Standing Out on the Court: BQ Coaches Give Their Advice

The 2020 Basketball Queensland State Performance Program is swiftly approaching and hundreds of players from across the state will be trialling for their spot on a team, so standing out on the court from other players is essential. Playing for Queensland is an excellent path for young basketball players, as it allows them to take their game to the next level in their career. Although skill and ability are important aspects of your game, there are some invaluable traits that can give you an edge over the competition. Learning and developing these traits will make a positive difference in your game. These are a few qualities that our State team coaches value highly and help you stand out on the court.

Competitive Edge

Grit, determination and discipline. These are all things that make up a competitive edge and some of the most essential traits for a successful career in basketball. Knowing how to react to high-pressure situations and focusing only on the game are important in developing this state of mind. Missed a shot? Doesn’t matter, get back on defence. Hit with a bad call? Accept it and keep playing. The only thing that matters is helping your team win. Coaches will be looking for players who show this characteristic.

Conditioning

Basketball is a game of endurance and the teams who can endure the most physically usually enjoy the most success. Cardio, weights, and plyometrics (jump) training should all be used in combination (depending on your physical needs) in order to maintain a high condition. Changing direction and speed on the court takes up a large amount of energy and having the endurance to play 40 minutes of high-intensity basketball is a huge advantage. Therefore, it is important to identify what areas of conditioning you need to work on and incorporate them into your training to increase effectiveness.

Attitude

Mental preparation is just as important as physical training in basketball. Positivity and chemistry is essential in teambuilding and having a good relationship with your teammates on and off the court will greatly improve skills, such as passing and communication. Coaches value players who listen to instructions, show initiative and take responsibility for their mistakes. Your team is there for the same reason you are, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or support from your teammates. Pat Summitt, the most successful coach in Women’s College Basketball history, said “Attitude is a choice. What you think you can do, whether positive or negative, confident or scared, will most likely happen.”

Communication

Apart from you, you have four other teammates on a basketball court at all times. Effective communication with your teammates is crucial for success in basketball, otherwise you may end up standing out on the court in the wrong way. However, not everyone is outgoing, and it is important to work on your communication skills with your teammates and coach on and off the court. Mosy importantly, simple communication, like calling screens, help and cuts can greatly increase a team’s chemistry. Just like any technique, practising this skill in training will greatly improve the on court effectiveness.

These are a few simple things you can do to improve your game almost immediately. Make sure you chat with your coach today to find out more about what you personally need to go further with your team.

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