How to not be nervous in basketball game

10 Tips For Not Getting Nervous In Basketball

When playing basketball, it is important to keep calm under pressure. If you get nervous, your ability to play will be hindered. And the other team will take advantage of this nervousness. To not get nervous when playing a game of basketball, many things can be done. This blog post will talk about 10 tips on how not to get nervous in basketball. That is keeping calm when under pressure!

The Reasons Why You Get Nervous In Basketball

To tackle the problems, we first need to understand why nervousness happens. Here are some of the possible reasons:

Fear Of Failure

Fear of failure is one reason you might be nervous. This means that someone feels nervous because they think they have no hope at all in playing well or winning a game. So their fear has become this reality which makes them worried about it.

People who get nervous because of fear of failure may have a lack of confidence in themselves. If this is the case then they need to work on their self-esteem and try to build more trust with others. So that when it comes time for them to play basketball or some other sport. They will feel comfortable enough to give it a shot!

Pressure From People

Another possibility for nervousness is feeling nervous because of the people watching. This can be a close friend or family member. And it could also be a lot of other people at once. A nervous player might feel nervous because of the pressure from these people.

If you have a friend or family member who is pressuring you. Talk to them about it and let him/her know how nervous this makes you. If there are a lot of other people watching though, sometimes talking with some friends can help too!

New Surroundings

Furthermore, nervousness might occur due to something new happening in your life. You may have been playing basketball for years but then there comes some big change – like a new team, coach, or even just having to practice with different rules.

Overthinking

Next, nervousness could occur due to overthinking the game. People might be so nervous because they have been thinking about a very important upcoming match for too long and their thoughts are just getting in their way of playing well.

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Lack Of Practice

Another reason nervousness might happen is because of a lack of practice. If you have not been practicing for a long time and then suddenly someone asks if you want to play, this can be the cause of nervousness since it’s too hard for your mind and body to adjust quickly.

Lack Of Experience

Additionally, nervousness might be because of a lack of experience. If someone is not experienced enough in a certain sport or activity, then they might feel nervous about doing it because they don’t know what will happen to them and this can make their mind too nervous as well.

Embrace The Challenge!

It’s important to understand why nervousness occurs so that one knows how not get nervous in basketball.

Always remember that nervousness is not a failure! It just means you’re excited and the other team has the same opportunity to win as well. So if nervousness happens, focus on playing your best anyways because it’s okay to be nervous sometimes – after all, everyone gets nervous when they play sports! Even professional athletes get nervous.

Just embrace the nervousness and challenge it to play your best!

10 Ways To Get Rid Of Nervousness in Basketball

Meditate

Meditating before the game can help get rid of nervousness. Meditating means clearing your mind and thinking about nothing, not even basketball! It’s helpful to focus on breathing slowly while meditating because this helps calm you down.

Taking deep breaths is also another way to get rid of nervousness in a sports game. This takes some practice because you have to remember to breathe, but a lot of nervousness can be solved by taking deep breaths.

Don’t Stop Moving!

Nervousness happens when someone stands still and does not move around. Although nervousness might make it hard for one to concentrate on moving, try your best anyway because if the other team sees that you’re nervous, they’ll play harder.

Get More Sleep!

Make sure to get enough sleep the night before so that your mind does not feel tired when nervousness happens during a game. If you are not well-rested and nervousness is troubling you, then it’s easy for one to become frustrated with themselves which could end up hurting their team.

Listen To Music

Listening to music before the game is also a good idea because nervousness might be reduced by listening to some upbeat songs. If nervousness does still happen, then it is best to play the songs in your head so that one doesn’t have to worry about singing or humming.

Keep A Positive Mindset

Always remember that nervousness is normal and it just means you care about the outcome of the game. Moreover, nervousness can be reduced by having a positive mindset because this makes one believe in themselves more – which then helps them play better!

Learn From Mistakes

Nervousness can be reduced by learning from mistakes. If nervousness happens and one makes a mistake (like missing a shot), then remember to keep going because this is not the end of the world! The only way to improve at something is through making mistakes and getting better as time goes on.

As Michael Jordan, famously said;

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

Do Not Take The Games Too Seriously

Additionally, nervousness can be reduced by not taking games too seriously. It is okay to take the game seriously because this means you care about winning, but it’s also important to enjoy playing and have fun together with your teammates!

Experiment In Practice

Nervousness can be reduced by experimenting in practice. This means trying new techniques and strategies to see what works best for you so that nervousness does not happen as much during a game!

If nervousness does still happen in a game, then simply continue to have fun while playing because the best thing about sports is that everyone has fun together.

Play As Much As Possible

Moreover, nervousness can be reduced by playing as much as possible. If you play more often and get used to it, then nervousness will happen less! After all, the best way to feel comfortable in a sport is through practice.

Work Hard

Working hard is one of the best ways to get the nervousness out in a sports game. If you work your hardest, then nervousness will not be a problem because it means you’re trying your best and giving 100%. So if nervousness happens, just keep playing as well as possible!

Conclusion

Always remember that nervousness is not the end of the world and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad player, so don’t let nervousness get to your head! Nervousness means there’s some excitement involved which could be good if one can harness this energy.

Just focus on playing well no matter what because nervousness happens but that doesn’t mean the nervous person is a failure. Sometimes nervousness can be bad for one’s game, but if anything nervousness shows that you’re passionate about this sport!

Thanks for reading our blog on how not to get nervous when playing basketball! We hope this helps anyone who might be nervous during games!

Here are Some of our Favourite Basketball Sneakers

Here we will be giving more of an opinion, rather than facts. Are the sneakers worth the price that they are being sold at? Should you upgrade from your current sneakers, depending on what boots you own? What features stand out on these sneakers? If any. Does it do the job? Speed, control, stability etc. Depending on your needs/preferences. We can also mention its durability, if we have collected enough data on the specific sneakers.

What did we expect vs. what we got. Is it maybe overrated/underrated?

Elite

Here’s our pick from the very best of the bunch.

Pro

On your way to the pro leagues? Here’s our pick.

Beginner

Want something to start with? Have a look at our pick.

How Do I Stop Getting Nervous Before A Basketball Game?

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Nervousness is a sickening feeling that no one likes. Many basketball athletes, whether it’s amateurs or professionals, get nervous before a basketball. It can be either because the player concerned is trying to impress his coach or make his parents proud, or the upcoming game is crucial. In any case, it is mandatory to get rid of this nervousness if you wish to give your best during the game. To stop getting nervous before a basketball game make sure you have done proper training beforehand which increases the confidence you need. Routines like meditation, sleep and diet can help increase your confidence in your athletic ability which will calm your nerves.

In this guide, we have enlisted and detailed some of the tips that you can follow to calm your nerves before a basketball game. However, before we share those tips, let’s go over the underlying reasons for this nervousness that we encounter. 

Why Do I Get Nervous Before A Basketball Game?

Lack of Practice

When it comes to the causes behind the anxiety before a basketball, lack of practice tops off the list. You can’t expect to jump into a basketball with little or no practice beforehand and expect to be confident on the field. It’s like sitting for an exam without its preparation.

Exercising the basics of the game and proper training are must if you wish to conquer this nervousness. 

Overthinking

The second reason that makes us nervous before a basketball game is overthinking. Besides basketball players, overthinking, in general, is one of the prime causes of anxiety in people belonging to different spheres of life.

Overthinking involves thinking about the negative aspects once you’re in the court such as what might happen if you make mistakes during the game. Will the audience and other players laugh at you? Dwelling on such negative thoughts makes you take every single one of your moves carefully throughout the game, thereby preventing you to showcase your full potential.

Lack of Experience

Another reason that pertains to your nervousness before a basketball game and the one that applies to the beginners is lack of experience. It is a really common occurrence to feel anxious before a basketball game if you are a newbie.

However, to make sure the uneasy feeling of nervousness goes away as soon as possible, you will need to start playing basketball more.

Pressure of People Around

Last but not least, you may also get nervous before a basketball game kicks off after succumbing to the people around. Whether it is the fear of not meeting up to the expectations of your basketball coach, or fear of disappointing the crowd who has come to watch your game, there are a variety of ways in which you can crumble under the pressure of people around you before the game starts.

You may also feel pressured by your teammates who are expecting a certain style of play from you, or by an opponent who has trash-talked with you.

8 Tips to Stop Getting Nervous Before A Basketball Game

Now that you understand the reasons you may be getting nervous before a basketball game, let’s head to the main section of the guide, that is, to provide you with ways you can overcome that nervousness.

1.

If you can’t get rid of anxiety before and during a basketball game, meditation is your permanent, go-to solution. It is the best way to clear and calm your mind. Apart from reducing nervousness and anxiety, it is known to cure depression, chronic pain, and high blood pressure.

Now, of course, meditating once in a while won’t reap you all the aforementioned benefits; you should try meditating after every basketball practice or during your off days.

2.

Success in literally everything in the world requires sheer commitment and hard work. Basketball is no different in this regard. 

As mentioned above, lack of practice is one of the reasons why you get nervous before a basketball game. Well, working hard and training more remedy that!

Practicing more not only makes you skilled in different basketball moves but also, boosts your confidence in your ability to succeed, and inevitability so, because you know that the hours of work you put in means something. Exercise your body to prepare for anything that a basketball game can bring. Follow our 6-week program for basketball players here, if you need a training plan to follow.

Furthermore, while you sweat over to tweak your game, try setting some goals for yourself. This way, when you reach one of your goals, you will be reinvigorated to achieve the next goal on the list, and then the next after that, and on and on it goes.

3.

If you are a beginner at basketball, it’s only natural that you will feel a bit nervy when a game is just around the corner. However, the solution is simple: play more and more basketball games to get the expertise that you are lacking.

Try playing pick-up basketball games at least three times a week. A general rule of thumb is that your playing time should exceed your practicing time. 

Having said that, you should try playing with both the players who are more capable than you and those who are less capable than you. Playing with less skillful players gives you the confidence to take the next step and try new things.

Once you have that confidence, you can go on and try your luck with players who are better than you. Now, at the beginning you will struggle with these players a lot; you will make mistakes, be laughed at, and get beaten most of the time.

However, if you stay persistent, you will eventually end up surpassing those players as well. Doing so will motivate you to take the next step on your course to improvement, and it’ll continue on.

If you are able to successfully go down that course, getting nervous before a basketball game will be nothing but a cliché to you.

4.

If you successfully perform moves like slam dunks and crossovers during the practice but are too afraid to try them during games, then you, yourself, are hurting your confidence.

The sole reason you practice those moves is so that you can apply them in an actual game to help your team. However, if, for some reason, you are unable to gather the courage to be able to carry out those moves in a game, you will never be able to do that. And inevitably, you will be nervous every time a game is about to start.

It’s never too late to start, is it? therefore, force yourself to do the things you practice in games to become comfortable in doing them. You will learn a lot once you start doing so and it will ultimately turn you into a better player.

5.

An important thing to always remember as a basketball player is that it is a game after all and the core reason why everyone is playing is to have fun.  

Now, this scenario becomes completely different in the case of professional athletes as they have a lot at stake. Still, considering it as a life or death situation diverts your focus from the game and makes you nervous, thereby, compromising your performance on the field.

Therefore, regardless of whether you’re a college player or a professional, focus on the game, enjoy the fun part of it, and never take it too seriously.

6.

Similar to any other sport, learning from one’s mistakes on the field is integral if you wish to keep your nervousness before a basketball game at bay and become the best possible player you can be.

Some players are too afraid to work on their shortcomings which is why they can never be fully self-assured ahead of a game. 

Remember that mistakes are bound to happen and the only thing that matters is that how you respond to them. Learn to embrace them and consider them a driving force for you to work hard and become better.

7.

One hour or two before the game begins, put on some headphones, turn up the volume, and play songs with positive vibes. 

Songs are known to have a soothing effect on the mind. Listening to them an hour or two before your basketball game will divert your attention from overthinking everything that could go wrong in the game. 

Additionally, it is best if you go for uplifting songs. These will boost your confidence and get you all set for your game.

8.

The last of our tips to avoid getting nervous before a basketball game is to think positively. Whenever you are going for a basketball game, go as if you’ve got nothing to lose. Separate every single negative thought from your brain and have some faith in yourself.

Instead of pondering over what could happen if you suffer a defeat, think about all the good that will come from your victory.

Moreover, don’t dwell on past defeats, focus on what’s in front of you and seize the opportunity!

Conclusion

We hope that by adhering to one or more of the tips and tricks highlighted in this guide, you will be able to counter the uneasy feeling of nervousness that you get before a basketball game, thereby unleashing your true potential during the game.

Good luck with your next game!

Tags:how can i calm my nerves before a gamehow do i stop anxiety before sportshow do i stop pre-game anxietyhow to not get nervous before a basketball gamehow to stop getting nervous before a basketball gamewhy am i nervous before a game

How to overcome self-doubt before the match? - Football Constructor - Blogs

This post was written by Sports.ru user, every fan can start writing (you can do it here).

This topic is incredibly relevant, because every person experiences excitement on the eve of some important event. After looking through my notes and digging in my head, I decided to share my knowledge and experience.

So what is self-doubt? When it comes to football, this is a huge omission in our system of training athletes, in which often, while developing physical qualities, we completely forget about mental ones. And if during the match our players experience tremors in the knees, we must radically change the attitude towards training. Each exercise should influence both the development of physical and mental qualities equally.

At the moment, there is a lot of foreign literature on the subject of the psychological preparation of an athlete, but in Russian I have only come across a couple of books. For me personally, Anatoly Alekseev's book - "Overcome Yourself" , was a revelation, which talks about really effective ways to overcome nervousness before important speeches. One of the most important points that the author recommends is remembering successful games and writing down your impressions of them. Learning to evoke these feelings before each game in the future is the key to success.

What was my surprise when the manuals from the psychology courses from the English Football Federation listed the same methods that Alekseev was talking about. And in confirmation of the effectiveness, the British cite as an example the words of famous football players who were also not alien to self-doubt.

So, having compared the acquired knowledge, I have identified for myself the following ways to cope with myself:

1. Mental preparation for the upcoming game. Psychological workout.

Here we will talk about ways to set yourself up for the upcoming game. Physical warm-up before any game is a common thing, but almost no one remembers the psychological preparation for the game. How to do it? Here are the words of two successful forwards:

Wayne Rooney: “One of the points of my preparation is to ask the staff of the club about the form in which we will play. Then, on the evening before the game, lying in bed, I imagine myself scoring goals or playing well, in a red t-shirt and white shorts (according to the information received). It is necessary to enter yourself into the episode of the upcoming match as accurately as possible so that it is deposited in your memory. I don't know if other players can visualize, but I've been doing it all my life. ”

Didier Drogba: “When you play alone in attack, you need special mental preparation. I like to imagine how I will go away from custody, how I will score. I try to imagine everything in great detail and every time I succeed, I score. It sounds funny, but everything is created in the head before it comes to life.”

2. Reproduction of successful performances (a kind of continuation of the first paragraph).

This is exactly what Anatoly Alekseev is talking about. I strongly recommend re-reading his book, or at least the section on this topic.

British colleagues, in turn, advise after each successful game to try to reproduce everything that happened as soon as possible. It is very important to do this in a quiet place, to try to remember all events and actions in great detail. Write down your feelings in a notebook. Reproduce experienced sensations as often as possible.

3. Take the best from the best.

Many famous players regularly watch the matches of their idols (mostly playing in the same position) so that later, when they enter the field, they “try on their boots”. It sounds a little strange, but here's an explanation for you:

“ Before the game, I was reviewing Maradona's games, trying to make out his skills in detail. I also look at Mackle Owen, Paul Gascoigne, Pele, Ronaldo and this is very important for my development. I have come a long way to get to where I am now and I have taken many things from them all. "Daniel Sturridge"

The same English Football Federation recommends looking at the games of famous football players and trying to "imagine yourself as this player in real conditions", adopting his best qualities.

The following exercise helps to use this method more effectively: Write down their 3 strongest qualities Discuss the questions: What makes him who he is What strengths does he have that you lack How does he act when the team has the ball (defends) What psychological qualities does he have?

4. Relaxation as a way to deal with nervousness.

It is the increased heartbeat before matches that creates trembling knees and other unpleasant sensations.

The British say the following about this: nervousness indicates that our body is ready, it is a simple circulation of adrenaline through the body, nothing more. We cannot overcome our body, so if you are experiencing anxiety, then so be it.

They also recommend deep abdominal breathing (1 breath - 10 seconds), arguing with this example: “before exiting the tunnel and every free kick, KriRo (and many other players) takes a few deep breaths to relax himself.” Alekseev devotes a whole section to this topic, so for details - go to him.

5. Positive thinking.

Never paid attention to such things before. But, the British say that the control of their thoughts is very important, because thoughts give rise to emotions, emotions shape behavior, and behavior affects the quality of our performance.

“Today is not my day, I will try on the next game.” Familiar phrase? Such thoughts give rise to “unfulfilled Messi”.

There is also an exercise for this. It is necessary to draw a sign where each negative thought will be on the left, and on the right is an encouraging analogue. For example: “I am worried before meeting with their center forward” - “Everything will be fine, you just need to keep him in sight and choose the right position.”

6. Communication within the team (for coaches and team captains).

Criticism from both the coach and partners is a great undermining of self-confidence. It is very important to work on the quality of communication within your team, teach players to support each other and praise for successful actions.

" Players who are not true leaders, but try to be, constantly "kick" other players after a mistake. True leaders are already prepared for others to make mistakes... " Johan Cruyff

5 out of 6 points are suitable for personal use by players, but all this also applies to coaches who simply need to start to be interested in the methods of psychological training of their athletes and remember this when preparing for each training session.

I would like to believe that soon, the issues of psychological preparation of athletes will become relevant with us too!0003

How to protect yourself from injury when playing basketball

2 minutes to read

Basketball is a contact and dynamic game where contact with an opponent, work of the body and legs are inevitable. In terms of the number of injuries, basketball is second only to martial arts. The knees, ankles, and Achilles tendons are most commonly injured. This does not mean that you can no longer play your favorite game. It is important to follow a few guidelines to reduce the risk of injury and continue to play for fun.

Body temperature at rest is lower than during physical activity. That is why it is necessary to prepare the ligamentous apparatus, muscles and tendons for the upcoming loads. Pay attention to every part of the body, especially the arms, legs and back. The warm-up may include light jogging, joint exercises, and ball exercises. Basketball has a lot of short explosive runs and not warming up before them will increase the risk of injury.

There are always jumps in the game of basketball players - during shots, rebounds, block shots. Shoes soften impacts from landings, reduce the load on the joints and give additional jumping ability. Basketball shoes have non-slip soles so that movements on the floor are clear and stable. Additional ankle support will help with a weak ligamentous apparatus.

Models with Concept Power Frame system under the insole reduce the risk of foot dislocation. Often shoes are tied with both laces and Velcro to fix the legs.

You can play basketball both indoors and outdoors. When playing in the hall, opt for loose shorts and a T-shirt. Clothing should not restrict movement or interfere. You can wear two pairs of thin socks to avoid blisters and chafing.

Basketball has long used compression underwear, shirts and sleeves that improve blood flow, wick away sweat and create a second skin effect.

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