Galen Harkness • January 7, 2024
Unlocking the Mental Game: Essential Techniques for Basketball Players
Basketball is more than just physical skill; it's a mental game.
Basketball is more than just physical skill; it's a mental game. For young players, from 6th to 12th grade, mastering this aspect can be a game-changer. Here, we explore key techniques that can help these athletes elevate their game through mental training. With dedication and practice, these strategies can lead to noticeable improvements in performance and confidence.
Techniques for 6th to 8th Graders
Younger players are in the early stages of their basketball journey. Here's how to make mental training accessible and impactful for them:
Simplified Mindful Breathing and Visualization:
- Technique: Use engaging visualization, like imagining themselves successfully making a layup under pressure.
- Benefit: Enhances focus and introduces the power of positive thinking in sports.
Relatable Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations:
- Technique: During a game, encourage players to say to themselves, “I can defend well,” or “I am a good team player,” especially after a missed shot or a turnover.
- Benefit: Builds confidence and a positive mindset towards learning and improvement.
Basic Routine and Process Orientation:
- Technique: Develop simple routines, such as a specific dribbling pattern before a free throw.
- Benefit: Teaches the value of consistency and focusing on the process, not just the outcome.
Techniques for 9th to 12th Graders
As players mature, their mental training should evolve to meet their growing skills and understanding:
Advanced Mindful Breathing and Visualization:
- Technique: Encourage players to visualize playing against a tough opponent and successfully executing their game plan.
- Benefit: Enhances focus and prepares players for high-pressure situations.
Sophisticated Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations:
- Technique: In a challenging game situation, players should remind themselves, “I have practiced hard for this,” or “I can make a positive impact.”
- Benefit: Deepens self-belief and a growth mindset.
Individualized Routine and Process Orientation:
- Technique: Develop personalized routines that cater to their specific roles on the team, like a shooting guard visualizing successful three-point shots during warm-up.
- Benefit: Promotes a sense of control and preparedness in various game situations.
The Path to Improvement
Applying these techniques with consistency and belief can lead to significant improvements in your basketball performance. Remember:
- Start Small: Begin with one technique and gradually incorporate others.
- Consistency is Key: Regular practice of these mental skills is as crucial as physical training.
- Believe in the Process: Trust that these techniques will enhance your game.
Final Thoughts
Basketball is as much a mental endeavor as a physical one. By adopting these techniques, young players can develop a stronger mental game, leading to enhanced performance and greater enjoyment on the court. Remember, with purposeful practice and a positive mindset, you can unlock your full potential as a player. Let the journey begin!
Every player wants to make an impact. Score. Steal. Pass. Rebound. Make plays. Help your team. That's the fun of the game. But what if you're not the biggest or the tallest player on the court? Don’t let size hold you back. What matters more is your effort, mindset, and willingness to work. Here are 5 ways smaller players can consistently impact the game: 1. Run the Floor Sprint hard every time. Even if you don’t get the ball, you put pressure on the defense —and open up opportunities for your team. 2. Cut with Purpose Move without the ball. Defenders relax when you stand still. Cut hard, look for gaps, and make plays from movement. 3. Push the Pace When you get the ball, go. Put pressure on the defense before they’re set. Play fast. Make good decisions. 4. Get Paint Touches Attack the paint. Great things happen when you get inside—draw defenders, finish strong, or kick out to teammates. The paint changes the game. 5. Hustle Plays Win Games Dive for the loose ball. Battle for rebounds. Take charges. Be feisty, relentless, and tough to play against. What Separates Players? Mindset. Do you believe you belong? Do you believe you can make a difference? Keep showing up. Keep working hard. Keep finding ways to impact the game. Your size doesn’t define your value. Your effort and mindset do. https://www.loom.com/share/0c0113c8b25c422ba7e10803b818d6b0?sid=ccecfb29-bc1a-4dc1-ac51-a0ba204e3d18 The video below is of TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. The average height in the NBA is 6'7". TJ is 6'1" and has a MASSIVE impact on the game. He does all the things listed above and more.
Last night, one of our EYG players hit eight threes in a single game. Not because he got hot. Because he made the decision to shoot— And had the confidence to let it fly. That confidence came from 7 months of consistent training: 4 workouts per week 2 full seasons of 5-on-5 play Mostly group training, with a few private sessions He had a goal. He showed up. He did the work, even on the hard days. And when the moment came, he was ready. This isn’t the end of his journey. It’s just a stepping stone. If you know a player with a goal—someone ready to work— EYG is here when they are. Let’s keep growing. Keep working. Keep dreaming. Keep elevating your game.
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