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    Basketball Mental Performance

    Focus on Making
    the Next Winning Play

    Basketball Mental Performance Worksheet

    Next Leavell Inspiration

    Next Leavell

    Inspiration

    Middle & High School

    Purpose of This Worksheet

    Many basketball players think they have a confidence problem when they compete. More often, they have a focus problem.

    In practice, players focus on execution — footwork, reads, defensive positioning, shot mechanics, and teamwork. They do what they trained to do.

    In games, many players shift their focus to evaluating — missed shots, turnover count, playing time, the scoreboard, what the coach thinks.

    When players focus on evaluating, they become hesitant, selfish with the ball, and mentally slow.

    The best competitors stay focused on the next winning play — the next stop, the next pass, the next shot, the next rebound. They ask:

    "How can I make the next winning play?"

    This worksheet helps you evaluate your focus, identify distractions, and train your mind to stay locked in on execution — one possession at a time.

    Remember: Stop evaluating. Start executing. Focus on making the next winning play.

    Athlete Information

    Part 1

    Rate Your Focus

    Rate each statement from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Absolutely).

    I stayed focused on the current possession, not past mistakes.
    I looked for ways to help my team instead of ways to avoid mistakes.
    I refocused quickly after a missed shot, turnover, or foul.
    I competed hard on both ends of the floor throughout the game.
    I trusted my preparation and played with confidence.
    I stayed focused on making the next winning play.
    Total Focus Score0 / 30

    Part 2

    Where Was My Focus?

    Check all that apply. Be honest.

    Part 3

    The Next Play Test

    Think of a moment in the game when things went wrong — a missed shot, a turnover, a defensive breakdown. Answer honestly.

    Part 4

    Missed Opportunities

    Identify three possessions where you could have made a bigger impact on offense or defense.

    Opportunity #1

    Opportunity #2

    Opportunity #3

    Part 5

    My Next Play Plan

    Define your game. Know your strengths. Compete with them every possession.

    When I Get Distracted, My Focus Phrase Will Be:

    “Focus on making the next winning play.”

    Final Reflection

    Coach's Challenge

    The scoreboard tells you what has already happened.

    Champions focus on what happens next.

    Don't waste energy thinking about the missed shot, the turnover, or the bad defensive play. Get back to your stance. Get back to your reads. Get back to competing.

    Every possession is a fresh chance to make a winning play — for yourself and for your team.

    One possession.

    One opportunity.

    One winning play at a time.

    Focus on making the next winning play.

    Next Leavell Inspiration — Basketball Mental Performancenextleavell.com