Expert: David Kenward - 10/25/2007

Question
Hello,
I am having a problem with my confidence in basketball, especially with shooting. I am normally a good shooter but as of late I feel like i am the streakiest player ever and I was wandering what i can do to improbe my game.
thanks

Answer
Hello Christopher and thank you for your question.

First, I'd suggest you think back as to when this started.  What was going on?  Was it a particular game, a player or coach comment, a mistake or ??  Sometimes there can be a negative event that derails us.  If that's the case, often realizing it, and getting some perspective on it, can help you overcome it get back your confidence.

An additional strategy is to mentally train yourself for success.  A good way to do this is to sit down, relax, take five slow deep breaths, then picture or imagine your best game, playing well and shooting great.  Your imagination is powerful, really get into it so you feel as confident and smooth as you did on the court.  Then, choose a word that you link to that feeling (like SMOOTH).  Practice this (a lot) and what will happen is when you get on the court, you say your word, and you feel that confidence, which will  help you play better.  We learn by association, it's how our brain is wired, but now you are doing it on purpose.

I've helped many basketball players improve by using this tool, it WORKS.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com