NEW CASTLE —
I’ve been blessed to teach the great game of basketball to hundreds of children through the years.
I’ve probably seen hundreds of games, too.
And I don’t believe I’ve ever watched or listened to one without encountering all the clichés about time. You know the drill:
Game time.
Winning time.
Showtime.
Playoff time.
Those phrases are entertaining, to be sure, and I guess they have some connection to the hardwood.
But I might argue that there are only TWO important times in any practice or game. I would even say this principle extends far beyond the court and into the workplace or home.
You ready?
There’s “this time.”
And there’s “next time.”
That’s it.
Young people, if you can learn to compete in those two time blocks consistently, you will be an outstanding player.
Coaches, if you can train your players to remain in those two time blocks consistently, you will achieve excellence.
Let’s explore each a bit further.
THIS TIME
There is no more important play than the one you are currently involved in. Doesn’t matter what your position is. If you are on the floor, you have a job to do.
And that job is to perform your role COMPLETELY.
•Get the pick.
•Make the V-cut and go back-door.
•Make the bounce pass into the post.
•Rip the ball and explode past your defender.
•Square your hips and feet and be “shot ready.”
Play present.
Stay focused.
Then finish.
On offense, your job isn’t complete until the ball goes through the net.
Defensively, continue to guard until you secure the rebound.
There is no time as important as “this time.”
And there will never be another.
Until ...
NEXT TIME
Don’t look back. Don’t live in the past. Don’t dwell on the last play.
Instead, look ahead.
Next time.
That’s the most important play of the game once the current possession ends.
•So you miss the layup. I get it. You’re frustrated and all you want to do is slam your fist into the wall mat or shake your head in disbelief. But you know what’s happening while you do that? Your man is racing down the court for a shot. Instead of hanging back and sulking, get your butt back on defense and make a play. This time.
•So you got beat off the dribble. Get your butt down to the block and play help defense. This time.
•So the ref signaled “block” when you clearly took a charge? Get up, get in your stance and don’t let your man score when the ball is inbounded. This time.
You sensing a trend here? It’s a mystery, but somehow “next time” morphs into “this time” much quicker than you might think.
And in a game played at the speed of basketball, it’s doubtful you’ll ever see them apart.
I love this quote from Rick Warren: “I don’t spend much time looking back since I’m not headed in that direction.”
How about you?
It’s the midway point of section play for all local boys and girls teams. Will you continue to look back at what could have been? Or are you looking ahead to what might be?
Do neither, if you truly want to reach your potential. Focus only on “this time” — there’s nothing more important.
Until “next time,” of course.
News Bloggers
Related Photos
-
About Tim Kolodziej: Tim is director of new media at The News. His blog appears each Thursday.
Discussion
Tim Kolodziej: Don’t miss the two best times to achieve athletic success
- News Bloggers
-
-
Tim Kolodziej: Five lessons from the ‘gas pump karaoke’ couple (with video)
Consider this a warning. Your cheeks are going to ache from smiling so much. You’re going to be humming these songs until you go to bed tonight. You might even bust a dance move in your office. But that’s OK. Watch the accompanying video anyway.
-
Gary Church: Dang! I missed out on meeting Pat Toomey — whoever that is
Sometimes I say "Yes" to something before I think about it. I received a call from The News office, wanting me to take photos of Pat Toomey's visit to the county courthouse. Very eager to do so, I said, "Yes!"
-
Mitchel Olszak: Snooping threat to the free press
In “All the President’s Men,” reporter Bob Woodward conducts late-night meetings with a source in a parking garage. That source, Deep Throat (later revealed to be high-ranking FBI official Mark Felt), was worried that he would be exposed as a tipster in the Watergate scandal.
-
Josh Drespling: Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I'm sick of being sick! It has been over a week now fighting this ungodly pestilence that has settled in my body. Despite my best efforts, this plague has taken a firm hold of every avenue of my being. It has become the most constant and present force in my life.
-
Gary Church: A REAL buffet for Father’s Day? Now that’s saying a mouthful!
My favorite thing about Mother’s Day is the buffet. I can do some real damage with a nice spread of food laid out before me. A good, homemade buffet can't be beat.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Want true gratification? Then delay it
Whether you are an athlete, an entrepreneur or a stay-at-home mom, you will be faced with dozens of temptations today. For better or for worse, your life depends on your choices.
-
Gary Church: A little trimmer is just the right fit for someone my age
There are definite signs in my life that show I'm really starting to age. I can't believe that I just bought a battery powered trimmer/edger. The gas trimmer I have now is 25 years old and very powerful.
-
Lisa Madras: I’ve still got plenty of questions, but now I have family to help answer them
What’s something new you’ve recently learned about yourself? Oh, happy day. I've been waiting my whole life to have a great answer to this question, and now that I finally do. I can hardly believe it myself.
-
Josh Drespling: Thank you, Mom. I’ve never said this before but ...
I'm a terrible son. I’ll can freely admit my shortcomings. Well, maybe not as awful as some. I've never been in prison or killed anyone (though I may have thought about it). I’ve never been a drug addict or a drunk. I remember most of the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and I'm capable of supporting myself and my family.
-
Gary Church: Gary the Governor? It’s starting to grow on me
Every day, while walking home from West Side School, I would pass the fire station on Smithfield Street. Twice a year, the fire station turned into the election place, where my parents voted.
- More News Bloggers Headlines
-
