High school seasons are, without a doubt demanding on both the body and the mind. At this point in time, coaches are looking for wins to help the school name grow, make a deep playoff run, get their players exposed to the next level, and of course, keep their jobs. This is where players constantly compete for spots and minutes. As a player, just because you had a starting job last year, doesn't mean you've secured that spot this season. 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 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 is not real. You may not feel it, but your legs do, trust me. 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.
XFACTOR- Your mind is everything! Each night, take 10 minutes to reflect on that days' practice or game. Feed your thoughts with positivity and watch your game grow!