Ray Allen’s Secret to Never Going Cold in a Game
That might seem like quite the bold statement, but as someone who’s been consistently ranked as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Ray Allen knows what he’s talking about when it comes to keeping his fingers warm and ready to go at all times. In this article, we’ll explore Ray Allen’s secret to never going cold in a game, why other players don’t use the same strategy and ways you can apply this method to your own shooting technique at home with your family or friends.
Know your stats
Keeping track of your stats can help you make adjustments to your game. When a player starts feeling cold, they know where their improvements are needed and what areas of their game require attention. For example, if a person is going cold during games, then they likely have poor shooting percentages from the three-point range. Or, if they’re sinking a higher percentage of their shots when it’s late in games then they may be able to adjust by being more aggressive with shots earlier on (instead of waiting for an opportunity).
Build your own statistics
No matter how you slice it, though, he’s a shooter. And if you’re going to be a shooter you’ve got to keep track of your progress as a shooter gauges how well you’re doing. For Ray, that meant doing one drill every day: putting up 100 shots and calling it quits after that. In other words, he’d put up 100 jumpers without rest and then go get something else done before hitting the court again later that day or evening.
Be mentally tough
As with anything you do, being mentally tough and able to perform under pressure are vital. Great players and leaders are always ready to do whatever it takes to give their team an edge. They know they will likely not play well every night, but they refuse to let that be an excuse for not giving 100 percent effort on and off of the court. Their mindsets are so ingrained into their habits that they don’t need to rely on motivation or willpower; instead, it’s just what they do.
Assume the best, plan for the worst
This common NBA philosophy will keep you mentally and physically ready for the worst and for anything that can happen on the court. For example, if you’re going through a bad shooting stretch, your assumption will be that the next shot is going in. Assume good things are about to happen because you’ll never go cold if you always expect them. The simple act of planning for the worst when playing will help keep your mind right and stay prepared at all times. As an NBA player, Ray Allen has seen every way a game can go and no situation is too big or small for him to have some type of plan ready beforehand.
Visualize Success
A lot of people overlook visualization, but it is an extremely important tool. Athletes and other performers have long used visualization to help prepare for success and to overcome difficult obstacles. For example, a golfer might visualize taking a shot from inside a bunker before actually hitting it—and that mental practice will help them feel more confident and perform better when they get on the green for real. The key is to really envision yourself as if you’re already successful. Visualize yourself as making every shot and as a great player will help you to succeed.
Establish an identity on and off the court
In order to be a great leader on and off the court, a player needs to get respect from his teammates. That means earning it by practicing hard, being a great teammate, and leading by example. Those are some of the most important responsibilities that come with being a team captain.
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