Ø      Basketball Notes 16

What Can YOU Do?

A lot of athletes, frustrated by losing or not meeting their expectations in some other way, end up asking the same question: “But what can I do?”  So, here’s a brief answer that applies to just about all basketball players.

DURING GAMES you can sprint more, you can be more active off the ball on defense, you can apply more ball pressure.  You can be more alert, constantly expecting a pass or cut or a shot or dribble penetration.  You can dive on more loose balls, deny a little harder, box out a little harder.  You can encourage your teammates more, bolster their confidence, and remind them of what needs to happen.

IN PRACTICE you can arrive earlier, work harder, care more about maximizing time, really try to use the time to improve – and then work to get your teammates to take the same approach as you.

OFF THE COURT you can talk to your coach and talk to your teammates, keep your goals and your visions fresh in everyone’s mind and keep reminding your teammates of what it takes to reach those goals.  It is not enough to have goals – it is important that you have a plan for achieving those goals and that you keep everyone focused on doing the extra things that are necessary for success.

IN THE OFF-SEASON you have the best chance to have a huge impact on your future success.  That’s when you guarantee your improvement by shooting 500-1000 shots a day, by lifting weights, and by improving your skills through hard work, practice, and repetition.  Once you commit to all that, then get your teammates to do it, too.  It’s a team game… you can’t afford to mind your own business and HOPE for excellent, motivated teammates.  You have to motivate your teammates and inspire excellence.  Call them…pick them up…whatever it takes to get them working on their games, too.  Talk to them, work with them, share your goals and dreams.

There is SO much you can do…and every day counts.

“DESERVE VICTORY”