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- How to Be a Good High School Basketball Player
High school basketball is an incredible commitment for time, energy, and emotion. The commitment level between an All-State player and the last player on a bench is not much. The mental aspect of being a varsity basketball player can also be very challenging, no matter the role on the team. Each role has unique characteristics.
Coming off the bench can be one of the most difficult roles to fill on a basketball team.
Here are some tips that might help a player thrive in this role.
- Put the Team First: Being a part of a high school basketball team is incredible experience that not everybody has the opportunity to be a part of. Remember you are part of a team and any team (good or bad) needs many different players to have a positive experience. Do all you can to be a great teammate. Don’t get discouraged by playing time. Don’t be a cancer on your team and worry only about yourself. Sometimes you may get the short end of the stick. The difference between the six man and the eighth man is very little and can change over the season. Keep working hard in practice and games. Do your best to be a great teammate because years from now, you won’t look back at the minutes player. You will back at each the experience of being part of a high school basketball team.
- Embrace The Role: It is very important to embrace your role. Entering the season, you (and your parents) may have had a different idea of your role and how you would contribute to the team. You may have even hoped you would start. Forget about all those ideas and embrace your current role as a contributing member of your team. Coming off the bench, you need to play your best and help your team succeed. Make the most of each opportunity that presents itself.
- Know your Role: Each member of a basketball team has a role to fill. Know EXACTLY what is expected of you. You might need a little help defining your role. (Your parents may not be the best resource to honestly and accurately identify your role.) Your coaches and teammates are probably the best resource. If you are not happy with your role, work hard, and fill your roll to the best of your ability. Do what is asked of you and do it to the best of your ability. Go out there and shoot, pass, defend, and / or rebound. Do it better than anyone else can. If you do this, you will continue to get playing time. With hard work and some extra practice on your own, you may even be able to expand your role as the season progresses.
- Be Enthusiastic: When your name gets called jump right up and listen to your coach’s instructions. Successful teams need more than five to have a great season. Whatever your situation and wherever you are on the depth chart, make the most of your minutes. Compete. Be excited about the opportunity you have been given – whether it is one minute or one quarter. It is important to make the most of the minutes you are given. Know you have a skill set unlike any other player on your team. You do somethings very well. You may only do one thing very well, but go out with a purpose to make something happen.
- Play with Confidence: You now that you are a good basketball player. You know your role on your team. You know what you can do and can’t do. Focus on what you do well and do not try to do anything that you cannot do well. Keep it simple stupid. Be at confident.
- Be a Student of the Game: You have the best seat in the house to watch and learn about how high school basketball should be played. Your number one focus should be your team, and the position that you play. If you substitute for one particular player, know exactly what that player is supposed to do. Watch what is being done correctly, and also watch what could be improved. Also study closely the player you will be covering. What is HIS role? What is the game plan for defending him? Is he a scorer or a role player? Are you denying or ready to help teammates?
- Be a supportive Teammate: You will probably be spending more time on the bench than on the floor. Be vocal on the bench. Yell support and encouragement for the players on the court. Encourage hard work. Be positive. And get water during timeouts. Be engaged during huddles. And be loud during during breaks.
- Work Hard: Keep working hard in practice and games. Do the best to focus on the fundamentals. Do a little extra on games day or after practice on your own. You may be an underclassman. Work hard to be ready for your next opportunity and next year.
Good luck and have a great season.