Preparing for “The Big Game”
Through the Eyes of a Point Guard
Michael W. Cox
After the game notes:
Analyze your previous game
Did I play with the emotion that the game I love the most deserves?
Play with more intensity and emotion at the beginning of the game. Need to get into the game a little earlier. Break a sweat before tip off. Maybe bring a jump rope to the locker room. Jump for three minutes before pre-game warm-up.
If you show a little more emotion on and off the floor it will help you get ready. Don’t keep it all inside you. You won’t believe how it will help your teammates also. Will also relieve some nervous tension you might have before the game. Coaches love this kind of player. Don’t forget when you take the floor. This is the game you love the most. It’s ok to show how happy you are playing a game you love this much. There are no rules in the rule book stating a player can’t smile on the court.
Pre-Game Warm-up
Shoot every shot you think you’ll shoot in a game. I think a point guard misses out on warming up receiving the ball from another player. Get someone to pass you five or six passes at the wing (both sides). Catch and shoot, just like in game situations. Quick release. After that catch, fake, go to the hole for a eight to fifteen foot jump shot. This will get you ready for game situation. You can’t get warmed up during the game. Need to be ready. Your the offense.
Remember your options:
1. Catch and Shoot-have your feet ready (spot up)
2. Fake and Drive
a. Lay-up
b. Jump shot
c. Dish
First time down the court:
Make the first contact. Take the ball right at the defense, try to draw the first foul of the game. Step up and hit the free throws. Free throws are a jump shooters freind. Easiest shot on the floor. Hit these two free throws and your on your way.
Driving the Lane:
Never waist a dribble. If you put the ball on the floor go somewhere with it. Use body language for deceptions. Be strong with every dribble. Every time you put the ball on the floor be in command of every dribble. Never relax! Make your opponent react to on the floor be in command of every dribble. Never relax! Make your opponent react to your initial move then counter strong.
Talk on the Floor:
Never stop communicating. Not just on defense, but offense too. As a coach on the floor we listen to the players talking. A player that talks is into the game. He’s less likely to make mistakes and is more aware of what is happening on the floor. His teammates will make fewer mistakes also. Coaches need these players.
Defense:
Never rest on “D”. Know your in great shape. Know you can go the whole game. Concentrate on your man tendencies. Watch his cross over, reverse or if he tips off the direction of his pass. Make sure he knows you’ve found his weakness. Get him rattled.
When you find his weakness talk to him just a little. I don’t consider this trash talking at all. He has to concentrate on his fundamentals and not what he’s supposed to be doing. Running the offense, scoring. Take the point guard out of the game and your team will win.
Day of “The Game”
Go over your mental checklist:
1. Most important! Know your going to have the best game of your life. Not just this game but every time you step on the floor.
2. Visualize catching the ball: Feet and body ready to shoot. Let it fly with confidence. Follow the rotation of the ball through the net. Basket after basket!
3. Visualize move after move to burn your man. Down the lane, dribble jump shot, the three from downtown and the sweet dish.
4. Most important: Feel the sinking feeling in your belly. Your palms moist. Your heart bounding. These feelings are the most important in game preparation. I hope you have these feelings before every game.
Hope these little tips help.