I would tell players to relax and never think about what’s at stake. Just think about the basketball game. If you start to think about who is going to win the championship, you’ve lost your focus.  Michael Jordan

After practicing hard all week, the moment comes– game day. Players have worked their hardest during the week to get physically and mentally prepared for their next opponent. Even everything players do during the week at times is not enough as the basketball mental game and mental toughness are what it comes down to on game day. On game day, basketball mental toughness is not built, it is revealed.

Both sides train, practice and plan so they can hopefully come up with a victory on game day. No matter what happens during the week though, the winners tend to be those who are in the zone– the ones with more basketball mental toughness.

Basketball psychology is important for the entire roster whether it be the star small forward, backup center or manager who only gets in during a blowout, the mental game is always the same.

Staying in the zone, staying in that proper basketball mind set, can pose a problem sometimes for players who struggle with their basketball mental game.

Players who lose confidence need to remember there is always room for improvement and that basketball is a team sport. In order to get focused before a game, the mental preparation begins hours before a game. For some players, they might start an hour before the game and for other guys, the process can take up to five hours.

Sports psychology is a rather tough subject as all players tend to have their own preference. Typically, the earlier a player begins, the better– as long as they do not drain their focus and energy before game time.

Relaxing before a game helps players find their zone which is extremely difficult to come by when stressed out– when having thoughts not related to the game. Stressing out, especially when the opponent is far superior will hurt the basketball mental game– focusing on each step one step at a time is key.

During the game if things do not go as planned, losing basketball confidence is quite possibly the worst thing possible. Positive thoughts help a player stay in the zone, especially if they struggle to succeed.

Basketball psychology is contagious so if one player quits on the team during a game, the rest are sure to follow. Keeping heads high helps players maintain basketball mental toughness which is key when looking for a victory and enjoying the game.

A positive attitude pays dividends on the court.

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