Mentally tough players are few and far between in the current state of basketball. That's why they are cherished so much by coaches and considered valuable pieces to a winning program. Most mentally tough players are naturally this way but every player can be better mentally if they focus on a few things.
Lets take a look at 8 great things mentally tough players do in games AND practice. Try to figure out where your players are lacking and encourage them to develop better habits. A team that has mentally tough players is a team that fights and sticks together come game time.
1. Don't blame refs
One of the toughest things players struggle with is blaming the referees. It's a natural thing to do because players see coaches and parents doing this themselves. It's the coach's job to make sure the referee understands the temperament of the team and also relay concerns but it's never a great idea to blame the referees.
Referees are humans and it's almost inevitable they will make mistakes during the course of a game. When players blame the refs they lose focus and the entire flow of the game can be derailed. Players can only control what they do with their own actions. When the accountability falls on the players and coach it creates unity and also keeps excuses from entering into the mind of players.
2. Think "next play"
There are over 100 possessions each basketball game. This means that the next play matters and is just as important as the first. A lot of times players will miss shots or turnover the ball and put their head down on the opposite side of the floor. Sometimes players will even be nervous to try to make a play based on what happened earlier in the game.
What players need to understand and focus on is the "next play." Mistakes will be made but compounding the mistake by holding on to it will never help the team. Each basketball game is chaotic in nature being that you never know what will happen. It's a game of inches and sometimes the ball goes in the hoop and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you get called for a silly foul but mental toughness means getting over that mistake or issue and making sure to focus on the next play.
3. Block out negativity
Blocking out negativity is one of the hardest things to do especially during a tough season. At times this negativity can come from friends and family which makes it even tougher. Just remember a team is only as strong as its weakest link and everyone has to make sure that positive intentions trump all.
When negative thoughts or conversation start to boil just remember to be thankful for the opportunity to step on the court and play the game you love. Things won't always go as planned and there will always be a winner and a loser but a positive outlook is contagious even to family, fans and friends.
4. Learn from mistakes
One of the best ways to become a great basketball player in general is to learn from mistakes. Part of the reason this is so important is because coaches get extremely frustrated with players that make the same mistakes over and over. Typically the players that make the same mistakes are the ones that aren't mentally tough and haven't fully committed to change.
Every coach has their focuses and things they like to do on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Some tendencies players have learned from other coaches may not fly with new coaches and that's where mental toughness comes in. It's easy to complain and quit but tough players adjust and try to learn why they are being taught differently. Players become the best version of themselves quicker by learning from mistakes and this ultimately leads to being a better teammate as well.
5. Overcome Adversity
Every basketball season has its ups and downs. Things like injury, sickness, and poor grades can send a season on a completely different trajectory. These are things that must be overcome and are almost inevitable every year. This is the beauty of success in basketball though. Even teams that have only lost one or two games face adversity. They usually handle it better so it never disrupts or derails the season.
Overcoming adversity requires players and coaches to stay on the same page throughout the season and it also requires coaches to make sure standards are met. The situations that are controllable need to be handled so that the uncontrollable situations can get the proper attention needed throughout the season.
6. Lead by example
Everyone talks about leaders and how valuable they are. This is one thousand percent true. The problem is it's easier to talk about it then to be it. Coaches challenge players to be leaders on and off the court but often times they fall well short of this expectation. Leadership requires players to sacrifice a lot of what regular kids are able to do.
One of the best ways to lead is by example. This means going to class on time, speaking to adults with respect, listening before talking, taking responsibility for actions, working hard, staying positive, and remaining dedicated to the team. All these things are hard for kids to get a grasp on. If parents and coaches can get players to understand these things they will have a team full of leaders that will keep themselves accountable during and after the basketball season.
7. Always make hustle plays
The more coaches and trainers describe hustle, the more I'm personally beginning to believe it's an actual skill. If it was something easy to do then every player would. Making the extra effort to get back on defense takes skill. Making the extra effort to dive on the floor takes skill. Every team that wins a championship has players like this. They are bought into the team and understand that every play and every possession matters.
Basketball is a game of inches and every play matters on both ends of the floor. Players: Be sure to make the extra hustle play and show your coaches you have the will, mental toughness, and work ethic to do so.
8. Play with confidence
One of the most important things mentally tough players do is play with confidence. Great players understand that their teammates watch them and follow their lead. Some nights players will hit shots and everything will roll on perfectly but other nights this may not be the case.
Mentally tough players are able to remain confident in themselves and their teammates no matter the situation. This is particularly important when things are going as planned because it develops trust and a strong bond between players. Trusting each other and being confident in each other's skills is a hard thing to do on an individual level but the greatest teams figure out a way to fight through tough times. Great teams feel confident, play confident, and behave confident and that's ultimately why they are successful.
Becoming a mentally tough player doesn't necessarily happen overnight but must be worked on just like shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and all other basketball skills. We hope this list can help spark some inspiration and allow players to gradually become better every day!
Of course, using Dr. Dish training machines will help develop physical skills but they also allow players to really "lock in" to become stronger mentally as well.
Anything else you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
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5 Ways to become more MENTALLY TOUGH
Basketball Tip
"Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes." Chinese Proverb
Mental toughness means backbone, daring, determination, fortitude, guts, mettle, moxie, nerve, perseverance, resolution, spirit, tenacity, toughness. It is is the ability to persevere in pursuit of a goal; no matter how long it takes.
Here are five ways to become more mentally tough on and off the court.
1. Do the hard things first. Pick your weakest spot and work on it first every practice. Choose the weight lifting exercise you like least and do it right away. Pick the subject you need the most work in and always start with it. If you wait, chances are you won’t want to work on your weakness or you will not give it your best effort. When we choose the hard things in life we develop mental toughness and life becomes easier. When we always choose the easiest we get weaker.
2. Be specific. If you want to work on upper body strength, write down the specific number of push-ups you will do. Counting backwards can help motivate you to finish. When working on math, pick a time limit and the number of problems you want to get finished in that time limit. For shooting, decide how many shots you will make in a row from different spots on the court, if you miss more than two shots in a row, sprint dribble down and back with the off-hand. Write down your goals and put them somewhere you can see them everyday.
Be accountable. Whether you are working on your game, your attitude, or your grades have someone hold you accountable in areas you are likely to give up and not work on. Choose someone you can work together with or someone who is a mentor who can help teach you how to develop mental toughness. For example, in ball handling, compete against a good player for the highest score, then whoever loses does one push-up. Make a goal to encourage each other and pick someone who will motivate you to keep going.
4. Deal with problems. When life is hard we want comfort not change, but those who have learned the secret of being mentally tough have learned comfort now can mean pain later, whereas a little pain now can yield a big reward in the future. We know we are not choosing the right way to handle our problems when we look for comfort in ignoring the problem, becoming bitter, using gossip, or simply by trying to escape. We need to learn to open up with a trusted parent or adult. We need to learn to talk to people not about them. We need to address problems with courage and kindness before becoming bitter and resentful. Every time we run away from our problems, more problems follow. The minute we decide to deal with problems we become more mentally tough and better able to handle problems in the future.
5. Guard your thoughts. The reason why it's called mental toughness is because what you think determines how you act. If you want to become more mentally tough, you have to become tough about what you think. Certain thoughts should never be in your head. Replace weak thoughts like, “I can’t, I’m tired, I’m bored, “ with strong thoughts. An athlete training for basketball season didn't like to run. The first time around the track for a conditioning run left her feeling exhausted. Her mentor asked what she was thinking as she ran around the track. "I hate running. This is awful. I want to stop." She admitted. The next time around the track, her mentor asked her to change what she said in her head to, “I love to run, my body is strong, I feel great. ” The second time around she ended with a huge smile. She said, “I had no idea how big a difference what I thought made on what I do and how I feel. Even though I didn't think it would work, it did. I felt great .”
For more tips on basketball and to find a basketball camp visit www.nbccamps.com. NBC Basketball Camps is the largest overnight basketball camp program in the world and is a division of USSC Sports Camp Network.
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Shooting exercises
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Basketball is a great team game, the team consists of players whose skill is achieved with great effort. The only person who can understand that you are working hard is yourself. Remember, you only get out of the game what you put into it. Give yourself to her without a trace.
Jump shot
In basketball, an outstanding sniper is a piece item. If you want to be a great sniper, all you need to do is just want to be one.
First, you must improve your skills.
This includes having a good coach and years of training. Secondly, you must improve in game mode.
This means that you must perform throwing drills at the same intensity as in the game. It's far better to hit 100 shots in play than 500 sloppy shots that a good defender would never let you make in a game. Finally, you must understand that working on a roll is like investing in a bank. If you don't deposit anything into your account, you won't receive dividends when you need them.
The sniper must have "throw school". When throwing after a dribble, one of the main features is the last hit of the ball on the court, which must be fast and strong so that it bounces higher, right into your hands - this will help you not waste time handling the ball.
Individual Shooting Exercises
Exercise 1 Attention Concentration
Start from a distance close to the ring.
Throw with one hand. Follow correct technique.
Make five from each position. Take a step back and repeat (Fig. 1).
Exercise 2 7 throwing positions and rebound (4 meters)
Jump shot from position 1.
Pick up the ball, dribble quickly to position 7, shoot.
Pick-up, fast with guiding back to position 1.
Make 10 rolls.
Repeat the same steps using positions 6 and 2, 5 and 3, 4 (Fig. 2).
Exercise 3 7 shooting positions and a rebound (from behind the three-point line)
1. Repeat the same steps as in exercise 2 (fig. 3).
Exercise 4 Throw after stop
Start from position 1, toss the ball to position
Pick it up, while you have to run around the ball so that you are facing the ring.
Make 10 rolls, then advance to the next position.
Ex.5 Shooting from five positions after a fake move (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)
Start from any position.
On bent knees and with your head up, you do a throw feint, hit the ball one or two with your right hand, stop and jump.
Return to position, throw feint, one or two hits with the ball with the left hand, stop, throw.
At each position, 5 attempts (Fig. 5).
Exercise 6 Jump shots after dribbling
Start the exercise from the center of the field, move towards the hoop with dribbling at game speed, after stopping quickly shoot.
The shot must be taken from a middle distance or from behind a three-point arc. Perform the exercise, both on the right and on the left and in the middle of the site.
Use different types of dribbles: fast dribbles, broken tempos, pivots, etc.
Make 5 attempts in each direction (Fig. 6).
Exercise 7 Playing with a virtual opponent
Perform a free throw. If you have implemented it, you get one point. If not, then your "opponent" is three.
You make subsequent throws from any position except the three-second zone, imitating the rhythm of the game. Work on different moves and throws. Each of your successful attempts is estimated at the bottom of the point, unsuccessful at two for the "opponent". The game goes to 11 points.
This is a very good exercise to consolidate what you have learned. Try! Improve! (Fig. 7).
Double shots
Dr. 8 2 players, shot and rebound (4 meters or from behind the three-point line)
The drill starts with a good, clear pass. The player who made the pass from under the basket goes to the place of the thrower.
The player in position 1 catches the ball and shoots.
After the shot, the player runs to the rebound and then passes the ball 1 position and so on.
Each player must make five throws. The exercise is performed at a fast pace, but the throws should not be sloppy.
Then move to another position and everything is the same (Fig. 8).
Exercise 9 Two players, throw and rebound (per result)
The exercise is performed as described above.
The player who made the pass tries to interfere with the shot, but does not block.
Game up to 5 hits.
Then we move to another position, and so on. (Fig. 9).
Exercise 10 Two players, throw and rebound, throw feint
The exercise is performed in the same way as the previous one.
The defender who made the pass tries to interfere with the player in position 1, but does not block the shot.
The attacker makes a throw feint and beats the defender.
Performs a short dribble, stops and throws.
Do 5 times each and change position (Fig. 10).
Ex. 11 2 players, shot after a stoppage (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)
The attacker is in position 1, ready to receive the pass.
The player under the basket passes.
After the throw, the attacker waits for the rebound to be made.
The player receives a pass by making a stop, but already in position 2. Then back.
Make 7 throws, two free throws and switch (fig. 11).
Ex. 12 Shooting with movement (from four meters or from behind a three-point arc)
The attacker moves around the perimeter at game speed.
A player passes to the hand farthest from the ring.
The attacker must stop, catch the ball and throw.
Make seven throws, two free throws and change (fig. 12).
Note: The previous exercise has three options.
A) Receive the ball and throw it.
B) After receiving, throwing feint, dribbling in the same direction, throwing.
B) Receives a pass, throw feint, dribbling to the ring in the other direction, stop, throw.
Ex.13 Various dribbling options and a jump shot
The attacker starts from the center of the field and, dribbling at game speed, moves towards the ring, stops and takes a jump shot.
The player under the basket picks up the ball, the attacker runs to the center of the field, and receives the ball on the opposite flank. Moves with dribbling to the ring, stop, jump shot.
On the right side, dribble with the right hand, on the left - with the left (Fig. 13)
Note: Use speed dribbling, change of pace, transitions, pivots.
Three players, two balls
Exercise 14 Warm-up exercise
One player throws, another passes, a third rebounds.
Thrower becomes rebounder after seven tries.
Passer - thrower. Picking up - passing (Fig. 14).
Note: different options are possible
1) From seven positions (four meters)
2) From seven positions (from behind the three-point arc)
3) From five points with feints to shoot
4) Throw after stoppage
5) Throw and rebound (constant rotation around the circle)
Double shots: using screens
To use the screen effectively, you must read the defender correctly. You must always see the player with the ball and how the defender defends against you. A player who moves well off the ball and knows how to use screens correctly is very useful offensively. When you watch a match that has good players, notice how well they move off the ball. The hardest thing to defend against is a well-moving attacker.
Exercise 15 Back screen and snatch
The player imitates opening and screening behind his back, makes a dash to the corner of the court.
Throw to the nearest hand.
Attacker catches the ball and shoots.
The attacker picks up his shot, passes to a partner and returns to his original position.
Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 15)
Note: do not back away when dashing, turn around and run, but do not lose sight of the ball.
Exercise 16 Screening behind the back, "false" screening
1. Attacker starts on the base of the trapezoid and moves up to imitate the screening.
2. After the imaginary breakout runs, the screening attacker rises to the ball and prepares to receive the pass.
3. Having caught the pass, he immediately makes a throw.
4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 16).
0003
An attacker imitates a defender aiming for a screen and rises sharply towards the ball.
The player must be ready to receive the ball.
The attacker catches the ball and makes a quick throw.
Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 17)
Exercise 18 Screening the ball carrier, moving away from the ring
The attacker screens the ball carrier.
The ball carrier passes through the screen aggressively.
Instead of pulling back to the basket (deuce), the screening attacker moves away from the basket and prepares to receive the pass.
Having caught the ball, he immediately makes a throw.
Make seven attempts, then change.
Exercise 19 Barrier at the base of the trapezoid - opening to the flank
The attacker takes the player under the ring, breaks shoulder to shoulder through the barrier and makes a dash to the flank.
When catching the ball, the player must turn to the ring.
Use different throw options: just throw, and dribbling to the right or left after a throw feint. Change after five attempts (Fig. 19).
Exercise 20 Screening at the base of the trapezoid - opening into the corner of the court
The attacker takes the player into the three-second zone, pretends that he will break through to the flank through the screen, the defender starts running around the screener through the three-second zone.
The attacker makes a dash to the corner of the court, and the defender hits the screen.
Further, the same as in the previous exercise (Fig. 20).
Ex. 21 Screen at the base of the trapezoid - dash inward
The defender is chasing you, not falling behind until the very screen.
Then you run through the screen as close to the screener as possible and break into the three-second zone or foul line area.
Receive the ball by turning towards the hoop and throw it.
Also work out various options for continuing after receiving the ball. After five attempts, change (Fig. 21).
Throws in pairs: pass and discount
Exercise 22 Pass and discount - starting from the center of the field flank.
The receiving player is opened for transmission.
Player receives a pass and shoots.
The player who made the pass picks up the ball and gives it to the thrower.
Players switch roles.
Everyone makes ten throws (Fig. 22).
Exercise 23 Pass and discount - start from the flank
Variation of exercise 22 (Fig. 23)
Exercise 24 Pass and discount - start from the corner of the site one more
exercise 2
more variation 3 . 24).
Updated on 03/18/2014 00:40
Slamdunk Journal :: Basketball techniques
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What techniques exist and how they differ
Let's first deal with the definition: playing techniques are skills that a professional player must possess. Sounds simple, but what exactly are the skills in basketball? What should an amateur who wants to improve the performance of his game pay attention to? Let's figure it out.
The main goal in basketball is to successfully hit the ball into the basket, and everything that happens on the court only leads the players to this moment. There are skills that basketball players work out in training to bypass rivals and make a successful shot.
Before we list them, let us remind you that basketball is a team sport, and even the most successful players do not master all the tricks perfectly. With a serious approach to training, you should decide on your position on the site and especially carefully work out the necessary techniques.
So the post must deftly pick up the ball under the basket and throw it right into the basket. Back row players are highly regarded for their ability to pass and make accurate shots from medium to long distances. And for an attacking basketball player, it is extremely important to be able to make lightning-fast breakthroughs to the ring. All these techniques and skills are practiced in training.
What are the basic skills?
Holding the throw. Performed with two hands. Widely spaced fingers hold the ball from both sides. One of the basic skills for any player.
Catching the ball. Another basic skill that no basketball player can do without. But are you sure you know how to do it right?!
The easiest way to catch the ball flying at the level of the chin. To do this, you need to take a small step forward and stretch your arms towards the ball with widely spread fingers - a “funnel”. In this case, the thumbs should be directed towards each other and brought together up to 3-5 centimeters. This will save you from slipping and hitting the ball in the face if you catch it at high speed. At the moment the ball touches the fingers, you need to make a shock-absorbing movement and transfer it to the chest. When catching the ball above the head, the actions are similar, but you need to extinguish the speed of its flight from the top-front, and then transfer it to the chest in an arc.
One of the most difficult tricks is catching the ball flying behind. Such a pass is often used to quickly break through to the opponent's ring. For him, without slowing down, make a slight turn of the shoulder and head towards the ball, and then catch it with the far hand and move it to the chest with a raking movement.
Basic passing techniques:
There are several technically correct ways to pass the ball. One of the most basic is a transfer with two hands from the chest. In this position, the ball is most protected from the attacks of opponents, and besides, the transfer from the chest is the most accurate and reliable, regardless of whether it is carried out on the spot or while the player is moving.
Underhand two-handed transmission is more commonly used after stops and turns. During the swing, the ball is taken to the thigh, after which it is sent to another player with a sharp movement of both hands. Such a transfer is effective for beating especially tall opponents.
One-handed passes are less accurate and more often used when speed is important. Their development should be given special attention in training in order to achieve maximum strength and accuracy.
The shoulder pass is used when the ball needs to be passed as far and as fast as possible, and the hook pass, performed in an arcing motion, is good for passing the opponent.
To get around a nimble and agile opponent, a rebound pass will also be good. It can be done with one or two hands. In this case, the push of the ball must be strong, and the rebound point must be closer to the receiving player.
What about dribbling?
Dribbling is the most basic thing in basketball. What makes this sport different from the rest. Simply put, dribbling is dribbling. It allows the player in possession of the ball, without violating strict basketball rules, to enter a position convenient for attacking, approach the ring and score the ball. The dribbling is carried out by elastic pushes of the ball with the fingers. It is dribbling that should be given special attention in training beginners.
Well-developed dribbling technique will teach you not only how to move on the court, but also skillfully take the ball away from your opponents, which will bring you closer to the coveted ring.
But we already wrote about how to properly throw the ball into the ring in our other article;)
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How to throw the ball correctly in basketball
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Why 'The Last Dance' is one of the best shows of the year
It's a game of inches and sometimes the ball goes in the hoop and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you get called for a silly foul but mental toughness means getting over that mistake or issue and making sure to focus on the next play.
Part of the reason this is so important is because coaches get extremely frustrated with players that make the same mistakes over and over. Typically the players that make the same mistakes are the ones that aren't mentally tough and haven't fully committed to change.
This is the beauty of success in basketball though. Even teams that have only lost one or two games face adversity. They usually handle it better so it never disrupts or derails the season.
All these things are hard for kids to get a grasp on. If parents and coaches can get players to understand these things they will have a team full of leaders that will keep themselves accountable during and after the basketball season.
Great players understand that their teammates watch them and follow their lead. Some nights players will hit shots and everything will roll on perfectly but other nights this may not be the case.
Dish training machines will help develop physical skills but they also allow players to really "lock in" to become stronger mentally as well.
Dish basketball shooting machines.
Pick your weakest spot and work on it first every practice. Choose the weight lifting exercise you like least and do it right away. Pick the subject you need the most work in and always start with it. If you wait, chances are you won’t want to work on your weakness or you will not give it your best effort. When we choose the hard things in life we develop mental toughness and life becomes easier. When we always choose the easiest we get weaker.
We need to learn to talk to people not about them. We need to address problems with courage and kindness before becoming bitter and resentful. Every time we run away from our problems, more problems follow. The minute we decide to deal with problems we become more mentally tough and better able to handle problems in the future.
” The second time around she ended with a huge smile. She said, “I had no idea how big a difference what I thought made on what I do and how I feel. Even though I didn't think it would work, it did. I felt great .”
8). 
You must always see the player with the ball and how the defender defends against you. A player who moves well off the ball and knows how to use screens correctly is very useful offensively. When you watch a match that has good players, notice how well they move off the ball. The hardest thing to defend against is a well-moving attacker. 
24). 
This will save you from slipping and hitting the ball in the face if you catch it at high speed. At the moment the ball touches the fingers, you need to make a shock-absorbing movement and transfer it to the chest. When catching the ball above the head, the actions are similar, but you need to extinguish the speed of its flight from the top-front, and then transfer it to the chest in an arc. 
What makes this sport different from the rest. Simply put, dribbling is dribbling. It allows the player in possession of the ball, without violating strict basketball rules, to enter a position convenient for attacking, approach the ring and score the ball. The dribbling is carried out by elastic pushes of the ball with the fingers. It is dribbling that should be given special attention in training beginners. 
