If I hear one more coach, parent, or basketball clinician tell a group of kids that they can’t go pro I’m going to scream. I am amazed at all of the naysayers that make a home in youth basketball. To be honest it’s almost like they are saying to our 9, 10, and 11 year olds, “I didn’t make it so you have no chance.”

Could you imagine this happening in any other non-sports related field? Could you imagine an astronaut telling kids the statistical probability of becoming an astronaut? How about a presidential candidate telling kids on the campaign train how they could never do what he has done? Could you imagine a failed law student or lawyer espousing the difficulties of creating a successful law practice or passing the bar to a 13 year old who dreams of being a lawyer.

“You know, I passed the bar and even opened my own practice, but nobody tells you about how difficult it is to actually get clients. I would have a fall back plan if I were you.” – Failed Lawyer

The Data Say Not What You Think.

If any of these things happened to your kid you would be incredulous. Yet, the data show that the population of lawyers has begun to outpace the need according multiple sources. For all of you statisticians out there. You might find this interesting.

  • The odds of becoming president 1 in 300 million.
  • Odds of becoming an Astronaut 1 in 100,000
  • Odds of being drafted 1 in 3,333
  • Odds of being called down on the Price is Right 1 in 36

I guess that means that we all should be studying the games on the Price Is Right the odds are way better. Think of all of the money you could make. :/ You have better odds of being drafted to the NBA than you do being an astronaut or the president of the United States.

Not to mention the introduction of low cost online legal advice and lawyer on retainer subscription services. Did I mention that paralegals are now fighting automation? Don’t get me started on the medical profession or the number of college graduates that actually have a job in their field of study.

Instead of “I didn’t make it, but let me show you what I would have done had I to do it all over again. ” we get to hear,“Don’t even try it. You ain’t got it.”

What would our kid’s lives be like if instead of the daily mental discouragement they received mental guidance? What if instead of “You can’t do it.” they heard “Here is what you need to do.” Isn’t that what a coach is supposed to do? So let’s do that now and help our kids get to work achieving and believing instead of working on their statistician degree. Apparently those degrees seem to be plentiful. #sarcasm

Stop Telling My Kid He Can’t Go Pro! – Be Like Bronny!

This week Bronny missed a dunk. If you missed him missing his dunk I would like to welcome you back from your under a rock vacation. #ha For the record, I can name at least two thirteen year olds right now that can make that dunk, but that’s not the point. The point is that his miss was received with more congratulations and adulations than I have ever seen for any missed shot or break away layup ever! Your kid deserves the same. Instead of grimacing or frowning when your kid misses a shot or opportunity give them the celebration that Bronny would get.

Instead of surrounding them with naysaying adults, surround them with adults like the ones that Bronny has. Surround them with adults that congratulate them as they land in the crowd from their missed dunk or in game transition layup. Tell them that they can do whatever they dream about and give them guidance as to the how. That is not only trusting the process, but creating it!

My kid is going to make it to the league. The odds are in his favor. The biggest hurdle that I can see will be the naysayers and that’s easy. Surround your kid with people who say “Yes you can!” instead of “Do you know the odds.”

See You In The Gym,

Troy Horne – (AKA Moses’ Dad)

 

It’s the day of basketball tryouts. You are probably more stressed out about the upcoming date with the hardwood than your young athlete. You talk to them about what they need to do as you ride to the car. You tell them that their effort is more important than anything else. You tell them that they don’t have to worry about making the team. You tell them that you are proud of them no matter what. You are the super motivational sports dad/mom!

As you espouse your words of wisdom you notice that they are sitting in the back seat and listening without response. Through your rear view mirror you see them either looking out of the window, listening to their favorite rap artist or, based on the permanent smile fixed on their face, watching their favorite youtube video. You figure it’s probably for the best as the GPS barks out the directions to the gym.

As you pull up to the basketball gym you take one more opportunity to give them your words of wisdom as you notice that they are taking off their headphones. They nod and jog into the gym ready for practice. The only problem is that 90% of you did not prepare them well for the outcome you both are hoping to have. Let me give you a little window into the five things that we paid attention to that helped our son make every team that he tried out for.

5 Things You Better Know Before Basketball Tryouts

  • Coaches are looking for character just as much as they are looking for skill.

You are probably coming into a known situation. Which means the coaches have some idea of who you are. They might have an understanding about how you play and that can be good or bad. However, you can set your sails straight at basketball tryouts. One word…Even.

Your goal during tryouts is to stay even. No big ups on made shots and no big downs on missed shots. Like they say. Act like you’ve been here before.

  • Defense will get you on the team.

Find the best player and lock…him/her… down. Remember they don’t really call fouls during tryouts so go all in. I’m not saying hack the guy. I’m just saying he shouldn’t score.

  • Hustle.

Be the first one in when they say huddle up. Be the first one in line when they say baseline. Run even when you don’t have to. Do Push Ups when you don’t have to. Do suicides when you don’t have to. (Why You Ask? You’re there to get better and when guys do extra push ups because the lost guess what? They are getting better. When players run extra suicides because they missed too many free throws they are getting better. Do it all and get better!) 

  • Scoring is important, but correct shooting form is more important.

Coaches know that you are nervous. They get it. So if you miss a shot or two or all during practice it doesn’t really matter. That is as long as your shooting form is on point. Make sure that your form is correct. They are watching!

  • Run EVERYWHERE!

How many times do coaches have to tell you to …STOP WALKING?! Want to make the team. RUN EVERYWHERE! It’s only an hour or so.

Here’s what happens when you use these Basketball Tryout Tips:

 

Be passionate – The passion to win comes from the love of the game. Mamba mentality comes from the love. Allow your kids to love the game. The business will come soon enough.

Be obsessive – Focus on what you want. Plan out how you are going to attain it. Pay attention to detail and follow through. Be open to pivoting, but not to changing your goal. “Whatever you are doing at that moment that is what you are doing at that moment.” – Kobe Bryant

Be relentless – attack, attack, attack never letting your teammates slack off. Never give an inch to anyone. You have to always be going after it! Never backing up or backing off. Maybe I’m not good enough today. That’s fine. I’ll be better tomorrow.

The Biggest Lesson On Being A Mamba

Mamba Kobe said that relentlessness was not in his blood. He had to learn it as well. THE MAMBA HAD TO LEARN HOW TO BE RELENTLESS! THE MAMBA HAD TO LEARN THE MAMBA MENTALITY!

 

 

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