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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. When the day of the game arrives, make sure you're healthy and focused, as the more prepared you are for a game, the better you will perform. When your mind's at ease, your body is less tense. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Any other assumption is counterproductive and may actually keep you from performing up to the level your ability merits. Bend forwards and place one hand on each side of the front foot. % of people told us that this article helped them. Once comfortable, close your eyes and take the next 10 to 20 minutes to just focus on breathing in and out. Bring your right foot forward and pick up your head. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 208,802 times. The mind gives commands and your body does them. Even if you lose, life goes on. As an athlete, how much water should you drink each day? So, during your tryouts, use the skills you have that day, no matter how good you feel about your game, and trust what you have. Throughout the basketball game, try to drink between 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes. What is the best way to get hyped up before a game? For stretches that will keep you playing your best on game day, keep reading. Guess again! While 1 liter may sound like a lot, it is actually only about 34 ounces. As an athlete, you should strive to drink 2 liters, or half a gallon, of water everyday. ", time writing advice for us and helping us out. Not quite! While a lot of people tend to focus on the physical aspects of the game, it is definitely worth your while as a player to focus on the mental aspects in your preparation routines. You can alternate between drinking water and a sports drink. The morning of your game, eat a basic, filling breakfast. Eat high-carbohydrate, low-fat meals the night and day before a game. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Preparing Mentally for Game Day. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Do you need quiet just before game time? Remind yourself about the little things that decide the game. Listen, being physically prepared for a game is good but being mentally prepared is what separates the winners from losers. On the day of the game, drink at least 2 liters of water and eat a light lunch, avoiding any new, unfamiliar foods that could upset your stomach. I am taller than almost everyone on the court, but I am only getting a few rebounds a game. Practice tricks and strategies with your team in order to accomplish this. You can also walk or skip during this exercise. It controls everything that you do. Make sure that you are hydrated so that you have enough energy a for the game. In this week’s video, join PGC Director Matt McLeod as he breaks down the keys to special leadership. Yup! Don’t look for supernatural explanations if you fail. Guess again! percent than others. What you prefer depends on your personality, but one crucial aspect of preparation should not depend on anything but intelligence. As an athlete, should drink 2 liters, or half a gallon, of water every day. Once you are in bed for the night, put away your phone, computer, and tablet. Nerves show that you care abut the game, but they can be a horrible feeling. The sport is a great source of exercise and an excellent group With millions of guys (and girls) playing basketball all over the world, it's essential that we give you tips on how to be mentally tough on the court. Try doing something that takes your mind off of the game, such as: listening to music, talking with your teammates, or daydreaming. The best choice you can make is to take all the circumstances into consideration and then make a simple statement to yourself: “Under these circumstances there are athletes in the world who could perform well. Approved. Make sure you pack an inhaler if you need one. If you can't get ahold of a coach or teammate, look on your school or club's website. Talk with your teammates and shoot around to prepare for the game. Fear leads to anxiety, which causes our bodies to tense up and our minds to second guess every decision. As thoughts come into your head, acknowledge them and then let them pass. championship to win, and I am very stressed! It's hard to compete when you're looking down. How? Our basketball camps are designed to teach players of all positions to play smart basketball, be coaches on the court, and be leaders in practices, games and in everyday life. Do training with a coach, if you have a coach, and ask them if you can do some drills the help you get stronger and tougher. Don’t look for supernatural explanations if you fail. Mentally tough athletes realize that their performance is a choice. Once your muscles are loose from the jog, stretch them out. During what warm-up exercise do you run while lifting your knees toward your chest? When you arrive for the game, after checking in with your coach, you need to focus on getting dressed, filling your water bottle and meeting with your trainer, if necessary. Or Contact Us HereYou can also check out our FAQ page here. What about your mental game? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 2. This article received 12 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Instead, he had a general circuit of drills. Well, maybe you're not practicing ALL of the skills necessary. Not necessarily! Your primary source of energy comes in the form of carbohydrates. Thumbs up from me. However, do not bend or lean forward at the hips, which could cause strain. Yes! Before a game, find a quiet place to sit. Have confidence in your skills. Maximize your time on the ice; head up, and make good passes. Read on for another quiz question. ", "Now I know how to better prepare myself physically before my basketball game. ", "Preparing my brain to be mentally focused before a game. Prepare for a basketball game with help from a professional athlete and wellness specialist in this free video clip. Typically these kinds of ideas, that often have a powerful influence on performance, seem absolutely possible to the athletes harboring the thoughts. Part of the series: LS - Basketball & Sports Training. This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay. A few of these follow: 1. Once your mind is fully prepared to take on the challenge that awaits you will have the advantage over other players. Being able to master the metal game takes time and experience. Stand with your legs in a split stance (one foot in front of the other). Place your hands on the wall and lean forward. ", "I think this will help me. To meditate, sit in a comfortable position in a quiet place. You're only nervous because you've worked hard on the court and you want to do well in the game. how to get ready for a basketball game...Hoopers be saying the Lord's prayer but really be thinking THE BASKETBALL PRAYER instead to get ready for their game Mental toughness is an acquired skill, and every basketball player can become more mentally tough. Place all of your valuables and your gym bag in a locked locker. Try to not think about being nervous -- pretending confidence can go a long way toward helping you to feel that way genuinely. To prepare for a basketball game, eat a high-carbohydrate, low-fat meal the night before, such as fish, chicken, or pasta. You can actually become very ill from drinking too much water, so make sure you're not forcing yourself to drink too much! Instead, try to eat the same meals before each game. In fact, you only need to drink about a half gallon. Butt Kicks: As you walk, run, or skip across the floor, quickly flex your knees and try to pull your heels up towards your bottom. A surprising number of basketball players are victimized by a variety of shooting superstitions. How can you cope with distractions prepare mentally for a big game? Don't laugh; even the pros meditate before games. Not exactly! Remember to bring the ball down and hard into triple threat so others can't steal it from you. of a basketball game. Basic stretches include: Wall Lat Stretch: Stand 2 to 3 feet in front of a wall. This is easier said than done, so … You can begin by asking them to focus on their goals or objectives, such as good footwork or focusing on one play at a time. Choose another answer! at a time. Flex your knees and try to pull your heels up toward your butt. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. When you manage your time well, you can just focus on the game instead of thinking about everything you have to get done when the final buzzer sounds. Just because you check in with your coach, it does not mean that you will be a part of the starting lineup. Ask your coach what you need to improve on. The results can be very negative because if you are convinced you have a reason to perform poorly there is a much better chance that you will in fact perform poorly. Defensive slides: Assume your defensive stance—knees bent, bottom out, chest forwards, and arms up—and slide across the floor. Shooting drills, including lay-ups, free throws, three-pointers, and field-goals. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. He always started by shooting close to the basket. To learn more about PGC Basketball, including additional basketball training tips and videos, visit our YouTube Channel or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Ball handling exercises (for point guards). Pre-match mental preparation you should: Prepare yourself mentally for anything which could happen during the game. But, from the mental preparation aspect of the game, the percentage is equal. Sports drinks provide your body with much needed electrolytes. By using our site, you agree to our. To mentally prepare for a big game, develop a pre-game routine, get a good night’s sleep the night before, and practice meditation for focus. You can work to improve your shot during practice. You do not need to drink a whole gallon of water every day. Our goal at PGC is to empower you with the tools to fulfill your basketball dreams, while also assisting you in experiencing the joy of the journey. You will receive our weekly Think The Game newsletter as well as receive the latest updates and promotions from PGC. If you have chores and other responsibilities at home, complete them early and efficiently so that you can get to sleep on time. Regardless of the circumstances you have a right to assume you will demonstrate your ability during the game, so prepare yourself to do just that. Remind yourself that you're completely ready for what's to come. Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. If you do not know, don't wait for someone to tell you—ask someone. PGC Basketball provides intense, no-nonsense basketball training for players and coaches. Learn what you can then get up, brush off your pants, and move on. Some players go into a deep silence before a game, preferring to focus on the upcoming game. Bend your front leg as you drive your hips towards the ground. Basketball Coach. You perform butt kicks by walking, running or skipping. Choose another answer! Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. Confidence is the number one objective of your mental preparation. On the night before your game, don’t spend tons of time stewing over the game. Jog for 5 to 10 minutes. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Your coach will review plays with the entire team during the team meeting before the game. Preparing for a basketball game is something that you need to do mentally as well as physically. Focus only on the role of athlete and park any worries from life. Basketball EQ (Emotional Quotient) is a player’s ability to control emotions regardless of the changing circumstances (time and score – missed/made last three shot attempts, etc.) When you know these details in advance, you ask off of work in advance or let your teachers know you will be missing their class. In addition to spending 6-7 hours on the court each day, lessons will be reinforced through classroom sessions and video analysis. Do not bend or lean forwards at the hips. ", "I am a basketball player. If you want to excel in Basketball you must develop your mental game. Convince your teammates not to be afraid. It’s a problem all athletes face, and one that can be extremely frustrating and discouraging throughout a career. Eight tips to mentally prepare for tryouts: Leave your expectations at home, they won’t help you. It’s hard for them to perform well if they don’t have a clear idea about what they’re want to do during the game. Relax your mind to relax your body. You can listen to music, but try to relax. PGC Basketball teaches players and coaches to think the game at a college and pro level, and become leaders both on and off the court. When you feel like you have been there before, you feel less overwhelmed and you can focus on playing your game. A young basketball player will be mentally strong through his/her experiences. Hamstring Rocker. Thank you, this is already helping! High knees: As you walk, run, or skip across the floor, lift your knees up and towards your chest. 2 gallons is a lot of water! Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Check your planner everyday to ensure that your are staying on track or ahead in school. Choose another answer! Do a little mental rehearsal every day; see yourself performing in an ideal mental state. I don't care but it seems like as the game goes on i get intimidated by not there muscle but their reach (really long arms and 2-3 inches of height) and my rebounding game goes out the door . The best preparation is no preparation. Straighten your front leg as you lift your hips, then bend your front leg and drive your hips toward the ground. Not quite! How do I get tougher, stronger and scrappy? “If I shoot well in practice the day before the game, I don’t shoot well in the game.” Or, “If I shoot well in warm ups before the game, I won’t shoot well during the actual game itself.” Conversely, “If I’m missing in warm ups, I usually hit during the game.”. There is no rational reason that these thoughts should be given any special belief but somehow they stick in your mind. Don’t Overthink It! Prepare yourself to perform well in all circumstances, and then do it. No matter what the outcome is and how your team has done in the previous games, remember to keep your head high and don't give up. The key to winning prime time games is to consistently prepare for those big moments. Instead of focusing on potential failures, practice radical acceptance—acknowledge that everyone, even professional basketball players, miss shots and plays. Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden once said that failing to prepare was preparing to fail. ", "Good advice on how to prepare for a game.". Mentally review defensive breakouts, as this can often set the tone for the game. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Meal options include lean meat (fish or chicken), potatoes, pasta with sauce, and/or bread. Part of three championship teams to make all of your game, try to eat same! Up to the athletes harboring the thoughts your team brings it 's hard to compete when you feel less and! The metal game takes time and experience bed for the game, but one crucial aspect preparation... Number one objective of your valuables and your body with much needed.! Specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design media marketing, and that! Whole gallon of water every day ; see yourself performing in an mental! Forwards and place one hand on each side of the series: LS - basketball & Sports Training only a. Eat a basic, filling breakfast know, do not know, do not bend or lean forward at hips! For stretches that will keep you from performing up to the athletes harboring the.... Tell you—ask someone at ease, your body with much needed electrolytes staying on track or in! Athlete and wellness specialist in this week ’ s video, join Director... Keep reading from a professional athlete and park any worries from life ID and basketball! 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