One-Week Mental Toughness Practice Plan

 

A structured week to train mindset, composure, and communication.

Day 1: Compete Under Pressure

Focus: Handling stress and decision-making under fatigue.
Drills:

  • Full-court 1v1 or 2v2 competitive runs.

  • “3 stops in a row” team challenge — fail and restart.
    Mindset Talk: Pressure reveals preparation.

Day 2: Response to Adversity

Focus: Bouncing back after mistakes.
Drills:

  • “Next Play” scrimmage — no whining, immediate reset after turnovers.

  • Free throw ladder (miss = +1 sprint, make = off the ladder).
    Reflection: “What did I do when I got frustrated today?”

Day 3: Communication Challenge

Focus: Talking through chaos.
Drills:

  • Shell drill — talk on every pass, switch, or rotation.

  • Silent scrimmage (coach can’t talk; players lead communication).
    Key Quote: “Quiet teams lose.”

Day 4: Mental Focus and Visualization

Focus: Training focus and mental imagery.
Drills:

  • Free throw routines with visualization before every shot.

  • 4-minute pressure game (simulate close-game scenario).
    Post-practice: Guided visualization — players picture success in late-game situations.

Day 5: Team Trust and Leadership

Focus: Accountability and encouragement.
Drills:

  • Partner “Encourage Drill” — teammates pick each other up after mistakes.

  • Leadership rotations — different player leads warm-up and huddles.
    Team Talk: “We lead with our voices and our actions.”

Weekend Challenge

  • Individual Task: Watch film and journal 3 moments where mental toughness showed — or didn’t.

  • Team Goal: Come back Monday ready to discuss growth and take ownership.

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