Developing Mental Toughness – Part 1

A player or person who is mentally tough is someone who is not easily distracted or distraught, someone who is consistent and persistent, someone who is confident and decisive, someone who, when adversity comes, keeps his or her composure and acts with an inner strength and freedom that others look to and, in fact, might envy.

Mental toughness (MT) then, is a state of mind, an internal quality that some have and others don’t. Or better yet, mental toughness is an internal quality that everyone has to varying degrees of strength and consistency.

I think that last sentence is really the key. For mental toughness is not something that some are born with and others are not. It is not simply the product of being a firstborn or having a certain kind of parent. Sure, those things might have their place, but there is no need to think that when it comes to mental toughness, there are the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’ Instead, it is wise to recognize that MT–a sweet inner intellectual and emotional strength–is something that every athlete can develop for the good of all.

Think about it: Most athletes spend thousands of hours developing their physical skills, while leaving their mental abilities left untapped or at least, unworked. Athletes develop their jump shot or fastball, but neglect the development of an inner toughness, an inner consistency of mental and emotional strength that oftentimes is the difference between success and failure. Coaches themselves spend countless hours developing unique practice schedules, all the while imagining the mental aspect of the game will take care of itself. Or maybe they think it is just not that important.

I have come to believe that this is a big mistake. For in the end, if you can make 9 of 10 in practice, what does it matter if, when you get into the game, you aren’t strong enough mentally to shoot the ball with freedom and confidence? If you are an athlete at any level, you know the difference between “practice players” and “gamers”, between those who perform well in practice and those who perform well in the games. Don’t you know instinctively that that difference is found within?

I will say more, but on this topic of mental toughness, I want to introduce at least three convictions on MT.

First, mental toughness is something that can and must be developed.

Second, mental toughness must be especially cultivated away from practices and/or games.

Third, you can only be as mentally tough as you are free from fear.

I will take them in turn in posts soon to come.

All-Star Weekend

It was a privilege participating in the All-Star this game year.  As I mentioned in my last post, it took place in Izmir, a beautiful city along the Mediteranean Sea.  Thankfully, Erin and the kids were able to come with me to enjoy the game and a short break.

The final score of the game was 130-122, with the Foreign (American) squad emerging victorious.  Needless, to say, I enjoyed the contest.  I ended the game with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.  It was fun getting to know some of my fellow competitors and to play alongside of them.  Also, my teammate, Jason Forte, won the dunk contest.  I was happy for him as well.

This coming Sunday, we play Selcuk at home.  We lost to them the first half of the season (after leading by 20), so I am hopeful we can gain a victory at home.

Losses, Changes, and All-Star Weekend

First, we lost a road game to Darussafaka, a team we definitely should have beat.  Wasn’t easy playing them in an empty arena, however.  Empty arenas actually do serve as a home court advantage, oftentimes much more than half or full arenas.

We then returned home to lose to Antalya this past weekend:  102-92.  We were tied witih them in the standings going into the game, so that was a tough one to drop as well.

Tonight, we loss to the top team in the league on the road.  Efes Pielsen.  96-67 was the final score I believe.

Personally, I have felt good on the court over the pass four games, though I did not finish the game strong this past weekend.   In particular, I have been trying to do a better job spreading the ball around and making everyone better.  Hopefully, that will translate into wins in the near future.

We also have a new player coming in this week, so hopefully that will help.

And finally, this weekend is the All-Star game in Izmir.  I have been selected, along with my teammate, Lance Williams.  I am looking forward to participating.  It’s the foreign squad (Americans I believe) vs. the Turkish players.  Hopefully, the USA comes out on top!  But it will be fun to play in the game either way.

Big Win at Home

Banvit 95 Turk Telecom 89. It was a big win for us at home and a well played game. We ended up with six guys in double figure scoring. I played as good a game as I have all year, scoring 13 and dishing out 9 assists. It was a pleasure, as is usually the case when the team is playing good basketball and you get a win.

We are now 8-5 and in fifth place. We play next Saturday in Istanbul against a team below us in the standings. As is always the case, it is an important game.

Also, I don’t believe I have posted about it here, but I have re-signed with the club for next season. We are excited to return and to know already where we are headed next year. That is a first for us.