As kids we are taught to dream big and work like hell to make them come true.   Well, don’t believe the hype — at least not entirely.  Dreams do come true (it COULD happen to you)- perhaps you’ve heard the jingle?  Yes, they may come true , but only if you do what must be done to embody who you want to be.  

“What are the chances of randomly acquiring the necessary skill sets to become a top player? As a result, “stars” are rare.  That means most players are in desperate need of the right information or materials to become the diamond of their dreams…” 

In basketball, like many endeavors,  there’s such a narrow window in which to actualize as a  top performer- particularly if you have aspirations of playing collegiately or professionally. Often times, hoop dreams turn to hoop hopes, which  turn to unanswered prayers. Those that continue to live the dream are but  hopeless dreamers, desperately trying to get through a window that will never re-open. This is the case in all sports, but painfully true  in basketball.

Truthfully, the window was never really open. Of  the  myriad of  challenges  on the road to a college scholarship or NBA opportunity – being skilled enough is certainly one of them. It seems that  so many skilled individuals  never quite make it to the big-time. On closer look, these players typically have “little things” missing from their games.  Those trace elements of successful play that typically go unnoticed by most (players),  because they’re unknown by most – and that includes far too many modern coaches. 

 As a result,  individuals never quite get what they really need to make it happen – unless they somehow randomly acquire the skill sets. This makes many so close… yet so far away from their goals.

The key is preparing yourself  properly as quickly as possible to fit inside the limited time frame available to capitalize.

Think of how many people would be high school stars,  if they were allowed to participate years after their eligibility.   This holds true for every level.  There are former college players  playing in Men’s and Women’s leagues across the country who would kill in college.  However, with their eligibility gone… so is their opportunity.

What is needed is some sort of guide to help you down the path. The guide could be an individual, reference material or both.

This way, there’s a greater opportunity to make it to the Big-time ….in Real-time!

Everybody wants to win. But who really wants to win badly.  Who are the players steadfastly loyal to the team goal of whatever it takes to win (inside the realm of sportsmanship, of course). What a treat to play with or coach players who truly hate to lose and will fight you tooth and nail.  Again, not dirty players, but rather, players who never lose awareness of the nausea of defeat and  are willing to get dirty for a W.

Focus = Grit =Toughness.

… heart and grit are the soul of any player. Some players just have that “thing”:  it is hard to put a finger on or define it, yet it is so easy to recognize. Many times grit is the deciding factor between otherwise equal adversaries.  In fact, a high Grit-factor (G-Factor) raises the other  categories of play  up a notch. Without it you may lose confidence under adversity, experience diminished skills or even the capacity to think clearly.

Everyone at some point has succumbed to pressure and performed poorly. It does not necessarily make you heartless – just human. Coaches tell players to be tough all the time. But what is tough really? What is “hard-nosed”? There are a number of factors that contribute to toughness and fortitude. Attitude and physical prowess are often key components, but grittiness – the ability to hyper-focus 100% on what is necessary for success in each moment of exchange – might be the most important.  As a coach, I demand intensity and intelligence from players, but above all focus.– The Virtual Game of Basketball

Who are the focused ones?  On the verge of the NBA Finals, who are the  remaining players with the highest G-Factors?

1)Kobe Bryant- it’s amazing how driven (willing) he is to carry the burden of a franchise, one tough- shot-made at a time.  As a coach you would prefer higher percentage shots than some of the looks he comes up with , but at the same time no one with any good sense would venture to do anything that would impact his indomitable spirit and incredible belief in self.

2) Paul Pierce- His name speaks for itself… only he spells it with a P instead of an F. One of the fiercest competitors in Celtic history.   He plays angry and expects success whatever the circumstances. He carries himself like the game ball belongs to him, and you’re lucky you get to play… forget about winning (taking his ball home).

Other “G-Men”: no particular order…

Derek Fisher–  Surprise… but I  just shake my head after each big shot this guy makes for his team.  What an unheralded gem (and I’m sure highly appreciated by the Laker Brass)). No wonder his minutes never go away.  He’s not running fast or jumping high, but still quick to put a dagger  deep inside the heart of opponents.

Kevin Garnett–  Kevin is  more hungry (for a title), than gritty, although he does posses a high G-Factor.  KG is the consummate warrior who still must bask in the glory of Celtic greatness to thaw from his cold beginnings in Minnesota.  Got to hand it to players that give only 100% (no excuses) when they’re far below 100% themselves.

Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen – Both focus magicians.  These guys are sticklers to their respective roles.  They both could do more (especially RayRay) but they stay inside the “cut” for the cause.

Also:  Nate Robinson– Forget about his high-flying antics, “Lil’ Him” is tough as nails– G-Factor off the chart and his  Belief in Nate– ridiculous. More than impressive to come off the bench and score a pro-rated 42 pts. in such a pressure packed moment — particularly after sitting so long all playoffs  (I love it).  C’mon…you know he’ll scrap with the PA announcer for the dub.  Hell,  he used a less vicious (mentally) Dwight Howard against himself to win the Slam Dunk Title? I think the Celtic environment will help him mature as a player and be more consistently responsible in every moment of exchange.

Doc and Phil- Both of these coaches would fight you, just like when they played.  Back in Phil’s day guys did fight.  My dad  (his teammate with the Knicks) said he hurt just to bump in to. Phil’s a massive shouldered  bruiser from Montana, with the discipline of a Yogi. His laser like ability to focus on what’s necessary for success  allows him to deal with and  appeal to each individual as part of something greater.

Doc may not be as wise as Phil- yet, but his classy-hyper-intelligent -bully mentality as a player, grooved the perfect disposition to lead perhaps the model(?) organization in all of sports.  I’m sure he plays clips of Bird and Cowens flailing about the Garden.  How else could Rajon have known to posterize Jason Williams with a defensive , offensive gem combo in such a nasty green fashion?

Above all Doc demands that the C’s play with the wisdom of the Boston Sages past.   Quietly, I think it’s enough to raise yet another banner.  Just don’t let Kobe know… Mamba’s are dangerous.

I am a “hover ” lover. Discovering the advantages of hovering is where being first and creating space happens.

Watch the NBA playoff games and check who’s hovering. PG’s — in particular, Nash , Rondo and Jameer Nelson. Amongst to 2’s Dragic hovers… Ray Allen hovers… JJ Reddick hovers and of course, Kobe hovers.

Rashard and Vince hover, J Rich and Grant Hill hover. Indeed Paul Pierce does as well. KG hovers, Rasheed, Artest; so does Matt Barnes. Damn … it really must be something to the hover.

The hover gives you time to make contrary decisions against your opponent and dictate offensively.

So please… take it from the pros still in the playoff hunt. Every scorer is an adorer of the hover. Whether they know it or not, it just may be the best friend they’ve got.

Watch Goran hover and spin on Derek Fisher 2010 Playoffs

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Every step you take may be as important as every breath you take.   Each breath connects you with life on earth.  Each step  connects you with your physical life on earth.

Mathematical precision of movement is necessary for the proper functioning of any machine; otherwise the system would be prone to breakdowns and malfunction.   Human beings are machines, yet so many fail to utilize their bodies in the proper way mechanically.  So many structural ailments of the body can be directly attributed  to how individuals connect to the earth with their feet and subsequently how they function. 

Ideally we connect with emphasis on the front-foot area (pad) , while focusing on moving our  energy forward off the heel.

This promotes proper structure (body symmetry,  balance and stability) and proper body mechanics (torque and fluid movement).  Landing with energy moving back toward the  heel promotes an inward moving butt, which not only creates unhealthy torque on the system , but also  interferes with the natural  flow or transfer of the energy created by the feet.

As a result, movement (based on efficiency) becomes more laborious and moves outside of the natural (mathematical) rhythm of the body.   This promotes  poor posture, symmetry and will lead to physical issues over time.  For athletes, improper structure  diminishes athleticism and makes those in violation more susceptible to injury –especially the knee and back variety.

Everyone should learn to respect the power of every step on earth.  It will change the way you operate (as a machine), the way you look  and the way you feel.

Related: “Foot Mechanics is Quite the Feet”