“When you choose to be a competitor you choose to be a survivor. 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 a solid basketball confidence starts from within your mindset, and not with external sources.

Certainly affirmations are necessary from coaches as well, but true confidence grows from a positive self assessment and focus. 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 don’t view yourself as 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 this up when he said, “Confidence comes from being prepared.” If a player practices half heartedly, or lacks commitment in the offseason, then 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 they 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 and risk the disappointment of losing or poor performance.

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, then you must first deal with the image you hold of yourself, before you ever find the motivation necessary for the commitment required in practice to find success on the court.

When you foster healthy sports self concept it builds basketball confidence and mental toughness as a result. Sports psychology for basketball offers these affirmations to constantly repeat in your thoughts to improve your self- image.

• I am strong! Imagine yourself successfully lifting heavier weights than you currently do. 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, and know that you have put in the necessary effort. You are fast!

• I know the game! See yourself knowing the perfect play to run. You have 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 basketball court begins with how you view your abilities. Cultivate your sports self concept so that you KNOW you will win, and you will be a winner.