Play smarter basketball.  Play better basketball.

10-steps to elevate your game and get in the zone

Step 4: self talk

One of the most effective techniques for playing well, and sustaining that high level of play, is using self talk to keep yourself on track.

What exatly is self talk?  It's simply a process of reminding yourself throughout the game of the things you need to do to play well and be successful.  In reality, it's very easy to get caught up in the action of a game and forget the things that are important.  So it's key that you use self talk to re-set yourself, and keep yourself doing the things you need to do to play well and help your team win games.

There are several key areas that you should focus on with your self talk:

- Motivation
Give yourself pep talks before the game, and during any break in the game (half time or timeouts).  Focus on the good things you've done in the game and tell yourself there's more of that to come.

- Stay in the now
Regardless of what has happened at any point in the game, focus on what you need to do at that moment and during the play that is happening now.  Don't focus on any part of the game but what is happening and what is about to happen.

- Focus
Connected to staying in the "now", tell yourself to focus.  Focus on playing with passion, focus on playing with toughness, focus on staying fired up and competing at your best.  And don't let outside influences impact you to the negative:  whether it's the refs, the fans, foul trouble, or anything else...don't let it get to you.  Focus on playing great now.

- Positive thinking
Closely tied to motivation, but slightly different.  Positive thinking keeps you from letting any bad plays or bad calls impact your performance.  Focus on how much you've prepared, how much confidence you have, and the good things you've done up to that point in the game.

Self talk is a good way to keep you focused, thinking positive, and playing at your best.  Before the tip-off, at any stoppage in play, at halftime or between quarters...use it to keep you on track and playing at your peak.  Self talk is a reminder to yourself to say the course, and is a great way to help you get in the zone.

Click here to go back to the Zone section of the site and get more information, tips, tricks, and techniques to improve your level of play and get yourself playing in the zone.

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