Pregame Preparation

Before the start of any important event, regardless of the level of importance, make sure that you are mentally and physically prepared for it. for example, failing to be mentally prepared for a math test will lead to you receiving an unsatisfactory grade before you even step into the classroom. Failing to be physically and mentally prepared to go rock climbing on several 80ft walls will probably lead to half of the wall being accomplished in the climb. In other words, you will do half (or less than half) of the job. The list of examples related to the outcome when there is a lack of preparation can go on forever. But the main issue in the matter still remains, you must prepare for success, very rarely does it just happen.

Going back to the earliest days of my existence, I can hear my father say to me and my siblings, "You always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." Luckily, at a young age, I understood what he meant. As an adult, I now understand that those words usually come from those who have made a few mistakes in their preparation prior to important events and learned their lesson the hard way. Failure, once introduced, often creates a feeling that the common man or woman will attempt to avoid at all costs.

The same feeling from failure in everyday life is also felt in the game of basketball. Unfortunately it can be intensified exponentially depending on the importance of the game or an individual player's desire to prove themselves. Mark my words, if you play basketball long enough, you will fail. The key to minimizing the number of times that you fail will be directly related to your preparation as a player prior to every practice and every game. Preparing for practice and a game starts with good teaching. A solid coach or mentor should provide tips and even enforce specific routines that will aid in your physical and mental preparation. Preparing for practice or a game doesn't just happen, it involves behavior and actions that are taught.

For example, how to eat prior to intense physical activity. When to eat and what to eat are also helpful tips. Players that feel nervous prior to games or tryouts for a team, should find a source of relaxation that will depress the nerves, yet keep them controlled as they can prove to be helpful when the physical activity begins. Knowing when, how and with who to communicate about the practice, game or tryouts prior to the start is a way to build confidence when the whistle blows. These preparatory characteristics and more, can prove to be beneficial for each player prior to the start of their important basketball related event.

If you play basketball long enough, you will feel embarrassment at one point or another via a silly turnover, a blocked shot, an air-ball or you may even get dunked on (if you ever play against real talent). The greatest players to ever play the game have experienced every one of these embarrassing moments. For a talented and developing basketball player getting a head start on others means understanding that the game of basketball is 98% mental and 2 percent physical. Preparation will not completely deter the embarrassing moments or moments of failure from ever occurring, but it sure can minimize their frequency.

Tip-off is in a few minutes...are you ready?



SwinsBasketball
Phone: (862) 234-0511
Email: swinsbasketball@gmail.com