Learn to "Play Calm" & Take Your Game to the NEXT LEVEL 🔬

The best players in the world make the game look effortless. Especially for guards, being able to remain calm at any speed is an unbelievable skill to have. And we can train this! This video dives fully into how.
IG: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
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[@ByAnyMeansBasketball]

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[@schm0sbyy]

Luka is the best representation of this. Many would think he's just slow and unathletic but if you look closer, those athletic players can't guard him

[@CheetoStix14us]

Kyrie imo does this better, he's able to handle the ball get to his spot, do a combination of dribbles then do a move using a his quickness after slowing down, kyrie is truly the best ball handler in the league and possibly ever in nba history

[@SANTANA1deep]

@@CheetoStix14us best to ever do it

[@stranger9368]

Kawhi is the calmest player. Luka always taunt he is control by emotions every game

[@stranger9368]

@Im SuperSage Calm person doesnt show any emotion or expression of how he feels. The calm player was kawhi or steven adams

[@doriyu797]

bruh he isn't, its just his play style that is slow but he isn't the calmest player, the best representation would be kobe.

[@samyichiro4567]

The calmer you are the more relaxed your muscles and brain are, which in turn let you flow with ease. In other words : Flow > Form

[@darray.]

Yes!. So I've been working on my skills a lot lately and noticed i play quite stiff when practicing alone and even more stiff when playing against real defense, my mind races and im far from calm or dialled into the task at hand. But today something clicked, my fear of making mistakes (perfectionism) made me tighten up, any move i'd do always felt robotic and not fluid, because mentally i just had to get the move down with no mistakes. So i began dribbling side to side and started gradually letting go of my thought/need to not make any mistakes (mistakes like losing control of the ball etc) before i knew it i was fluid and i had full control, focus and concentration on the ball. It was like the ball and myself were one. I could feel everything, from the texture of the ball on my tips. I knew exactly where to place my hands to receive the ball in the opposite hand. I started practicing other moves like behind the back dribble moves, i was making mistakes, yes. But i was getting better a lot quicker than when i was practicing with the aim of "be perfect and dont make mistakes", before i knew it i started getting cocky with it lol my confidence increased because i didn't care if i made mistakes, i didnt waste mental energy on the what ifs. That is what flow is, confidence that everything will be alright even if you fumble the ball, so why sweat it. It allows your entire focus to be on the ball and everything funnily enough feels slower as though you just smoked some green. Anyway, this advice may not work for everyone since the fear of making mistakes is my personal demon but hopefully it helps someone out there. Perfect doesn't exist.

[@Itsovabitch]

@@darray.I have a very similar problem than you do and I just recently found out about it. Can you tell me how well you able to relax your muscles and fix the problem?

[@darray.]

@@Itsovabitch youve got to be more self conscious/aware. Practice mindfulness, which is basically taking time to analyse your thoughts and you’ll realise there’s a constant thought (usually a fear) that’s making you tense. I think for most it’s the fear of failing which generates a need to make your movements perfect. That’s what makes your muscles tighten. If you just find a way to stop caring and realise that the sooner you allow yourself to fail the sooner you’ll make mistakes and start being conscious enough to notice the mistakes, enough to correct and learn from them. That’s really the best way I can put it, I’ve been on this journey for 2 years mentally and it’s helped my basketball. It’s also why people like Westbrook can make 3’s at a high clip during practice but can’t do the same in game. Fear of failure . Notice how tight his body is in game. That’s tension from anxiety. Side note: it’s really hard to stop caring about failing when youve made certain things like winning or being seen failing mean so much, to the point you’re trying to avoid that feeling for your ego to remain safe

[@c0des]

@@darray. thanks i needed to hear this, i hope i can implement it into my game

[@coolioso808]

Good reminder! I'm working on it. Late bloomer to basketball, and as an adult rec ball player and coach I'm always trying to improve and help the youth with some key tips to improve their game and then also transfer to life. "Keep Calm and Carry On" type of mentality. :)

[@Rob-fi2pe]

This video came out at the perfect time for me. I was just telling someone that I am very reactive when I play and I need to learn how to calm down and analyze when I’m in the middle of a game as opposed to just reacting to what’s happening. Great stuff!

[@doublebucketz4661]

To an extent, basketball is a reaction game, it’s fast so you have to react, think about it as learning to react faster and in control as opposed to slow and then out of control

[@pvarls7233]

@@honestfan442 username checks out

[@stephenasmith273]

It just comes with time. I hooped and played soccer in highschool and that was my best trait. Being calm and collected at all times with good vision instantly gives you more value because you are consistent.

[@Jesus-ip8be]

Yeah same

[@k4nyc492]

A lot of ppl misunderstand it , when you see the court at a better vision when you slow it down and exposing when the defense gives you the opening . The great thing is you’ll never play bad with great hoopers but when playing with players that don’t get it you’ll be shadowed or seen as you’re slowing the ball movement

[@XXXXBossXXXX]

being calm is important for literally every aspect in life, fighting, firefighting, leadership, music, instruments, speaking, art, sports. everything… to be sober minded in chaos… confidence.. its scary powerful n fun at the same time lol

[@himhim-pe1hz]

The fact that over a million people have watched this should give you confidence that others are in your position too

[@michaelmusgrave1514]

This is one of the hardest mentality shifts for players to a certain degree, especially players who like to play with intensity or want limitless creative freedom. In soccer, there’s a big part of the culture of the game that discusses creativity as some kind of ineffable, uncoachable spark that exists and should not be touched, as if it was bestowed by the divine and thus cannot be interfered with by an arrogant human. I don’t think people realise that being a competitor and choosing to do what you can to win means being aware of what you’re doing at all times on the floor/field. At the very least, when you fuck up and commit and error, you’ll have a better idea of what it was. Plus you’ll play better. And I think there are levels to this. Dennis Rodman used to count the number of rotations on his teammates jump shots to better predict and react to where the rebound would end up. He was mentally locked in and calm, even while doing a high energy job. That’s something that I think people underrate about top level high intensity athletes, performing at high intensity with internal composure and clarity. People see the external behaviours and can’t see the internal process, and this the behaviours are the important part without knowing where they come from. Missing the forest for the trees type stuff.

[@cameronpalmer401]

Shai G and Cade are two of the most under control guys I’ve ever seen, like I feel like a spazz when I watch them play, you’re not going to speed them up at any rate

[@welennelew9866]

How did you mention them before mentioning Luka first? Luka is the best in term of that

[@jjking8577]

@@welennelew9866 exactly what I was thinking. Luka kept calm in the playoffs with defenders like kawhi and pg on him

[@cameronpalmer401]

@@welennelew9866 honestly guys I don’t be watching luka like that, not saying your wrong though, luka has incredible pace he just wasn’t the first one that came to mind.

[@Kj-gn2ex]

@@welennelew9866 how do u not mention Chris Paul first??

[@welennelew9866]

@@Kj-gn2ex CP3 doesn't really belong in this category He still looks very agile for his age and he was very fast when he was young On the other hand players like Luka, Shai, and Cade are young bucks but they look even way slower than today's CP3

[@isojojo-]

1. Play calm stay relaxed slow down even for one dribble do quick changes of speed short relaxtion and back to the speed 2. Best ball handlers stay relaxed dont stay out of control 3. Players get out of control when they get pressured so stay calm 4. Have control of the ball while you move slow 3:15 go fast then slow move between speeds 3:40 4:20

[@capo8178]

Its the things outside of being on the court that allows your Nervous system to relax , this goes for thing as just waking up being true to yourself , getting rid of toxic friends/habits , positve thoughts / self talk , good sleep eating good , meditation , cold showers no fap / semen retention etc etc its more than hooping 💯.

[@Vortex_Feedz]

Meditation before hooping is a cheat code

[@capo8178]

@@Vortex_Feedz man what when you start getting good at it .. omg .. im on some yoga shi rn just started trying to get as flexible as possible

[@fortuneaniyi8601]

@@Vortex_Feedz Amen bro, meditation is incredible.

[@jasonkoval6144]

bro its crazy how when your in a good, focused, peaceful state in your mental your feel for the game and focus is on a whole diff level than when you got no discipline outside of basketball

[@kieransoregaard-utt8]

This man really said semen retention

[@lemonwater8479]

I apply this Method to your life as well.. learn to breathe n just sit still while breathing this will help you calm down your own nervous system, mind and body

[@sharonriis4016]

I’ve been really struggling with playing calm during my AAU season and this has affected my playing time and my mindset. I will definitely implement these techniques into my game.

[@mou_clamps8674]

We all been there bro.We will get to that next level💯.

[@xjacob219]

Most likely y’all won’t

[@paymetuck]

most of the buckets in the league all play at they own pace this was needed 💯

[@sidney1234usc]

It's not crazy that a lot of people don't know how to dribble calmly under pressure. A lot of coaches don't focus on dribbling and the ones that do simply focus on teaching the point guards especially at a young age. When I was growing up even though I should have been learning how to play PG since I could jump my coaches made me play PF or C even though I was nearly tall enough. I only grew to be 5'10 so my coaches failed me. I believe all players no matter how tall should learn how to handle the ball like a PG.

[@TahjXSimba]

Yeah I wanna learn to be calm because as soon I get the ball it feels like I'm boxed out and I just pass right away

[@LandonWest]

I’m 6’2” and always played PF or Center growing up and never gained good ball handling skills or even dreamed I could! Now I’m older and see Curry and other Amazing PGs that are my same height.

[@sidney1234usc]

@@LandonWest and that's sad because there's no telling how good you could have been if you would been able to learn the guard skills

[@Darth-Turtle]

Breathe into your own rhythm, control the tempo and keep them on their toes 💯

[@MagicyEBK]

Playing calm relay does work, when I’m playing without a care I’m hitting all my shots. But when I’m all hyper and focusing on too much I can’t shoot for nothing

[@GGtheoriginal]

Practice with someone who makes you better. Someone just as hungry as you and just as willing to develop and grow with you. This helps and is key.

[@justinwright3977]

That’s that ultimate ball handling music 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robertochieng4436]

What’s the name of the song

[@forgottenson3411]

@@robertochieng4436 idk use shazam

[@ByAnyMeansBasketball]

This is a HUGE focus in our Ultimate Ballhandling Program!! www.byanymeansbball.com/ubp

[@TranTien-kx2mj]

dude being relaxed make my mind be reapaired for some situations in game, and make it alot diffrent lv, thx

[@emantonogbanua507]

Also helps to dribble with eyes up. It prevents tunnel vision.

[@rossberlin149]

Agree that the float is a great way to learn about changing speed. Great video.

[@staydiligent7325]

Been swimming lately and it definitely help smooth my game out when you’re swimming you can’t force nothing everything smooth and in rhythm.

[@chocolatecity1974]

Great message!! Focus and being poise is key!!

[@retroclips1056]

thank you for this vid i realized i always play at a fast pace and i just joined an AAU team so it helps to be calm and play slow

[@landofitts]

This man be putting out all these 💎 FOR FREE!!

[@BrothaNeo]

Ohh ok. Now this I never realized until this video. Makes perfect sense. Now I will be practicing this. Thank you.

[@taylordaniel9617]

Jahvon Quinerly is an amazing representation of this

[@dubzee23]

One of the best trainers out

[@globriel6253]

This video is calming.

[@eddiesalvador9780]

Sir your channel is the one, stuff like this is really nuanced for any level of basketball. Appreciate the content ❤️

[@SirLuke007]

I agree I have trouble with this. I’m a quicker person and I notice my defenders don’t even bite on some of my moves. I’ve been working on being more exaggerative with each move, being more patient to read the defense than assume what they’re going to do

[@yhb254]

needed this as a growing guard

[@Vortex_Feedz]

Literally surprised this channel doesn’t have 500k subscribers

[@AW-xv7dq]

I play best when I take what the D gives me... I push it for example trying to get around and to the rack without the fixation on getting to the hoop. I can get that bump after being cut off then go to the next 2 options. Always seems to work. May be a pull up or a i step back with intention of waiting for a cut and if all fails I have the option to dribble at near the top of the key then roll to the hoop after a pass. Just that sequence, simple yet you've put pressure on the d and there are so many possible options and possibilities opened.

[@MakNotGaming]

Me id be a high level high school player if i slowed down im always rushing and second guessing constantly having multiple thoughts at the same time but this really helped

[@cs3k3]

This video is a year old (or so), but if anyone watches it now like me, here's a tip for you to calm your nerves: Breathing. Sounds silly, but what I mean is while brearhing in try to take 2 quick, shallow breaths and then exhale as slow and long as you can. Idk the psychology behind this, but it truly works wonders.

[@andregulick3925]

🔥 as always, great breakdown & super useful

[@johncambridge7181]

SGA is the master of this style. So calm and you don’t know when he explodes. Next thing you know he scores 30+ points. Always in control

[@tjay6803]

its so hard when your in games bro i really feel like someone is taking over me with my anxiety and i cant even operate and i freeze up

[@jamilsmith6571]

this is exactly what i’ve been trying to explain to my lil brother perfect video.. time to go put him in the lab

[@rybread1727]

Kyle Anderson plays so calm he looks stoned

[@blehblehbleh179]

I used to be top scorer in D1 but now recently some major life changing stuff has happened and i havent stepped foot on the court due to having a lot of anxiety playing, and im not saying that this video helped but i will try and start showing up to games even if i play for a min or two

[@joshdagoat9284]

Bro you got a chance to get to the NBa nigga you better get back on that court

[@blehblehbleh179]

@@joshdagoat9284 bruh im trying lol

[@PLONG12345]

This is probably why it feels so different when playing in a halfcourt and whole court

[@KevCashingOut]

Westbrook move at 95 mph “looking” outta control but i love him bc he’s aggressive. Luka be cooking everybody at 5 mph and it’s beautiful.

[@ry_an.]

But Westbrook is out of control a lot of times tho. Ja is a better example

[@KevCashingOut]

@@ry_an. i love ja as a player. but westbrook isn’t a small sample size. he’s the most explosive point guard the league has seen for that long of a stretch. in my opinion ja plays more under control than westbrook. those my guys tho 💯

[@jonblankenship5908]

🏀 helps me calm down and find peace when I play

[@EtiandroRosa]

Best vídeo/tips i got so far

[@yomitsooo2858]

One heck of a video this realy helps

[@strengthforlife3582]

PRAY BEFORE YOUR GAMES TO CALL YOUR NERVES!!!! JESUS LOVES YOU!!!

[@vSean]

learn to spell b4 thinkin yk what ur talking ab

[@verifysteph1049]

Amen

[@GggtGyiidd]

You to!! Amen!🙌🏻❤️🔥🕊️

[@yxngjay1300]

Amen🙏🏾❤️✝️

[@Theolaurus_Rex]

In Jesus Name I play 😇🙏🏽🏀

[@bossmail89]

One of the best videos out here

[@onlymemphis8100]

Kyle Anderson is a prime example of this

[@MagicEagleSports]

Low mo

[@kxpalot_tj8185]

Thank you for making this

[@redqrx4458]

You can be explosive while being calm if your putting the work in the weight room and dont be soft

[@shornellhonore2755]

This help a lot man thanks

[@JiggyForever]

need this instrumental, shit soothing af

[@meister505]

I’ve been asking fr

[@X1MP-MT]

i lost my seasonal games, and this is gonna help me alot next year

[@stevengreen11]

I coach 7th grade girls basketball. The games we lose are all mental when my girls defeat themselves. Hopefully this will help them learn to play calmer and keep control of themselves, and the game. Thanks!

[@fortuneaniyi8601]

I play futsal and this video applies directly to futsal as well

[@zerdttt3538]

Colin Gillespie is the definition of this

[@wayti5759]

Being prepared is more important than being calm

[@ByAnyMeansBasketball]

Why can’t both be important? Y’all are always trying to find something to disagree with 🤣

[@lucashiggins5620]

This is great help because when I’m in games I always shoot wrong because I’m not calm

[@rafenzo03]

Thanks for this man.

[@РасАлГул-я4й]

Никола Јокић је најбољи пример како бити најбољи и играти полако и паметно.

[@und3rcut535]

it is not about how fast or slow you are playing. its about the speed you chose.

[@pinkou6806]

Luka is a good example he can change his pace and is just smart

[@daydrianhardingfan01]

preciate this bro mad helpful

[@rydermunro5924]

I thought about this video when I was playing and I did way better than normal

[@clydeceg4382]

Lit. Good advice 👍 for ballers to keep them calm

[@Slimbrodie67]

Educational and good advice

[@ingutenpfoten]

good stuff as always

[@karmadharma035]

Thank you for sharing this insight

[@LobaganMankaw]

this is great and amazing.

[@SimplySeeN]

Playing calm is basically knowing the right time of changing speed

[@2playschemeo.p.croutes724]

Crazy, when I’m shooting alone and get relaxed listening to my music. I do not think about my shot. I find myself making like 4 or 5 straight J’s. As soon as I become aware and notice . “I’ve made 5 shots in a row.” I’ll miss the next one 😂.

[@DottaYT]

Damn where was this video when I played Varsity as.a freshman 😂😂

[@elf6499]

Bro, in my school, my friend is the best defender in my grade. I couldn't score over him, but, when i played against him sick and i was lazy, i played calm, used my mind to trick him, and i actually won.

[@dasmensch2317]

Thanks for the video man

[@willhooke]

Poised in body when possible Poised in mind always

[@Hezinature]

Great Video on the craft! The correct term for “playing calm” is called “PACE”! Keep the good info coming brody💯

[@SmooveBsoPhilly]

Great stuff 🔥

[@MegaLight18]

I was just thinking about this earlier this week

[@berserkerkay]

Needed this

[@OG_Edits1337]

That's my biggest enemy, i can be calm and control my body and ball at a lower speed, but in game I'm often too chaotic, that's probably mentelity thing.

[@andregulick3925]

Nuggets Legend Colin Gillespie 🗣

[@goonzsquad1]

Deff missing from my game when I play like shit, when I play well I notice I breath better and I’m very relaxed.

[@2K5W9M1]

I will try this tonight

[@carlosescalante7532]

just what i need

[@alexorick699]

Love the bama clips haha roll tide

[@andrewrios1689]

Content always 🔥

[@nestorsharma]

thanks for this

[@JefeQuan]

How I love to play 💯

[@pjgamingrosyt5030]

Hey yall I just wanna let yall know that Jesus Christ loves yall and that He wants to save yall❤

[@West828]

I always match the contact even if that means giving them a hard foul on the defensive end

[@queensgtmslim]

i noticed when playing effortlessly and higher confidence i was making more shots in my runs

[@odongoochieng226]

What's the song playing in the background

[@valiomaffey6166]

My problem is that I'm just too relaxed. I have problems switching to agressive mode and controlling the ball

[@jagalbraith3358]

Love the content

[@nasu4603]

Wrong timing to be in my rec. I just finished with 5 bricks and 1 that had all my luck in it. Never really thought about 'how to keep calm' during a game just thought of how I'd want to improve while on the court. Nice video tho

[@Josh-b7o2s]

thx so much🙏

[@deandrepage1048]

D'Angelo Russell, the Brooklyn Nets version that made an NBA All-Star Game.

[@royalpallas827]

Advice starts at 2:50

[@ByAnyMeansBasketball]

Feel free to cut it short if y’all want, but before 2:50 is actually understanding and seeing the concept that you’ll apply 👀 if you want a full understanding you’ll be patient enough to watch 2 minutes and 50 seconds!