The mental game

As coaches we know that most shooters are all mental. What I mean by that is when shooters are in a good mind state, they usually make shots for the most part. But, when shooters go into slumps, which will happen from time to time they can allow that to affect them mentally. As a result, other aspects of their game are affected, not being alert defensively or paying attention to the little things. As a coaching staff, we always talk about not allowing a lack of making shots to affect your defense. On Saturday our shooter, Parker Smith had a disappointing game offensively. Parker scored 12 points and shot 4-17 from the field, 1-11 from the 3-point line, and 3-3 from the Free Throw line.

As a team we found a way to win a hard fought double overtime game at home! Parker was happy we won but disappointed that he did not play as well as he is capable of.

In conference play, all players must be on high alert defensively and pay great attention to the little things. A lack of attention to the little things can and will get you beat in conference play. During the second half of conference play we all know each other’s set plays and personnel, but the teams that pay attention to detail, limit turnovers, rebound and hit free throws usually are victorious.

On Monday, Parker came in to shoot extra shots early in the morning, and then he stayed after shoot around for extra shots as well. Shooting extra shots for a shooter is like mental therapy, because they are able to see the ball go in the basket shot after shot after shot. Furthermore, this allows shooters to visualize themselves making shots during games.

Our Monday night game was against an upper-echelon team in our league. We started the game with a defensive stop on the first possession, but the ensuing 3 possessions we could not get a stop. At the 12-minute media timeout we were down  15-8. For the rest of the first half we went on a 28-12 run, at the half we were up 36-27. At the half, we only had one player in double figures. Parker Smith scored 18 points and shot 5-9 from the field, 3-6 from the 3-point line, and 5-5 from the Free Throw line. This stat line was not a shock or surprise to or staff, we just thought Parker was hot.

But, little did we know that Parker Smith was IN THE ZONE! As the second half began we had the first offensive possession. We ran a set but Jerron Granberry made an extra pass to Parker Smith for a wide open 3 ball! The next possession, Jerron once again found Parker for a 3 ball! In less than a minute off the clock we went on a quick  6-0 run, we were up 42-28. At this point we knew this was going to be a night unlike any other.

In the second half, Parker scored 28 points and shot 8-11 from the field, 8-11 from the 3-point line, and 4-4 from the Free Throw line. This was one of the most amazing outings that I’ve ever seen. The final stat line for Parker was 13-20 from the field, 11-17 from the 3-point line, and 9-9 from the Free Throw line. We won the game 75-66 with no other players in double figures. The game was very physical, well played, and we earned a hard fought victory. Additionally, our team paid attention to the little things, by limiting our turnovers to only 12, +10 in rebounds, and shooting 19-26 from the Free Throw line.

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Below is an article about Parker Smith’s performance on Monday night:

Psychology 101: The secret counsel behind UNF guard Parker Smith's 46-point output vs. Mercer. http://t.co/Y1i0t9xy