Rockets' Mentality

After the last few games, it's obvious the team has lost it's desire to compete. Here is a post I made a few days ago regarding what I believe are some serious mental training mistakes JVG has made and the core of why we're underperforming:

"I've been studying the mental side of sports for the past year and a half, and the Rockets are making some very fundamental mental mistakes, most stemming from JVG. Some general principles and my perception of how JVG has reacted:

1. Passion: Be motivated by your desire to achieve rather than your fear of failure
JVG has our team scared to play freely. Everyone seems to be worried about making mistakes and having to play perfectly, rather than going out there and doing what they love..playing basketball. It seems it's become a job now, and I don't see anyone enjoying the game.


2. Attitude: Your attitude and self-image will determine your altitude
I can't stand JVG's crap about us being a mediocre team. We're NOT and should not be thinking that we are. If the coach tells you you're average, you're going to play like you are. That's what's happening to this team, they're underachieving. On the other hand, if the coach says "A lot of people think you're an average player, but I know you're better than that so let's go prove them wrong", then you're more than likely going to go out there and play harder. Both ways intend the athlete to be motivated and play harder, but the latter takes it a step further and reinforces the player with belief. You rarely outplay your self-image, and JVG is making this team think they are crap.

3. Overtrying/Overcomplicating leads to Underperforming
We're simply trying too hard, and concentrating more on avoiding mistakes than going out there and playing the way we can. JVG has these players thinking too much, expecting them to try too hard, and having them constantly thinking about trying too hard, and if they're not doing everything perfectly then they're crap. The game has become too complicated and makes it a headache. If he let go of the reigns a bit and let the players relax and just play, then I bet we'd be playing much better basketball. It's like when golf instructors pick apart each piece of your swing and have you thinking about each component every time you hit the ball. Sometimes you just have to relax and just hit it! The concentrating and thinking needs to be ingrained during practice, and given a free chance to execute during games.

4. Confidence
Our players are not confident. Ask almost any champion what they think is the most important mental aspect of their performance, and they'll tell you confidence. JVG's messages are tearing our players down, and having them question themselves. If you're questioning your abilities on the playing field, you're pretty much lost before you've even started. It doesn't matter how much talent and ability you have, if you don't believe in yourself you won't play to your potential. I this taking a toll as witnessed in these last few games and also in those times when we're not able to put games away. The Rockets just aren't sure of themselves, and are playing at a level JVG has set for them. I believe this is what I miss most about Rudy. No matter what, he had us believing we were the best out there. Even when we were losing, there was always that belief. Would JVG's attitude have brought us from behind in those playoff series and won us a second title? I guarantee you our players at that time would have folded under his guidance.

These are just a few flaws I've seen, and it's not getting any better. Personally, I believe this is the most critical piece of the puzzle we must fix. The Rockets could be running Phil Jackson's triangle, Pat Riley's showtime, the most perfect offense ever created, but if their attitudes and heart aren't there it'll be worthless. I'm ready to see JVG and his negativity go. I truly believe he knows his basketball, and has the tools to take just about any team to the playoffs, but his attitude will keep his teams from ever winning. With JVG, it's just not as fun anymore."

After last night's game, we're able to compare the Rockets (who are making these mental errors) to the Pistons, who seem to be doing all the right things mentally. The Pistons showed confidence, trust, great attitude, enjoyed playing the game, and were out there playing loosely with passion. Talent wise, any team in the NBA can beat another team. What I believe separates them is their mentality, and the Rockets are in serious need of some change. JVG has brought a gloomy culture to the organization. A culture that is not consistant with our city, and there needs to be some change.