Shooting slumps are a common struggle for basketball players at all levels, from youth to professional. The only difference when you are playing overseas is that a prolonged shooting slump can get you fired. A shooting slump can be frustrating, affecting a player’s confidence and overall performance on the court. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to overcome a shooting slump and get back on track. In this blog post, I will explore some tips and techniques that can help you overcome a shooting slump and regain their confidence on the court.
Stay Confident
The first step to overcoming a shooting slump is to maintain your confidence. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You have been playing this game your whole life. Remember all the hard work you put in to get to this point and trust that you’ll eventually find your rhythm again. Think about the times you were successful and realize a slump does not mean you are all of a sudden a poor player.
Focus on Fundamentals
When your shot isn’t falling, it’s important to go back to basics. Focus on the fundamentals of shooting, such as your form and technique. Go back to what you did as a young player and do not skip the basics. Spend extra time in practice working especially on your shooting mechanics. Watch film on yourself and see if your form is different and figure out why that could be…is it because you are injured, is it because you are rushing your shot, or could it also be that the defense has just been really good?
Get in Extra Reps
The only way to improve your shooting is to put in the work. Get in extra reps outside of practice to build muscle memory and improve your confidence. Shoot with a teammate or a coach who can give you feedback and support, or film yourself. If you do not get the reps in, it will be difficult for you to build your confidence back up.
Stay Positive
It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re in a shooting slump, but negativity will only make things worse. Stay positive and keep a growth mindset. Remember that every missed shot is an opportunity to learn and improve. Be sure to block out negativity from all areas, be it from teammates, coaches, social media, or reporters. You are a professional athlete so it comes with the territory, but you choose what information you take in that will influence you.
Embrace Other Ways to Contribute
I feel this is one of the biggest keys. While you’re working on improving your shooting, find other ways to contribute to the team’s success and do not draw attention to your shooting slump. Focus on playing strong defense, making good passes, and hustling for loose balls. By helping the team in other ways, you’ll build your confidence and make a positive impact. If you can show you are still engaged in the whole game, you will minimize criticism of your shooting slump.
Remember, a shooting slump is just a temporary setback. By staying confident, focusing on fundamentals, getting in extra reps, staying positive, and embracing other ways to contribute, you can overcome a shooting slump and come back stronger than ever. Keep working hard, and the shots will start falling again.