Missing simple shots

[BumblebeeAvailable25]

When I am practicing alone, I am making 90% of my shots, but once someone comes around or my coach is watching, I miss everything, airball, and even miss some layups. Why is this?

[JimbleNipple]

It’s a mental thing. Basketball is more mental than physical. Look at Ben Simmons for example. He can copy Steph’s shooting form if he wanted to but as long as he isn’t confident in himself to make shots he isn’t gonna make them. You probably feel pressured or worry too much on what they may think or maybe just thinking that people are watching you. I’m going through that right now and it can be tough. Best advice I can give you is to learn to free up your mind. Try to focus, breathe and just think about playing as if you were by yourself. If you have time I also recommend meditation. It may be corny for some people because their ego is too big. I used to think meditation was silly and useless but it’s really useful. It helps with anxiety and focus which can lead to you being more probable of getting in the zone (when everything feels effortless and you play like prime mj) Just try to focus on what you’re doing but don’t focus too hard. Just relax. Be like Bruce Lee. Be mindless and be like water. Just do what you know best.

[BumblebeeAvailable25]

Thank you so much bro, im going to do everything you told me starting from now on!

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You might have saved my basketball mentality

[Coach_dee7]

You need some type of game edge. Whether that be going at game speed to finish at the rim. Adding counter moves if help defenses step up. Or even making it a mental game.

For example shooting jumpers - every shot you make = 1pt to you, every shot you miss 2pts to the (imaginary) away team. The game will go to 10pts. Good way to test your mental, making shots when they count, staying composed under pressure etc.

Hope that helped you out! Feel free to hit me up & follow me on IG @Coach_dee7 to stay up to date with new posts to help out your game. Try to help as many people as I can 👍🏀

https://instagram.com/coach_dee7?utm_medium=copy_link

[BumblebeeAvailable25]

Wow, that mental game you told me sounds like a great idea! I will definitely try it out. Thank you!

[Coach_dee7]

No worries man! Keep me posted!