Both the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball teams begin their tournaments for the National Championships in what is affectionately called “March Madness”. With the men starting on March the 19th, and the women starting on the March 23rd, the end of the month provides many an opportunity to witness stellar performances and examples of mental toughness on the hardwood.
The team that wins a national championship must maintain a strong mental focus and basketball confidence by winning six games over the course of two weeks with formidable distractors in travel, media, and culminating pressure. March Madness is exciting for fans and athletes alike, and the excitement builds with each win towards the crowning of the new National Champions of 2013.
Diminishing the power of negative distracters is key to finding success in the tournament. Teams must deal with the media frenzy that gains in momentum as the tournament progresses. Sports psychology in basketball emphasizes the importance of a positive mental calmness and formidable focus on the ultimate ability to achieve optimum physical performance. Presently the number one ranked men’s team is Gonzaga, and with that ranking comes a drastic amount of pressure to succeed in the tournament.
The Bulldogs celebrate the challenge, and Coach Mark Few expressed his plan for success, “There might be a larger mass of (attention), but it’s certainly not something new. We’ll keep doing what we’re doing. This group handles it really well. They don’t get too caught up in it.” The men’s 2013 national championship game will be decided on Monday, April 8th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
The team with a strong mental toughness and players that possess a stellar basketball confidence are critical in overcoming six games against the best teams in the country. Great coaches understand the power of the mind over performance and utilize sports psychology and mental game coaches to assist their players in achieving success beyond their dreams.
Currently, the Baylor Lady Bears are ranked at the top of this year’s women’s polls. No stranger to success, Lady Bears coach Kim Mulkey offered the positive anticipation of her team when she said, “The postseason, its here. It’s time. It’s time to bring it!” The women’s national championship game will be played on Tuesday, April 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana.
March Madness is filled with spectacular playmakers, outrageous upsets, and Cinderella stories that intrigue a nation over the course of two weeks until the National Champions are crowned. Even non basketball fans tune in to watch the results of the NCAA tournament, and cheer for the players and team that exhibit extraordinary teamwork and mental toughness.
Traversing the sixty-four team bracket to an ultimate championship win requires stamina, consistently positive mental focus, and the ability to remain calm within the storm of the chaos called March Madness.
Best of luck to all the collegiate teams who make up the 2013 NCAA tournament.
