The other day I took my three sons to this new skate park across the street from our house. It was a nice break in the action of the season to spend some quality time with my boys.
When we got to the park I turned the boys loose to ride their bikes all over the park. They went up down the ramps as well as stopping to watch the other kids and adults using the skate park for some fun as wells improve their skills.
However, as I watched my boys I also watched the other skaters and bikers carve up the park. The thing that caught my eye was kids were trying new tricks over and over again until they got it right. Other kids were giving pointers to the kids riding to enhance their experience as well as their ability. Nobody was getting defensive, but the complete opposite. They were asking for advice, pointers to make the trick better. It was an environment of creativity, but demanded discipline, execution, and some risk taking too.
How does this relate to basketball? Players need to get in the gym, go to the outdoor court, or even out to their driveway, and work on their game. Try that new move with no fear; work on different finishes, or imagine yourself operating on the court at the highest level.
Yes, basketball is a fundamental game of dribbling, passing, footwork, defense, and shooting, but man, it is also a creative and imaginative game that inspires players to reach for the stars.
Those skaters and bikers were out there because they LOVE TO RIDE; therefore, basketball players need to get out there because they LOVE TO HOOP! Let that love for the game fuel your development!
Always improving,
Galen Harkness
Lead Skills Trainer
Colorado Division
Follow me on Twitter @GalenHarkness