Playing Basketball at the Next Level
Have you ever wondered why certain basketball players dont measure up to their potential? Players that have incredible skills and abilities but then cant make it beyond organized high school basketball are a dime a dozen. There are many possible theories out there why this is so but we feel that the reasons are few and simple. Our purpose for this article is to explain those reasons and give players the awareness they need to stand out from their peers and to make it to the level of competition they desire.
Lack of Focus
For most players it is very easy to get bored with details when it comes to fundamentals and technique. Lets admit, its a lot more fun to play pick up games than to work on things like proper foot movement, shooting technique, ball control and etc. Because of this most players neglect to focus on small details of their game. All great players have spent countless hours in the gym working on the fine details of their game and have made the commitment necessary to learn the proper drills and fundamentals that will enhance their skills. At the High School level of competition a good player can still stand out and dominate their competition without focusing on the little things. However once they get to the next level, if they havent developed the proper fundamentals and techniques of every facet of the game they will almost always under-perform and have serious regrets. So when you have spare time during the week, instead of organizing a pick up game start focusing on the small detailed fundamentals of your game and work on perfecting them.
Lack of Drive
Playing big time basketball requires a lot of your commitment and time. Many players think they have the passion it requires to excel at the next level when in reality they arent even close. Liking to play lots of basketball and pick up games doesnt qualify you for having the necessary drive. Those that really have the drive give up many meaningful things in their life just to dedicate more time to sharpening their basketball skills. Its a tough thing to do because when youre young there are so many things that you want to get involved in. You want to spend time with your friends, you want to go to parties, you want to spend every waking hour with your girlfriend/boyfriend and thats just to name a few. The reality is, the game of basketball has become so competitive that if you dont make it your #1 focus and then back that up by setting your priorities around it, youll be left in the dust. Certainly we dont feel that its necessarily wrong to have other interests than basketball, we just want to make it clear that those players that really have the drive make basketball their top priority. Once again a player can actually do very well during high school with a lack of drive but once they get to the next level they will face the consequences.
Lack of Intensity
This is sometimes what people are referring to when they say that a player has the it factor. Basketball players that are intense almost always succeed because they absolutely hate to lose or perform poorly. A lot of players are extremely gifted and have tremendous skills but because they lack intensity they can never win the big games and will not be able to make it beyond High School Basketball. Some argue that intensity is something that cannot be taught or learned. They claim that its something you are just born with. We adamantly disagree with that. A player can learn and acquire intensity if they make an effort to do so. Nobody can do it for them though and thats what is so frustrating for most coaches. You have to make the decision that you are an intense player and then you must perform with aggression and passion over and over again until it becomes a habit. Once you truly develop intensity you will play with a very aggressive attitude and you will not tolerate poor performances by yourself or your teammates. If it doesnt bother you very much when you lose or under-perform you have a lot of work ahead of you.
Lack of Confidence
If you dont think you are going to make every shot you put up you dont have much of a reason to be on the court. Great basketball players have enough confidence in their abilities and skills to take the shot when its there. When players suffer from poor shooting or poor performance it often times has nothing to do with their mechanics or abilities and everything to do with their head. Do whatever you have to do to develop confidence in your abilities. If it requires you to spend hours and hours in the gym so be it. Also work on your mental preparation. Thinking about your shots and imaging you making them is just as important of a pre-game activity as stretching and warming up. Dont ever go into a game where you havent spent a good ten minutes meditating about your performance. Go through scenarios in your head and imagine yourself handling them with confidence. Make yourself aware of the fact that you will miss some shots from time to time but that it wont hinder your concentration and confidence one bit. It seems silly to a lot of people and thats one reason why it doesnt get done very often but its something all great players do.
Lack of Humility
Its one thing to be confident about your abilities but if youre so confident that you deny the weaknesses in your game youve hit a wall that will block your progression as a basketball player. Nobody is perfect. The minute you think you are so good that you dont need to practice is when you start setting yourself up for failure. If youve become better than most players in your school and in your area, rest assured that there are players all over the world that have twice the skills as you and are competing to play at the same level you are.
Summary
Good skilled basketball players exist all over the world. With the game of basketball becoming so popular and so competitive only the best of the best have what it takes to play at the next level. Although it can be very difficult players can turn themselves into stars if they have the focus, drive, intensity, confidence and humility that is required to stand out.
HoopSkills - A Basketball Skills Development website.
Play Professional Basketball Overseas
If you are from the United States and are interested in playing professional basketball there are many options that you should look into. The fact of ...
Basketball For Old Timers
Are you past your prime, but still have a burning sensation to play sports? If so, you should consider getting back into the game of basketball. This ...
Playing Professional Basketball In Europe
There are many players who are interested in playing basketball professionally but lose hope if they are not selected for the NBA. The fact is that th...
Get Into Coaching Basketball
Do you love the game of basketball? Are you too old to play competitively? Do you simply want to help out others? If this sounds like you, becoming a ...
Friendship And Basketball
One of the best things about the game of basketball is that it is a team sport. If you want to win games you are going to have to do your part, but yo...
How to Guarantee Basketball Growth
One very important aspect about any sport, not just basketball is continual growth and development.When you are not growing you are doing the opposite...
Communicating as a Coach
Every player on teams looks for specific signs in order to be sure that they are being the most effective in their game. One of the major signs that e...
What You Need To Look For When Buying Basketball Shoes?
Are you looking for a pair of basketball shoes? Do you know the things that you need to consider when deciding on the most appropriate choice?It is gr...
College Basketball Betting
Its all about March Madness. The rush of excitement. The thrill of victory. The crushing agony of defeat. However, first teams must play out a full se...
Basketball Tips 4 - How to Watch Basketball Games
Ever wondered how professional basketball players reached that game level and why they make fewer mistakes? It can be summarized in one word: Experien...
How to Jump Higher to Dunk a Basketball
Dunking a basketball has always been the source of awe for the basketball fanatics.Sometimes, dunks can even determine the name of the outcome of a co...
A New Confidence
Imagine being the hero of the NBA finals and playing above everyones standard. It can be surreal because everyone is applauding you and you are respec...
Basketball Coaching: Team Motivation
Some of us will come home from practices and wonder, Why on earth did Johnny decide to come out for the basketball team if he doesnt want to try? We ...
Gerald Green: Sean Williams Is NBA Material
Many people were shocked to hear that Sean Williams has been permanently kicked out the Boston College mens basketball team for violation of the team ...
Research Findings Show Importance of Strong AAU & HS Coach Relationship
Over the past 15 years there has been an influx of AAU programs in our country. Some believe that AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball has hurt the...
The Legacy Lives on With Number 23
The most popular number now a days is undoubtedly the number 23 because of some players that emulated Michael Jordan and of course the number one emul...
A Winning Basketball System
A solid basketball system is a prayer answered for the players. If you have a system, you are in the top ten. Basketball systems help the players feel...
Basketball Books
If you like to read, and want to learn about the game of basketball, you may want to look into buying a book or two on this subject. Every year severa...
Guards at Basketball
One of the most important part of a basketball team is point guard. Point guard has to have a great view of the game, they always have to know where o...
What It Takes To Play Great Basketball Defense
Great basketball coaches all have one thing in common they hold high value for a player that can play phenomenal shut down an opponent type defense. ...