How to Focus Under Pressure in Big Games
The Cavaliers clinched Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors with a score of 105-103 in the 2018 Playoffs. With only eight seconds left, James took charge and sunk a shot just feet from the Raptors’ bench.
In response to that game-winner, James said:
“Tie game, down one. I live for those moments.”
James then opened up and said he’s been doing that since he was a kid in Pampers. He has imagined himself taking those big shots since he could pick up a basketball.
Korver commented on James’ performance and said that he sees him doing shots like those, those “big moment” shots, in practice or when he’s just shooting around.
Korver said that he always wonders why he shoots those kinds of shots…
Well, he does it to prepare himself… to win big games, playoff games.
Some athletes are not willing to go 100% in practice, or even put forth much effort. They slide through practice and go through the motions.
This mindset doesn’t help players improve mentally or physically.
These athletes continuously perform around the same level, maybe 60-70% because practice wasn’t seen as important as competition.
The secret is that you are going to practice way more than you will ever compete, in any sport, and you will play exactly like you practice.
Anything you plan to do in a game or competition, you need to practice in practice. Whether it’s a physical skill, like hitting a game-winner, or a mental skill, such as staying in the present.
It would be difficult to try and give 100% in a game if you don’t practice giving 100%.
Also, you might struggle to score in games like you’ve imagined if those situations aren’t practiced.
Even if you just want to be able to trust your skills and play with confidence in competition, you have to practice that when you train.
As James expressed, he’s been working on those types of shots since he started playing basketball. He doesn’t always have an opportunity to execute, but when he does, he’s prepared because he’s rehearsed it in practice.
Remember, how you play in competition is a direct result of the way you practice. Be prepared for those pressure moments and situations.
Practice how you want to play!
Learn how to focus your best under pressure with The Focused Athlete audio and workbook program:
Improve Concentration in Sports!
If you’re an athlete who is frequently distracted, loses focus in competition, or wants to learn more about how to focus better under pressure, The Focused Athlete is for you!
Concentration and the ability to focus under adversity is what championship athletes do best.
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The Focused Athlete is a complete system to teach you how to focus like a champion and harness the power of a zone focus every tie you step on the playing field, court, track or course in practice and games!
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You’ll Discover:
- How to quickly identify distractions that sabotage your concentration and how to quickly refocus after distractions.
- How to use pre-shot routines before shots or serves to help you be more task-focused instead of worrying about results.
- How to use pregame routines to help you harness the power of zone concentration before competition.
Learn more about one of our most popular CD programs in The Confident Athlete Series…
The Focused Athlete: A 14-Day Plan For Superior Concentration
What are customers saying about our mental game programs?
“As a result of reading and implementing ‘The Confident Athlete Series,’ I am once again enjoying golf and letting bad shots roll off my shoulders and appreciating my good shots without attaching expectations. Thanks Dr. Cohn!”
~Stu Blasius, P.G.A. Golf Professional
“I enjoyed ‘The Confident Athlete Series’ very much. I particularly liked the format, the ease of the program, and the 2 CDs that accompanied the workbook – 10-20 minutes a day was simple to adhere to and put in my busy schedule. I love the part about confidence with grace, and what I want to portray and feel the minute I step foot into Los Angeles for nationals. I love the affirmations, the relaxation techniques, and just the entire perspective of the program.”
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~Kevin Lutgen, Shooter