The game of basketball has played a major role in shaping the person I am today. Many believe that sports teach you how to win games or be physically strong. While that is part of it, I believe sports have a far greater impact on your life. They help you develop real-world skills that can be applied to all areas of your life. With that said, I want to share a few important life lessons basketball has taught me and I want to teach my Crater Boys Basketball team.
There is no substitute for hard work
If you want to excel at something, hard work is the only way. If one of my players wants to perfect his jump shot or make more free throws, the only way it can be done is by practice. It’s essential to practice correctly. Don’t practice till you get it right, practice till you can’t get it wrong.
It is the same with any other field in life. If you want to get better at school or get a raise at your job, the only way you can do it is by hard work. There are no shortcuts to this. We are always taught to dream big but what we don’t realize most often is that our dreams don’t work unless we do. There is no substitute for hard work, ever.
Be unselfish and be a team (family) player
The game of basketball is a family/team sport. Unless each player plays his role and contributes for the benefit of the family/team as a whole, it is not possible to win. Working together is an essential part of any team or family. If you play all out for what your jersey says on the front, people will remember what it says on the back.
Dealing with success and failure
Playing basketball involves both wins and losses. Learn to be proud of your success without demeaning your opponents. Learn to accept failures with grace and come back stronger next time. With time you will realize it’s not really the win or loss that makes a difference. If you give it everything you’ve got, no matter what the outcome, you can walk away with your head held high.
In life too, everything does not always go the way we want it to. There are highs and lows but if you continue to give whatever you do your very best you will ultimately emerge triumphant.
There are just a few ways how the game of basketball teaches life skills. Stay tuned for future blogs and videos. Thank you all for supporting Crater Boys Basketball. We couldn’t do it without you! - Coach Bryan Scott
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