3 ways to Push Through a Losing Streak

I can remember my junior year in college like it was yesterday. Our team had the best and most athletic players in our league. Not to mention the best coaching staff a team could ask for. We also had the drive most teams didn’t have and the combination of this all led our team to start the season 17-0 before losing our first game. That run was one of the most memorable times in my life. Unfortunately, that winning streak was not how my entire basketball career played out and in fact, I was on the losing side for a few years which was tough. Let's look at 3 different ways coaches, and players, can push through a tough losing streak.

1. take things one step at a time

How do you eat an elephant? One common mistake coaches make is trying to fix everything all at once. Usually when a team is on a losing streak there is more than one thing that's affecting ideal on-court play. Sometimes, coaches can make the mistake of trying to work on everything negative at one time. What this oftentimes does is overload players and really defeats the purpose of focusing on corrections. It can also make players feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a doom and gloom attitude. One effective way to look at a losing streak is to take things one step at a time. It’s impossible to eat an elephant in one bite and that's the same reasoning to take when correcting your team's weaknesses.

2. Positive thinking

Mindfulness is an afterthought for most players. The idea around telling yourself “you are worthy and capable” seems cheesy but, studies have shown it equates to success. For players, it's very hard to think positively when you’re getting beat on the court night after night. It can weigh on you and cause embarrassment. Coaches and parents can help counter this by speaking life and positivity into their players. This may include one-on-one meetings or simply highlighting successes during practice. Everything is impactful when a team is on a losing streak.

3. skill development

In my opinion, skill development is the best way to help teams overcome a losing streak. It’s very hard to dedicate time during the season for skills work but regardless, it remains extremely important in a player's overall growth. One way to help players grow is by using training equipment like Dr. Dish shooting machines that can be used before, during or after practice. Focusing on skills like shooting and building confidence can help players get out of a funk and heading in the right direction. During a losing streak, players can feel like they lack the tools to be the best version of themselves and this is why giving them the tools like Dr. Dish are important. Even a minimal amount of growth can create immediate and long term success.

Coaches, try your best to implement these three things to help your team get out a tough losing streak and always remember each day is a new opportunity to get better and be great!