Basketball: Getting Better

 "When I was young, I had to learn the fundamentals of basketball. You can have all the physical ability in the world, but you still have to know the fundamentals." - Michael Jordan

What it means: The fundamentals of any sport are essential. You always have to go back to basics, because if you can't get the little things right, how are you ever going to be able to accomplish complicated moves?

"When it gets down to it, basketball is basketball." - Larry Bird

What it means: When your in the middle of an important game or championship, the game of basketball is still the same as it ever was. Don't get ahead of yourself, just play the game you have been taught to play and you will do fine.

"I think someone should explain to the child that it's ok to make mistakes. That's how we learn. When we compete, we make mistakes." - Kareem Abdul Jabbar

What it means: Sometimes people expect an athlete to do everything perfectly, but it is impossible. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, even he made mistakes. It takes time and effort to perfect something, and we have to make mistakes so we can learn from them and correct ourselves to become better.

"If you're afraid of failure, you don't deserve to be successful." Charles Barkley

What it means: You should never be afraid to fail, because then you will not take chances to become better.

Tip of the day: Shooting - Follow the BEEF model. Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow Through.

Don't be afraid to take chances or make mistakes, because you can always learn from them and get better.

Even the professionals make mistakes, practice and hard work will allow you to become a better ball player.

 

Basketball: The Beginning

 "A lot of late nights in the gym, a lot of early mornings, especially when your friends are going out, you're going to the gym, those are the sacrifices that you have to make if you want to be an NBA basketball player." - Jason Kidd

What it means: If you really want to be a good basketball player, you have to put in the time and effort to do it. You have to make certain sacrifices and take the time to train and practice to be the best you can be.

  
"I think someone should explain to the child that it's ok to make mistakes. That's how we learn. When we compete, we make mistakes." -Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 

What it means: It is okay to make mistakes, you can learn from them. Not everyone does everything perfect all the time, and even professionals make mistakes. Making mistakes allows us to get better.

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." -Michael Jordan

What it means: Even when you run into obstacles, you have to work around them and never give up. It will be much more rewarding than giving up.

Tip of The Day - Defense: play with your feet, not your hands. Anticipate your player's moves.

 

In order to play basketball, you need to be able to work hard and overcome your mistakes. It is a tough sport that requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but anyone can do it if they are willing.