Did You Get Cut? Want More Playing Time? Do This...
Photo credit: John Martinez Pavliga
Did you get cut from the basketball team?
Are you not getting as much playing time as you'd like?
Here's some great news... you can still accomplish your goals even with this obstacle.
Basketball is a late-developing sport. That means... players can make rapid progress even after age 18.
Stephen Curry was recruited by only one power conference school and now is arguably the best offensive player on the planet.
Damian Lillard was not recruited by any power conference schools and turned into a NBA All Star.
Bill Russell was cut in high school and later went on to win 11 NBA championships.
Everybody knows the story of the G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan being cut by the varsity team in the 10th grade.
My friend Don Kelbick helped a player who did not even play in high school get a scholarship to Florida State.
My friend Jim Huber coached and developed a player named David Kravish for his 16U and 17U teams. The year before Jim coached David, he was cut from the 15U team by another coach. He later went on to play basketball in the Pac-12 at the University of California. He got to play summer basketball with the Golden State Warriors and is currently playing professionally in Finland.
Through hard work and a smart plan, you can greatly improve your situation.
Well, here's exactly what you need to do....
Step 1 - Take Ownership Of Your Situation
Many of you probably feel like the coach made a mistake. Some of you are right. Coaches make mistakes. I'm a coach. I've screwed up before.
But guess what.... 99% of the time, the coach is right.
Everybody thinks they are the 1% of kids who should not have been cut or they should get more playing time. Guess what.... you're not.
People close to you might even tell you should have made the team... like your parents or guardians.
Gotta love 'em... but they can't objectively look at your situation.
You know what makes your parents great.... they would step in front of a train for you... even if they knew the chance of saving you was 1 in a trillion.
At the same time, that also blurs their vision on your true abilities. I know because I have children of my own.
I'm sorry, but the coach isn't thinking...
"Well, I'm going to cut Malik. Even though, we would definitely win more games with him."
Or...
"Looks like I'm benching Keira... She's one of my best players. She's a beast on the defensive end, takes care of the basketball, and only takes great shots."
That's nonsense. Coaches want to win!
Also, does making these excuses help you make the team? Does it help you get more playing time?
Nope!
So take ownership of the situation... bottom line is... you're not good enough (yet).
This leads to step 2....
Step 2 - Do Something About It
The difference between the truly successful athletes and the ones who fail is how they respond to failure.
Turn your failure and frustration into hard work.
Talk to the coach. If you acknowledge to the coach that you realize you're not good enough, it will exponentially improve the coach's perception of you.
Most coaches will even give you specific things to improve. Ask if they have a workout or drills for you to do. If not, no worries... we have solutions below.
There is also the chance that your basketball skills are good enough. However, your attitude needs to improve. Maybe you're a poor teammate.
Your poor attitude takes more away from the team than your basketball skills add to the team.
And the coach simply wants an energy-giver instead of an energy-taker.
I'm sorry but that's the simple truth. We spend a lot of time around each other. And I'm sure you don't want to be around somebody who sucks the energy out of the room.
Step 3 - Create A Plan
If you simply walk into the gym without a plan, you set yourself up to fail. This is one of the biggest mistakes that players make.
Spend a week or two evaluating a plan.
Also, if you want to skip the planning step, we have created resources for this.
All coaches will find space for a shooter.
Here's a simple plan with specific progressions that will help you turn into a great shooter.
How To Develop Into A Great Shooter - 6 Shooting Drills To Do At Every Workout
I would pair the shooting progressions with either workout app below.
If you're a beginner or ball handling is your biggest weakness, check out the...
Ball Handling Workout App
The next level up is the Attack & Counter Workout.... this will help you improve everything. This is typically for ages 11 and up that have played basketball for a few years.
Attack & Counter Workout App
Step 4 - Execute The Plan
You don't need to spend a lot of time in the gym to get a lot better.
45 minutes to 75 minutes of intense work each day will do the job.
If you can, I'd do the workout before school. That way, you are guaranteed to get the workout done every day.
If you simply can't do it, workout immediately after school.
Personally, since I was worthless early in the morning, I worked out every day after school. However, you need to do what works for you.
As it gets later in the day, it's very normal to make an excuse not to do it. DO NOT fall into this mental trap.
GET. IT. DONE.
Step 5 - Play Some REAL Games
You need to implement your skills into a game setting.
So after each workout, play some high-quality pick up games. Don't play in the garbage games as they will just reinforce bad habits.
Also, implement some 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 games that reinforce good habits.
Here is an excerpt from this article.... 3 Competitive 1-on-1 Basketball Drills
You should avoid the typical playground 1-on-1 games. You know... the games where the player dribbles 20 times before making a move to the basket. The big guy takes 17 power dribbles to back you down under the basket.
These drills are a complete waste of time if you want to improve at 5-on-5 basketball.
Instead, you should use the competitive 1-on-1 drills below. These drills will improve your skills that translate to better 5-on-5 play.
You can do these 1-on-1 drills at different increments through the workout. You can also save them for a little fun at the end.
Make sure to create rules such as dribble limits to enforce good habits.
This resource was originally developed for coaches. However, we found that our 30 Competitive Skill Building Drills Video was also purchased by a lot of players and parents because they are helpful for workouts.
Step 6 - Master The Process / Don't Worry About The Results
You're not guaranteed anything in life. And even if you work your butt off, you still might not make the team or get more playing time.
Anybody who promises you that you can make the Pros with their Internet Program is a fraud. If you ever see that, immediately click the X in the upper right hand corner. I fell for that crap when I played. They're full of you know what.
There is a reason that the average NBA player is 6'7 tall with 6'11 wingspan and close to a 40-inch vertical. Genetics matter. If they didn't, statistically, there'd be very few tall players in the NBA since there are so few of them in the population.
I don't say this to be a dream crusher. Human potential is probably much greater than we can ever imagine. You should set your goals high and work your butt off.
However, if you fail to reach your dreams and goals, it does not make you a failure.
As long as you develop these habits and life skills....
- Working hard.
- Creating an intelligent plan with research.
- Being an energy giver.
- Having a good attitude.
- Responding to a situation with positive actions instead of whining.
That's what makes you a winner. That's success.
And guess what... if you develop these habits...all of the kids who don't develop these habits... they'll be working for you when they're adults.
Solutions and Resources:
The Attack & Counter Basketball Workout App
30 Competitive Skill Development Drills
How To Develop Into A Great Shooter - 6 Shooting Drills To Do At Every Workout
What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
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