Practice, scrimmages, championship games, tournaments, states, nationals, pick-up games, workouts, gym class, skill/drill work, etc. What do all of these have in common? They ALL should be viewed the same. 

The best athletes always compete at the same level no matter what level they are competing at. If they are practicing, they are still going to hustle for that ball about to go out of bounce. Lifting in the gym, trying to bench more than their friends. Pick-up game with your friends, going to show them who’s boss. National Championship, show everyone that new skill they been practicing on their own time and bringing home that ring.

The reason these athletes view every physical activity the same is because they are practicing competition conditioning for every moment they have the chance too. If they view gym class as something they can slack off at, then they are going to slack off when they need that competitive edge the most.

Here are some tips on how to practice this during practice:

  1. Wear the gear and equipment you would in games. 
  2. Have a friend or coach referee.
  3. Time and keep score of a competition with your teammates.
  4. Make conditions in practice as similar to a competition.
  5. Shoot around with defense.
  6. Scrimmage in front of a crowd
  7. Imagine its a real competition

Written by:

Sarah Grippi

Basketball Mindset