1. Control your Amygdala (start at 1:05). It's part of the midbrain that helps regulate temperature, emotion, and fear - the 'fight or flight' response. When fear takes over, decision-making suffers. Reaction beats reflection during self-preservation. Survival instincts don't equate with good basketball actions.
2. We have to train ourselves via small steps to bypass the fear. Turn anxiety into excitement and excitement into positive plays. Negative thoughts are paralyzing. Start with 'small steps' like asking yourself small questions. What can I start doing to better myself right now?
Earlier this season, I prioritized a theme of facing your fears, playing with courage. That's not working for us on offense.
3. Maybe we can embrace, "play free". What does that mean?
It means making your own decisions about when and where to cut and pass. Space. Read the defense and react. It still demands accountability to passing and cutting...but eliminates "I don't know the play" thinking and timidity. Be decisive to make the right next play. Manu Ginobili understood the concept of "no spoon" when he discussed his play with Coach Popovich. "That is how I play."
4. The old-fashioned concept was "every man a king." Assume responsibility for your basketball decisions and control your game.
5. Playing effectively means practicing outside of your comfort zone and be willing to make mistakes.