[anna_anna]

Ok hi how are you
Well I got a problem
See I don't know what is wrong with me
Every time I have a basketball game I freeze and I play like but in practice I'm like the best player on the team . Something is wrong with me and I don't know how to fix it I feel like I'm letting the whole team down and its like they are all counting on me and I just can't do it :'( I really need help

[Jahiem28]

Hello there this is normal to have butterfly in a game type situation. What I use to do is draw the energy of the crowd. They are there to see you do good just relax and block them out and play your normal game. All eyes are on you just go with the flow of the game. If you try not to make a mistake that when your game will be off. No one is perfect just remember your in the spot light it show time. Keep shoot umm up GOOD LUCK

[oldcoach]

Anna,

It sounds like a problem many athletes have. When you practice the pressure is off and you are having fun. In a game you feel like it's alll on the line. You feel like everyone expects you to save the day or hold the team up all by yourself. Do you like basketball?

If you do you can use that love to play in the game better. Here's how...

Do you know what it means to be "in the zone"? Many people feel that it means- to be totally focused on the game. It is true that being "in the zone" makes you focus on the game, but focus is not how you get in the zone. Focus is one of the results of being there. Do you know what puts you "in the zone"?

It's very simple. Fun. Yes, just having fun will put you "in the zone". That is why you play better in practice than in a real game. In practice there is no pressure to win, just to improveand have fun. And, if I know your personality, you want to be the best you can be. It's fun to push yourself in practice. Here are a few things to try...

1- Think of a game as practice for the next level of play. The only loser in a game is the person that doesn't learn from their mistakes. This is my motto for any team that I have ever coached, "Play hard, play fair, learn from your mistakes." if you do that and have fun the winning will take care of itself.

2- Don't worry about how many points you will score. Make your team mates better. Pump up your team by congradulating them when they do well. You know... tell them, "Good pass", or "great rebound". Or "way to block out". When they shoot well tell them, "great stroke." HERE'S A HINT THOUGH- Only congradulate when it is deserved, but you can always find something that someone is doing well. Just look for it. Stay upbeat and happy. A scientific study said that smiling releases chemicals in your body that make you feel better.

3- Put imaginary pressure on yourself in practice. Imagine that your shot is the last shot in a tie game with 1 second to go. Imagine the crowd roaring and expecting you to make that steal for the big play.

These are just a few tips... There are more. Tell me if any of them help, but don't expect them to work on the first try. They help a little more each time you use them.

Oldcoach :)

[crisscross]

Hey I have the same problem,
In training I hit almost all of my free throws and other shots and when it comes to game time I fall apart it is really annoying. I have learned to get over it by trying to be more confident on the court.

[Jahiem28]

Hi You just have to relax when your shooting free throws in a game. You really cannot compare practice to real game cause there is more pressure on you in a real game situation. Basketball is a fun sport and if you can become intense on the court your free throw will become a piece of cakes. Good luck

[oldcoach]

crisscross,

YOU SAID:
Hey, I have the same problem, in training I hit almost all of my free throws and other shots and when it comes to game time I fall apart it is really annoying. I have learned to get over it by trying to be more confident on the court.

MY RESPONSE:
If you would like some help with relieving game pressure and free-throw shooting just give me a little more information.

1- With what team(s) do you play?
2- How long have you played basketball?
3- Are you male or female?
4- Are you right or left handed?
5- What position(s) do you play?
6- Height, weight, vertical jump?

Oldcoach

[magicrain09]

Your putting too much pressure on yourself you should enjoy your game and remember that you are the SAME as all the others on that court

[AWade]

You are not just the same... you are the BEST..
Yiou have to believe you can outdo everybody on the court and you willl..


And Prayer helps a lot too...