I'm a junior in high school and I'm on my second year of Varsity Basketball. I have just recently transferred schools and looking for a fresh new start with a new program. As season is nearing, in the few scrimmages we have played, I've already figured out my role on the team. I'm going to be a bench/role player to come in and play shooting guard and point guard. My speciality is shooting, but not playing as much as a starter has gotten me to realize that I need to be that guy off of the bench to hit a few shots to help the team. I can't afford to miss, because I won't be playing as much as the starters. Is there any mental tips or something of that nature to prepare me for my new role?
Thanks

OK, first of all, you are a young player... don't put all that pressure on yourself... that YOU have to be the MAN..... That you HAVE to make this shot... and the worst part is telling yourself that "I CANT AFFORD TO MISS."

As a role player, especially the point guard... come in and run the team... get your teammates shots... play GREAT defense... be a leader. As for the shooting part... let the shot COME to YOU... don't go looking for it... IF you get everyone else involved... your shots will come.... but whatever you do, don't say that you cant afford to miss. We all miss... no one is perfect and your still a young guy.... even the Pros miss!

Try thinking positively about your game... WHEN my shots come I will make them. I will shut down my opponent defensively... I will get the ball to the open man. All sports have mistakes in them... and at your age what you have to do is learn from them.

The Power of Positive Thinking
by Remez Sasson

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.

I hope this helps, IF you want to talk about this more, let us know... and let us know how you are doing.... and whatever you do, don't be so hard on yourself. Just strive to do better every time you take the floor.
GOOD LUCK.

Ken

Yeah, don't worry if you miss. The best shooters in the world miss more times than they make it!!! Look at NBA players. If you shoot 40% from three point area you are consider a great shooter. Yet you are missing more times than making it.

Seriously, don't worry about missing. How many times have we seen Michal Jordan miss his first 6 shots and then go on a tear to score 50?

You need to realize that even if your role is to "shoot", you still can and should contribute in other ways. You should contribute with defense, getting loose balls, hustling, rebounding, passing to the open team mate, knowing the offense. Trust me. Coaches love this stuff! Check out this article for good tips on how to contribute.
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/players/players.html