The KEY TO giving your best physical effort is your MENTAL preparation.

Preparing yourself mentally is like going through a pre-game check list. Virtually every NBA and WNBA player goes through a mental and physical routine prior to a game. Skipping that preparation process is like walking into a classroom for an exam that you haven’t studied for.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN PREPARE YOURSELF FOR COMPETITION:

  • RESPECT YOUR OPPONENT -- If you’re playing the best team in the league, then you already know you’re in for a battle. It’s easy to respect that team. But you should have the same level of respect for a team that may not be as good. Once you start taking teams for granted, you have laid the foundation for a loss.

  • CONCENTRATE ON YOURSELF -- At the same time, concentrate on yourself and how you want to play. Regardless of the opponent, get into the habit of preparing yourself emotionally to play a great game.

  • VISUALIZE YOUR SUCCESS ON THE COURT your success on the courtLay down in a quiet space and close your eyes. Imagine a highlight reel of your performance. See yourself making shots, grabbing rebounds, executing the offense, playing good defense. See yourself in the game as though you were watching yourself on television.

    • While this “visualization” process might seem strange, many NBA and WNBA players practice visualization techniques before playing games. By seeing yourself doing well over and over, you’re forcing your brain to respond to certain physical and psychological cues – all of them positive. Also, after a 15-minute visualization session, you’ll find yourself refreshed and refocused.

  • PREPARE FOR THE CROWD -- The crowd usually consists of eager parents who want to see their son or daughter perform well. That’s fine. Occasionally, however, a parent or two might become loud enough to affect the game.

    Prepare yourself to stay focused on what you are doing on the court, no matter what is said from the stands. While you will no doubt be aware of the crowd, it’s usually not difficult to ignore sounds coming out of the stands, if you have prepared beforehand for what to expect.

Table of Contents

•
 Player's Guide: Introduction


•
 Player's Guide: Section 1
PLAY HARD HAVE FUN


•
 Player's Guide: Section 2
Interacting With Your COACH


•
 Player's Guide: Section 3
Understanding Your PARENTS’ Expectations


•
 Player's Guide: Section 4
Practice, Practice, PRACTICE


•
 Player's Guide: Section 5
WHO PLAYS WHERE


•
 Player's Guide: Section 6
The Importance of TEAM PLAY


•
 Player's Guide: Section 7
Practicing Good SPORTSMANSHIP


•
 Player's Guide: Section 8
HEALTH AND FITNESS


•
 Player's Guide: Section 9
HOME TRAINING


•
 Player's Guide: Section 10
WARMING UP


•
 Player's Guide: Section 11
GETTING YOUR MIND READY FOR THE GAME