Practice the Way You Want to Play

The phrase "going through the motions" is often used to describe players who are too cool to work hard or lack focus in their workouts or practice. Thinking that you can turn it on or off when you want to is a trap that’s hard to get out of. The best players take everything seriously to be at their peak performance when the lights come on.

Let’s be honest: Most coaches don’t want to coach, let alone have players on their team who go through the motions. Practicing with urgency and intensity will help make the games easier for players and coaches to understand. If you are a player who walks in drills or makes aloof passes, your coaches are not going to trust that you will perform the games.

Another phrase that coaches often use in practice is "go game speed." If a coach tells you this, you know you’re not working hard enough. The purpose of going game speed is to familiarize your mind and body with what’s required in games. When the game starts, you shouldn’t think or worry about how you are going to perform. Instead, you should be confident and ready to execute what you have practiced.

Basketball is a game of repetition and habits. The game, like your repetitions, is the better player you become. The players with the best habits are usually the ones playing the most.

Here are a couple of tips for players:

1. Give every training/practice session everything you have. You will see improvement faster, which will translate into better game results.

2. Don’t remind your coach or coaches of this. If they do, they won’t trust you, and therefore, they won’t play you!