“I’ve never had to rehab anything. This is so tough coming in doing the same thing every day. And then mentally, it can be tough. You’ve got to keep your spirits high, stay positive and come in every day with a mindset of trying to get better.”
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook

Any athlete that plays any sport for long usually succumbs to an injury of some kind. This may be a simple muscle strain, or a season ending, surgery requiring, life changing event that forever alters the mental toughness of the athlete. The key is to find a way to use recovery time to increase mental focus and gain overall strength so that when the athlete returns to the sport, they are both physically and mentally stronger than previous to the injury.

Basketball players who desire to develop a strong basketball confidence and unshakable mental toughness must always create and follow a rehabilitation plan should an injury or illness occur. Developing a recovery plan that incorporates rehab while also addressing the mental aspect of recovery diminishes the time needed for healing and allows the player to return to the game with an even stronger mental toughness and focus.

The first key aspect to dealing with injuries is preparation to prevent. The stellar athlete goes to great lengths to improve their flexibility through stretching exercises, strengthen muscles through weight lifting, creating superb health by eating fresh foods, and living clean lifestyles that promote an overall strength in physical and mental health. Many injuries are prevented by the stretching and health regimen practiced BEFORE a workout. While some athletes claim that stretching takes too much time, an injury takes significantly much longer to rehabilitate. The hours you spend with preventative measures consistently earn you better performance with fewer injuries.

Sports psychologists for basketball understand there are many facets that occur within the recovery of a player to become mentally tough following an injury. Some players experience disbelief and anger. Although these are understandable emotions depending on the severity of the injury, they also limit the players thinking from a positive mindset that is crucial to optimal recovery.

Kobe Bryant expressed anger and disbelief this past year when he suffered a season ending Achilles tendon injury. “This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I’ve done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen?!? Makes no damn sense” Understandable emotions and reactions do nothing to aid or shorten your recovery from an injury. Once the initial shock wears off it is important to develop a plan of recovery, surround yourself with positive voices of encouragement, and focus on the future and what will be, not the past and the “what ifs”. Developing a mental picture of a successful return to the court allows the brain to remain positive while dealing with effects of an injury.

A great recovery plan does not push the player to return before they are physically ready, but rather adjusts the timeline of return based on the athlete’s progress and strength. Every athlete is different, so it is crucial to develop an individual plan based on the player’s strengths as well as their injury. The mentally tough athlete understands there is no “cookie cutter” process of recovery, but rather a lengthy course that should be tailored to the individual in order to gain maximum recovery. The athlete who desires to reach their maximum potential must address how an injury affects them, and what is their plan to reach full recovery.

The injured player that demonstrates basketball confidence must first develop a strong mental program as well as the physical parameters in their plan of recovery. Finding a seasoned coach or support personnel to assist with this plan is also important. This helps keep focus on the present and future recovery without dwelling on the hurt from the past. Successful basketball players with an injury must return to the game after rehab with a vengeance so as not to personify weakness. Utilizing proper nutrition generally aids in determining if a program was successful or not, and visualizing the healing process also shortens the duration. When any injury occurs it is imperative to realize that a proper rehab program must address both the physical and mental aspect of recovery.