Mental Health in Coaching & Training Basketball

Understanding What's in the Mind of Players to Maximize Performance

By: Brandon McGhee

Narrated by: Oliver Smith

With all the intricacies that the sport of basketball entails, it is easy to overlook the importance of a player or team’s state of mind. You may be so caught up on practicing their defense, running plays, or drilling the fundamentals, that you haven’t stopped to consider whether your players are happy.

With more and more NBA players speaking out about mental health issues, it is impossible to ignore the importance of mental health in the sport of basketball. As the industry changes and adapts to the needs of players, your coaching should, too. It’s not too late to learn some new tricks to add to your coaching playbook. Let’s explore just what exactly is going on in your players’ minds, why mental health is so important in basketball players, and how you can help support good mental health in your team. If you take the time to better understand your players, you will be better equipped to facilitate a team that is happy and successful.

©2021 Brandon McGhee (P)2021 Brandon McGhee

Great read and Relatable to any Youth Basketball Coach

Very short and to the point on most points. Most coaches don’t personalize their coaching to be effective at identifying and helping players in their mental health.