Going from middle school to high school basketball is a huge transition. First and foremost, seasons are longer and much more demanding. At this point in time, coaches are looking for wins to help the school name grow, get their players exposed to the next level, and of course, keep their jobs. This is where players start competing for spots and minutes. With that said, you need to constantly stay sharp and on top of your game because one practice can drastically impact playing time.
1. Always Do Extra- arrive early and work on something you're not too sharp on OR stay after practice and get some extra shots up.
2. Ask Questions- Ask your coaches what's expected of you, what your role is on the court, and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't understand something.
3. Sleep well and take care of your body- a 25 game season can be extremely demanding on your body, which means fatigue can really affect your play. The classic "oh, I'm not tired at all" line always gets to me. You may not feel it, but your legs do. Make sure you're constantly icing, stretching, and sleeping well.
4. Nutrition- You are what you eat. Fatty foods will only slow you down during season and with that said you should be feeding your body nutritious items that will provide you with sufficient energy. For example, pasta a night before a game is definitely my favorite (For a nutrition guide, email me via inquiries page).
XFACTOR- Your mind is everything! Each night, take 10 minutes to reflect on that days' practice or game. Ask yourself the following;
What did I do well? What can I do to improve? What's my goal tomorrow? Do I know all the plays well enough? Do I need extra preparation?
Make sure you stay confident at all times because it's going to be a really long season filled with ups and downs. There will be times where you struggle, but it's all about how you bounce back. NEVER GO INTO A PRACTICE OR GAME WITH THE MINDSET "I HOPE i PLAY WELL TODAY." Dont "hope!" YOUR MINDSET SHOULD BE, "IM GOING TO DO MY THING TODAY!"
-CNK10