“In all my years one thing has never changed; you win with serious, tough-minded players. That never changes” – Tom Thibodeau

What makes a great basketball player?

Is it heart, talent, preparation or a combination of all of these?

Why do some break through to astonishing levels of athletic success and performance while others seem to have to fight to just get a glimpse of it?

The search for a formula to consistent winning has been a quest for many athletes and teams around the globe for years. What is the magic to putting it all together? Even the greats in basketball have trouble explaining what it is that makes them great. There has to be something. Some other seemingly hidden or obscure element or factor seems to be in play for the best of the best.

It’s the mind that ultimately makes the difference.

Mind is the power of the belief in ultimate successful outcome.

It is a state of energy that flows from a mindset that is focused on only one intention, winning it all. Without the power of the mind it doesn’t matter how much grit you have within or how much grind you go through. An unwavering belief must lead the way or else all the other efforts will be futile. There must be no doubt in your capabilities or the intention and capabilities of the team as a whole. When you are operating from this ultimate state, you will possess an improved basketball mental toughness.

Understanding of how your mind works sets you apart.

There are a few basic ways the frames of mind can be used to better your basketball mental skills.

First, you need to break down the different state of your mind to understand the different functions your minds have, and can help you developed a better understanding of what frame you would want to be in at any given time. For example, when there is a play going on you should be 100% engaged.

You can create pictures in your mind. The pictures you create with your imagination, and visualization are recorded into your memory banks. This is the internal representation of your outside world. You can take control of your life and your basketball game by choosing which thoughts you are putting into the data bank of your mind.

As you try to be deeply engaged in your game, your mind creates a barrier but also assists in keeping a read on what else is going on in the environment. Your ability to reflect on your experiences can give you new information to analyze and learn from, which over time and repetitions will become habits in your minds.

Remember, dreams and hopes don’t become reality unless you use your energy to make them come true.

The stronger your internal representation is of what you want, the easier it will be to produce the best results you want.

*Download the free mental game assessment and get started on Improving your Mental Game in Basketball