Your Basketball Rhythm

Now this may not be lesson #1, but it is an important lesson to learn in the game of basketball. For the game of basketball is a game of rhythm or tempo or flow. There is simply no way of getting around it. Some coaches may want the game to have a ’slow’ rhythm, while others may want one that is a bit on the faster side. And if the coach has no preference, the players will soon find their own. Either way, every team will have its own rhythm, it’s own tempo, it’s own flow so to speak. And the team that knows what rhythm fits them best and how they can control the tempo of the game to their liking, that team is bound to have success. Harmony will be found and the game itself will be more readily enjoyed.

Of course, the rhythm of the game isn’t only about team rhythm. It is also about individual rhythm. Both must be combined. Ideally, a coach wants to look carefully at his players and discern what type of basketball rhythm would fit each of them the best. However, this is a very difficult thing to do. Indeed, in the team context, no coach is capable of getting every single player in his best basketball rhythm. So it is in large part up to the individual player to figure out how he plays best and how he might work within his coach’s framework to maximize his own individual potential and his team’s success.

I offer you three things to think about while trying to figure out how you play best, that is, how to find out your best rhythm or tempo or flow.

First, play a lot of pick-up basketball.

I am sure this unique and incredibly insightful tip will come up time and again. And though I am being a bit facetious, I could not be more serious. For if you don’t play in situations where you have a great deal of freedom to play how you desire, it will be difficult to figure out how you play best. Yes, you may be able to figure out your best rhythm while playing in controlled situations. But in order to find your favorite basketball ‘flow,’ freedom is necessary. Therefore, you will serve your own cause best by playing a lot in situations where you can more or less play as you wish. Only then will your unique talents and abilities come to the forefront so that you may properly recognize them and emphasize them for further development.

Second, ask yourself: If I could play any way I wanted to, how would I play? Fast or slow or a little of both? With or without plays? Inside or out? Picture the ideal situation for you to play basketball. What would it be?

The reason these questions are helpful is because how you want to play is usually a good indication of how you would play your best. Of course, this also goes hand in hand with the first thing I mentioned. For you will begin to find out how you like to play by playing in situations where you can play as you wish. But it must not stop there. No. You must dream a bit. Let your mind run. Tap into your deepest basketball desires and you will begin to find fresh motivation to work hard and to figure out how you can be at your best. Naturally then, your desired basketball rhythm should become clear.

Third, after playing in any context, reflect upon your game. Think things through. Ask yourself some questions, even after playing pick-up. There are always lessons to learn, but those who do not take time to think and reflect, never really learn them. So think things through. Don’t just play. Play and think. For those who combine the two can became very dangerous (in a very good way!)

More could be said, but that is enough for now.

Learning and enjoying the game with you,

Joe