“When you choose to compete, you make the conscious decision to find out what your real limits are, not just what you think they are.” Pat Summit

The development of basketball confidence starts with your mindset and not with external sources.

Certainly, affirmations are necessary from coaches and parents, but true confidence grows from a positive self-assessment of yourself.

For this reason, it is necessary to cultivate a positive self-image and consistently view yourself as successful, both on and off the court. You cannot expect to win if you first do not consider yourself a winner.

Effective mental preparation for basketball must incorporate exercises to strengthen your self-image and sustain a positive mindset on your abilities.

The first step to believing that you are a winner is to put in the necessary practice time and 100% effort at every opportunity.

Legendary Coach John Wooden summed it up when he said, “Confidence comes from being prepared.”

If a player practices half-heartedly or lacks commitment in the offseason, it is difficult for them to feel they deserve success, and their basketball confidence plummets. They know they have not given their best. Sometimes this lack of motivation stems from a fear you won’t be successful or even of failure.

It takes courage and mental toughness to commit to an endeavor with your entire mind and body.

If your motivation is lacking, then analyze your views of your abilities and your performance on the court. Do you see yourself as a winner? Do you see yourself shooting the game-winning free throw or blocking the shot of a star opponent?

If your answer is no to these questions, you must first deal with the image you hold of yourself before you can find the motivation necessary for the commitment required in practice to find success on the court.

When you foster a healthy self-concept, it builds basketball confidence and mental toughness as a result.

Sports psychology for basketball offers these affirmations to repeat in your thoughts to improve your self-image constantly.

• I am strong! Consider the possibility of overpowering the defender who fouls or attempts to block your shot. You are strong!
• I am fast. Envision your speed on the fast break beating all opponents or intercepting a pass with your quickness. Remember the time spent on speed drills and conditioning; you know you have put in the necessary effort. You are fast!
• I know the game! See yourself knowing the perfect play to run. You have a great vision of the court and understand your role on the team. You know the game!
• I am a winner! You and your team are triumphant as the final buzzer sounds. Imagine raising the championship trophy. You are a winner!

The ability to find success on the court begins with how you view your abilities.

Cultivate your self-concept because the winner is in the mirror waiting to be unleashed.

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