There are several common traits among "tough" basketball players.
Get on the Floor. Just like it says, no bending at the waist, an all out effort to recover loose balls. This can increase your possessions in a game, which can ultimately result in more points, and directly equate into victories.
Rebound the Basketball. Both defensive and offensive rebounds can result in more shot attempts, usually at close range, and/or more possessions. Don't be a shot watcher, be a body blocker.
Controlling errant passes. This one is difficult to track, but shows glaringly in game footage. Know when to pass, know where to pass, know when your in trouble. Don't drive without purpose. At this level, errant passes come primarily when guards get themselves in bad situations.
Passing through a press. Everyone wants to be a superstar, this is AAU, every team is an ALL-Star team. Everyone is a super star. Pass through a press to beat it more efficiently, and effectively. The main goal of every possession is a Wide open lay up. Turnovers in this area of the game, or transition, usually provides kinetic turnovers that result in numbers for the other team, and a layup or foul.
A kinetic turnover is a one that happens on the floor, its a steal and usually results in an advantage for the opposing team's offense. A static turnover happens when there is a violation or infraction of the rules, it affords the opposing team the ball, and allows the defense to get set up. Turnovers are bad, but static turnovers are the lesser of the two evils.
Finally, Coaching decisions can effect the number of possesions. The last 2 minutes of Basketball games seem to take forever. This is an effort by the Coach to control, set up plays or defenses that will affect the outcome of the game.
Toughness is directly related to the number of possesions a basketball team has. 80% of teams who win the possession battle, win the game.
Teams and Players build toughness at practice, and it is measured during games. "I want the ball more than you" is the mantra any player should have.
Players should want to practice so hard, that the games seem easy. Kobe Bryant calls practices "Black Outs" because he is so intense at practice, which his teammates see and follow.
Get on the Floor. Just like it says, no bending at the waist, an all out effort to recover loose balls. This can increase your possessions in a game, which can ultimately result in more points, and directly equate into victories.
Rebound the Basketball. Both defensive and offensive rebounds can result in more shot attempts, usually at close range, and/or more possessions. Don't be a shot watcher, be a body blocker.
Controlling errant passes. This one is difficult to track, but shows glaringly in game footage. Know when to pass, know where to pass, know when your in trouble. Don't drive without purpose. At this level, errant passes come primarily when guards get themselves in bad situations.
Passing through a press. Everyone wants to be a superstar, this is AAU, every team is an ALL-Star team. Everyone is a super star. Pass through a press to beat it more efficiently, and effectively. The main goal of every possession is a Wide open lay up. Turnovers in this area of the game, or transition, usually provides kinetic turnovers that result in numbers for the other team, and a layup or foul.
A kinetic turnover is a one that happens on the floor, its a steal and usually results in an advantage for the opposing team's offense. A static turnover happens when there is a violation or infraction of the rules, it affords the opposing team the ball, and allows the defense to get set up. Turnovers are bad, but static turnovers are the lesser of the two evils.
Finally, Coaching decisions can effect the number of possesions. The last 2 minutes of Basketball games seem to take forever. This is an effort by the Coach to control, set up plays or defenses that will affect the outcome of the game.
Toughness is directly related to the number of possesions a basketball team has. 80% of teams who win the possession battle, win the game.
Teams and Players build toughness at practice, and it is measured during games. "I want the ball more than you" is the mantra any player should have.
Players should want to practice so hard, that the games seem easy. Kobe Bryant calls practices "Black Outs" because he is so intense at practice, which his teammates see and follow.