On court attitude is something that I have spoken about in multiple articles on this blog. I even wrote an article about the 5 common reasons why people get overlooked at tryouts. Speaking to a few friends that are coaches, the number one deciding factor to cut a player is poor on court attitude. If your attitude isn’t right it affects the team. A disruption to the team could mean a poor result in the season.
Coach Auriemma discusses on court attitude
Coach Auriemma
Coach Auriemma is the University of Connecticut (UCONN) women’s basketball coach. Since joining UCONN in 1985 he has won 11 titles with 18 NCAA tournament appearances. He has a long list of accolades and I could easily write an article on his amazing career. But that’s not the reason for this article.
I shared this video of coach Auriemma interview because of the topic he was talking about. The on court attitude of today’s basketball players. If you are a follower of my blog, I have on a few occasions shared with you my frustration with this generation of basketball players. But at the same time, there is hope for those that are eager to learn from coaches like Geno Auriemma.
Attitude that I see with kids
Without having to beat up on the younger generation of basketball players let me just quickly wrap up what I see every weekend when I go to play some pickup ball. I see kids not playing any defence, not bothering to run back but quick to shoot the outside shot and if they make it they do a whole load of hand signals that they picked up watching the NBA.
From coach Auriemma’s take on this generation it seems that what he is seeing I too am seeing. Even though I am a world away from where he is. I think it is safe to say that this issue is world spread.
Playing the game
If you are apart of the younger generation of basketball players, do a self check now. Are you like the players coach Auriemma described? Are you the basketball player that is playing for stats or are you playing to win?
If you are not a player that is playing to win then you need to be realistic. You are not going to go far with your basketball. Yes, I said it! Coaches will see that you have motives other than the best interests of your team and you will eventually get cut.
If you have taken this self evaluation seriously and going to make the change. There’s hope! If you want to be the player that gets a professional basketball contract you need to be able to do what’s best for the team. You might need to forget about playing to score instead becoming a role player and doing things that the team lacks. This is how I was able to make some of the teams I played on.
The higher you go in the level of competitions the more chance that there’s a better player on the team than you. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to make the team. Having good on court attitude is a big boost to your game and it is something very easily implemented. Cheering your team, picking up a down player, talking on defence, getting involved from the bench are all attributes of a player with great attitude.
For more ways to boost your on court attitude read the article 5 common reasons why people get overlooked at tryouts. I discuss what not to do at a basketball tryout but the topics discussed in this article transfers directly to any team that you may play for.
Has your attitude changed?
Basketball is the most amazing sport to be a part of. Playing the game the way it’s meant to be played; played hard and with the right attitude. Will see you have the most fulfilment and enjoyment. The experience of a great basketball program or team will be with you for the rest of your life, as it is for me. A small attitude adjustment can allow you to experience the best part of the game of basketball.
I really hope this changes your attitude with the way you play basketball. Keep hustling and play for the W.
