BY TOMMY NIXON
TAKE TIME TO ENVISION THE GAME
Before a match-up, research the opposing team and picture what you will do to exploit their weaknesses and take away their strengths. Things to consider: Who are you guarding? How will you stop them? How do you think they will guard you and what will you do to not let them shut you down? Ask yourself these questions to help visualize and prepare pregame. It doesn’t matter how warm or how bouncy you’re feeling in warmups. It’s not about the hype music; it’s not about feeling amped; it’s about the focus you bring when the jump ball occurs. Having a clear mental image in your head before tipoff enables you to engage from the get-go and execute a clear-cut game plan. Are you mentally in it?