Bad Decision Making – How to correct it?

The top 3 reasons for bad decision-making in basketball that leads to turnovers, deflections, and fumbles:

Poor situational awareness:

A lack of understanding of the game’s current state, such as the score, time left, and positioning of teammates and opponents, can lead to bad decision-making in basketball. Players may make rushed decisions or attempt high-risk plays without fully evaluating their options, resulting in turnovers, deflections, and fumbles.

Inadequate ball-handling skills:

Weak dribbling, passing, and catching skills can lead to errors on the court. Players who struggle with ball handling may lose control during dribbling or make inaccurate passes, increasing the likelihood of turnovers and deflections. Additionally, fumbles can occur when players mishandle the ball or struggle to maintain possession during contact with opponents.

Pressure and mental lapses:

High-pressure situations or moments of distraction can lead to mistakes on the court. Players may become anxious or lose focus, causing them to make poor decisions that result in turnovers, deflections, and fumbles. This can include making forced passes into tight spaces, panicking under defensive pressure, or failing to communicate effectively with teammates.

How can reframing assist with all three of the above?

Reframing involves changing one’s perspective or mindset to approach a situation more effectively. It can help address the top three reasons for bad decision-making in basketball by:

1. Enhancing situational awareness:
   • Reframing allows players to shift their focus from individual actions to the overall context of the game. By viewing the game from a broader perspective, players can better assess their current position and make informed decisions based on the game’s state. Coaches can encourage this by promoting a team-oriented mindset, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the game’s flow, and conducting regular film sessions to analyze game situations.
2. Improving ball-handling skills:
   • Reframing can help players view their weaknesses as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable challenges. Instead of becoming frustrated or discouraged by inadequate ball-handling skills, players can adopt a growth mindset and seek out opportunities to practice and improve. Coaches can support this by offering constructive feedback, encouraging persistence, and creating targeted drills to address specific weaknesses.
3. Managing pressure and mental lapses:
   • Reframing can assist players in viewing high-pressure situations as opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success. By shifting their focus from fear of failure to a desire for growth and accomplishment, players can better handle pressure and maintain mental focus. Coaches can help by fostering a supportive team environment, providing tools for stress management (e.g., deep breathing exercises, and visualization techniques), and emphasizing the importance of mental preparation.

In summary, reframing can help players and coaches address common causes of bad decision-making in basketball by promoting a growth mindset, fostering situational awareness, and providing tools for managing pressure and mental lapses.

For further insight do check this youtube share I recently did on Player Talk:

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