“If you want to look good in front of thousands then you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.” ~ Damian Lillard

Hey Reader!

You miss a shot. Your heart is racing. Every eye in the gym is on you.

You know that feeling.

Reality check: Every eye is not on you. In a couple of seconds, most people won’t even remember you shot the ball, much less missed.

This is called the “spotlight effect.” It’s when you think everyone’s locked in on your mistake, but they’re not. Your teammates are thinking about their own mistakes, your coach is focused on the next play, and the fans are just watching the game. Or each other. And your parents? Okay, they’ll probably notice.

"Catastrophizing" is even worse. It’s when we imagine things are way scarier than they actually are: having a tough talk with your coach, trying a new move in a game, or playing pickup with strangers.

I’ve been there. My fifth year of college, I was Pre-Season Patriot League Player of the Year. That pressure messed with my head, and I got caught up in expectations. I had a 15-game shooting slump because I was thinking way too much. That’s right, 15 games in my last year.

I was catastrophizing. I worried about what would happen if I didn’t win that award and how embarrassed I would be. But it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. Even with all my struggles, I still won the stupid award.

That kind of pressure can mess with your head. But is it really pressure? I love this quote from Damian Lillard:

“Pressure? Nah. Pressure is the homeless man who doesn’t know where his next meal is coming from. Pressure is the single mom trying to keep a roof over her kids’ heads. We’re paid a lot to play a game. There are challenges, but calling this pressure is almost disrespectful to real struggle.”

I want you to read that again. We get to play a sport where we put a ball in a hoop. So remember that the next time you get pissed off in a workout for missing two shots in a row.

And when you feel yourself catastrophizing, stop. Because here’s what I’ve learned: if you work hard every day, focus on the process, and are a good person, things tend to work out.

Be like Dame, and have some perspective.

Brussels Basketball, BNXT Pro League

P.S. Hey. It's my birthday today. I'd love it if you'd share this newsletter with one person who could use this message!

3 Hacks From Me

Hack 1: Face the Worst Case

Write down 3 things that stress you out in basketball. Next to each, write the worst possible outcome. Missed shot -> team loses championship. Trying a new move -> sprain my ankle and I’m out for the season. Seeing it written down shows you how unrealistic your fear is.

Hack 2: Define Your Pressure

Like Dame, think about what real pressure looks like. Is it making a free throw, or something bigger? Keep that perspective in mind the next time you feel the weight of the game.

Hack 3: Next Play Speed

Your mind will want to stick on the last mistake. Don't let it. Your only job is to have "next play speed" in your head. Immediately focus on what's next: getting back on D, setting a screen, or talking to a teammate. The last play is over.

*View all of our past emails at hackinghoops.kit.com/posts​

2 Questions for Growth

1. Where is the pressure in your basketball life coming from? Does it come from yourself, your coach, maybe your parents?
2. Are there opportunities you have passed up because you were nervous about what other people were going to think of you?

Reply to this email and let me know!

1 Video to Watch

Watch my latest YouTube video: It took me 26 years to realize THIS about basketball confidence​

Check out our other free resources at HackingHoops.com.

Got Questions? Need Game Feedback? Ask a Pro.

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If you’re a player (age 10 and up), get personalized game feedback, advice on building confidence, help with the recruiting process, and more. Mentoring calls are also for parents seeking guidance and coaches looking to expand your playbook. Tucker is ready to share his journey and help shape yours.

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P.S. Check out my YouTube Channel where I share my journey and knowledge and give basketball advice to young athletes.

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What if you had a team of experts, mentors, and resources to guide you through every step of your basketball journey? What if you could connect with others who share your passion and drive to excel in the game?

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The Hacking Hoops community is designed for serious high school players—and the parents and coaches who support them—who are committed to taking their game to the next level whether that's high school varsity, post-grad, or any level of college.

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Led by Tucker Richardson, Patriot League Player and Defensive Player of the Year turned pro, this is where aspiring athletes - and their parents - come together to learn, grow, and prepare for success in basketball and beyond.

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Here’s what you’ll find:

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• Exclusive interviews with college coaches, players, and other experts sharing insider strategies
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​Start your free 30-day trial today and discover how Hacking Hoops can help you elevate your game and take control of your basketball future.

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Because basketball doesn't have to end after high school!

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Best,

Tucker