This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay. Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
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With any kind of competition, proper preparation is the key to success! As a basketball player, you spend a lot of time practicing with your team to prepare for games, but you may be wondering what you can do on your own, too. To help you out, we've put together this list of useful tips and tricks you can try out to prepare for your next big game.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I calm my nerves before my basketball game?Ryan TremblayRyan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Basketball CoachRemind yourself that you're completely ready for what's to come. You're only nervous because you've worked hard on the court and you want to do well in the game. If you weren't nervous that would be more concerning! -
QuestionWhat if I'm playing against a team that has always crushed my team?Community AnswerConvince your teammates not to be afraid. Play hard defense, pass in offense, and just play as well as you can. Even if you lose, life goes on.
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QuestionHow can I relieve nerves before a game?Community AnswerNerves show that you care abut the game, but they can be a horrible feeling. Try doing something that takes your mind off of the game, such as: listening to music, talking with your teammates, or daydreaming.
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Tips from our Readers
- Temper the expectations you place on yourself. Don't demand perfection or berate yourself for mistakes. Stay positive and take it one play at a time. What matters most is effort and hustle.
- Get teammates fired up too. High five each other during warmups, remind each other of your common goal, give words of encouragement. Shared energy is contagious.
- Visualize success the night before. Picture yourself executing plays flawlessly, nailing shots, making smart passes. Visualizing breeds confidence.
- Review plays and assignments so you feel fully prepared. Study them like you would for a test. Confidently knowing your role relieves pressure.
- Pack an extra pair of shoes. If one pair gets wet from sweat or a spilled drink, having a backup allows you to play your best with dry feet.
- Have a consistent pre-game routine you follow for all games. Keeping game prep familiar provides comfort and stability when nerves strike.
References
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/8338140/10-things-to-remember-before-playing-an-important-basketball-game
- ↑ https://coachtube.com/basketball/articles/game-day-guide-how-to-prepare-for-a-basketball-game
- ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
- ↑ http://www.stack.com/a/improve-your-basketball-game-with-5-stretches
- ↑ https://pgcbasketball.com/blog/five-pre-game-habits-of-good-basketball-players/
- ↑ https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/warm-up-mistakes.html
- ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
- ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/8338140/10-things-to-remember-before-playing-an-important-basketball-game
About This Article
To prepare for a basketball game, eat a high-carbohydrate, low-fat meal the night before, such as fish, chicken, or pasta. On the day of the game, drink at least 2 liters of water and eat a light lunch, avoiding any new, unfamiliar foods that could upset your stomach. Throughout the day, prepare mentally to compete by taking deep breaths and relaxing your mind and body. Make sure to arrive to the game at least an hour early to get dressed, check in with your coach, and warm up with the team. For stretches that will keep you playing your best on game day, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
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"I am not a very positive basketball player when it comes to focusing on the next play after a mistake. I've got a championship to win, and I am very stressed! Thank you, this is already helping!"..." more