It doesn't matter if you played the 'perfect' game. If your team loses, something more should have been accomplished. Besides, unless you make every shot and get every rebound, there is no such thing as a perfect basketball game.
If you are the kind of player who thinks you've 'done all you could', or if you are the player wondering 'what more could be done', this page will give you some answers that apply to every basketball player.
During games you can run harder, you can be more active in your off-the-ball defense, you can be more alert, constantly asking yourself what is likely to happen next and constantly expecting a pass, shot, cut, or penetration. You can also encourage your teammates, bolster their confidence, and remind them of what needs to happen.
In practice you can arrive earlier, work harder, and care more about getting the most out of the practice time. You can really try to use the time to improve your game. Then you can work to get your teammates to take the same approach to practice as you.
Off the court you can talk to your coach and talk to your teammates. Talk to them about your shared goals and keep your visions fresh in everyone's mind. 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 little things that are necessary for success.
In the off-season you have the best chance to have a huge impact on your future success. This is the time when you can guarantee your improvement by shooting 500-1000 shots a day, by developing your strength and speed, and by improving your skills with practice and repetition. All basketball players can become better shooters, everyone can become stronger, and no one has skills that don't need improvement.
Once you commit to all that, then get your teammates to do it. It's a team game. It will do you no good to go about your business and hope for excellent and motivated teammates. You have to motivate your teammates and inspire excellence. Give them a call, drop by their houses, pick them up. Talk to your teammates, work with them, and share your dreams with them.
There is so much more you CAN do! The learning, skill development, and overall improvements never stop. Think about it; did you really do 'everything you could'? Right ... now think about what more you can do and work hard at doing it.
There is a lot to be done - and every day counts! |
