I recently posted a Tweet on this topic, which got me thinking more deeply about why you—or your son or daughter—might not be making the progress needed to reach higher levels of play. Below, I’ve outlined six common reasons I’ve observed in players that can limit their growth. At the core, it all comes down to thriving in a team environment and understanding your role. Mastering these aspects is key to taking the strides necessary for real improvement. 1. Unbalanced Approach to Development
Of course, we want players to get in the gym and put in the work—whether that’s with a trainer, a teammate, or on their own. However, having a trainer or posting a workout pic on Instagram doesn’t guarantee success on a team or mean your role will—or should—change. Many players fall into the trap of focusing solely on their own development and neglecting the team aspect. In extreme, but common circumstances, it leads to behaviors like not making the extra pass, forcing iso plays, and slacking off on defense. A good coach will bench a player who prioritizes their own stats or highlights over team success, and until that player can understand how to contribute to the team’s success in other ways, they will not realize growth or development simply because they are not playing. 2. Trying to Emulate NBA / WNBA Players This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch the NBA/WNBA—what hooper doesn’t love watching basketball? The issue arises when players try to emulate the pros, thinking that’s what they need to do (or CAN do) to play. Professional basketball is entertainment, but success at your level often requires a different approach. Going back to our last topic of an unbalanced approach, this is often where players learn unnecessary moves and ideas. Rather, you should watch your local high school or college team as that is where basketball to a youth spectator is more relatable. 3. You Don’t Know Your Role on a Team Going iso, not making the extra pass, and slacking on defense are all things that hurt your team rather than help it, therefore, if you’re doing this, you’re not improving. Not being aware of your role on the court often results in poor performance and limited playing time. Knowing your role is critical to becoming a better player. And youth players must understand and embrace the importance of critical roles outside of scoring, such as defense, rebounding, and creating opportunities for teammates. This primarily falls on a coach to communicate these roles, but we can't neglect the importance of a player accepting their role on a team as well as parents helping to explain their roles and to show high praises for stepping up and executing. 4. Too Focused on Scoring If scoring isn’t your primary role, there are countless other ways to positively impact your team and tally significant minutes in a game. If you’re not an efficient scorer or that’s not what your coach wants from you, yet you’re still trying to be "that guy," you’re not helping yourself or your team. Instead, focus on excelling in the areas where you can contribute most. In today's game we need significant encouragement for our players to find other ways to contribute other than scoring! Parents, STOP encouraging your kids to shoot, shoot, shoot - especially if that is not their role. The highlight reel, mixtape, TikTok generation only sees scoring when they think basketball and it is the furthest thing from an actual game and our game will never be a game of individuals. We MUST demand that players find ways to contribute outside scoring and to know that it is as vital to the team's success as scoring may be. 5. Only Showing Up To Practices & Games If you’re only showing up to practices and games without putting in any extra work, you’re not improving. Get in the gym and put in meaningful, focused work. You should be able to get after it for a good 20 minutes. If you are consistent and put focused work daily that 20 minutes will go a long way. True growth happens when no one is watching, and it’s this unseen effort that separates good players from great ones. Too many players nowadays only show up for games and think that’s enough. You’re not getting better in games— that is when you showcase what you’ve been working on—it comes from putting in the work outside of games. And what seems obvious, but isn't to most, the ones who are putting in work are the ones who simply love the game. Those are the players who will always prevail over the ones who are on the team with expectations for a lot of growth and playing time just by showing up to practices and games. I asked several of our players, "who was in the gym over winter break," as we had a few weeks off. The ones who said they were are the ones who love the game, love being in the gym, and love to hoop! Those who weren't just trying to get away with the bare minimum. The true hoopers will prevail just through their love of the game! 6. Excuses for Everything It is impossible to grow as a player if you fail to acknowledge your areas for improvement. Take accountability for your actions on the court—both successes and mistakes—and improvement will naturally follow. Every moment on the court, whether positive or negative, is a chance to learn and grow. |
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