as I post this, I'm expecting (looking forward to) the inevitable joking responses (don't disappoint me) but also some serious responses......what are some of the things you "say to yourself" on the court in different game situations as reminders to: be more focused, anticipate a play, settle yourself down, forget about a blown call, get your head back in the game, etc.
Each game I try to think of one aspect of my work I want to improve on, so I'll come up with a short (3 words or less)phrase to keep reminding myself through at least the early part of the game to help focus on that.

I say all of these things to myself during a game. Of course, I don't say then all during each game. It is crucial to talk to yourself in order to keep your mind attuned to the possibilities which can be expected to arise in different circumstances.

Hmmmm, not sure I can say many of them and keep this a family-friendly board :)

When I realize my focus is slipping: "White is defending, white is defending,..." until my focus is back on the defense.

When I realize my focus has completely gone: "Get your ****ing head in the game, ****it!" I figure I'm just beating the coach to it. ;)

words of wisdom
 

When I want to keep focused I will say "gotta stay in the zone" or making that first call "come out strong"

"Get off the ball", "That's not mine", and I will also use player #'s to find my competitive match-ups - things like "Watch 32" or "Eyes on 50 and 44"...

I use "watch the defense" now and then...the one I like best is when it appears there is potential for a block/charge...I watch the defense, and say (depending on the situation) he/she is there or he/she isn't there and repeat until the situation changes...then if the contact occurs I have a little better chance of not coming out saying block while my hand is behind my head....or vice versa...

Something else you can do, other than "talking to yourself"...
Dave Libby told us at a camp, a few years back, that he puts a little note in his pocket.
He checks his note toward the end of a ballgame.
The note reads:
"DON'T F### UP THE LAST TWO MINUTES OF THE BALLGAME!"

Good advice.

Another favorite is "referee the defense"

I'll occasionally give myself a "watch the defense."

My bigger thing is to say something like "white coming this way" and repeat it - one of my biggest (mechanics) problems is calling out one color and pointing in the wrong direction. :eek:

After Team A hits six team fouls I say to myself, "white shooting bonus...white shooting bonus...."

Z

<i>"Slow down,dipsh*t"!</i>

Seriously. Just above every time that I get myself into trouble, it's because I didn't see the play through or wait for the conclusion of it. It only takes an extra second max really, and it just seems to keep me away from the borderline, questionable calls.

One thing I used to say to myself on free throws, was "white's the delay" when white was the non-shooting team so it would lessen the possibility of me blowing my whistle as soon as white violated.

On free throws I'll usually tell myself: "hold on white, blow on red." to remind myself to hold the whistle if white violates.

What I think about? Nothing unusual, stuff we all think about like:

"I wonder why that little kid in the 4th row keeps staring at me??"

"I sure hope those black helicopters don't follow me on the way home again."

"Why do I keep smelling burning rubber??"

"...I'm pretty sure I locked the car door...I'm positive I locked it...did I lock the car door? How am I gonna get home if my car gets stolen??"

"ACK! I left the headlights on!"

"...I can just FEEL those whistle kooties moving around in there!" :shudder:

"Where did that litle kid go??? Damn! He's left to go steal my car!!"

You know, the usual stuff, outside of the voices I have no control of that is.

I think that I can help you out on this one. Do you like coke? Uh, coca cola, I mean.

How about "Why did that cheerleader faint? Is my fly open?"