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Success = “the peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
Time management: Time management is one of the most important life skills that a student-athlete can learn. It will be helpful in college, in a career, as well as being a parent. One questions that drives this point home is “How are you going to spend your day?”
For a high school basketball player, school and academics will take up the majority of your day. Basketball will be another few hours, and the rest is going to be up to you. Cell phones have become an increasing problem with teenagers Spending an average of 7.22 hours a day on screens. If a player can eliminate or reduce cell phone use during the basketball season you’ll have more time to focus on things that will put you in a position for success.
Rest and Recovery: If you are a competitive high school basketball player, you probably have been exposed to strength training. Rest and recovery is critical to build muscle mass. Rest is also critical for a growing adolescent. It is recommended by experts to teenagers get between eight and 10 hours of sleep.
Most teenagers fail to come close to this number and this will result in decreased performance and mental awareness. It will impact school performance, as well as performance on the basketball court. If a player can make sleep and rest a priority, this will significantly increase the chances of having the basketball season that all players hoped for.
Sleep: Studies have shown that catching up on sleep during the weekend can also be beneficial. Parents may not be pleased with this, however if a player can get additional sleep on the weekends that will prepare you for a better for the week and will help your body recover.
Eat Healthy: Many parents, doctors, and trainers preach this so it probably sounds familiar. Players have been hearing it from pediatricians, parents, coaches, health teachers, and grandparents. Cookie Monster has even changed his stance on this one over the years.
Be sure to eat as healthy as possible. It is tempting to have candy, soda and other sweets that might not help with your performance. Include fruits, salads, and other healthy options. Drink milk with meals. Eat breakfast every morning. Make eating healthy during the season is top priority. This should be a top priority all year, and can be a great life habit.
Focus on Your Studies: Take care of your academics. Once again this is advice that you have heard from many different people over the years. Your basketball career will end one day. For many student-athletes that day will be in high school. If you are fortunate enough to play in college or professionally, you would like to have as many skills as possible. The air comes out of the ball, even for NBA Hall-of-Famers.
A players will have a career after your playing days are over. So pay attention in class. Don’t wander the halls during school. Take it vantage of study periods. Seek extra help when necessary. Raise your hand and participate in class. Make eye contact with teachers. Say thank you at the end of each class.
There are many great Division III basketball programs that have great academics. Players should strive to have as many college basketball options as possible. Having a high GPA, good SAT test scores, and positive teacher recommendations will help a player become more attractive to a college or university. There are so many talented high school basketball players playing at challenging academic institutions.
Many division II and Division I athletes forgo a scholarship to play at an excellent academic institution at the Division III level. This will be a goal of many high school players. Having good grades will give a player many more options than being a mediocre or poor student.
Have a Positive Attitude: In the documentary Survive and Advance, NCAA Champion Coach Jim Valvano shares a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Be the most enthusiastic person you know. Be the most enthusiastic person in your grade. Be the most enthusiastic player in your program, maybe the league or even the state.
Understand the Meaning of Success: Authors and philosophers have often grappled with the question what is success? As a high school basketball player you should familiarize and analyze John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. This was a life long mission of Coach Wooden to figure out how to define success, and how to achieve it. There are many blocks to achieving greatness and his definition of success is one that should make a lot of sense to a high school basketball player.
Wouldn’t carefully selected to cornerstones industriousness and enthusiasm. Make these cornerstones a part of your basketball season and he will be pleased with the results.