Be specific. Advising, "avoid 'dumb' mistakes," adds nothing. Do you want to excel? Add these twelve to your "nice" list. There are far more.
1. Dribble with purpose. Klay Thompson scored 60 points with 12 dribbles. You're not getting paid by the dribble. You're not Kyrie. "Good players need two dribbles, excellent one dribble, and elite players don't have to dribble."
2. Don't immediately catch and dribble. You're eliminating critical options - catch and shoot, quick pass to a cutter or open shooter, or an aggressive drive.
3. Read the defender constantly. She is 'giving' you something. This isn't the WNBA. Why did you make the play you made?
4. Look ahead. Do you have an open teammate downcourt? Reward her with a pass.
5. The screener is the second cutter (and usually open). Be a greedy screener and roller.
6. Don't play in the traffic. Your parent was right. If you're good enough to "draw two," then find the open player with a pass.
7. Know your "Go To" and "Counter" moves. If you don't, they don't exist. No good offensive player goes into battle unarmed. Fill your toolbox.
8. Constantly improve your footwork. Learn to pivot comfortably with both feet, both front (chest leads) and reverse (back leads). Know how to "jump stop" which gives you more options in footwork. You play 100% of the game with your feet.
9. Become an expert on shot selection. What is a good shot for you and each of your teammates? Don't force "shot turnovers."
10.Use the glass. Great shooters use the backboard proficiently to increase their percentage.
12.Reach out and touch someone...in a good way. "These celebratory touches included fist bumps, high fives, chest bumps, leaping shoulder bumps, chest punches, head slaps, head grabs, low fives, high tens, full hugs, half hugs, and team huddles."
Cooperation and "non-sexual" touching are linked. We are social animals.
Players who become proficient at all these skills will be sought after for their ability, their work ethic, and their team contributions.
