Jordan, LeBron, Kobe and all the greats knew how important it was to dominate mentally

In the world of basketball, physical attributes such as strength, speed, and agility are often highlighted as the key factors in a player’s success. Some might even say that is necessary to have the best basketball shoes and gear. However, this is a sport that requires a balance of highly developed physical and mental attributes. Actually, some of the greatest players in the history of the game claim that their success was defined by their mental preparation. One of them is none other than Michael Jordan.

“And I took that personally”

When it comes to mental toughness and a winning mentality, hardly anyone can match the intensity and focus of Michael Jordan. His relentless drive and determination to win are legendary. Jordan’s mental approach to the game was so strong that his opponents often felt defeated even before the game started. He would visualize himself making game-winning shots, and his intense focus and determination would lead him to come out victorious no matter who it was standing on the other side. As we all know from The Last Dance documentary, it was even worse for MJ’s opponents if they made him take things personally.

Not just for pros

Still, it’s not just the all-time greats and NBA stars that can benefit from mental training. Every player, even from the young aspiring basketball hoopers, can improve their performance by focusing on the mental side of the game. Mental training can improve a player’s focus, confidence, and resilience on the court, which are all vital to success.

One of the biggest challenges that basketball players face is dealing with pressure. Whether it’s the pressure of a big game, the pressure to perform, or the pressure to live up to expectations, it can be overwhelming. The social media age has not only promoted players at a very young age to stardom, but it has also thrust them into the spotlight when they’re barely teenagers. Zion Williamson is a great example of that.

There is a reason why he is the King

Mental training is particularly important for a young player who is dealing with intense scrutiny, overwhelming pressure, extreme expectations, and the negativity often found online. With mental training, players can learn to manage and overcome pressure, allowing them to stay focused and perform at their peak. The best example of this is LeBron James, who had the world on his shoulders even before he entered the NBA. Despite the pressure and expectations, he was able to soldier through successfully, even with failures and setbacks along the way.

Ignoring mistakes, imagining success

Another common challenge that players face is dealing with mistakes. It’s easy to get down on yourself when you make a mistake on the court, but it’s important to remember that mistakes are a part of the game. The two time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was pretty awful at the free throw line earlier in his career and would miss too many free throw attempts, but he kept on practicing and even utilizing visualization before every free throw shot. With mental training techniques, players can learn to overcome or let go of mistakes and move on, allowing them to stay focused and perform at their best.

There are several techniques that players can use to improve their mental game. Visualization, concentration, goal-setting, and mindfulness are all effective techniques that can help with improving performance. Visualization involves mentally preparing for the game and visualizing yourself making the right plays and shots. Concentration involves being focused and tuning out distraction, such as when an opponent starts talking and you don’t let it rattle you. Goal-setting involves setting specific and measurable goals for yourself, both in the short-term and long-term. Mindfulness is a technique that helps players focus on the present moment and maintain a clear mind.

Training the brain like any other muscle

Mental toughness is a mandatory requirement for any player who wants to reach the top of their game. One person who knows this all too well is Graham Betchart, a mental skills coach who works with some of the top players in the NBA, including:

  • Karl-Anthony Towns
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Ben Simmons
  • Zach LaVine
  • Marcus Smart
  • Jaylen Brown.

His work is done behind the scenes and doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a crucial aspect of their success.

The brain game must not be neglected

The mental aspect of basketball is just as important as the physical one. By focusing on mental training, players can improve their focus, confidence and resilience on the court, which can ultimately lead to more success. Michael Jordan serves as a prime example of the importance of mental training. No one was getting into MJ’s head and his mental fortitude was unmatched by anyone in NBA history. Similarly, Kobe Bryant, a.k.a. the Black Mamba, had one of the toughest mentalities in the NBA. Allen Iverson, despite the bumps and bruises, drove right into the paint over and over. Then, there is Shaun Livingston, who came back from one of the worst injuries in basketball as yet another example of how developing and improving mentally is essential.

As young aspiring players look to take their game to the next level, incorporating mental training into their practice routine can give them that extra edge they need to succeed. Remember, it’s not just about physical ability, but also about having a strong mental game as well.