“Mental is to the physical as four is to one” – Bob Knight

You have been practicing before today, and you are confident that you will win this game.

Looking at the other team, you seem to have the physical advantage as well, which boosts your confidence even more.

The game starts, and everything is going so well until you miss a shot, then another, and another. You feel lousy for missing the clearly visible opportunities and begin to wonder what the coach is thinking.

At this moment, you realize that you have lost focus. How can you use mental skills to improve your performance and get your head back in the game?

Always Be Alert

Focus and teamwork are some of the greatest weapons a team can use to win.

However, losing focus and letting your thoughts wander to things other than the game is easy.

If you want to stand out, you have to train your mind against the habit of wandering off during practice and the game. Focusing on what matters teaches you to tune out distractions and stay alert.

Be Patient with Yourself

As an athlete yearning for a big break, getting impatient with yourself and your teammates may happen.

Learning new skills and tactics is not easy, and while two or three may have mastered some skills, others on the team may still be behind.

Learning mental skills can be challenging. Sports psychology for basketball shows that anything is achievable on the court with patience and consistency. If the team is disciplined, it is only a matter of time before they soar to the top.

Think About the Solutions, Not the Problems

If you have ever been in the scenario highlighted in the first paragraph, you may understand how easy it is to be consumed by the obstacles you face as a player. It is, however, essential to realize that dwelling on your shortcomings is not a solution.

The solution to your problems lies in your dedication to improving. The sooner you start working, the sooner you will progress.

Practice and look for creative solutions instead of dwelling on your problems and shortcomings.

Have A Positive Mindset

Having a positive mindset helps you avoid negative thoughts that take every opportunity to creep in and shatter your confidence as a basketball player.

Your mental game in basketball determines whether you play well or not.

Learning to push aside negative thoughts and welcome positive ones requires time and patience. This means you must learn to speak positively to yourself and learn techniques such as breathing and imagery to help you cope with challenging situations and maintain your focus.

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