Plan the Game in the Mind to win Basketball

One would be surprised at how much of any game is played in the mind. Take a simple example. Think of taking a shot in your mind and then visualize missing it. What are the emotions it brings about? They are surely negative. Once you get into this state of mind, there is a good chance that you will miss more than one shot and fall deeper into negativity. It is amazing how much the state of mind you are in can affect the way you play the game. However, you can master the art of turning this thought process into an upward spiral that improves your game. The following are a few tips to help you win the game of basketball in the mind.

Do not think much

Now when we say the game is played in the mind, you must realize that not thinking can also help your game. Yes, the key to playing well is silencing the mind and being in the moment. Sure there are strategies and plans in place, but a majority of your game should be played by pure instinct. You need to carry out all the thinking on the practice field and while training. This is when you can think about the mechanics of shooting, passing, dribbling etc. and capitalize on the right though processes. However, a real game can never be planned. So once you are on the basketball court, make sure you do not think much and let your practice do the job.

Do away with the fear of failure

Philosophical as it may sound, the fear of failure is the first and most detrimental step towards failure itself. Did you know that even professional basketball players do not have a hit rate of more than 50-60%? So do not put much thought into the fear of missing your shots. Anxiety is the main cause for tensing up your muscles which leads to inaccurate game skills. So make sure you can relax and help your team win instead of worrying about failure and missing shots.

Relaxing is the key to playing a great game. No doubt, you need to be sharp and in the moment. However, make sure you do not overdo it. Even too much positivity and enthusiasm can ruin it for you. The key to playing a great game of basketball is to stay in a neutral state of mind and let your game do the talking. It comes as no surprise that a lot of players these days go for meditation and other mental exercises.

Stick to your strengths

As much as we would all like to be all-rounders at a game, one must accept that we have strengths and weaknesses. While it is good to work on your weaknesses and try to improve on them, do not make them the centre of your attention. There is only so much that you can do about your limitations. Instead, try perfecting the skills you are good at and getting better at them. Again, it is all about getting in the zone where shots come easily and passing is effortless. This is a state of mind every player strives for and can be achieved only by the right mind set.

So make sure you get the game right in your head before you could take it to the court.