And I need to start taking my own advice
The saga of youth basketball continues and my 7-almost-8YO is playing on a pretty decent team this year with some classmates. They’re learning A LOT about the sport this season, which is great. Even running a few plays. It’s all more than I expected, but exactly what I was hoping for.
They’re taking an “inch deep/mile wide” approach where they’re covering a lot of fundamentals but aren’t going too deep on any one just yet. We’re seeing improvement each practice so whatever the coaches are doing, it’s working.
One of the hardest things to both teach and understand, I feel, is knowing what to do and when to do it. That’s not just true for second grade basketball, that’s true for everyone in all aspects of life.
I’ve tried to distill the sport of basketball into 4 simple ideas for my guy. Hopefully he’ll one day see how these might apply to life off the court, but in the meantime, finding them helpful on the court each weekend will do.
1. Use the whole court.
One thing I’ve started talking to him about is spacing.
Sometimes, being in the right place means you’re on the opposite side of all the action.
You don’t have to be in every single play. Make room for your team to work. Being on the opposite side might seem like a good way to miss the action, but if everyone understands the value of spacing, then everyone will get their turn to not only be in the action, but also have room to make it count.
2. Help whoever is helping you.
Make every pass catchable. When they’re filling the lane on a fast break or cutting to the basket, get the ball to them cleanly and don’t make them work to catch it. Getting open is hard work enough. Timing is everything in basketball.
If someone wants what you want, make it easy for them to succeed.
3. Have composure in a crowded situation.
There’s always going to be people trying to stop you and steal the ball. Play your game and the only way they’ll be able to stop you is to make an exceptional play.
Make it so the only way your opponent will ever succeed against you is if they’re legitimately better than you…or incredibly lucky.
Guard the ball and play with intent. Every dribble has a purpose. Every pass is a step closer to scoring.
Passing because you’re nervous is never acceptable.
4. Always know where you are on the court.
That way, you’ll already know what your options are even before you get the ball.
Can you make a shot from here? Swing it to the other side? Pump fake then dribble to a better shot?
Have a plan before you need it, so it’s there when you do.
Starting an online music supply business has proven to be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done professionally, as well as the most rewarding. A lot of lessons learned and, yes, a ton of mistakes made…ratio between those is pretty close to 1:1.
But — like basketball — knowing how to create space, support others with a common goal, keep composure, and have a plan, is critical to success. I need to start taking my own advice.
Some days are layups. Some days are three-pointers from the corner with a hand in your face. And some days, you’re just flat out getting dunked on. That’s how it goes.
Stick to your game, though, and eventually, something will happen.
#bewhatyoumake
