How to Impress Your Basketball Coaches
Most of your time spent playing basketball will be during practices--both alone and with your team. As the season progresses, it can be easy to lose your passion for the game, or to start doubting your own abilities. Some players become less visible on the court as their hope of playing time dwindles. Keep your hope alive and strong throughout the season by making every practice your best. Here are a few ways to make sure you're bringing your best to every practice: if you're alive, strong, and your best at every practice, your coach and every member of your team will take notice.
7 Tips When Your on The Court
1. The need to be noticed can be detrimental to your success. Instead, focus on serving the team. People who are dedicated to service are invaluable.
2. Be thankful. Research shows that the more grateful you are, the more problems you will solve. If you miss a shot, continue your positive self-talk and don't punish yourself. This will only lead to more mistakes. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and move on by disciplining your mind to think of one thing you love about life and basketball.
3. If players' primary focus is impressing their coach, they will be less successful and more likely to make poor decisions. This is because people naturally respond negatively to feeling as though they are being watched or judged. However, if players enter practice with the intention of serving the team and giving their all, their coach will be more impressed.
4. Write out the goals you want to achieve. It is important to have your priorities set straight when you want to acheive something. Some examples could be: staying positive, focusing on teammates, working hard, playing with confidence, not comparing myself to others, stay low on defense, diving for loose balls, and so much more.
5. It is important to stay hydrated during practice. If you become thirsty, it means you are already dehydrated. Drinking water will help you think clearly and make the best decision possible in the moment.
6. Choose one word or phrase to represent your goals. Repeat this word to yourself during the practice session. Some possible options include "sacrifice," "commitment," "passion," "100%," "focus," or "work hard."
7. Rather than using playing time or how many points you score as a measure of success, focus on the personal qualities you hope to achieve. Did you finish every practice with confidence, grit, mental toughness, passion, joy, and a commitment to serving your team? Did you make your team better? Did you stay humble and avoid focusing on yourself? Did you commit to the hard work necessary to be great?