One thing in basketball (and in life) that we can always count on is that there will occasionally be difficult periods we have to go through. Whether it’s a shooting slump, a game with an unusually high amount of turnovers, or maybe it’s reduced playing time, etc. These things happen during a season and we should not only expect it, but we should also be mentally prepared for it when it happens.
Rather than getting frustrated with the situation and allowing it to turn into negative energy… we need to realize two things…
First, the difficulty you are experiencing is probably temporary and very correctable. Don’t allow temporary circumstances to impact your teammates in a negative way through your attitude. It’s not uncommon to watch a player struggling with their shot to show signs of frustration and mentally take themselves out of the game (which hurts their team). The most common way they do so is by allowing that frustration to get them into foul trouble. Instead, players should focus their energy on helping in other ways. Better defensive effort, setting screens, winning the hustle plays, etc.
Second, you must try and be mentally tough until you navigate a way out of the difficult period. Don’t over-analyze every single little detail until you’re not really sure what the problem is. Instead, tell your coach what you are struggling with and ask for some advice… and be willing to following the advice.
(Thanks Dick DeVenzio)
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