Basketball self-talk: strengthening your mind

One way to boost your mental game is through positive self-talk. Let's look at how this can help you succeed in basketball and how you can start using it today!

What's positive self-talk?

Self-talk is the conversation you have with yourself in your mind. Positive self-talk can be as simple as thinking, "I can do this," or saying something positive out loud when you're at training or during games. Everyone uses self-talk, and it can really change how you feel and perform. The goal is to make sure your self-talk is helping you train and play your best, not holding you back.

Types of positive self-talk

1. Confidence boosters: Tell yourself things like, "I am a great player," or "I can do this."

2. Focus reminders: Use your thoughts to stay in the present moment with phrases like, "Let’s go, let’s go."

3. Mistake helpers: When you mess up, use self-talk to move on. Try saying, "Next play."

4. Anxiety reducers: Change nervousness into excitement by saying, "I'm excited to play," or "I trust my skills."

5. Pressure managers: Remind yourself to relax with phrases like, "This is just like any other play."

6. Training aids: Use self-talk during training to keep your technique sharp. Find a cue that works and repeat it.

   
   

Create your own positive affirmations

Step 1: Identify Negative Thoughts

First, figure out what negative things you often say to yourself. Write these down over a week.

Step 2: Make Positive Alternatives

Create positive phrases to replace each negative thought. For example, change "I can't do this" to "I am going to do this."

 Step 3: Practice your Affirmations

1. Read or Listen: Say your affirmations out loud or listen to them on a recording.

2. Repeat Often: Use them throughout the day — before training, games, bedtime, and when you wake up. The more you practice, the more they become a part of you.

   
   

Remember, affirmations work best in the present tense, making them feel real and immediate.

Thought-stopping phrases

• Stop, refocus, be present.

• Be here. Breathe. Recenter.

• Take a breath, focus on this play.

• Quiet! Feel confident.

Good mindset statements

• Feel confident and relaxed no matter what.

• I am focused and ready to compete.

• Feel happy and enjoy the game.

• I am a strong and relentless competitor.

Good mistake statements

• Let go and move on.

• Stay calm, take a breath, next play.

• Relax and focus on the next play.

• Let it go, I am a great player.