2 answers
Jack
Student
Noblesville, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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Why do i train so hard for basketball just to underperform so badly?
What should I do to get better, and perform well in games, because it is starting to make me frustrated and sad. I train longer than anyone for no reason at all .
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
712
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Back in the 1970's a long distance runner, named Ron Daws, who wrote the book "The Self Made Olympian" and ran the marathon, for the United States, in the 1968 Olympics, asked the same question.
When he was in high school, Daws was beginning to run increasingly faster. His mile times went from 4:58, down to 4:48, then 4:40. He figured that he was going to run into the 4:30's and be a contender for the Minnesota state title, but then something happened. His times started to slow. Soon he could barely run under five minutes, and then the more he trained and the more he tried, the worse things got. He had overextended himself, was past his peak, and was no longer able to run fast.
For years Daws tried to find out what had happened, why he did not perform at his peak, when he needed to be at his best.
He discovered that it was periodization. He needed to slowly build up his training, until he reached a specific time of the year, until he reached a peak for competition. When he mastered this month to month training plan, and built up to the point in the year when he was at a physical peak, then he was able to eventually make the Olympic team.
Some great athletes, like Australia's Ron Clarke, trained hard all year round, but they never knew when they would peak, and at times Clarke would set world track and field records at times and places, which did not matter as far as winning major championships. Subsequently, as a result he never won an Olympic gold medal or a major championship.
It might take a periodization philosophy. Basically training at lower levels, during certain times of the year, and working towards a physical peak, for major competitions or games. Eventually everyone goes stale or will develop overwork syndrome, if they train too hard and for too long. Being at your best might require a periodization program, which emphasizes a specific time of the year in which you need to be at your peak.
When he was in high school, Daws was beginning to run increasingly faster. His mile times went from 4:58, down to 4:48, then 4:40. He figured that he was going to run into the 4:30's and be a contender for the Minnesota state title, but then something happened. His times started to slow. Soon he could barely run under five minutes, and then the more he trained and the more he tried, the worse things got. He had overextended himself, was past his peak, and was no longer able to run fast.
For years Daws tried to find out what had happened, why he did not perform at his peak, when he needed to be at his best.
He discovered that it was periodization. He needed to slowly build up his training, until he reached a specific time of the year, until he reached a peak for competition. When he mastered this month to month training plan, and built up to the point in the year when he was at a physical peak, then he was able to eventually make the Olympic team.
Some great athletes, like Australia's Ron Clarke, trained hard all year round, but they never knew when they would peak, and at times Clarke would set world track and field records at times and places, which did not matter as far as winning major championships. Subsequently, as a result he never won an Olympic gold medal or a major championship.
It might take a periodization philosophy. Basically training at lower levels, during certain times of the year, and working towards a physical peak, for major competitions or games. Eventually everyone goes stale or will develop overwork syndrome, if they train too hard and for too long. Being at your best might require a periodization program, which emphasizes a specific time of the year in which you need to be at your peak.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
401
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jack,
Why Hard Work Isn't Always Enough
It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and discouraged when you're putting in countless hours of training without seeing the desired results on the court. Many athletes face this challenge. It's important to remember that while hard work is essential, it's not the sole determinant of success. Several other factors come into play.
Potential Reasons for Underperformance
Lack of Game-Specific Training: While general basketball skills are important, game-like situations and pressure can be vastly different.
Mental Game: Anxiety, pressure, or overthinking can significantly impact performance.
Physical Conditioning: Even with long training hours, specific conditioning for basketball might be missing.
Technical Flaws: Despite the hours, there could be underlying technical issues hindering your progress.
Ineffective Training Methods: Not all training is created equal. Some methods might not be optimizing your development.
Steps to Improve Performance
Evaluate Your Training: Is it specific to basketball? Incorporate game-like drills and scenarios.
Is it balanced? Focus on strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
Is it challenging? Continuously push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Is it enjoyable? A positive mindset is crucial for improvement.
Develop Your Mental Game:
Visualization: Imagine successful plays and outcomes.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones.
Mindfulness: Stay focused on the present moment during games.
Seek Professional Help: A sports psychologist can provide valuable guidance.
Analyze Your Game:
Watch game footage: Identify strengths, weaknesses, and patterns.
Seek feedback: Ask coaches, teammates, or experienced players for input.
Focus on improvement: Set specific goals based on your analysis.
Physical Conditioning:
Basketball-specific conditioning: Incorporate drills that mimic game movements.
Strength training: Build a strong foundation for explosive power.
Endurance training: Improve stamina for full-game performance.
Technical Refinement:
Work with a coach: Address specific technical flaws.
Break down skills: Analyze and perfect fundamental movements.
Consistent practice: Repetition is key to mastering skills.
Remember: Patience and Persistence
Improvement takes time. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate small victories and learn from mistakes. Most importantly, enjoy the process and find the joy in the game.
Best wishes!
Why Hard Work Isn't Always Enough
It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and discouraged when you're putting in countless hours of training without seeing the desired results on the court. Many athletes face this challenge. It's important to remember that while hard work is essential, it's not the sole determinant of success. Several other factors come into play.
Potential Reasons for Underperformance
Lack of Game-Specific Training: While general basketball skills are important, game-like situations and pressure can be vastly different.
Mental Game: Anxiety, pressure, or overthinking can significantly impact performance.
Physical Conditioning: Even with long training hours, specific conditioning for basketball might be missing.
Technical Flaws: Despite the hours, there could be underlying technical issues hindering your progress.
Ineffective Training Methods: Not all training is created equal. Some methods might not be optimizing your development.
Steps to Improve Performance
Evaluate Your Training: Is it specific to basketball? Incorporate game-like drills and scenarios.
Is it balanced? Focus on strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
Is it challenging? Continuously push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Is it enjoyable? A positive mindset is crucial for improvement.
Develop Your Mental Game:
Visualization: Imagine successful plays and outcomes.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones.
Mindfulness: Stay focused on the present moment during games.
Seek Professional Help: A sports psychologist can provide valuable guidance.
Analyze Your Game:
Watch game footage: Identify strengths, weaknesses, and patterns.
Seek feedback: Ask coaches, teammates, or experienced players for input.
Focus on improvement: Set specific goals based on your analysis.
Physical Conditioning:
Basketball-specific conditioning: Incorporate drills that mimic game movements.
Strength training: Build a strong foundation for explosive power.
Endurance training: Improve stamina for full-game performance.
Technical Refinement:
Work with a coach: Address specific technical flaws.
Break down skills: Analyze and perfect fundamental movements.
Consistent practice: Repetition is key to mastering skills.
Remember: Patience and Persistence
Improvement takes time. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate small victories and learn from mistakes. Most importantly, enjoy the process and find the joy in the game.
Best wishes!