Got that "dawg" in you?

You have probably heard the term “got that dawg in him/her.” Do you?

When you hear someone say they got that dawg in ‘em, what do you think of? Probably a player that is scrappy, competitive, and brings energy. Those things are indeed true. Having a high motor and no quit is a big part of being not only a successful athlete, but a driven and successful person.

What having that dawg in you really comes down to is mental toughness.

Mental toughness is difficult to teach. It can be instilled in a person/player, but that individual must be receptive.

Over the years, The Basketball Movement and its Trainers have enhanced the mental toughness of countless players. Those skills learned here have positively impacted their lives on and off the court.

We cannot take all credit, though, because it is so largely up to each individual. The true dawgs that we have turned out either had a bit of that fire in them from the start or made a conscious decision at some point to flip the switch and become players who play hard and never quit.

Having that dawg in you does not mean you put your head down and attack the basket every possession. The dawg in you is what makes you make the basketball plays that don’t always make the highlight reel.

Sticking with hard screens, diving for loose balls, boxing out rebounders, delivering unselfish passes, getting in the proper defensive stance every possession, smart closeouts on shooters, and practicing as hard as you play… these are the plays we see from players that have the dawg in ‘em.

Those are tangible examples. There is also the inner drive to improve, the NEED to achieve a team win, the support of teammates even when it is hard… there are many examples of that dawg that it takes to be a winner.

So, do you have that dawg in you? Are you ready to find out? Reach out to The Basketball Movement and learn about ways to test your mettle. We’ll see if you have what it takes.

Planning for self-improvement

Do you have a plan for self-improvement?

In today’s basketball world, the number of talented players is incalculable. The talent pool is deeper than it ever has been. The number of lockdown defenders who will never play D1 ball is shocking. The number of three-point snipers who cannot crack their varsity squad is intimidating. How, then, can you hope to stand out or excel?

Before anything else, you need a plan.

Having a plan for self-improvement provides a roadmap for players to set goals, identify areas for development, and take actionable steps toward achieving their desired level of play.

In surpassing players around you, many of whom may be more naturally gifted than you, a good plan of attack is essential. With the framework of a plan, you can stay focused and motivated where others may fall off.

Time allocation, skill prioritization, and progress tracking are a few of the pros involved in having a thought-out approach to improving on the court.

We have spoken before about the need to focus on your strengths while insulating your weaknesses.

The Basketball Movement was built to improve basketball players, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help creating specialized plans for improvement.

Our weight equipment has been explicitly designed with basketball players in mind. We have a rebounding shooting gun - keep track of your makes and strive for improvement. Get a little faster each time you condition. Be open with coaches and trainers about your willingness to work and improve.

Our trainers are one of the ultimate basketball resources in this part of the country. If you want to make a plan for improvement and need help getting started, there is no better place than The Basketball Movement.

Contact us and get started right away!

Strengths and Weaknesses

You know what you are good at, and you know what needs work. Which is more deserving of attention?

As a player, unless you are blinded by supreme confidence, you are aware that you are not perfect. Perhaps you have never been the best shooter, or maybe you are an undersized post player. You also know where you shine on the court or in the locker room.

With something like basketball, it is easy to get caught up in the areas that need improvement. This is not always a bad thing; there are always opportunities to elevate skill level but do not also forget to focus on the strengths that set you apart.

Players like Shaquille O’Neal and Giannis Antetekounmpo have been mercilessly criticized for their free-throw shooting woes. They are also heavily applauded - they have both been NBA MVPs, First-Team NBA guys, and champions. Do you see where we are heading with this?

Focus on what sets you apart

Shaq was not a great free-throw shooter, but that did not matter because he was so dominant in other facets of the game.

If you are a great shooter, keep working on shooting. Never entirely ignore any aspect of the sport, but stay sharp and keep improving even your best qualities. The all-time great shooters were not content with being good. They still practiced shooting every single day. 

Even if you are hyper-focused on strengths, do not forget:

Insulate weaknesses to make sure you do not fall behind

Just because you are focused on what sets you apart does not mean you can ignore the other aspects of the game. You can become a great shooter, but coaches will be hesitant to play you if you never bothered to work on defense.

Not everyone can be fast. Stay in shape and keep your conditioning at the best level you can, but do not sweat it too much if you struggle to improve foot speed. Focus instead on footwork and body positioning to insulate this weakness. Then, get right back to focusing on what sets you apart.

Great rebounders practice rebounding. Glue guys focus on defense and ball movement. Shooters get up hundreds of shots. Be a well-rounded player, but make sure your best skills are kept the sharpest for your team.

Make sure to keep up with more on the great game of basketball here at The Basketball Movement.

Who can be a leader?

When we think of leaders in basketball, we often think of point guards or top-scorers. Leaders can actually come from any position.

Inspiration can come from a lot of places. When your team is tired, a fiery speech from a coach or a commanding shout from a teammate can ignite a flame that helps everyone push through. Leaders keep heads from hanging when you're down, and egos humble when you're up.

There are a lot of great examples of leaders in today's game, from coaches like Gregg Popovich and Erik Spoelstra to players like Fred VanVleet and De’Aaron Fox.

The Basketball Movement was founded by legendary leader Rob Yanders, who taught us so much of what we know about leadership.

Leadership can be vocal or even just by example. Not every player has the personality to be a vocal leader for their team, even if they're the best players (for example, Kawhi Leonard).

Leadership does not always come from the top.

If the top player for a team is not up for being vocal, that role needs to fall to someone else. Communication is essential to basketball - on fastbreaks, offense, and especially defense.

The top vocal leader on your team may even come off the bench. Players who are engaged and helpful from the bench are much better for a team than players who quietly wait to enter the game.

The best way to be a leader - no matter your role on the team - is to lead by example. If you are a player who does not give up on plays, constantly pushes the pace, and defends tenaciously, you continually set an excellent example for your teammates. That is called leadership.

“Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It’s being able to take it as well as dish it out. That’s the only way you’re going to get respect from the players.”
— Larry Bird

You may be the last player to come off the bench at the end of the game. If you play hard and scrape your way back into the game, you can inspire others to follow.

Leadership is incredibly important in basketball as well as other aspects of life. Remember that you can be a leader by working as hard as possible and setting an example for others to follow, no matter your position or role.

The love of the game

It is Valentine's Day, so The Basketball Movement reminds you of the importance of loving what you do.

Keeping a love of the game of basketball is very important when striving to become a great player. Loving what you do does not have to apply only to basketball or other sports - it is essential to love your job, your life, and whatever motivates you to be great.

We hear from the pros all the time about their love for the game or, occasionally, how they fall out of love and drift away from the sport. Love for the game is a common theme for top-tier athletes.

Almost everyone likes sports, but it takes true passion to be in the gym for hours each day, perfecting your craft.

“The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I’ve always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It’s been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction. It’s a relationship that has evolved over time, given me the greatest respect and love for the game.”
— Michael Jordan

Do not be afraid to pour your heart into something like basketball. Even when your days as a player are over, the game gives back in unexpected ways. You can love watching the game, coaching the game, writing about the game (a personal favorite), and much more.

This Valentine's Day, cherish what you love. Have a little chocolate if you must, but remember to put down the box and get some free throws up, too.

Happy Valentine's Day from The Basketball Movement!

Staying sharp over the holidays

Poor weather? No problem. Indoor court, outdoor court, no court - there is always a way to keep working on your game.

Life will always be handing you great excuses for not honing your craft—bad weather, a full schedule, holidays, no gym, and so on. Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking breaks or needing time off - life happens. Just remember that the players you strive to be better than may not be doing the same.

Basketball is, of course, an indoor sport primarily. If the weather is good enough to get to a gym, you can practice to your heart's content. Not everyone has court access (young players can at least check out The Basketball Movement's Saturday Clinics), but there are always things you can do.

Are you locked in the house with bad weather? Grab a basketball (no, we're not going to tell you to play pickup games in the house). Do some around-the-world drills to keep your handles and the feel of the ball fresh. Lay flat on your back and get some shots up, not hitting the ceiling, just watching the ball's rotation to check your release and flick of the wrist.

Sharpen your mind

Whether you are a player or even a coach, there is always studying to be done on the game. Watch game footage. You do not have to have tapes of opponents or anything like that. Watch some NBA or college hoops. Get on YouTube and watch some of the greats to learn footwork and where to be on D.

Visualization can be a big part of the game. In the same way pros visualize the ball going in the hoop at the free throw line, you can put yourself in the shoes of the players you see on the screen. Keep your eye out for players you think you can model your game after.

Not everyone can be LeBron James, but there are things to be learned from any player that has made it to college or the NBA. Work on your weaknesses, but also focus on your strengths to become elite.

If the weather has you cooped up, keep these things in mind. Also, check out The Basketball Movement on YouTube for footage of players worth modeling your game after.

For more on everything hoops, keep in locked to The Basketball Movement.

Applying basketball lessons to life

Basketball can teach you so much. Carry the discipline and team mentality with you in all aspects of life.

The Basketball Movement and the sport itself can teach you many things. The Movement focuses on skill development, conditioning, and team training. It also focuses on "soft skills" such as leadership, speaking, film analysis, marketing, and exposure.

All of these things center around the incredible sport of basketball. However, the skills that you acquire can be applied off the court as well as on it.

Focus, discipline, and competitiveness can benefit you in practice or a game. What about after the buzzer sounds? The same skills are necessary for the most critical parts of your life, such as education, employment, and interpersonal relationships.

The discipline applied in practice needs to also apply to homework. Then, the locked-in focus of a game can be mirrored in test or quiz situations. At work, leadership and the ability to communicate effectively are paramount. Tough boss? No problem; you have probably already had a tough coach.

Follow your passion at The Basketball Movement

Hard work seems much easier when it focuses on something you are passionate about. Think of the challenging classes at school or projects at work as running lines/conditioning for basketball. Of course, there will always be parts you don't like, but they are necessary to get a well-rounded finished product.

None of this is to say that you must go through life with your nose to the grindstone 24/7. Never forget to have fun! Basketball is a blast to play, school is one of the most fun times of your life, and working means funding some of your favorite things.

One of the best places that you can go to establish great habits and a winning mentality is The Basketball Movement.

The Trainers and Coaches of The Basketball Movement have a passion not just for basketball but for developing excellent people with every opportunity to succeed.

If you are ready to contact us immediately, check here! It is always a good time to work on your game and a winning mentality for life. Let your friends at The Basketball Movement help propel you or your player to the top!

Unseen hours in the trenches

A sports analogy refers to teams being “in the trenches.” What exactly does this mean?

First, perhaps we should start by saying that the origin of saying you are “in the trenches” comes from wartime. At war, soldiers would dig and then occupy trenches with their fellow soldiers, putting them in a frightening, front-line experience that only their fellow soldiers could understand. So, we want to quickly point out that nothing about basketball or any sport can compare to combat situations - in case that wasn’t obvious.

Despite the seriousness of its origins, the saying is still used because it is easy to apply to other situations in which you and your brothers or sisters on a team go through tough times together to achieve goals bigger than any one individual. Only athletes that have put blood, sweat, and tears into a sport can fully understand the thrill of winning championships or the lows of significant losses. That is why we often hear professionals mentioning that outsiders don’t fully understand the work behind the scenes.

There is an old clip of Isaiah Thomas (the original Bad Boy Pistons Isaiah Thomas) watching back for the first time the tape of himself battling through a sprained ankle in the Finals, doing everything he could to will his team to victory before falling short. They cut back to Thomas, who was crying. When the host asks him about his emotion, Thomas begins to answer but winds up telling him, “You wouldn’t understand.”

It’s true. Almost everyone has played sports, so there may be some understanding, but the specific circumstances you fight through as an individual or as a team are unique. Isaiah legitimately gave his all in that series but could not make magic happen. Putting it all on the court and leaving it there is a big undertaking, but one that actual competitors will take on every time.

What each team goes through is what brings them closer as individuals. The greatest teams drew close in practices, on the road, in the huddle, or off the court - A.K.A. the trenches.

To be in the trenches with teammates is a special thing that should not be taken lightly. We want to help athletes understand this and use their time to become better at basketball and stronger individuals and better teammates/friends.

When you are putting in work down in the trenches of the sport, don’t just do it for yourself. Do it for your team - your brothers and sisters that share your colors. The best players are almost always amazing teammates. When and where do you become a fantastic teammate? In the trenches.

So, you didn't get drafted

The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, with only 60 names being called. What now?

Only a limited number of individuals in the world can be a part of the NBA or WNBA. There are professional teams all over the globe, but the top of the basketball world is known to be here in the good ol’ U.S.A. With spots at the top being so limited, what will you do if you don’t make it in?

If being in the NBA or WNBA is your dream, if basketball is your passion, and if you are willing to work, nothing should stop you.

Here is what you do: Get in the gym. Come to The Basketball Movement. Meet with a trainer dedicated to helping take your game as far as possible.

Being at the top of the basketball world doesn’t just happen, not even for freak athletes like Scoot Henderson. It takes WORK. Hundreds of hours in the gym, peak physical condition and then some, and being married to the game.

If you don’t love basketball, the NBA and WNBA aren’t for you. These leagues are not for the faint of heart. The unseen hours required to make it to and stay in these leagues is a barrier to entry that few can hurdle.

So you didn’t get drafted? You aren’t working hard enough. You must have a fire to make it to the Association, and there is nothing The Basketball Movement does better than stoke that fire. If you have the work ethic, we have the work. Strength and conditioning, skill development/maintenance, film study, and more await you within the doors of the basketball mecca of the Midwest.

Our own Rob Yanders’ first-hand experience at multiple levels of the pro circuit, mixed with the passion all our staff possesses, is a recipe for elevating you to reach your potential. Reach out to us, and we will ensure you won’t regret it. You may find out this road is too hard for you, or you may just let us help you to your ultimate destination. We’re excited to find out with you.

The little things

Never underestimate the power of the little things. Set hard screens, make sharp cuts, and communicate.

If you have been around Rob Yanders or The Basketball Movement for at least a couple of clinics or a workout, you have already learned about the little things. As a true basketball mind, Rob appreciates full effort on a back cut as much as he does a pretty jumper. A hard screen is as likely to get him out of his seat as a ferocious dunk. If you are putting full effort into everything you do, you will be a standout.

These recent NBA Finals showed what it takes to win (at any level). If your shot is not falling like Michael Porter Jr.’s wasn’t? Crash the boards. If you are not counted on for scoring production like Christian Braun? Spend your time in the passing lanes. For a squad to elevate to the level of champion, the little things add up just as much as the big things.

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 things you can do 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 are setting good screens, you will be a better teammate and improve the whole 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 that knows what they’re doing and will hold you accountable.

It is difficult to say without being too cliche, 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. Get after it!

Finding your "why"

The Basketball Movement asks players to seek what they may not have considered: exactly why they play.

Everyone has their reasons for plotting their life course. Whether being intentional or going with the flow, choices are made every day that affect the course of your life. In life and in sport, the gravity of choices shines through at all times.

The more mature players get, the more they establish the reasoning behind their decisions or their “why.” Basketball is fun; most of us can agree on that. For some (again, especially for younger individuals), that is enough to get started. But to continue to grind and hone the craft of a hooper over years and years? That underlies a more significant “why” than just fun.

Often, those with the most firm “whys” and strongest convictions are the ones that are willing to put in the time and effort to make it to the top.

The Basketball Movement’s founder, Rob Yanders, began hooping in Milwaukee because it was an escape - the court could silence the outside noise and hardships. Now, he stays on his grind to be in service of others. Yanders uses basketball as a tool to enrich the lives of those around him. He uses basketball to support his family, raise up his community, and leave his legacy. That is a big “why.”

For players, especially those with collegiate or professional basketball aspirations, honing in on your “why” is critical. Are you still just doing it for fun? We love to hear it, but know that the cream of the crop has reasons that are likely to propel them ahead of you. They will outwork you.

Wanting to set an example for others is a great reason. Wanting to be able to provide for others is a great reason. Believing that your God-given ability was meant for this and amplifying His glory is a great reason.

Some know their “why” right away when asked. If that is not you yet, it is time to dig deep. Do some soul-searching and ask yourself why you are pursuing the path in front of you. If the reasons are not strong enough or the answers you find pull you in another direction, so be it. Now is always the best time to find out what you truly want out of life.

Your homework: find your “why.” Pinpoint the reason you hoop and use it as fuel to elevate above those around you. You know the best place to do that. You know our why. See you soon.

Push limits with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement

What limits you from being the best player you can possibly be? The Basketball Movement can help you push those limits.

Every individual has limits, whether perceived or literal. A literal limit may be that you are considered undersized for the sport of basketball; you can’t change when you are done growing. A perceived limit is that your small stature means you can’t guard bigger players, get up for rebounds, and so on. Those are perceived limits because you can do something to change that. We can help.

“When they say you can’t, they show you their limits, not yours.”
— Kevin Keenoo

One of the biggest lessons that I (Site Blogger, @WilHarrington) learned growing up came on the basketball court. My teacher was Robert Yanders.

I’d been working out with Rob on and off for a year or so and was just 13 or 14 years old. I had started bringing a teammate along and it was definitely elevating our skill level. The breakthrough for me though was all about pushing limits and the power of mind over matter.

We were nearing the end of one of Rob’s trademark grueling workouts, got to shed our weighted vests, and got on the line to do some running. He wanted us to do a simple down-and-back, but put a very limited amount of time on the clock. He blew his whistle and my friend and I took off, touched the line to head back, and didn’t quite make it before the buzzer sounded.

We thought Rob was simply going to have us try again. However, he stepped over to the scorer’s table and took a second off the clock. Was this punishment? We lined up again, made our attempt… and missed the mark. We were completely exhausted at this point. What did Rob do? Let us grab a drink to come back and try again? Let us hit the restroom to vomit in peace? Of course, he took another second off the clock.

My friend and I never made eye contact, but we clearly had the same thought flash in our minds. “This guy is crazy. This is an all-out sprint because if we don’t do it this time, we’ll be doing this until we leave in wheelchairs.”

“Ready,” Rob shouted with his whistle in his mouth. “Go!”

Adrenaline propelled our tired legs and carried us like we were running for our lives. There was nothing but teeth-gritting, sweat flying, and the blur of two desperate white boys moving faster than they had ever moved. We went down and back, both touching the final baseline with a second or two to spare.

This lesson didn’t change the fact that I was five-foot-eight and just interested in playing the sport for fun. I never had NCAA aspirations or professional delusions. But what I learned that day shaped me as an athlete in general and as a person. It showed me that my limits were in my hands and I could push them as far as I wanted.

The confidence I gained from that day in the gym that would become The Basketball Movement helped me to push my high school self to two All-State baseball selections, contribute to a basketball team that took 3rd in state, be an All-District cross country runner (hell, even All-District choir for that matter), and the courage to date the girl that would become my wife.

That all may seem like a real leap to draw from a down-and-back run. Those who have trusted Rob Yanders to help them as I have can attest to what I’m saying though.

Assuming you are not already the best in the world, you must try to push your limits to see what you can really do. Not only on the court but in all aspects of life. For those interested - reach out. The Basketball Movement was built for this. We’re ready if you are.

What to do during the offseason

You probably aren’t playing in the NBA Playoffs and may not even be on Spring or Summer teams. What should you do?

We will hit on the basics, but our biggest offseason recommendation is to check out everything offered at The Basketball Movement. The Movement provides training in every aspect of the game for every level of player.

That is the obvious answer, so we will break it down more in a bit. Here are the basics for how to use your time in the offseason.

#1 - Work on your skills

You probably work plenty on situations, plays, and team drills during the season. The offseason is the best time to improve as an individual. Particularly, this is a great time to work on your shot and ball handling.

Individual ball handling can be practiced in the gym or driveway. You can work on your shot anywhere you can find a goal to achieve a quicker release or smoother stroke. Have a coach to guide you through? Even better. Where do you find such a person? I think you know.

#2 - Work on your body

For players that or old enough (consult parents, coaches, or even a doctor), the offseason is the best time to hit the weight room. You do not need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger on the court; just achieve your body's balance to be as strong as necessary.

It has been said that you cannot teach speed, but even if you have a limit, you likely have yet to hit it. Speed and agility training are too real (ask The Basketball Movement for details). Agility and conditioning are crucial, and there is always more time for a run during the offseason.

#3 - Refresh your mind

The offseason is also a great time to reflect on what you accomplished or consider the goals you could not obtain. Take note of areas where you would like to have been better, making sure you focus on those during the offseason as well as your strengths.

Also, have fun! After a long season, it is important to take a little time off to clear your mind. Get involved with a basketball program, play another sport to remain active, or even rest to nurse any nagging injuries or give your body time to relax. Then once you are ready to get back, get in touch withThe Basketball Movement, of course!

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
— Muhhamad Ali

In case you had not noticed, a solution to a lot of these fixes has been sprinkled in a few times. At The Basketball Movement, you will find top-of-the-line equipment to help you build muscle and stay in shape. Not to mention staff dedicated to improving your agility, skills, and mind.

To become the best player you can be and make the most out of your offseason this year, make your way to the basketball mecca of the Midwest - The Basketball Movement.

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

Basketball is a global game for a reason. There are so many things to like; what is your reason?

Major sports are popular because they are not only fun to play but fun to watch. Players get satisfaction from things going right on the court, and fans get satisfaction from watching competition - human successes and failures, head-to-head in real-time.

As a player, your favorite thing may be the swish of a pure bucket. It could be the camaraderie of playing as a team. It could be amassing victory after victory, until being at the top of a league or region.

As a fan, a favorite thing may be the success of a favorite team or player. It may be highlight reel dunks or the experience of attending a big game in person.

Many people get to watch their children play. Many players get to team up with their best friends. The things to like about basketball are nearly endless.

At The Basketball Movement, we check all of the above. We love everything about the sport: behind-the-scenes work, bright light show outs, and the community it can form.

Rob Yanders has used the sport to help others in need, bring people from all walks of life together, and bring out the best in countless individuals.

On and off the court, the betterment of others is likely our favorite part of the sport. Shaping young players into leaders, helping transform dreamers into professional hoopers, and using a fun game to genuinely touch lives... nothing better.

What is your favorite part about basketball? The NCAA tournament? Your daughter's AAU team? #NBATwitter? There is something for everyone, so everyone is welcome to celebrate the sport with us at The Basketball Movement!

Accepting Defeat

Every basketball game produces a winner and a loser - you can’t tie, and you can’t always win, so how will you accept defeat?

One of the best parts about basketball and sports, in general, is the high of winning. Sports are founded on competition, so the ultimate goal is to win as much as possible - to defeat your opponents until you have proven to be the best. Every game has a winner, so naturally, each match also has a losing side. Sometimes, you will find yourself on the losing side.

Losing is not fun. The game can be fun to play, but if you find yourself on the losing end by the time it concludes, it can certainly be disheartening. To lose means that someone was better than you, which is a tough pill to swallow.

You may be a better player or be on a better team than your opponent. However, each game is different, and varying circumstances can lead to anyone being best on a given night.

So how do you handle losing? How do you accept defeat? Getting hung up on a loss or dwelling on shortcomings can be easy. No player or team is perfect, so losses will inevitably come. The pros are considered solid teams if they win over 50 percent of their games. Accepting defeat is challenging but a necessity.

Understanding that losses happen is important. Accepting defeat becomes much simpler when you actively consider that everyone loses at some point or another. Of course, it is human to be disappointed when things don’t happen as you want, but accepting it and moving forward is critical.

“If you do the best you can, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Losing is not a disgrace.”
— Dirk Nowitzki

Better yet, learning from losses and mistakes will make you lose less in the future. Though it is great to keep your head up and move on from losses, reflecting on lessons learned to better yourself or your team moving forward is ideal.

Accepting defeat is the first step, learning from it is the second, and the third is applying those tough lessons learned going forward. With persistence and dedication, the losses will likely become less frequent. You often learn more from losses than wins, so look at them as opportunities rather than blemishes.

If you are tired of losing and ready to do something about it for yourself or your team, be sure to reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. We can’t prevent anyone from losing, but we can help in your quest to win as much as possible!

Willingness to adjust your game

You may have a good way of doing things. But are you willing to adjust your methods to become great?

Numerous players have multiple things they are good at. Solid free throw shooting, decent assist-to-turnover ratio, and serviceable defense can make you a contributor to a team. However, a player should not settle for these things. For example, are you shooting free throws at 70 percent? You may have to take some expert advice and be willing to tweak your shot to get to 75 or 80 percent.

Especially when it comes to shooting, players are often too proud to admit that they need to adjust from their old way of doing things. A few players have made it far with unorthodox shooting motions, but few of them have been considered great shooters.

You could get away with funky shooting if you make up for it in other ways, like, say... Shaq or Dwight Howard. But let's be honest; you likely aren't Shaq or Dwight Howard.

You can step back and take advice from those who have not only played the game at a high level but also closely monitored the successes and failures of other players at a high level; that is how you can improve.

To be a good or great player, you will need to be able to adapt to doing things the best way possible. For example, keeping a low, strong dribble will reap more rewards than dribbling loose and high. Being tall will help you get rebounds, but working hard at pursuing and having a nose for angles will elevate your ability. Always be willing to improve.

“We can always be average and just do what’s normal. I’m not in this to do what’s normal.”
— Kobe Bryant

If you are already doing something your way or a prior mentor/coach’s way at an impressive clip - that's great. A good trainer or coach can recognize that and allow you to keep doing your thing. However, if they advise you to tweak it slightly to improve consistency (like keeping your elbow in a bit more while you shoot), it can't hurt to listen and give it a legitimate try.

We may be biased, but results don't lie. The Basketball Movement is the premier training facility in this part of the country, with the best coaches and trainers. If you're already good, that's awesome - we love it. There is however an opportunity for you to become great, and we would love to help you. So contact us here to take your game to the next level.

What is your plan for getting better?

Many of you are still deep in your basketball season, whether in high school, college, or the NBA. So what is your plan once it’s over?

We are in one of our favorite times of the year for basketball (well, if we’re being honest, it’s always our favorite time of the year for basketball). Players are at their busiest because regular seasons are winding down. From upcoming high school district contests to the NBA All-Star break, seasons are plateauing.

Even though players are busy, the best still find time to put in extra reps. Many players coming through our doors this time of year are men and women that have separated themselves from boys and girls. Shout out to those players for coming to work after their teammates have finished practice and gone home. We see you.

We also understand that finding adequate time for these extra reps isn't always possible. Especially at the collegiate level on down, other factors such as school work and family take up your time. Even a few sessions a month with us can make a world of difference, though. Anyway - downtime is coming.

It is a bit early for looking ahead to the offseason, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Whether your team is bounced in the first round or goes all the way, the season will end eventually. Once it’s over, do you have a plan to continue getting better?

Even the top athletes will lose too much ground if they wait until the next season to pick a basketball back up. So don’t lose your edge this offseason. Instead, continue to improve so you can come back stronger, smarter, faster, and more skilled next season. The Basketball Movement wants to help.

Even as a multi-sport athlete, you still must make time to hone your craft. Otherwise, the competition may catch up, eclipse you, or pull further ahead. 

Contact The Basketball Movement to make a plan. We want to work with you to take your game to the next level. Show up to your first practice next season and wow your coaches and teammates. Coaches quickly start forming starting lineups in their heads, schemes, plays, and pecking order; insert yourself into the front of their minds.

Shoot us an email at basketballmovement@yahoo.com, and include a contact number. One of our coaches will be in contact with you or your athlete so we can discuss the ways we can help. Skill development is our bread and butter, but what sets us apart is our conditioning, strength training, basketball IQ enhancement, film study, nutrition, stretching tips, and a wealth of basketball knowledge and expertise.

If you are ready to get serious about getting better,contact The Basketball Movement.

Pursue your passion at The Basketball Movement

We encourage everyone to pursue their passion. If yours is basketball: you couldn’t be in a better place.

Each individual is gifted with a unique array of preferences, strengths, and interests. To maximize strengths, cater to preferences, and pursue interests is to seek a happy and successful experience in life. Woah… got deep for a second there. All that is to say that you need to do what makes you happy.

If you are reading this, you likely have some sort of tie to the game of basketball. Noting that it is a game is often important, but at the same time, it is a true passion for many people.

Whether you play the game, watch it, coach, ref, or just like to play 2K, the game has something for everyone. The back-and-forth action is perfect for getting the adrenaline pumping. The mix of speed and strength, brute force and finesse, or offensive versus defensive prowess means that no game will be the same. The constant is two teams that want to win and maybe even more so: don’t want to lose.

The Basketball Movement keeps its doors open for all kinds of players. Multi-sport athletes looking to get in shape can certainly come in and get in intense workouts. Players that just need to stay sharp with occasional drills or with our shooting gun are always welcome. Though the facility accommodates so many types of players, it was clearly built for those that are passionate about the game.

Rob Yanders, Founder of The Basketball Movement, is one of those individuals that are passionate about the sport of basketball. It is evident all over the facility. The off-court amenities such as the Chop Shop upstairs, the smart screen in the film room, the embroidered leather seats, everything is detailed in ways that show Rob’s passion for the full breadth of the sport. Still, the true fire for the game blazes on the courts.

The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders, and the other coaches are all at their absolute best when mixed with other individuals with a true passion for the game.

A desire to improve is good, but a desire to be one of the best is the kind of all-in mentality that it takes to be an elite player. This facility is built so that you get out exactly what you put in. If you leave it all on our courts during workouts, you will improve without a doubt. The change could be subtle or drastic, but rest assured that the passionate will come away better.

Want to make varsity? Play at the D1 level? Get paid to play professional hoops? We can get you there; you will just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

If basketball is your passion, you have to reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. It is a business, but it is one run by passionate hoop-heads that want little more than to bring others into the fold and maximize their potential on the court or even off of it. You will not regret pursuing your passion for basketball right here at The Basketball Movement.

Becoming a leader with The Basketball Movement

In basketball and in life, leadership is highly valuable. Therefore, The Basketball Movement's goal is to turn out as many leaders as possible.

Every individual is made up of unique skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Society and teams are at their best, though, when leaders can step up and guide groups in ways that benefit everyone. The Basketball Movement wants to do its part in creating as many leaders as possible.

On the basketball court, it is easy to point to a team’s leading scorer or point guard when picking out the leader. This, of course, does not have to be true. Leadership is possible at all positions.

A player that always makes sure to be a positive presence on the bench is a leader. Players that work to foster off-court relationships with their teammates are leaders. Players that outrun everyone else during practice are leaders. Players that hold teammates accountable in the classroom are leaders.

You can still have the classic leaders as well; The most vocal defender, the offense initiator, or others that lead by example.

Leadership can be a difficult aspect of life to hone. To be a leader means to be one step ahead of others by taking the initiative. That can be a bit scary sometimes, and it may occasionally strike a nerve with those around you. The key is to be confident and understand the sacrifices it takes to help a team succeed.

“If you’re going to be a leader, you’re not going to please everybody. You gotta hold people accountable, even if you have that moment of being uncomfortable.”
— Kobe Bryant

The Basketball Movement understands that leadership can come from anywhere, so we make sure to empower all of our players to step up as leaders in their own way. Leadership in basketball is just one of many lessons we want our athletes to take away from their time with us.

Those of you that are leaders already - Go forth! Spread your gift in any way that helps others, on the court or off. As our players apply their lessons to their respective teams and other aspects of life, such as work or school, we wish them the best and hope they continue to hold themselves to our high standards.

For more on The Basketball Movement, you are in the right place, but you can also follow along with us on Twitter @BBall_Movement

Establishing a support system

In basketball and life, you are going to need a support system. The further you want to go, the more critical it becomes.

Whether it is 100 people or just one person, you will need a support system of some kind as you advance in your basketball career. You may already have a circle, but is it filled with individuals who genuinely support and want the best for you?

Yes, your mama can be your support system. Yes, a teacher, friend, or coach can be your support system. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as they are honest, supportive, and willing to have your back. Taking any path in life by yourself will be exponentially more difficult than doing it with the support of others. Even more challenging is going through life surrounded by the wrong people.

Individuals can, unfortunately, be toxic in many different ways. There are those that scheme and undermine you intentionally, though it may not always be immediately apparent. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed and will work behind the scenes to hold you back. It is a harsh reality to face when this happens, especially when it comes from a source that you believed was in your corner.

Often, there is an even more difficult obstacle to detect. Some people in your corner may be unintentionally toxic. They think they help, they think they build you up, but really they are unaware that they do more harm than good. These situations are tough to deal with.

Cutting ties with someone you’re close to is going to be complicated. However, it is imperative that you only surround yourself with those who will build you up and help you be the best person and player you can be.

The further you get in your basketball career, the more critical this lesson will become. Of course, a negative influence will impact you at any level. Seriousness turns up as you select a college to play for. The more positive voices in your ear, the better. The more negative influences, the greater the consequences.

After college, if you are trying to play pro ball, you will need to work harder than you ever had in your life. You need everything to be as streamlined and beneficial as possible. At this stage, a negative influence can cost you everything. Make sure that your support system is filled with those who want to lift you up - not those looking for a meal ticket.

Knowing exactly who has your back can be more complex than it sounds. Trust your instincts and listen to any nagging inclinations that someone may not have your best interest in mind. What is easy is stringing these people along for far too long. Don’t make that mistake; you will need to pull the weeds as soon as possible if you are going to grow and flourish to reach your potential (congratulations on reading the first and last gardening/basketball tie-in ever).

We used the words “difficult” and “tough” quite a bit here. Establishing a support system is not always difficult, but maintaining it can be. Do your best, and lean on those that you can trust completely. A strong support system will carry you far in all aspects of life!