How hoopers can learn to be comfortable in silence amongst their peers
BASKETBALL TIP
If you find yourself sitting on the bench on your team, you have to ask yourself some questions.
Have you been patient enough? You can’t expect, in anything you do, that things will always turn your way immediately. Make sure you give yourself adequate time.
What might you do differently? Talk to your coach. Explain your feelings. Find out your coach’s feelings. Find out what you can do to alter the situation so you can play.
What does the future hold for you? If you have to put in a year sitting on the bench but it’s clear that you will be playing full time in the future, it may be well worth sitting there and paying your dues.
If you decide it’s worth paying your dues, then pay them well. Be attentive. Be involved. Learn all you can. Be encouraging to your teammates. Sit near the coach. Listen to all he or she says, and think about what you would do if you were playing.
LEADERSHIP LESSON
“Generous silence provides space for the other person to be with their own self, for you to be with them, for presence to show up. It allows them to take a breath. It whispers, “This is an interesting place to be. Let’s hang out here for a moment.”
– Michael Bungay Stanier
LIFE PRINCIPLE
“If others tell us something we make assumptions, and if they don’t tell us something we make assumptions to fulfill our need to know and to replace the need to communicate. Even if we hear something and we don’t understand we make assumptions about what it means and then believe the assumptions. We make all sorts of assumptions because we don’t have the courage to ask questions.”
– Miguel Ruiz
Every Thursday, when your inbox lights up with the Think the Game Thursday email, you’ll get these focused, action‑ready pieces of content that fit into any schedule:
- A basketball‑IQ boost – A short, sharp breakdown that teaches you how elite players read the floor, anticipate decisions, and control possessions.
- A coach‑approved drill – A simple concept, drill, or teaching tool you can plug straight into workouts or team practice.
- A leadership insight that strengthens communication and culture
Related Articles
Tips for Off Season Basketball Transformation
Learn the power of training with energy, leading with curiosity and respect, and embracing reciprocity as a life-changing practice. It’s a simple framework to help you grow faster, lead better, and live with greater intention.
Effective 1v1 Constraints for Summertime Driveway Hoops
Want to get better at 1-on-1? Master quick decisions, limit dribbles, and take smart shots—then watch your skills soar.
The Car Ride Home Discussions On the Work You’re Avoiding
This week’s 3-Point Play explores how the fear of losing drives excellence, the power of acknowledging others’ experiences, and staying focused on what truly matters.
About PGC
PGC Basketball provides intense, no-nonsense basketball training for players and coaches. Our basketball camps are designed to teach players of all positions to play smart basketball, be coaches on the court, and be leaders in practices, games and in everyday life.
We combine our unique PGC culture with a variety of teaching methods and learning environments to maximize the learning potential of those that attend our sessions. In addition to spending 6-7 hours on the court each day, lessons will be reinforced through classroom sessions and video analysis.
Our goal at PGC is to empower you with the tools to fulfill your basketball dreams, while also assisting you in experiencing the joy of the journey.
To learn more about PGC Basketball, including additional basketball training tips and videos, visit our YouTube Channel or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Share This Post