When the games really count, emotions get louder. The athletes who thrive are the ones who’ve prepared their minds long before the pressure hits.
I recently went to watch three of my basketball clients in New Jersey’s high school fall league.
It was a treat because I love the game. I loved playing basketball in high school (even though I wasn’t very good). I loved coaching even more because it was easier for me to explain than to play.
Basketball is simple in concept, but it demands precise execution at a rapid pace.
It was also a treat because I don’t often get to watch my clients play.
Observation is an invaluable part of my work, but not always easy to do. On Monday, I not only got the chance to watch, but also to connect with parents.
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A few months ago, I wrote about one of my basketball clients — a freshman when we started, now a junior.
👉 You can read that story here
This week, I saw his growth with my own eyes.
The biggest change?
His decision-making.
He spent the summer training it, and it showed Monday night:
He scanned the floor before the ball came his way.
He knew his options in advance.
Space? Shoot.
Pressure? Drive or pass.
A miss? Nothing changed — same effort, same approach.
That’s what impressed me most: his ability to make decisions consistently, regardless of outcome.
Lately, I’ve been studying decision-making through the “OODA Loop,” created by U.S. military strategist John Boyd:
Observe.
Orient.
Decide.
Act.
The faster an athlete cycles through this loop, the greater their advantage. However, the real challenge isn’t speed — it’s maintaining the loop no matter what just happened.
That’s what I saw from my client on Monday night.
And it’s what we discussed in our session last night.
I asked him: “Do you think you’ll approach meaningful games the same way you did this week?”
He paused. Then asked, “Are you saying I might not play as hard during the regular season?”
“Not harder,” I said. “But will you be more affected by the results of your decisions?”
“Oh,” he replied. “Like mood changes and stuff?”
He understood right away, once I clarified that the real test would be executing the same process when the volume gets turned up.
That’s why the next few months matter — consistent practice now is preparation for pressure later.
I closed our session like this:
“I want you to be prepared. I want you to show up, make good decisions, and play with 100% effort no matter what.”
He smiled and said:“Kind of like prepare for everything? You can never prepare too much, I guess.”
Exactly.
So, how will he cement his mental approach leading up to his high school season?
✅ Consistently using his existing routines.
✅ Increasing challenges, consequences, and risks in practice.
✅ Holding himself accountable.
Is your young athlete ready for mental performance coaching?
Take our 2-minute quiz now to find out 👉 https://parents-mpc-ready.scoreapp.com