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!