In many cases, mental toughness separates basketball stars from regular players.
Being one of the best basketball players in a league requires more than just a strong skill set. The greatest players take their team's most important shots in almost every instance. Players who can consistently perform at a high level in pressure-packed games generally possess a level of mental toughness that separates them from the rest of the players in their league.
Practice the Situation
Coaches and players cannot duplicate the atmosphere of a last-second play executed in front of thousands of fans with the game on the line. They can, however, practice the plays the coach believes would be the most effective in that situation. By simulating the situation and allowing the players to work on executing the plays properly, a coach can instill confidence and mental toughness in his players even without a large crowd of people looking on. Some coaches will find ways to better recreate a big-game situation, like recording crowd noise and playing it through the gym while his players shoot free throws. It may not replicate real game conditions, but it gives players a glimpse of what they'll face in a packed building.
Forget Mistakes
When a player mistakenly throws the ball out of bounds or gives up to the other team, the play is referred to as a turnover. These mistakes happen regularly at all levels of organized basketball. For those who lack mental toughness, a turnover can have a negative impact on the psyche, leading to unfocused play and even more mistakes on the court. A player looking to improve mental toughness needs to forget about turnovers or other on-court mistakes as quickly as possible. Positive reinforcement from teammates and coaches can help in this regard, with an emphasis on playing well the rest of the game rather than dwelling on a turnover that cannot be taken back.
Study the Opposition
Where talent and confidence may be lacking, a player can compensate by increasing his knowledge base. The most successful athletes usually have an intimate knowledge of their sport, and more importantly, their opponents. Players should look to gain an edge by watching games featuring future opponents, either on video or in person. Taking notes is essential, as is focusing on the team's strengths and weaknesses. The more a team knows about its opposition, the better prepared it will be to neutralize its strengths and exploit its weaknesses. Learning an opposing team's plan of attack is an effective way to instill confidence and mental toughness in a group of players.
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