Thoughts for players who've lost confidence

First of all, it happens to everyone now and then. Here are some things that help.

Effort and attitude
Effort and attitude are by far the most important factors. Fortunately, you have complete control of both.

Rebounds, defense and transition
You are useful to your team if you go to the boards every time, defend the ball well and outrun your check both ways.

Rebounds
Crash the boards every time. Anticipate shots and get there first. Put it up immediately most of the time after an offensive rebound. You aren't aggressive enough if you don't get blocked now and then. Break out immediately and lead the break if you get a defensive rebound.

Defense
Coaches love players who are great defenders. This is just effort and attitude with a bit of smarts. Take away your check's first move. Have your hand above your check's eyes if there is a possible shot. Keep your hand above the eyes until your check drives. Shift slightly to take away the strong hand. Don't get beat by fake left and drive right, or the inverse. You will get however beat on occasion so run them down.

Offensive transition
Fastbreak: we break the the defensive team when we go fast. Full speed not 3/4 speed. Run everything single time until it is clear there isn't a potential scoring opportunity. Don't forget to crash the offensive boards if someone else shoots. Remember, full speed.

Defensive transition
Remember that anyone who is any good can beat a defender 1-on-1 who is running backwards. Make sure fake left, finish right doesn't work. Make them beat you with their off hand. Get back at full speed to help your teammates. It takes at least two players to stop a good offensive player. Crash the boards.

Shoot don't think
Lots of players indulge in negative self-talk. Shooting is a two-step process. Shoot with complete confidence. See the ball going in. Land and head immediately for the boards. Look at the ball to see where it lands. Take note of it and continue player. Listen to yourself. Negative self-talk is much worse than someone else telling you you can't shoot. Worse yet, you can ignore someone else but, by definition, you don't ignore yourself. Going to the boards after your shot isn't something you do if you think you think the ball isn't going in. It's something you do after every shot, just in case there's a rebound.

Focus on "your" shot
Choose a spot to concentrate your practice. For example, you could become a great three-point shooter from the left corner. Positioning matters.

Pull-up jumpshots.
Driving all the way to the basket isn't always an option. Learn to shoot a one or two dribble jumpshot. Pick one or the other to develop first. A one-dribble pull-up after a shot fake might be a better option for a small three-point shooter. A good driver might want to practice the two-dribble pull-up. Remember to crash the boards.