Keep Your Cool: How Young Basketball Players Can Stay Composed During Competition.

Today, we're talking about something super important for your basketball game: keeping your composure. Staying calm and collected during a game can make all the difference in your performance. Here are some easy steps to help you stay composed and play your best!

• Breathe Deeply

When the game gets intense, remember to breathe. Deep breathing helps calm your mind and body. Try this:

- Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.

- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.

Repeat this a few times whenever you feel nervous or overwhelmed.

• Positive Body Language

How you carry yourself on the court matters. Positive body language can boost your confidence and even intimidate your opponents. Here's what to do:

- Stand tall with your shoulders back.

- Keep your head up and make eye contact with teammates.

- Smile and show positive energy, even if things aren't going perfectly.

• Stay in the Present Moment

Focusing on the present helps you avoid getting distracted by past mistakes or future worries. To stay present:

- Concentrate on the next play, not the last one.

- Focus on what you can control: your effort, attitude, and actions.

- Use a keyword or phrase like "Next play" or "Stay focused" to bring your mind back to the present.

• Develop a Routine

Having a pre-game and in-game routine can help you feel more in control. This routine can include:

- Warm-up exercises that you do before every game.

- Positive self-talk to boost your confidence (e.g., "I can do this").

- Visualizing success by picturing yourself making great plays.

• Control Your Emotions

It's normal to feel a range of emotions during a game, but learning to control them is key. Try these tips:

- Acknowledge your feelings but don't let them control you.

- Take a moment to cool down if you're feeling frustrated – step aside, take a deep breath, and refocus.

- Use positive affirmations like "I am calm" or "I am focused" to shift your mindset.

• Support Your Teammates

Encouraging your teammates helps create a positive atmosphere. When everyone stays composed, the whole team benefits. Remember to:

- Communicate positively with your teammates.

- Celebrate their successes as well as your own.

- Lift each other up when someone makes a mistake.

• Practice Under Pressure

Simulate game pressure in practice to get used to staying composed in tough situations. You can:

- Practice clutch situations like free throws or game-winning shots.

- Challenge yourself with high-intensity drills.

- Learn to handle distractions by practicing in noisy environments.

• Reflect After Games

After the game, take time to reflect on what went well and what you can improve. Ask yourself:

- What did I do well?

- How did I stay composed?

- What can I do better next time?

Staying composed during a basketball game is all about preparation and practice. Use these tips to keep your cool, and you'll see your performance improve. Remember, it's not just about physical skills – your mental game is just as important. Keep practicing, stay positive, and enjoy the game!

Video:

5 Tips to Maintain Composure Video

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

Founder Flow State Basketball

P.S. If you want to work with us in any capacity, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1 - TOGETHER with Coach Dave. www.flowstatebasketball.com
2 - ON YOUR OWN with our monthly membership platforms. www.flowstatebasketball.com
3 - FOR FREE on YouTube and our social media platforms.