The Parallels Between Life and Youth Basketball

I'm a firm believer in the lessons that athletics in general and basketball specifically can teach kids. It's more than just putting a ball in the basket. There are many parallels between the hard work and focus required to improve as a ball player and to be successful in school and life.

I believe that a good coach should always emphasize working hard to improve. I also believe that he should take it a step further and explain to his kids how hard work is a good habit and it should be a part of every aspect of life. He should emphasize that hard work should be used when doing homework, when doing chores, or when doing anything important.

An uncle of mine once said that the only thing every man has and he should value is his good name. This uncle emphasized that you need to do everything in your power to keep your good name. Laziness is not a trait that keeps a good name. Hard work and good habits are.

Teach the lesson of how valuing hard work is important to your team. It's a lesson that will serve them well for the rest of their lives no matter where it takes them.

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