Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Psychology Of Great Sportmanship - The Champion Mindset In Basketball

By Jorge Joe Moreno



One of the most important points in playing basketball is the psychology of good sportsmanship. This mental attitude understands and accepts that there will be a winner and loser to every game. Although one should give everything possible to win, each player, team and coach must accept that there will be days of defeat. And, regardless of outcome, every game should be ended with modesty, respect and the feeling that one has given his or her best effort. This attitude provides the foundation to becoming a great sportsman in basketball.

The object of a basketball game may be to win, but it must be won fairly. To win by means of cheating, is in essence a defeat and an embarrassment to the honor of the game. We cannot control the actions of our opponents, but we can determine our personal response to every game situation. Therefore, while seeking victory, every player on a team should play to the limits of his or her strength, conditioning and ability. If that is done, then a victory against one's inner beast has been won. And, winning the inside game represents true victory.

Many basketball athletes feel they owe the public nothing. They may think the crowd should accept any performance regardless of intent or outcome. However, when the public honors a team with their attendance and team support, it becomes the duty of every player to give of his or her best. In so doing, these players can repay the honor paid them. The basketball star owes the fans as much respect and dignity as an actor owes an audience. Thus, when all competitors give their best in a fair way, the sport itself becomes better. In this way, players and fans receive their reward.

As a player, the fist thing to do on the court is to deny your opponent the chance to play as he or she would want to play. In other words, we want to force our challenger into difficult and uncomfortable situations. To reach this end, one should study the opponent, look for weaknesses and exploit those faults. A team doesn't decide on the mode of attack. This mode is presented, instead, by the opponent's weaknesses. The only choice is whether or not to use that weakness. The team does the best at exploiting the faults of the challenger, stands the better chance of winning the game.

Other things one should keep in mind while competing, is to refuse to change a winning system. A successful team aims to expand on what works, and replace what doesn't. A good team must be ready to adapt to the changing tide in every game. But, to reach this end, a team must truly examine what is happening during the game.
For example, if a team feels they are playing well, yet find themselves not yet in the lead at the end of the quarter or halftime, the team's game plan man not have to be changed. There might be only a need for patience. Evaluate the opponent. They may be in the lead, but at what costs?? Thy could find themselves exhausted, in foul trouble or very frustrated. In these cases, most likely, the losing team may be executing correctly. It might be only a matter of time until the lead changes in their favor. But, for a team that is simply outclassed by the opponent, a new approach may be needed to overcome this challenge.

In a basketball game, a team may have to experiment with unorthodox moves when they find themselves facing a superior team. However, if things should change in their favor, these experimental risks may have to cease. Taking chances is something to do to alter the lead of the game, not to maintain it.

Above all, a team must keep their confidence and intensity at high levels regardless of the score. Each player should refuse to show fatigue, pain or frustration. Showing these things may serve to strengthen a challenger. Instead a team should determine to exhibit a constant attitude of confidence. These small attitude adjustments can easily turn a 5 point deficit into a 3 point victory.

In Basketball, one must master physical and mental abilities. However, to reach one' potential, one must adopt a attitude of competition that boosters confidence and sportsmanship that can be felt by fellow teammates, challengers and fans. That type of mindset constitutes the psychology of great sportsmanship.

Jorge Moreno is a basketball coach in the Southeast Regional Basketball League in Germany. Coach Moreno reflects a strong commitment to individual development and success in basketball.
To contact Coach Moreno, write him an email at: Coach Moreno

To read the latest tips to improve your basketball game, visit: Basketball Training Online


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jorge_Joe_Moreno



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