When there is a basketball game and which I am starting I start to panic when I see those big huge guys, that's why I panic. And I can't stop panicking which means we would end up losing which makes me very upset. Can you help me with this problem? Again it was nice meeting you.

Patrick,
It would be nice to know your grade level, its easier to give advice IF we know what level you are playing at... but in general.... I would say that you need to relax. All sporting events have mistakes in them.. all players make them.. even the pros. Think of it this way... some professional baseball players are making millions of dollars hitting .300.... that means they FAIL 70% of the time. Don't be so hard on yourself. Enjoy the game, do the best you can and keep working on it.
It takes time to develop into a good player... It sounds like you are a lot shorter than they are.... so you have to be smarter than them. Keep yourself out of positions that will get you in trouble with the ball. If you see a trap coming, back out of it. I know how you feel believe me, I was 4'11' as a freshman in high school.... its difficult to compete when you are smaller.
I had several short point guards on my boys varsity basketball team (at the high school level) and they did quite well... because they were fundamentally sound and knew the game.
Work on your skills.... be fundamentally sound... go play some park ball with older kids if they will let you.. or at least taller ones... its not the end of the world making mistakes there and you can take some chances to see just how good you are and what parts of your game you need to work on. Go have some fun! Let us know what you are thinking now.
Ken

Patrick,

OK this comes froma 6'9" guy so maybe this will help.

I'd rather play a 7 footer than a guy 6 inches shorter than me. I couldn't stand playing aginst the smaller "big men" becasue they were generally quicker, lower to the floor, stronger, more agile and many times tougher. I might be able to shoot over them but the other 90% of the game was tough IF (and this is the BIG IF as alluded to by sars300) the shorter player had good fundamental skills. Remember, if the game was solely about size, speed and athleticism, why even play if you're shorter, not as fast or athletic? But the game is NOT only about these traits although they are helpful). The game is primarily about a player's skills and habits, and how he excutes those habits under pressure.


Try and relax and have some fun. Anticipate when the big guy brings the ball down (A LOT with most big guys) and get your hand in there and strip it. Try to always HELP on the big guy defensively but then recover to your man (don't cross your feet defensively). Don't be intimidated by these big guys. Take it from a big guy; we have as many insecurities and nervous tendencies as you do, maybe more! Work hard and have fun and most importanyl, try and improve your basic fundamental skills.


Jim McGannon