“I’m not perfect. But I am trying every day to concentrate on being better.”
Allen Iverson
Most basketball players who find success on the court learn the importance of goals in developing mental toughness and growth in their game. The mind’s ability to focus drives the body’s ability to perform at a higher level.
Process goals are mini goals that strengthen mental focus and help maintain a positive mindset which also improves performance on the court. Sports psychologists for basketball promote the use of process goals to keep an athlete’s thoughts focused on their present play, and not worrying about past mistakes or future pressures.
During the establishment of process goals it is important to incorporate two different types, both performance and mental process goals. Both eliminate worry about an outcome, but rather maintain a constant focus on what happens right now.
Performance goals are strictly concerned with action in the present time. A great example would be to give 100% effort, which is easily stated but sometimes difficult to adhere to in the fourth quarter. The athlete with this performance goal would constantly push to go all out and leave every amount of physical energy on the court. During practice or a game they would analyze their current effort and decide if they were truly giving their all.
Another great performance process goal might be to drive strong to the basket, or “play with power”. Again this sustains an encouraging mindset not concerned with the result of the drive or aggressive play. It simply allows the player to keep a persistent mental focus by managing their thoughts.
Mental process goals are also concerned with the present, but rather focus on the mental game of basketball. An example of a mental process goal would be to “keep it positive”, where thoughts and reactions were analyzed so that any negative behavior was eliminated. Was player upset over a perceived bad call from an official? How did their behavior and reaction affect their ability to play at their peak on the very next play?
An effective mental goal resets their thoughts to a positive plan of action, not a reaction to a negative experience. Anther possible mental process goal would be to “stick to the game plan”, which effectively means the current game plan right now, not the previous quarter, nor concern for the future. All of the player’s focus is directed at the present play, rather than being fractured into negative concern over previous mistakes, or the opponents play.
The power that an athlete’s mental game for basketball plays into the overall success they find on the court is just as important as their physical abilities. Basketball confidence is strengthened and maintained by developing an effective plan for mental toughness and focus.
Process goals provide one facet in maintaining an overall mental toughness for the game, and establishing a “live in the moment” attitude.
Miami Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra once offered his advice about living and playing in the present when he said, “that’s probably the best way to live in life is in the moment, and that will guarantee you’re in the moment.”