We all do our workouts which include conditioning, putting up x amount of shots per day, agility drills, ball handling, participating in pick up games, or playing organized basketball at various levels.

However, basketball is a thinking man’s game.  I have been told repeatedly that basketball is 90% percent mental and the rest is ability.  Individuals need to understand the game of basketball and how to react in certain game situations.  Also, developing mental toughness is important as well.

Start by watching a basketball game and attempt to analyze every aspect of that particular game.  Pay attention to certain players who may play the same position that you do on your respective team.  Remember some of the things your coach has been trying to fix or incorporate in your game.  Watching a televised game or some old film, may provide you with that insight.

Let’s say you are the point guard for your basketball team and one of your deficiencies is that you do not see the court well.  This type of deficiency will cause you to often miss scoring opportunities for your team, not to mention preventing your team from being able run and score the ball in transition. For this situation, you should concentrate on watching point guards who can always find the open man.  By pin pointing specific situations in which they find open teammates, you can try to look for those same situations during your practices or games.  Also, by watching film of yourself, you can recognize those places in the game where opportunities were lost, make a note of them, and correct them later.

For novice individuals you need to watch a game or basketball film with a knowledgeable person - someone that knows and understands all the rules of the game, what the offensive and defensive strategies are, and the adjustments that players and coaches need to make to create the success they are trying to achieve during that game.  Actually, watching film can benefit a player at any level of their career in basketball.

During workouts try to simulate as many game situations as possible to develop your mental toughness.  Push yourself to the point of fatigue, and then try to make a certain amount of free throws, jump shots, or that last minute game winning shot.  I believe you have to see the game in slow motion and be a step ahead of the competition.  The mental game is the small things like realizing your mismatch and taking advantage of it, holding the follow thru, cutting to the basket, and seeing the floor.  Remember to work hard but it is more important to work smart.

Your ability to think the game is what is going to transform you from being a good player into a great player.  The players in the NBA whose game exhibits mental toughness are Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.  They are tremendously skilled individuals who know when to use their various talents.

I have a saying, “If you see it, you gotta be it.”  Meaning when you are skilled, show patience and take advantage of your opportunities offensively and defensively.  The mental game is all about thinking.  So, when you work out or play pick up, make sure you are the smartest and the toughest player mentally on the court.