It is only when you think about a future outcome that fear enters the equation and throws off your performance.
You can train your mind to ignore the outcome. By focusing on mastering the process, you can stay in the present. Not thinking about the outcome is a huge undertaking and it may not be easy, but it can be accomplished.
You have practiced the game of basketball for countless hours. You have worked hard at developing your shot, ball handling and passing skills, strength and speed. You practice and play as much as you can. You do this to improve your skills, but you also do this to build up your confidence. This confidence will enable you to focus on what you are doing at the moment you are doing it. You will have nothing to fear because you have the skills and you believe in your abilities.
If you fear the outcome (missing a shot, committing a foul, making a mistake) you will lose control of your ability to perform at your best. There is nothing to fear! What is the worst outcome? You miss the shot or make a mistake...big deal. Centuries ago, samurai warriors were highly skilled in the martial arts. To be at their best, they were trained to fight without the fear of dying.
Basketball is a game! It is not a life or death situation. So relax. Learn to have fun on the court and train your mind to stay in the present. If you do, you will have less fear and your game will improve.
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Basketball, as life, cannot be played with fear. Fear is public enemy number one on the list of negative emotions. Thinking about a future outcome causes fear. In turn, fear adversely affects your ability to perform thereby controlling the outcome. If you think about it, fear cannot exist in the present. Your goal is to execute to the best of your ability.
How well you control the present, determines the future outcome - good or bad.
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