Developing Self-Confidence in Young Athletes

Great offensive players in any sport are exciting to watch. They exude self-confidence and a will and determination not to be denied in their attempt to score. Soccer strikers are known for their attitude and, in many cases, their selfishness; however, a goal scorer like Theirry Henry or Eddie Johnson constantly seeks an opportunity to shoot on goal, and “you can’t score if you don’t shoot.” He puts pressure on the opponent’s defense and his mere presence on the field makes his teammates better, as the defense must focus their attention on stopping Henry or Johnson. A great wide receiver, like Terrell Owens, acts in the same manner. Though criticized as selfish and temperamental, his presence makes his teammates better because the defense focuses on stopping him, often using double coverage. TO’s mindset is that one player cannot contain him, and he expects the ball to be thrown in his direction anytime he gets single-coverage. He knows he is that good, that he cannot be stopped.

A great offensive player, a player who is Hard 2 Guard, scores or creates an open shot for a teammate regardless of the defense or defensive player. In baseball, a great pitcher is in control unless he makes a mistake (gets behind in the count, hangs a curveball, etc.). All pitchers are hittable, but a great pitcher controls the hitters, dominates the hitters and gets beat when he makes a mistake. A Hard 2 Guard player maintains similar control on the basketball court; the defense may attempt to take something away from the offensive player, but the offensive player retains control, as the defense is forced to react to the offensive player’s moves. In effect, the offensive player says “Go!” University of Florida Head Coach Billy Donovan says, “Great offense beats great defense.” A great offensive player dominates the defense and, while he may not score every time, he creates a good scoring opportunity for himself or a teammate.

When players play one-on-one, most concede the offensive player has the advantage, especially if the offensive player shoots well from the perimeter and handles the ball. By being well-rounded, the defense must concede something to the offensive player. If the defense crowds the offensive player to eliminate the jump shot, he is susceptible to penetration; if he backs off a step to take away penetration, the open jump shot is available.

However, once teams are added, and help defense is available, it appears the defensive player has the advantage. While basketball is a five-on-five game, plenty of one-on-one action and match-ups are involved. A player who receives the ball on the wing is matched one-on-one with his defender; there is help defense, but if the offensive player drives past his defender and draws the help defense, he creates a wide open shot for a teammate. Unfortunately, most players receive the pass and believe they are defended. Great players see one defender, and like TO, believe they possess the advantage. One defensive player cannot stop a great offensive player like Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, TMac or Dwayne Wade; they have too much ability, but also the right mental attitude. They force the defense to stop them, as opposed to seeing a defender and believing they are defended.

This is not meant to encourage selfish play, frivolous dribbling or one player dominating the ball. However, players must be difficult to guard when they have the ball. They must be operational, look to create scoring opportunities and attack the defense. They must possess the mindset that an individual player cannot stop them and attack the team defense. The attitude, confidence and mindset separate the good from the great.

More than anything, being hard to guard is an attitude. Skills and fundamentals are necessary, but they are insufficient without fearlessness. A player who wants to be hard to guard must know he is unstoppable; the confidence to make a move or take the shot, to know more than anything else in the world that one can score, is the most important attribute. Players like Ginobili and Wade separate from the pack because of their mental approach, their fearlessness, and their confidence. An aggressive, attacking attitude puts fear in the opposition and creates openings. A strong understanding of how to defeat various defenders and defenders and strong mental preparation leads to a successful “Hard 2 Guard” player.