Expert: Bret Temple - 7/16/2010

Question
I'm a very good basketball player i know it and so does everybody else. But i had basketball tryouts for my junior college and when i get out on the floor my whole body is stiff and i can't do anything and i know it sounds cocky, but i know i'm better than everyone else out there. But because of my lack of experience i can't show what i can do. How can i overcome this stiffness on the floor so that i can perform and show what my talents are?

Answer
Eddie,

This is not my area of expertise, but I can tell you that what your going through is just butterflies, and normal nervousness. But you do have to get over it. Don't concentrate so much on trying to impress anyone or prove yourself. Just imagine your on the playground playing in a pick up game, and go out show what your made of. Don't worry if you miss a shot, or make a mistake. Nobody is expecting perfection. I use to play organized sports, and I always got nervous before games. what I would do is do a little exercise before getting on the court or the baseball field. Get all that nervous energy out of you before you actually start playing. Take a jog for a few minutes, listen to some music, and just take your mind off it. What your dealing with is all mental. Get out on that court, and tell yourself your the best player out there. It's all about confidence.