If you've been reading that "game result" thread then you'd probably seen me post about scoring low and sh*t like that. I know you guys are probably great basketball players and I need your opinions on how to boost my confidence or something along those lines.My Coach said to me today, im probably missing all my shots and playing poorly because im probably nervous and overwhelmed on the court. I do feel that way, I don't know why.I decided to post this in Off-Topic because I thought it would get more views then B-Ball Misc.
When I play, I just totally get my mind set on the game and only the game. Get cocky. It's your game. But I think it's something you have to develop on your own.I don't know that's what I do. Sounds cheesy but it works for me.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dsounG @ Feb 27 2007, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If you've been reading that "game result" thread then you'd probably seen me post about scoring low and sh*t like that. I know you guys are probably great basketball players and I need your opinions on how to boost my confidence or something along those lines.My Coach said to me today, im probably missing all my shots and playing poorly because im probably nervous and overwhelmed on the court. I do feel that way, I don't know why.I decided to post this in Off-Topic because I thought it would get more views then B-Ball Misc.</div>Don't think about it, just play. Try not to EVER give up mentally, or else you're done for. Once you get in a rhythm shooting wise it's gonna be hard to stop you, just keep shooting till you get your J going.
The more games you play in the more comfortable you will get on the court. The same goes for the more shots you take etc. I used to be the same as you scoring 2 ppg and too nervous/scared to shoot or drive. After playing a full season this way I just realized...F*ck it. I started to drive whenever I felt like it and create my own shots as well as shooting from the perimeter. I score over 12 ppg now in a parks and rec. league. Basically you just have to have the attitude of not caring about what the consequences might be. Just do it.
One thing that helps me out, I go into every game thinking I am the best player on the court no matter who we are playing. Try looking back on previous games where you played well and remember that you can make a huge impact.I'm cocky, I admit it.
Also if you get cold, pull some Steve Nash. Whenever I get back from a nice assist, my confidence gets going and I usually heat up.
I have the same problem. I think to much while shooting or whatever, it makes me nervous, once I get nervous I doubt my shot, after I doubt my shot I have already missed it.What I do? I work on making myself numb. I watch video clips of big time clutch players like MJ and whoever else. I watch them make the clutch shots. I read about them talking about making the clutch shots. Then I practice adapting that to fitting my needs.It is the hardest thing, but it is the truth. You have to clear your mind. You have to let yourself play the game sub consciously.I know you most likely want a real way to practice this. The truth is- there isn't a real way besides getting actual expierence. Although, there is one thing that can help to a degree, but it isn't fun and you have to be committed to getting better. This is how it works:While you are practicing your game, setup some "in game situations" in your drive-way, or where ever you might play. Example, make a cross-over past a chair or something and then do a pull up jumper. The stakes? You set something up before you take the shot. Think of something you enjoy doing, something you do every day, something you like. Put that on the line. Whether it is no TV for a week, you don't get to eat something you like, you make yourself do something you don't like to do, you do sprints, ask out a girl you think is hott, or whatever. Set the stakes up before you begin the shot. Do this as many times as you want or do it to end your own practices. The only way this will work is if you follow through with whatever you bet on after you miss the shot. If you have to, get your friends to help you follow through or whoever will keep you honest.What does this little drill do? Depending on what stakes you setup and if you actually follow through with them on a miss, this drill will help you get used to shots under pressure. Is it fool proof? No, but you asked for some way to help right?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dsounG @ Feb 27 2007, 09:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I really need to find a way to boost my confidence fast or else we're dead. Playoffs are coming up.</div><span style="font-family:Century Gothic">I guess it's too late now then, huh? You're already dead.</span>
Just got to learn to forget everything. I remember playing touch football in middle school PE, I always dropped easy passes in 7th grade and looked like a fool because I put too much pressure on myself. Then I just learned not to think about it and I caught like 10 or more TD passes the next year and I totally owned in ultimate frisbee too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Illosophee @ Feb 27 2007, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-family:Century Gothic">I guess it's too late now then, huh? You're already dead.</span></div>lol but 4 real Dsoung u need to step your defense game up and force some steals.I get nervous playing with better players. Especially when they(My own fckin teamates) think I'm garbage after missing the first several shots. I get agressive on defense, and take things into my own hands. I start gaining confidence, making shots off of steals/blocks/holding the best ball handler in check.Try embarrasing the best player on the other team. That's up for you to decide how u do it, but if you piss him off your game will come along as he gets aggravated. Don't do that in the wrong hood tho.LoL or else you really will be.......haJust have fun.NOT be scared(asking BBW for help)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Illosophee @ Feb 27 2007, 08:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-family:Century Gothic">I guess it's too late now then, huh? You're already dead.</span></div>AW I HATE YOU, I WAS GONNA MENTION THAT. BASTARD!!!!!I'll use a different lineWell, you should be a sharpshooter, dsounG, considering you have a DEAD EYE!!!!! ZING!
I agree with Ballahollic. If you are having trouble on the offensive end, just think that you are a great player who deserves the ball and will score. If you are nervous when you shoot, you will either go long or airball it. Maybe not everytime, but it will happen. Also, if it's technique you're having trouble with, focus on your follow-through. It will really help a lot.If it is on the defensive end, well it just takes balls. It is so hard for me when I play pick up games, because usually there is no help defense at all. Just run hard and work your ass off.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dsounG @ Feb 27 2007, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If you've been reading that "game result" thread then you'd probably seen me post about scoring low and sh*t like that. I know you guys are probably great basketball players and I need your opinions on how to boost my confidence or something along those lines.My Coach said to me today, im probably missing all my shots and playing poorly because im probably nervous and overwhelmed on the court. I do feel that way, I don't know why.I decided to post this in Off-Topic because I thought it would get more views then B-Ball Misc.</div>Thats how I am when I play with friends at school. I'm always nervous and sh*t because all my friends are hella good and I always cause turnovers thanks to me being nervous. But when I play pickup games at parks or with people iono, I'm not nervous at all and just pwn them. just be more confident and youll play better
Just breathe deep and start with close shots and once those fall go longer and longer until your range is back. One problem is probably that you're not comfortable with your skills or perhaps your frame. Work out and/or work on your dribbling and stuff more so you're more confident around friends. Mainly, RELAX, this isn't the NBA. You're not being scouted everytime out there. Just be laid back and have fun with it, there's nothing riding on every game.
When I play, I just tell myself to go out there and put everything Ive got out on the court. I'm a defensive minded/inside player so that might be a little different. Just try to clear your mind when you play. Relax.
Yeah im mostly a defensive minded player but I got those offensive skills and I know it. When im playing a pick up game with my friends im usually getting 15-18 points if we're playing 21. But when I play a real game with people watching and sh*t, once I have the ball in my hands I just feel like I froze.
Just don't pressure yourself. Make yourself realize that the people watching don't really care what you do, and that they're probably watching other(better) players, so at most they'll say 'that kid sucks'. Big whoop. <strike>If they criticize you that badly, you can just fake your death.</strike>
