There are two types of people that you often see on the floor in basketball. The first, are the 'athletes that play basketball.' These athletes are those that impress with their physical skills, jumping ability, and quickness. The second are those we call 'basketball players.' The players have a thorough understanding of the game, a strong will and desire to do whatever it takes to win games, and the physical and mental toughness to follow through with their intentions on the court. More often than not, the athletes waste their talent as they rely on their natural ability to carry them. Basketball players often overachieve. This is due to an inherent desire to do anything to win, coupled with the realization that they lack some physical gifts that their competitors have. They realize they need to work harder to even the playing field and overachieve by surpassing the athletes with their toughness and determination.
Every coach loves having basketball players on their team. Basketball players are often internally motivated, and have great leadership skills. Basketball players may not always be the best players on a team, but they are the guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to win a game. Basketball players are the guys you see diving on the floor for every loose ball while the 'athletes' are the ones standing and watching. Basketball players are willing to sacrifice their bodies for their teams by stepping in and taking a charge. Athletes that play basketball are often the ones out of control, jumping off of one foot, and being called for the charge. Basketball players are the ones who live in the gym and the weight room in order to get everything they can out of their bodies while athletes that play basketball sit at home playing 2k and talking about which team they will be playing for. The teams that overachieve have basketball players as their leaders and best players. The teams that underachieve follow the lead of their athletes that play basketball. Basketball players are described by words and phrases like toughness, finisher, glue-guy, does everything, rebounder, efficient, and winner. All of these things help their team and coaches win games. While some coaches recruit based on potential, the ones that often keep their jobs, recruit based on production and ability. As a result, most coaches are looking for basketball players who are also great athletes.
Athletes that play basketball are termed as such because they have yet to develop a work ethic and mindset that is required to become a basketball player. Basketball Players are termed as such because they have those traits. They fully understand the game, and have enough skill to be successful at it. Being called a basketball player is a compliment. Being called an athlete that plays basketball is not.
Athletes that play basketball often have specific terminology that describes their ability, but avoids their skill. If you hear words like potential, natural ability, developing, or upside then beware, an athlete that plays basketball is often being described. Potential and upside mean that you look like you could be good at the game one day. However, the work to be good has not been put in. What are the assurances that it will be? What have you done to turn your potential into skill? Natural ability means that you are physically gifted in at least one aspect of the game. This is a good thing, however what have you done to develop that talent? Developing means that you are getting better, but no one knows how good you will be.
Athletes that play basketball also hear the phrases above the rim, next level body/frame, and shooter. Take a look beyond what these phrases say, but see what they leave out. Playing above the rim means that you can jump, and sometimes dunk the ball. What does it say about getting rebounds or finishing shots? Nothing. Having a great frame means that if you hit the weights, you'd fill out well and be able to physically withstand a season at the next level. What does a great frame say about your ability to defend, rebound or put the ball in the hoop? Nothing. Being a shooter means you take a lot of three point shots. What does it say about your ability to make those shots? Nothing. Chances are, you're a shooter because you make a few per game. But how many shots did it take you? What does being a shooter say about your ability to contribute in other aspects of the game? Nothing. Coaches are looking for a shot maker, not a shooter. Hopefully you're catching on, athletes who play basketball have skill that does little more than look good. If you're chasing a scholarship, looking good won't get you anything. That 'potential' needs to show signs of being realized. That 'talent' must be developed, not 'developing.' The way to realize potential and develop natural ability is by putting in consistent, hard work. That work must be focused and disciplined. If you do not work the right way, then all you will be developing are bad habits. Practice makes permanent, not perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.
Remember, while having natural ability and potential is nice, it can only take you so far. It is more important to have a worker's mindset and the ability to follow through on your desire to win. Nobody cares how quick your first step is if you can't finish at the rim. Nobody cares that you play above the rim if you can't hang onto the ball. Nobody cares how good your frame or how long your arms are if you can't come down with a rebound or hold your position in the post. If college coaches disregard those facts and recruit you anyways, chances are they are either giving you one chance before sending you out of the program since they have a roster full of basketball players to fall back on, or they'll be getting fired before you step on campus. In basketball today, there are fewer and fewer 'basketball players.' Those that make it at the next level are usually those rare athletes who are also basketball players. They are those that at some point stopped telling themselves they were great, but developed their ability. Its time to step back and realistically take a look at how you are described. Are you a basketball player or an athlete that plays basketball? Then, separate yourself from those like you. Work to become a basketball player.
For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels
Every coach loves having basketball players on their team. Basketball players are often internally motivated, and have great leadership skills. Basketball players may not always be the best players on a team, but they are the guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to win a game. Basketball players are the guys you see diving on the floor for every loose ball while the 'athletes' are the ones standing and watching. Basketball players are willing to sacrifice their bodies for their teams by stepping in and taking a charge. Athletes that play basketball are often the ones out of control, jumping off of one foot, and being called for the charge. Basketball players are the ones who live in the gym and the weight room in order to get everything they can out of their bodies while athletes that play basketball sit at home playing 2k and talking about which team they will be playing for. The teams that overachieve have basketball players as their leaders and best players. The teams that underachieve follow the lead of their athletes that play basketball. Basketball players are described by words and phrases like toughness, finisher, glue-guy, does everything, rebounder, efficient, and winner. All of these things help their team and coaches win games. While some coaches recruit based on potential, the ones that often keep their jobs, recruit based on production and ability. As a result, most coaches are looking for basketball players who are also great athletes.
Athletes that play basketball are termed as such because they have yet to develop a work ethic and mindset that is required to become a basketball player. Basketball Players are termed as such because they have those traits. They fully understand the game, and have enough skill to be successful at it. Being called a basketball player is a compliment. Being called an athlete that plays basketball is not.
Athletes that play basketball often have specific terminology that describes their ability, but avoids their skill. If you hear words like potential, natural ability, developing, or upside then beware, an athlete that plays basketball is often being described. Potential and upside mean that you look like you could be good at the game one day. However, the work to be good has not been put in. What are the assurances that it will be? What have you done to turn your potential into skill? Natural ability means that you are physically gifted in at least one aspect of the game. This is a good thing, however what have you done to develop that talent? Developing means that you are getting better, but no one knows how good you will be.
Athletes that play basketball also hear the phrases above the rim, next level body/frame, and shooter. Take a look beyond what these phrases say, but see what they leave out. Playing above the rim means that you can jump, and sometimes dunk the ball. What does it say about getting rebounds or finishing shots? Nothing. Having a great frame means that if you hit the weights, you'd fill out well and be able to physically withstand a season at the next level. What does a great frame say about your ability to defend, rebound or put the ball in the hoop? Nothing. Being a shooter means you take a lot of three point shots. What does it say about your ability to make those shots? Nothing. Chances are, you're a shooter because you make a few per game. But how many shots did it take you? What does being a shooter say about your ability to contribute in other aspects of the game? Nothing. Coaches are looking for a shot maker, not a shooter. Hopefully you're catching on, athletes who play basketball have skill that does little more than look good. If you're chasing a scholarship, looking good won't get you anything. That 'potential' needs to show signs of being realized. That 'talent' must be developed, not 'developing.' The way to realize potential and develop natural ability is by putting in consistent, hard work. That work must be focused and disciplined. If you do not work the right way, then all you will be developing are bad habits. Practice makes permanent, not perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.
Remember, while having natural ability and potential is nice, it can only take you so far. It is more important to have a worker's mindset and the ability to follow through on your desire to win. Nobody cares how quick your first step is if you can't finish at the rim. Nobody cares that you play above the rim if you can't hang onto the ball. Nobody cares how good your frame or how long your arms are if you can't come down with a rebound or hold your position in the post. If college coaches disregard those facts and recruit you anyways, chances are they are either giving you one chance before sending you out of the program since they have a roster full of basketball players to fall back on, or they'll be getting fired before you step on campus. In basketball today, there are fewer and fewer 'basketball players.' Those that make it at the next level are usually those rare athletes who are also basketball players. They are those that at some point stopped telling themselves they were great, but developed their ability. Its time to step back and realistically take a look at how you are described. Are you a basketball player or an athlete that plays basketball? Then, separate yourself from those like you. Work to become a basketball player.
For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels
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