Comments on: Layups: Does Superstition Actually Improve Performance?

By: Learn how to play basketball

Learn how to play basketball — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:30:09 +0000

The mind is a powerful thing and i think that having a positive mind can boost confidence. It is just like riding a roller coaster. You will not go on it if you do not have any confidence, but if you think that it is not that bad and let's just say you have a "lucky bracelet" on, you will most likely ride that roller coaster due to the boost of confidence. This is what happened with Jordan, I think. Like the blog says, just don't be too confident because then you could blow everything. Overall interesting and good article =)

By: Neil Paine

Neil Paine — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:26:20 +0000

It's definitely true that the ritual aspect of superstition is difference, but I think there's an angle where both involve getting a positive reinforcement for an action and believing that repeating the action will result in the same positive result.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:43:58 +0000

Superstition is related to ritual and reification, thus implying an altering of consciousness, which could play itself out in a positive way. The hot hand, which has a direct cause or correlate in game, a made shot, wouldn't be the same type of thing. There must be some type of overriding of reason through a charge initiated by the game itself, by the setting, etc. In other words,the hot hand could represent uncontrolled energy that contradicts the regimentation and permanence that a superstition would have.

I assume that the superstition is reason for a person who believes in it, and in ways shows the degree to which basketball can structure a consciousness. Ray Allen and Michael Jordan demonstrate a type of regimentation that alters their belief in an almost spiritual way that not only affects the game but their practicing habits, their consistency and their focus.

By: P Middy

P Middy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:34:30 +0000

Use the power of mental thinking! Make it dynamic!

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:24:30 +0000

I do believe that positive thinking can help one meet one's potential. If superstitions feed positive thinking, then----yes----they can help. I imagine superstitions can hurt, though, as well -----if negative thoughts/ feelings rule the day.

By: Anon x 2

Anon x 2 — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:47:58 +0000

the placebo effect, essentially. The mind is a powerful thing.

FTR, I'm superstitious watching the games. How does that help my team? :P

By: Imadogg

Imadogg — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:29:05 +0000

Makes perfect sense. We all saw Michael Jordan's secret stuff in Space Jam.

By: Gil Meriken

Gil Meriken — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:08:37 +0000

We need to figure out a way to incorporate "Superstition +/-" into the ratings.

Basically, I will just use it to adjust any individual rankings to my liking.

By: Jason J

Jason J — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:18:18 +0000

I could definitely see superstition having a positive or negative impact on player's game. If something stops "working" it could crush self-confidence.