MVP MENTALITY SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop mounted to a backboard at each end. Basketball is one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports. A team can score a field goal by shooting the ball through the basket during regular play. A field goal scores two points for the shooting team if a player is touching or closer to the basket than the three-point line, and three points if the player is behind the three-point line. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins, but additional time (overtime) may be issued when the game ends with a draw. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it while walking or running or throwing it to a team mate. It is a violation to move without dribbling the ball, to carry it, or to hold the ball with both hands then resume dribbling.

 

Violations are called "fouls". A personal foul is penalized, and a free throw is usually awarded to an offensive player if he is fouled while shooting the ball. A technical foul may also be issued when certain infractions occur, most commonly for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of a player or coach. A technical foul gives the opposing team a free throw, and the opposing team also retains possession of the ball.

 

As well as many techniques for shooting, passing, dribbling and rebounding, basketball has specialized player positions and offensive and defensive structures (player positioning). Typically, the tallest and strongest members of a team will play the center or power forward positions, while slightly shorter and more agile players will play small forward, and the shortest players or those who possess the best ball handling skills and speed play point guard or shooting guard.

 

Basketball requires coordination and mental agility. High pressure situations, such as three pointers and foul shots can cause high anxiety for players, and without mental toughness, players may underperform. Factors such as confidence become crucial to optimal performance so that a player can be aggressive enough to go after loose balls and/or steal the ball and take advantage of a break away. Due to the personal skills needed to excel in basketball, fear of making mistakes or embarrassing oneself can become additional areas that can impair athletic performance.