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Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Basketball - "Not a Game of Perfect" Part One


Leverage the power of the mind. Bob Rotella earned a reputation for elevating performance through his consulting practice. 

"A person with great dreams can achieve great things."

See yourself as a winner. 

"Play one shot at a time." 

"We've got to find a new dream, 'What's next?'"

"I am not a shrink; I am an enlarger."

"A golfer has to learn to enjoy the process."

Make everyday the chance to chase our dreams. 

Champions have strong will, dreams, and a long-term commitment. 

The difference between the consistent and erratic player is the ability to control our thoughts and channel them into consistency. 

"You have to choose to think well."

"Winners and losers are self-determined, but only the winners are willing to admit it." - John Wooden

The player who fears failure starts to focus on mechanics instead of playing 'freely'

The only place to worry about mechanics is practice.

"Trusting is not easy or instinctive."

"Work at developing thoughts and habits that promote trust."

"The hot streak represents a golfer's true capability." 

Staying out of our way means dismissing doubt that interferes with our game (and our game can be relationships, business, or sport)

Lagniappe. Process, confidence, freedom. AI Assist

1. Focus on Process, Not Outcome

“The smaller your target, the sharper your focus.”

Golf: The best players narrow their attention to one shot, one swing, one target. They don’t think about scorecards or leaderboards.

Volleyball/Basketball Crossover:

  • Focus on the next play, not the scoreboard or the last error.

  • Build consistent routines—from serve receive to free throws—so athletes can anchor their minds in the process.

  • Encourage players to “win the rally” or “win the possession,” not to chase the big picture.

Coach’s cue: “Play the next point.”
Teams that play one possession at a time sustain emotional control and outperform more talented, anxious teams.

2. Confidence is a Choice

“You have to train your mind to see what you want to happen, not what you fear might happen.”

Golf: Rotella teaches visualization and belief. Great golfers picture success, not hazards.

Volleyball/Basketball Crossover:

  • Replace “don’t miss this serve” with “attack your spot.”

  • Confidence comes from repetition plus belief. Players must practice pressure situations (serving at 24–23, shooting with 10 seconds left).

  • Coaches model confidence through calm body language and tone, even when the game tightens.

Coach’s cue: “Confidence is preparation plus imagination.”
You train both the skill and the story in your athlete’s mind.

3. Accept Imperfection and Let Go

“The mark of a great player is not how good his good shots are. It’s how good his bad shots are.”

Golf: Every round includes misses. Champions recover faster and don’t compound errors.

Volleyball/Basketball Crossover:

  • Everyone shanks a pass, misses a layup, or mishits a swing. Great teams respond, don’t react.

  • Teach athletes to “flush” mistakes—physical reset (breath, posture, eye contact), then refocus.

  • Perfectionism creates paralysis. Allow mistakes within aggressive, smart play.

Coach’s cue: “Next ball, next play, next possession.”
Mental recovery is the separator between good and elite teams.

Summary Table

Rotella PrincipleGolf LessonVolleyball/Basketball TranslationCoaching Cue
Focus on ProcessOne shot at a timeOne play at a time“Win this rally.”
Confidence is a ChoiceBelieve before you seeRehearse success, not failure“Attack your target.”
Let Go of ImperfectionBad shots happenFlush mistakes, reset“Next play.”

Lagniappe 2. We don't have to be Newell, Wooden, Smith, or Knight. The best version of ourselves can inform excellence. 

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