How To Be Clutch In Basketball: Let Go Of Fear

basketball mindset Jul 26, 2021

How To Be More Clutch In Basketball:

You hear commentators say it all the time, "that player has the clutch gene." "The Clutch Gene." Catchy phrase or not, it can be misleading.

You aren't born either clutch or not clutch. You aren't born destined to hit game-winners.

Being clutch is not a characteristic that you're born with and you have to just hope you're one of the lucky ones.

Instead, being clutch is a mental skill. It's your mindset that dictates how well you perform under pressure.

I call this mindset, "The Clutch Mindset."

All clutch basketball players have The Clutch Mindset. They all think a certain way in pressure moments and have certain beliefs towards pressure and big moments.

With this mindset, those players are able to thrive under pressure.

And because you can actually improve and transform your mindset, you can develop The Clutch Mindset if you want to.

Read also: How to Make More Clutch Free Throws >>

What Does Clutch Mean In Basketball?

"Clutch" is a term used to describe a basketball player who has success in pressure moments.

It usually refers to a player who hits a lot of game-winning shots or game-winning free throws, but clutch can also refer to players who come up big defensively when it matters most.

Clutch basketball players have a lot of confidence in themselves in pressure situations. They are not afraid of the moment and they stay calm and poised. Some players even elevate their play when the game is on the line.

Famous examples of clutch players throughout basketball history include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Jerry West.

Be More Clutch By Letting Go Of Fear

One of the key aspects of the Clutch Mindset is being fearless. If you're afraid of the big moment, then you are less likely to succeed because you'll lack the confidence, poise, and focus necessary to thrive under pressure.

How Fear Affects Your Clutch Ability

All clutch basketball players do not let fear affect them in the final moments of a close game because having fear in pressure moments makes it harder to succeed. Fear clouds your mind in these moments. It makes it harder to play well. It makes it harder to shoot well.

In order to succeed when it matters most, you have to be able to let go of fear.

Instead of being afraid of pressure moments, see it as a fun opportunity instead. An opportunity to showcase your skills and do something great. Embrace the challenge.

Guided Meditation: Visualization Exercise To Get More Clutch >>

Don't Worry About Failing

If you're afraid to fail (for example - miss a game-winning shot attempt or lose the game for your team), then this is going to make it even harder for you to succeed under pressure.

That fear can be a mental distraction and take your focus away from the task at hand.

The best thing is to just focus on the process, focus on the task at hand, and don't worry about the outcome (whether or not you make your shot).

When you let go of the attachment to outcome, you'll feel more relaxed in big moments and be more likely to succeed.

Don't Care About Being Judged Or Criticized

The fear of judgement or criticism can make it harder for you to succeed in pressure situations.

Instead, stop caring what other people think of you. If you miss a game-winning shot attempt, who cares. If you miss pressure free throws, that's ok.

None of these things define you. They do not make you any worse of a basketball player.

Keep this in mind in pressure situations, it doesn't matter what other people will say about you, make or miss. Having this mindset will take a weight off your shoulders in clutch situations and make it easier for you to have success.

Related: How to Handle Criticism In Basketball >>