“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.”-Michael Jordan

The loss of physical ability among basketball players does not occur overnight.

Sports psychology for basketball suggests that performance changes mainly as a result of the fluctuation in cognitive processes rather than physical changes. The loss of focus and attention is likely to result in poor performance.

It is, therefore, important for athletes to ensure that they can maintain focus at the beginning, the middle, and end of the game as their ability to focus at these times greatly affect outcomes.

It is for this reason that this article has been combined.

Explore below to understand how the level of focus can influence outcomes on basketball games and to know how you can learn to be in the moment.

Your Level of Focus Affects Performance

As a basketball player, it is important to understand your style of focus. That said, there are two main focus styles. Internal focus and external focus.

• Internal focus. Basketball players with internal focus tend to perform best when they consistently focus on the sport during competition. These kinds of players focus on specific cues and rule out all the others in a bid to stay focused. They quickly lose focus if they take their mind off the sport and will often have trouble bringing their focus back to the game when they have to play against other teams.
• External focus. The players with external focus tend to perform better when they focus on other things apart from the sport/game. However, this is not to say that these individuals do not focus on the game. In fact, players with an external focus style tend to focus on the sport when they are about to start playing. At other times, it is important for them to take their mind off the game to avoid unnecessary distractions.
  Many players and coaches think that having an internal focus style is best. However, this is not the case because basketball psychology has determined that players with external focus tend to perform better.

However, all the focus styles can yield rewards. This is why players are encouraged to understand which style is theirs and use the knowledge to improve their performance.

How Can You Maximize Focus Even Under Pressure?

To maximize focus under pressure, you must identify your focus style and use it to learn.

If you are a player whose style is mainly internal, it may help to focus on the game and to keep your eyes within the court. In this way, you will avoid any unnecessary obstructions in the crowd.

If, however, your style is more external, it may be helpful to look outside the confines of the court to help maintain focus.

For instance, it may be helpful to look at your coach as the affirmation that he is watching may help you maintain focus. This will not only help to improve your mental game in basketball but your basketball mental toughness as well.

Being Present In The Moment

Being in the present may mean different things for a player with internal or external focus. However, focusing on the present only helps you as an athlete to pose the best performance.

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