“What you can do, however, is strive to make fewer unforced errors over time by using sound judgment and techniques to make the best decision at any given time.”
- Super Thinking, Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCann
Life is full of unforced errors - mistakes that aren’t caused by overwhelming pressure, but by lapses in judgment, execution, or preparation. They are often painful and sometimes game-changing. They separate success from failure more often than raw talent ever does.
We all know them:
Missing an exit on the highway
Leaving out or mis-measuring an ingredient
Misreading a test question
Missing a page on a standardized exam
A scheduling misunderstanding that means missing the bus
A breakdown in communication at the worst possible moment
Basketball is no different.
At its core, winning comes down to a simple truth:
Against good teams, you must score points and give fewer away.
Unforced errors are points donated.
Unforced Errors in Basketball
Unforced errors generally fall into three categories:
1. Decision-related errors
These reflect judgment.
Driving or passing into traffic
Poor shot selection - not balanced, not open, out of range
Bad fouls - fouling bad shots and perimeter shots
Going for a steal when it’s not there
Decision-related turnovers (e.g. wing-to-top gift passes)
Good decisions don’t guarantee points - but bad ones almost guarantee losses.
2. Execution-related errors
These reflect skill and consistency.
Failure to pressure the ball
Poor free throw shooting
Exposing the ball to aggressive defenders
Bad blockouts
Poor transition defense - lackadaisical or "buddy running"
Execution errors shrink with repetition, focus, and attention to detail.
3. Behavioral errors
These reflect professionalism — and they matter more than we like to admit.
Poor academic habits including studying game planning
“Missed movement” (late for practice, missing the bus)
Violations of chemical health policy
Breaking team rules
Misuse of social media
These errors don’t show up on the stat sheet - but they always show up on the scoreboard eventually.
The Separation Point
Exceptional players - and exceptional teams - reduce unforced errors over time. They sharpen decision-making, improve execution, and hold themselves to standards of professional behavior.
Talent scores points. Judgment protects them.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is fewer self-inflicted wounds - today than yesterday, this season more than last.
That’s winning the hidden game.
Lagniappe. Bring "competitive joy" to the court.
Lagniappe 2. Selfishness distills to the "Holy Triad" of minutes, shots, and recognition.
Selfishness is the root of almost every team problem.
— Alan Stein, Jr. (@AlanSteinJr) December 7, 2025
