Preparing for the Big Game
By Fred Crowell

Here are a few pointers to get you ready to play.

1. Speak all day long in your mind positive thoughts; "I'm strong, I'm ready to play, I love my team, I make good passes."

2. Visualize yourself playing well. Put images in your mind of you encouraging others, diving on the floor, playing tough defense, making the basket.

3. Encourage your teammates. This doesn't mean yelling, smacking their back, or bumping chests. This is a solid lifestyle of finding the best in others and building courage into their lives.

4. Get to the game with plenty of time.

5. Review your goals and notes for the game.

6. Make sure your hands are as warm as your neck. Don't play with cold hands. This increases touch and decreased injuries.

7. During warm-ups, shoot in close, then work outside.

8. Nerves cause you to be high strung. In the beginning, be under control on offense. On defense, burn excess energy by being very intense.

9. Make mistakes energize you not deflate you. Do this by thinking about the next play and moving ahead.

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