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Game Day

 

“Most battles are won before they are fought.”

~Sun Tzu

 

Routines

The following are all vital routines you need to establish and follow on game days:

  1. Pack all of your necessities – shoes, socks, uniform, etc.

  2. Proper food and hydration is key to ensuring your competitive edge.

  3. Guard your energy. Resting is less for your body and more for your mind.

  4. We never want to feel “rushed” before a game. Careful planning and punctuality is vital in preventing this from happening.

  5. Think about your role and the key variables of the game.

  6. Ask yourself these questions: “Why do you play this game?” And, “Who do you play this game for?”

  7. Put yourself in the game. Stay mentally engaged throughout the game.

 

Focal Points

Narrow your thinking to four physical locations in every gymnasium:

  1. Locker Room – A place to collect yourself, make mental confidence adjustments, fuel, rest and prepare yourself for the game. No loud music (headphones only).

  2. Court – Look down at the familiarity of the floor, not up at the stands. You’re there to compete, not mentally fool around. Concentrate on what you want to do. You know the court no matter where you are competing.

  3. Bench – Rest your mind on the bench, so you’re ready for anything. The mind of a champion is about discipline, so discipline yourself to focus during certain times and relax during others.

  4. Freethrow Line – See one thing: the hoop. All freethrow lines are the same, so your mental routines all have to be the same for each freethrow.

 

Coach's Corner

Talking to teammates, helping each other verbally, is one of the most obvious differences between good players and mediocre ones. Just getting in the habit of calling out your man each time on defense and getting your teammates to do the same will end up saving baskets over the course of a game and season. Talking your teammates through screens, telling them when you are in good help-position ready to pick up their men, motioning for them to clear out or cut through the lane, alerting them to cutters or players trying to sneak behind your defense – all of these and many more situations happen often in games. If you are not now in the habit of constantly talking during the action of the game, you may be surprised at how often your mere words can help your teammates make a play.

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