Never underestimate the power of the little things. Set hard screens, make sharp cuts, and communicate.
If you have been to The Basketball Movement for at least a couple of clinics or a workout, you have already learned about the little things. Our coaches and trainers know ball - they appreciate full effort on a back cut as much as they do a pretty jumper. A hard screen is as likely to get them out of their seat as a ferocious dunk. If you are putting full effort into everything you do, you will be a standout.
To succeed at the little things in the game takes dedication. For starters, you need to know what you are doing. Pay attention in practice, study the game, and learn from your mistakes. Repetition is huge - oftentimes, doing the little things just comes down to muscle memory. For all of those little things to become muscle memory, you will likely have to be a pro. Until then, it will take frequent, conscious effort.
One of the best ways to hold yourself accountable is to remain engaged. Don’t ball-watch, but remain in constant motion on offense. Be active off the ball. If you are driving hard, the ball will find you. If you set good screens, you will be a better teammate and improve the entire offense.
When it comes to defense, stay low, but make yourself big. That sounds tough, but just make sure you are always in the stance and staying strong. Keep your arms out (or into the opposing player) and your eyes wide open. If you are doing your best to be ready for anything, you are probably doing the little things.
To work on the little things that make basketball such an intricate, special game, you have to get in the gym. Repetition is key, but only if you are doing things the right way. Get with a trainer or coach who knows what they’re doing and will hold you accountable.
It is difficult to say without being too cliché, but the little things really do add up. All of them add up to a whole that benefits your entire team in a big way. Learn how to master the little things with The Basketball Movement!