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Fearless Basketball Training
By Hugh Houchin, eHow Contributor
updated: March 27, 2010

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"Fearless basketball" is that sport's highest degree of competitiveness, which means mental toughness and knowing how you're going to perform. Those who have absolute confidence in their offensive and defensive abilities have an edge on their opponents. They weren't born with mental toughness, though; it's developed through training. To understand mental toughness, one must first understand its antithesis.

Stress

1. Fear of failure is the antithesis of mental toughness. Basketball is an exact game, which can be stressful. If a player doubts he can perform, he is subject to fear of failure. If he is afraid of missing a shot, he probably will; if he's afraid he can't guard he opponent, he undoubtedly won't; and if he's afraid of losing, chances are he will. Fear of failure elicits stress, followed by loss of confidence.

Conquering Stress

2. A tough mental attitude is dependent upon conquering stress, and stress is conquered through discipline. To overcome stress, a player should not allow any negative feelings and should remain positive no matter what. There are steps one can take to learn discipline.

Improving Discipline

3. A step-by-step process to train oneself to be disciplined, in game circumstances, is needed to learn the mental toughness of fearless basketball.

The first step is to develop good eating and sleeping habits. If rested and eating right, a player will be mentally and physically ready to learn. Cultivate the habits of being at practice on time, even early, and listening to the coach. Always be excited and ready to go, no matter what he asks. If it's unpleasant, do it anyway, and be enthusiastic about it.

Push yourself to your limit, both physically and mentally. When worn out, don't slump but throw you shoulders back and walk in an erect manner, not complaining. No matter the degree of difficulty, never be negative. Leave it all on the court and be passionate about becoming a fearless basketball player.

Right Frame of Mind

4. To be fearless is a mind game, and success doesn't come to those who play it safe. Always play to win and stay aggressive; losing is never a thought. Playing to lose means the thought of losing has entered your mind, which erodes confidence.

With a fearless mindset, one can deal with missing a shot or defensive assignment and not let it affect his confidence.

Summary

5. To maintain a fearless playing attitude requires constant affirmation, and the way to maintain it is through practice. The improved confidence and instincts lead to the ability to determine when your opponent is susceptible to attack and when immediate action is needed.