Basketball Blog: Attitude….Defined
Attitude is probably the most important aspect of the game. What is your attitude? All of us have a good attitude when things are going well; when we’re the stars of our teams and winning big games, but what’s your attitude when your team is losing? How do you react when the referees are cheating, when your teammates won’t pass you the ball, and when your coach is screaming at you for something that isn’t your fault?
A good attitude is something you have to decide consciously to have. In bed at night, you have to be able to close your eyes and see yourself as the player you want to be under all circumstances.
A good attitude is being calm under pressure; it is encouraging teammates even when the coach is being particularly negative in practice. It is requiring (of yourself) your peak performance at all times.
A good attitude is seeing yourself performing to your utmost under all sorts of adverse circumstances, and then, when those circumstances arise, actually doing it.
Can you picture yourself in practice being screamed at by your coach for something that you know was not your fault, and simply accepting it – thinking over the point he is trying to get across and reaffirming to yourself that you will never make that mistake? Can you accept his screaming as a reminder instead of getting angry and losing your concentration? Not many players can – not even a lot of the good ones – but it is possible, and the players who can do it are special. They are a joy to coach, they are great to have as teammates, and they help create winning teams.
A good attitude is very simple: it is doing your best at all times; keeping your concentration on your job and on the things you have to do to play well.
Can you make yourself hustle when you’re out-of-breath and your legs feel like lead-weights? Can you keep encouraging your teammates, even though you think some of them are ball-hogs or lazy? Can you accept your coach’s criticism and listen to what he’s saying – even when you feel sure he’s wrong? Can you listen and think that maybe – just maybe – you could be wrong? Can you give your best under all circumstances, or are there dozens of things that cause you to lose your temper, your hustle, or your concentration?
What is your vision of the ideal player and the ideal attitude? What is your vision of you? Close your eyes…
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