Expert: Michael Muro - 12/3/2006

Question
i am 14 years old, 5'3" and play for my school's jv basketball team.  Im a pretty good shooter and do well in practice but I always mess up during games. I missed all my shots, didnt score, and wasnt aggressive enough. Im pretty sure its a mental problem but i dont know how to fix it and be more aggressive.

Answer
Hi Natali,

It sounds like you have a confidence problem when you are in the game. You have to believe in yourself and what you can do in a game. If you are second guessing yourself then your game will suffer. The way to build confidence is to practice game like situations. Practice the shots that you would get in the games and at game speed. Also, make sure you are in shape because if you are not then your game will suffer as we revert back to old and bad habits when we get fatigued. I hope this helps and remember, believe in yourself because if you don't nobody else will.