How to Build Mental Toughness for Basketball

The best players and teams are not always the most athletically skilled--it is a combination of skills and mental toughness that separates the fair from the good--and the good from the great. Although Michael Jordan was superbly skilled--it was his ability to mentally focus that propelled him to become one of the greatest (if not the greatest) basketball players to ever play. In this article I will focus on some things that coaches can instill in their players and teams to improve mental toughness.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basketball players and team with desire for excellence

1. Get commitment from each player and the entire team to pursue excellence (excellence as defined as maximizing full potential).

2. Guide the players in the powerful practice of visualization. It is a fact that human beings are more effective with things they have seen and done before. The mind does not distinguish the aspects of actual activity with visualized activity. Have the players become proficient at closing their eyes and visualizing themselves performing well in the setting that they will be experiencing in an upcoming game. Be sure they are as specific and vivid in their visualization as possible. For example, have them picture themselves and teammates in the correct uniform colors and on the court they will be playing, and to visualize the opponent and the fans in the stands as well. There is no limit to what can be visualized--playing good defense, boxing out, knocking down a three-pointer--the list goes on.

3. The basketball court and locker room should be "no-whine zones," free of any complaining or negative body language. This becomes contagious and is difficult to reverse; a positive team is a more focused team.

4. As a coach, you are the role model of mental toughness, poise and control. Do not panic or lose your focus on the task at hand. The players will feed off of your energy--positive or negative.

5. Always respect, but never fear the opponent. Never take a game for granted, as there are never guarantees. On the other hand, have confidence that you can play with any team. If you do not feel you can win, you have already lost. The entire team should be in a positive frame of mind.

6. Have a short memory. When a mistake is made, players should learn quickly from it and move on. Do not carry this mistake to the next play--with each mistake a player holds onto, it is like a 10-lb. weight on their back.

7. Have the team develop a symbol or mantra that they can use with one another to re-establish focus and control. An example can be a fist to the heart or saying the team name to remind the player that it is his/her responsibility to be focused.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow time during practices and in the pre-game for reflection and visualization. It is as important as stretching before embarking on a practice or game.
• Some teams utilize team-chosen music that plays in the background while mental focusing and visualizing before games.