associated with the constant running and physical exhaustion is one aspect where developing your basketball mental toughness will help.  It has been said that the body can perform 33% more work after the brain says that it cannot execute anymore.  This knowledge allows the athlete to understand that when their brain sends messages to quit, the body is fully capable to dig deep and continue on.  Not just know this information, but expect the response and not succumb to it.  Conditioning is critical and certainly the athlete should work to attain a superior level of fitness, but basketball mental toughness can take the athlete farther after the body believes it cannot continue.

Goals are extremely important for any athletic improvement.  While coaches, parents, fans, and teammates all influence a players performance and goals, their desire for improvement should truly come from within, and the ultimate judge of success should solely reside squarely on the shoulders of the athlete.  It is important for the athlete to reflect individually on what their goals of improvement are, and truly seek to achieve the goals that mean the most to them.  When speaking of goals, this was said by an athlete:

“I am not a perfectionist, but I like to fell that things are done well.  More important than that, I feel and endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans, but also to feel satisfied with myself.  It is my conviction that there are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.”

A successful basketball player seeks a constant journey of improvement focusing on the positive abilities they possess, and strengthening any weaknesses, but always emphasizing a positive mindset to progress and get stronger, mentally and physically.

Basketball is the arguably one of the world’s most popular sports with participants from just past toddler to professional superstar.  It requires a superb physical conditioning and constant mental toughness throughout the entire game.  The successful basketball player works to develop their basketball mental toughness and  eliminate barriers just as they develop their physical strength, stamina, and ball handling skills.

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 Improving your Mental Game in Basketball.