9 Tough things that a good player does
Wait for a screen: So many times a player is moving past the screener prior to the screen being set. Good players wait for screens and take what the defense gives them…..the defense can not take away everything so it is your job to figure out what is open.
Dive on lose balls: Good players get on the floor for lose balls because they recognize the opportunity for another possession for their team….you have to be physically and mentally tough to get on the floor!
Be a slasher: Good players play in straight lines. They do not play with the ball. They attack the defense and then make the smart play…..a slasher knows how to play hard both with and without the ball.
Defend without fouling: Average players react to the offense. Great defenders dictate where the offense is going to go, they move their feet to beat them to a spot, and they make the offense make a tough shot. They do not reach, they do not ride the offensive player’s hip, they do not try to block their shot…good defenders know that most great blocks come from the help defense.
Sprint to change ends: Good players sprint back on defense….the ball should never beat you down the court……sprinting is effort!
Run down rebounds: One of the greatest predictors of a team’s success is the rebounding battle…..the team that rebounds well is going to put themselves in position to win.
Make a hard cut to the basket: Most players watch whomever has the ball…..good players make hard cuts and look for the ball…they understand it is not only a cut to get open….it will also shift the defense and can open up a scoring opportunity for their teammates…..cutting shows you know how to play!
Have vision: Vision is one of the most vital skills in basketball…..if you see your man and the ball you can. Help on a drive, see a cutter and knock down the flash, get thru a screen, and take away driving lanes….great players always see their man and the ball!
Next Play: Keep your head up….basketball is a game of mistakes…..but the greatest mistake of all is to hang your head….good players know they are going to make something happen on the next play!