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Grail --
We've all had games like this. And we've all had that Tuesday night afterward where things seemed to be fine. If you realize part-way through the game that you're not clicking, here are some things to try. I've had as many bad games as anyone probably, and these things have helped me.
Like mick said, water, water, water. Sometimes a bit or two or candy can help, too.
Try talking to yourself out loud, very softly. "Pass, ooo, fumble, okay, clean shot, look at the rebounding, long pass, sprint!," and so on. It helps keep your mind in the moment.
For me it helps to construct a brick wall in my mind, with a window, walk up to the window, and look out at the game. It takes me attention out of my head and puts it on the floor.
Try to think of yourself as an extension of your partner, and not a separate entity. This can also get your thinking on the game and not your own probloems.
When you make a call (or choose a no-call) that you then immediately question, quickly give yourself ONE replay in your head, and "store" it consciously to review later. Then forget it, and move on.
If it's freshman level or below, and at this time in the season, remind yourself that you're not ruining anyone's career here. Concentrate on one aspect only of the game, and let the rest go. You'll miss some things this way, but hey, it's not the state championship!
After Tuesday evening, say, okay, I had one bad game, but I am learning how to recover, and my averages are still pretty good. Write it off.
When all else fails, mick's mantra has helped me in more situations than I can count:
Get in
Get done
Get out.
Good luck, and welcome to the club.
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