Applying the game of Basketball to Life.
According to the Webster’s Dictionary, the word “basketball” is a noun. It is defined as “a usually indoor court game between two teams of usually five players each who score by tossing an inflated ball through a raised goal; also : the ball used in this game.” Playing basketball is a metaphor. It is a lesson for life wrapped into a four quarter game. At the end of the game, one team wins, but with the lessons of basketball applied to life, you can benefit from the game off the court as well.
The art of follow through:
One of the most distinctive characteristics of basketball players is their shot. The motion involved in making a perfect “swish” is an art. The motion of shooting can take you so far, but the follow through is the most crucial part of getting the ball in the basket. Much like life, going through the motions can get you so far. You may get lucky and make the shot, but if you follow through, your chances increase significantly. This concept can be applied to many things: finding a job, marriage, friendships, etc. The follow through is what takes you from guessing to being confident the shot or chance will go in.
A good defense is the best offense:
Scoring points in basketball is essential to winning the game. The points on the board at the end of the game don’t necessarily reflect the effort of the defense, however. In life, I believe offense is the intervention and defense is the prevention. Once you are behind or already in trouble, you need something immediately to get you back on track in order to stay in the game. A good defense can prevent getting in the rough spot to begin with. Both offense and defense are important in the game. A team or person’s offense may provides the tangible evidence (points) of winning, but defense is the secret weapon.
When in doubt, box out:
There is only so much we can control in life. When the shot goes up in basketball, you have two choices: you can box out or you can bail out. The chances of gaining control are significantly higher if you choose to box out than if you choose to bail out. Boxing out in basketball is preventing your opponent from getting what you want. Boxing out in life is covering yourself and doing what you can to increase your chances of success, thus leading to what you want. Bailing out in basketball is allowing the opponent to step over you and get what you are going for. If you choose not to box out, you choose to let someone else take what could be yours.
There is no “I” in team.
As much as some try to make basketball and life an individual sport, the truth is neither can or ever will be about one person. Have you ever worked for a company where they didn’t mention the importance of teamwork? Have you ever seen a basketball game where one person controls the ball the entire time? If you have experienced either of these scenarios, I assume you may have been confused or frustrated. One person by him or herself cannot both accomplish and succeed in basketball or life. The art of communication needs to be practiced every single day in every single relationship. It is just as valuable as having a follow through on your shot. Teamwork is the essence of getting tasks accomplished and points on the board. Period.
Remember to take the time out:
Life can get pretty crazy and quite overwhelming at times. The clock is running and taking time out of the game might seem scary. Some feel losing momentum could occur from stopping. Time outs are there and if you don’t use them, you may lose them. In basketball, we know how many timeouts are available; in life we have to create them. It is so important to take advantage of the time outs whether you think you need them or not. Taking time to breathe and step away from the momentum may seem risky, but it also may be just what you need to accelerate your adrenaline to that extra gear.
Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I haven’t played on a team since about 8 years ago, but I recently reflected on the importance the game itslef has had in my life. Even when I am not participating in the sport on the court, I am living the lessons I learned through the game. It makes me wonder if basketball teams should practice off the court more often. Something to think about….
