When people think of great athletes, Babe Ruth, Carl Lewis, Jim Brown, Willie Mays, and Mia Hamm are a few that come to one’s mind. Yet, there is one name that makes the top of any list, Michael Jordan.
He is not only considered the best player in his sport but the best athlete of all time. This is, of course, a debatable subject. However, nobody can deny the incredible facts he accomplished during his career in the NBA. Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, a 14-time All-Star, two Olympic gold medals, and averaging 30 points per game throughout his career are just a few of his extraordinary achievements. There are many highlights to complement Jordan’s success, ranging from gravity defying dunks, off balanced three-point shots, ankle breaking crossovers, and game winning buzzer beaters.
One play that stands out in Jordan’s career is when the Chicago Bulls played the Denver Nuggets in November of 1991. There were five seconds left in the game when Jordan, who was driving to the basket, was intentionally fouled, taking him to the free-throw line. Grunts and sighs came from the fans because the crowd wanted to see the incredible dunks they were so used to. Although, no one could imagine that the next play would stick in the minds of any sports fans. Jordan made his free-throw with his eyes closed. What was more impressive was the fact that it looked so effortless, even perfect. The sound of the ball making a swish seemed that Jordan could pull off closing his eyes every time while at the free-throw line.
What if this same practice applied to craps? What if a throw is so flawless that craps players could shut their eyes and hit the perfect shot? What if, during practice sessions, players closed their eyes, getting a feel for their grip, back swing, and release? It would call for visualization, allowing the body and mind to connect. Players would become even more comfortable with their technique that, when at a craps table, the bond between mind and body would become treacherous weapons the casinos could not overpower. So, during your next practice session, “Be like Mike,” and try a few shots with eyes closed. Yes, visualization is powerful and may be just the thing to spice up your practice. Let us know how you do.
-Vera Sanchez
GTC Primer Grad
Team “Under the Radar” Alumni
Replies:
Posted by: Dominator on March 31, 2012, 8:37 pm
Visualization is so important, but the key to what Jordon did was the muscle memory in keeping his eyes closed. I did this many times when I started and actually played two sessions without ever looking at my spot with Mr Finesse in Ct.
You need to throw with what I call an empty mind in craps. That is that there can not be any thought during the throw. Your muscle memory has to be so complete that the throw is second nature, just like Jordon’s free throws.
Dominator
Posted by: DavidM on March 31, 2012, 10:13 pm
DavidM
Posted by: Timmer on April 1, 2012, 5:05 pm
As we have all learned, so much of what we are trying to do is "between the ears".
It will be fun to spice up my practice sessions with your "eyes closed" visualization technique.
Thanks for sharing this idea!
😎 😎 😎
Posted by: sevenout on April 1, 2012, 6:35 pm
Some might ask "Let it? How could you stop it?"
😆 😆
Posted by: Dice Pilot on April 2, 2012, 8:03 pm
Posted by: TP1 on April 3, 2012, 2:11 am
Bob Rotella, sports psychologist, talks about the different type of athletes, one who is thinking about the mechanics and concentrating hardest on the most important shots versus the one that flies through the air with his tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth. Jordan didn’t think about it, he just executed it ("just do it").
Good lesson for us all.
Posted by: sevenout on April 8, 2012, 2:02 pm
Posted by: the gman on April 8, 2012, 5:13 pm
gman
Posted by: Timmer on April 12, 2012, 10:51 am
Thanks again for posting such a great idea!
😎 😎 😎
