"Mind-Time": Peak Hours for Learning & Skill Development

Robert Bernard
May 10, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2024

written by Coach Robert

illustrated by Bryttani C. McGhee

Mind-Time. Ever heard of it? Imagine harnessing a specific time of day where your brain is at its peak for absorbing and integrating new information. According to many studies, these golden hours occur between 5am and 7am, when the mind is most receptive to learning.

Because the 1st Tenet of Be Like David (BLD) basketball is "Learn," effectively utilizing "Mind-Time" sets the stage for skills development, better retention, and overall understanding of any new idea you wish to absorb or revisit. In effect, leveraging this prime time has revolutionized how players enhance their skills. So let's delve into the concept of "Mind-Time," its implications for basketball training, and practical ways to integrate it into your routine.

What is "Mind-Time" and Why Does it Matter?

"Mind-Time" refers to those early morning hours when your brain is exceptionally receptive to new information, making it an ideal time for learning and skill development. The quiet and fewer distractions typical of early mornings contribute to this heightened capacity. Integrating basketball practice into this time can significantly enhance cognitive and physical performance, as supported by several neurological studies. This synchronization of practice with peak brain activity not only optimizes skill acquisition but also ingrains these skills more deeply.

The Science Behind Learning: Neuroplasticity and Synaptic Connections

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This adaptability is crucial for learning new basketball techniques and strategies. Learning occurs as synapses (connections between neurons) strengthen through repeated use. Each time a student practices a skill or a team play, these synaptic connections become stronger, more efficient, and more responsive, a process known as synaptic plasticity.

This clip illustrates neurons forming new synaptic connections, a visual representation of learning. With each repetition of a task (i.e. dribbling or a free throw), the neuronal connections become denser and more complex as your brain optimizes the pathways needed to perform these tasks more effectively. And during "Mind-Time" hours, the brain's ability to make these connections is significantly heightened.

How to Incorporate "Mind-Time" into Basketball Training

So, how do we start to incorporate Mind-Time into our daily routine? Though our daily schedules may differ, the key is to get up and get going. Here is a list of steps to help you get started:

1. Preparation for Early Morning Training:

Start by adjusting your sleep schedule to wake up naturally around 5 am. Set your alarm for 4:30 AM so you have enough time to wash your face, and be down to the gym by 5. You can even prepare the night before to get the most out of "Mind-Time."

This preparation helps transition your body and mind from rest to activity seamlessly, enhancing your early morning training sessions. It is also great because these early morning sessions can be easily implemented before school or work schedules. Besides, there is something uniquely advantageous about getting started before the rest of the world. Players such as Jordan and Kobe knew this!

2. Set a Learning Goal for Each Session

For each session during "Mind-Time," the night before you should predetermine a skill you may want to explore at Mind-Time. For instance, if your aim is to improve upon a shooting mechanic or concept, your Mind-Time session should be organized around that specific skill for the duration of Mind-Time. Having a focus will help to keep your learning process clear and driven. This will be much better for the mind to learn adequately.

3. Use Stimulating Techniques to Enhance Brain Function

Before you begin, play mindful music/sounds that may open the mind and prepare it for absorption. Breathing is a powerful tool that primes the brain for learning too, these examples ready the mind to do what it does best: Learn.

Mind-Time is not about putting in intense physical hours, it's about building neurological connections with information.

4. Identify the Challenging Skill

As your brain's heightened receptivity will make these early hours the best time to tackle difficult tasks, start by clearly identifying the skill you find most challenging or where improvement is needed. This could be anything from improving your three-point shooting accuracy, enhancing your defensive maneuvers, or perfecting dribbling techniques under pressure. The key is to focus on one or two specific areas to avoid overwhelming the mind and to allow for concentrated effort and measurable progress.

Once you've identified the skill, break it down into smaller, manageable components. For example, if you're working on your "Parabolic Shot" technique, you might break it down into:

Proper Lift: Ensuring you're balanced and you're getting good lift from the lower body.
Hand-Placement: Focusing on how you hold and release the ball.
Targeting: Pay attention to the link channel of the rim and its details.

By dissecting the skill into smaller parts, you can focus intensely on improving each component before putting them all together.

5. Learn with Right-Effort and Mindfulness

During "Mind-Time," engage in focused learning with real effort and mindfulness. This means not just going through the motions but being mentally present and correct in each attempt. Use this time to:

Concentrate on your tutelage: Ensure each repetition is done with proper technique.
Receive Feedback: Use video recording or coach feedback to get real-time insights into how well you are executing the skill. Adjust based on feedback immediately.
Go Slow: Take your time with the skill and don't rush. Let the information marinade. For example, walk around the gym and go over the skill in your mind, talk to yourself about it, and give this process the proper care it deserves.

6. Reflect & Adjust

After each session, spend time reflecting on what you learned. Consider adjustments for the next session based on this reflection. This might involve taking smaller bites of information, trying the skill a different way, or even making newer revelations on what you just learned.

Keep a Mind-Time journal to note progress and areas needing improvement. Reflect on these notes often, ensuring that each session maximizes learning and development.

Now Watch & Learn

Here is an excellent example of Mind-Time in action! As you watch, it provides a practical example of how you can utilize your peak cognitive hours effectively, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their learning and skill development during these early morning hours. Take a look and see how you can apply these strategies to your own routine.

Click HERE to watch the full episode of Rod & Rob

In Summary

Utilizing "Mind Time" for basketball skills development offers a unique advantage, allowing players and coaches to maximize the natural capabilities of the human brain for remarkable mental growth. Then, extend the principles of "Mind Time" to other areas such as academic learning or even personal development. This practice can help improve overall productivity and mental acuity. By aligning training schedules with biological rhythms, players can achieve greater improvements in performance and faster skill acquisition.

Tips and Reminders for Effective "Mind Time" Utilization:

Maintain a consistent morning routine to help your body adjust to the early wake-up times.
DO NOT eat during Mind-Time.
Be patient; it may take time to see significant improvements, but consistency is key.
Avoid irrelevant information during Mind-Time
Be on time to Mind-Time!