Visioning
As many programs move into full swing it is important to revisit one of the more crucial aspects of working with athletes. As much as we focus on physical readiness we also have to be concerned with mental preparedness. We tend to speak to mental toughness but we tend to overlook exercises that help us strengthen and prepare the mind.
Here are a few exercises we have have utilized entered around visioning
The Perfect Game Visualization (we are sensitive to the idea of the perfect game hypothesis as it means different things to different people, this exercise is suited for more developed players, for younger players a more appropriate visualization could be related to the perfect pass or well balanced and executed shot)
Find a quiet space to sit or lie down.
Close your eyes and take deep breaths, focusing on relaxation.
Visualize yourself entering a basketball court, feeling confident and ready.
Play out an entire game in your mind, seeing yourself executing perfect plays, making every shot, defending well, and communicating with teammates.
Experience the emotions of success, the crowd's cheers, and the satisfaction of playing your best game.
Conclude by savoring the feeling of this "perfect game" and carry that confidence into real-life practices and matches.
Overcoming Challenges Visualization (again age should be considered)
Relax and close your eyes.
Visualize a challenging game scenario, like being several points behind or facing a tough defender.
Instead of feeling defeated, imagine tapping into a reservoir of inner strength, determination, and skill.
See yourself methodically breaking down the challenge, making smart plays, and slowly gaining the upper hand.
Feel the rush of turning the tide and the joy of overcoming adversity.
The Mind-Body Connection
Choose a specific basketball skill, e.g., free throw shooting.
Stand in position as if you're about to shoot a free throw.
Close your eyes and visualize the process of making the shot: the ball's weight, the shooting motion, the ball's arc, and it swishing through the net.
Without opening your eyes, physically perform the action.
Repeat multiple times, reinforcing the connection between mental imagery and physical execution.
Teammate Synergy Visualization
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Visualize a game where you and your teammates are in perfect sync: passing seamlessly, assisting each other, and defending cooperatively.
Feel the trust and mutual respect, envisioning scenarios where you anticipate each other's moves effortlessly.
Conclude by focusing on the feeling of unity and camaraderie.
Post-Game Reflection and Visualization
After a game, find a quiet place to sit.
Reflect on the game's events, both positive outcomes and areas for improvement.
For any mistakes or missed opportunities, visualize an alternative scenario where you performed the desired action successfully.
Feel the positive emotions tied to this improved outcome and set an intention to integrate this visualization into your future games.