“It doesn’t pay to be good at something that rarely happens in a ball game”

Be good at what happens in a basketball game. Sounds self explanatory, but it needs to be explained because it reminds us that the basics will forever rule basketball performance.

1. Passing
2. Ball handling
3. Shooting
4. Defensive situations

Good coaches include these skills in all of their drills.

As I was reading some of my old Basketball Clinic notes, I came upon an index card that had these scribbled on them:

1. Basketball IQ is knowing the game, knowing how the game is supposed to be played, and making smart plays.
2. EQ (Energy Quotient) is having a high energy level, practicing hard and playing the game harder, finding extra energy during critical moments in a game.
3. RQ (Responsibility Quotient) is knowing what has to be done and being able to be trusted under pressure.

These are valuable virtues.

A player’s personality shows up on the court:

• If a player is selfish, it will reveal itself over the course of a game
• If he fears performing under pressure, that will be exposed
• Players that thrive under the challenge of performance will rise to the occasion

All traits will emerge!

Understand this:

• If you cannot pass, the ball will stop moving
• If you cannot shoot, you will always be open
• If you cannot dribble, you cut the value of the team by one third because the defense will attack you

Understand this more:

“Players that do not compete hard against each other because they are afraid it will hurt feelings or affect their friendship have trouble getting better. You must punish the man you are competing for playing time with.”

Gerry V is a 21-year NBA analyst, 17-year talk radio host, a 16-year coach, and current anchor for “Fox 8 New Orleans Morning Edition”, 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. and “Fox 8 News at Noon.” Follow Gerry V on twitter (@GVTalk).