Staying focused

[refnrev]

I know this happens to all of us from time to time, so I'd like some input from you. Some nights, because of family, work, personal, or other issues we know going into the game that we're going to be somewhat distracted and not up to 100% level. Having a real strong expectation on myself to do my best each night, this is hard for me. What do you do when the "tough" nights come and your mind wanders or you feel extra stressed because of the personal issues that have nothing to do with the game? How do you stay in the game and not doubt yourself or come down too hard on yourself on those nights? Thanks in advance for your comments.

[BillyMac]

I take the opposite approach. I find that being out on the court takes my mind off my various problems, whether they be family related, work related, medical problems, money problems, etc. Sometimes I can't wait to get onto the court.

[SAK]

I'm like Billy here. On the court everything else does not matter. Its great for just that short time, basketball on this court (the one I'm on) is the only thing happening in the universe.

[Back In The Saddle]

Lump me in with Billy and SAK. Officiating is my respite from "real life" and whilst I'm between the lines, the rest of the world ceases to exist for me. But that's just me.

If I were struggling with focus, first I'd try what I normally do when my focus is wandering (just because my mind is off the world doesn't mean it's totally on the game either). I concentrate on what's happening. "Blue is bring the ball" "White is on defense" "Left foot is his pivot" "Screen coming", that sort of thing. Consciously focusing on the action, loosing the voices in my head, tends to drag me back to the action pretty quickly.

If that isn't doing it, perhaps the game is a "cake walk", I'd think about picking a couple of things to work on.

If all else fails, you can try kicking a couple of obvious calls and let the coach have a go at sharpening your focus.

Maybe some of that might help.

[Tio]

I have worked hard to create my gameday a ritual. This begins with packing my bag the same way, getting to the game site in plenty of time and conducting a solid pregame. I work really hard to put aside anything that might have come up during the day. Maybe it is just that I am not very smart, but once the game starts, it requires all of my focus anyhow.

[Juulie Downs]

Refnrev, I've been basically off duty for a couple of years, but I know what I did before when I was feeling distracted -- and there were days...!! I would talk to myself out loud quietly about the game as it was unfolding in front of me. "I'm off ball, watching #45 try to get free to receive a pass. where's my partner? Oo, some contact, but no real advantage,
now she's in the key, now out. Okay, she's rotating out to the sideline, check the whole floor, #5 is setting up to take a charge, but the dribbler veers away, where's the clock? Ball dropping down weak-side, I'm rotating across, ...

and so on. It really helps keep my attention out of myself, and on the action. Keep the whistle in your mouth and just pretend you're putting commentary on a tape, or that you're asking and answering questions, as if from an evaluator.

[JBleach85]

Just like everyone else has said what ever game I am on and that court that is the main thing for that time that I am there. Also, I take it a step further I try to get things out of my head on the car ride so when I get there everything is free flowing. My favorite thing to do is to listen to music. I try to find something upbeat, mostly new. That is the best thing that works for me. Also, I try to keep a beat in my head it has helped when stressful situations have arised in a game.

JB