“Not having a mental edge dulls the physical edge you have been working toward. Develop and train the mental aspect of your game” Don Kalkstein
With the constant pressures placed on the shoulders of basketball players, it is no surprise that the mental side of personal performance has become equally as valuable as the physical side.
Having a strong mental game in basketball builds confidence; improve focus and overall performance on the court. Mastering the mental skills will give you the desire outcome of the games.
Research shows that 95% of all successful personalities or recognized teams now use some form of sports psychology in their training regime.
The Dallas Mavericks have had a sport psychologist on staff for 15 years to improve player’s concentration during games, lessen the pressure player’s place on themselves and focus on developing their mental skills.
Maverick’s power forward and 18-year veteran Dirk Nowitzki noted that working with a mental coach helped them focus on the process, minimize anxiety and develop the mental toughness needed to sustain a long career in a highly competitive league.
Displaying the defense and mental toughness instilled by their coach, Rick Carlisle, the Mavericks won their first-ever NBA championship during the 2010-11 season shutting down the Miami Heat.
Rick was just the 11th person in league history to win a title as both a player and a coach. Now, he finds himself atop the franchise’s coaching ranks with the most victories in team history.
And there was speed bumps along the way. Much of Carlisle’s first season in Dallas was a feeling-out process with the players that at times felt awkward.
Communication issues popped up and personality conflicts arose with several who have long since left the Mavs. But he remained humble and showed his mental toughness to respond more positively to these challenges.
Behind his success, the important thing is he has forged a partnership with the players based on trust and a common understanding of what’s best for the team.
As sports psychologist Rotella once said, “Rick was one of those guys as a player who was great at getting everybody to pull together and be a part of the team, he was a great leader and a very tough-minded guy.”
Those qualities have served as Carlisle’s strengths before and after injuries threw the season for a loop. He has exuded supreme confidence in — and camaraderie with — his players.
His ability to get veteran players to sacrifice and buy into specific roles has been the feel-good theme and recipe for success of this team.
Learning how to focus, manage pressure, play more consistently, deal with distractions, improve confidence and develop mental toughness can help you raise your game to the next level.
It is undeniable the impact that a basketball mental game coach can have on improving your performance during games.
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