Top Attributes of Players
Some time ago we shared a list of tips for basketball players. It concentrated more on mental side of the game. While the first list might be Players Tips 101, today’s pair is a bit more advanced.
- One of the worst attributes a player can have is acting “entitled”. If you search the word, the definition seems pretty harmless- “a right, or a claim to something.” When “entitled” goes wrong, it means a player thinks he’s entitled to playing time, a certain number of touches or shots, honors etc. The best counter-example I can give is Tim Duncan. He will be a Hall of Famer but he lined up every day to learn and improve. If anyone was ever entitled, it would have been someone like him. Pride in past accomplishments is fine and should be a foundation for growth. The moment a player stops working and learning is the moment a player starts to regress.
- Accountability is another trait that mature players possess. Webster defines accountability as “the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions”. Some players think that if they say, “my bad”, that is being accountable. It is easy to say things. It is truly accountable to mean what one says and then strive to change the behavior to a better or more acceptable option.
Here is the original list mentioned
Tips for Basketball Players
- Every player can be part junkyard dog.
- Be your team’s best practice player; it will pay dividends.
- Don’t specialize yourself so much that you become a situational player only.
- Be a student of the game; sometimes only one tip can “turn on the lights”.
- Don’t be satisfied; stay humble and hungry.
- Great skill- playing hard. Possible for everyone.
- Have a short memory: forget the last play.
- Playing time needs to be earned; it’s not a right.
- Pouting about one’s playing time usually guarantees more time on the bench.
- Missed steals and missed blocks are really bad plays.
- Every defender can be good off the ball.
- Make the man with with the ball so uncomfortable, he has to put it on the floor and then so uncomfortable he has to pick up his dribble.
- Don’t miss perimeter shots left or right; the great shooters are long or short but always on line.
- You must master dribbling and finishing with both hands.
- Attack under control. Hard to do but the real secret.
- Practice “seeing the floor”.
- Don’t be the player who messes up your team spacing.
- Don’t let the ball stagnate at you.
- Most plays are routine. The highlight plays are exceptions.
- Create a play; finish a play. Be very good at one and good at the other.
- You can add value to every possession even when you don’t score or get the assist.
- Be efficient; good assist/turnover ratio and good 2pt and 3pt FG %’s.
- Every player can run as hard as possible back on defense.
- Do things that please your coach. This tactic usually helps to get playing time.
- Choose advisors outside your program sparingly and carefully.
- Want to be selfish on offense' Get every offensive rebound and beat your man down the floor every time.
- If the man you’re guarding can’t do the things he can do, he’ll eventually try things he can’t do.
- There is nothing more unnerving for an opponent than you never giving in.
- If you have selfish and/or lazy teammates, convert them one at a time by your example. You can change your program’s culture.
- Every player can’t be good but most players can be sound.
- If you’re not in your team’s playing rotation, then practices are your games.
- Do you compete every day, every play' If you don’t, eventually you’ll be passed by someone who does.