I recall when learning the game of basketball, my coach telling “us players” that when we received the ball, we had three options: shoot, pass, or dribble. I often remember in the game when most of the players would receive the ball, their instinct would be to either shoot or dribble if they were confident or pass if they were apprehensive. Reflecting on past games, it was hilarious how players (including me) would shoot the ball when there would be about three or four people defending them. Also, how a person would dribble the ball “coast to coast” just to make a goal and score. Furthermore, as an audience or even a player on the court, the focus would always be on encouraging the person who had the ball to score, not truly respecting the art of passing. On the other hand, have you ever took the opportunity to look at the other teammates who were running during fast breaks just as hard as the dribbler and never got a opportunity to touch the ball. What about the “post players” who were closest to the basket? I personally believe that post players receive the most lackadaisical passes in the game of basketball. Additionally, I recall these powerful post players often watching the guards shoot from the outside or receiving a pass when it was too late causing a turnover for the team. It was almost like “the guards” only felt it was important for them to shoot or dribble, but they did not care enough to give the post an intentional or dynamic bounce pass. I can speak this way because I played both the guard and forward positions. However, my question is, “Why didn’t we, as players, naturally have a strong belief system that passing the ball was just as significant as shooting or dribbling?” Were we just another product of the American Dream that focused on competition and greed?
So let’s examine the outcomes of selfish playing or an American Dreamer, who wants to eat all of the American pie:
First and unfortunately, players who decided to shoot and dribble instead of passing had several injuries on their journey towards the basket with the single-minded goal of scoring. In addition, the American Dreamer or player may have had some type of personal violation such as travelling, double dribbling, or that embarrassing “air ball” that influenced the audience to sing from the stands. Lastly, that selfish player may have cost the team to lose a pivotal game due to his or her linear way of thinking. So is it that important for you, “the player” to score when you are playing a team sport or for the team to win? Currently, as a team, we are divided due to our opinion on who’s a winner or what it takes to win a game. However, if we are open to different viewpoints about the game, we would be much more victorious as team. If we embrace new ways of collectively helping one another in the development of our skills or creating opportunities for others to score, the game will drastically change the concept of winning.
So reflecting back on the art of passing, if a player decides to commit to “assisting” another team mate, it can draw more positive attention to their collaboration. For example, if a player changes his or her attitude about passing the ball and intentionally learn how to execute a swift no look pass, a flashy behind the back pass, or a compassionate “alley oop” pass, the audience will be in awe to have witnessed the mechanics of the art of passing. I believe this type of collaboration is a lot more stimulating than watching a player exploit their ball handling or shooting talents every time they receive the ball.
Well audience, it’s amazing how you can connect sports to life. Although there were several times in my sports career, I did not want to play the game, I’m glad I did because it has helped me to analyze life relationships as a team concept and endure the competitiveness of life. Conversely, as a player, you may have to deal with some people as your opponent when you know they intentionally do not want you to win in the game of life. However, as a community that is not what we want to strive for because there is enough success for everyone! So if we compete with others in order to make each other better, then that is the game I want to play! Compete and defeat the odds against us as a nation!
In closing, let’s reprogram of our minds and think about how beneficial passing the ball is. One pass is one less turnover for an individual on your team. One pass could create an easier score for someone else on your team. One pass could create an opportunity for someone else to shine on the team. One pass could build up the confidence of someone else on your team. One pass will make the passer look unselfish and dependable during tough times in the game. One pass could eliminate a painful injury. One pass could cause the ball to get into the goal quicker than one person dribbling the ball from one baseline to the other. One pass can take all of the pressure off of you in order to make a sound decision for the benefit of the team. Although our fans and supporters encourage us to dribble and shoot first, passing is also a humbling leadership trait that wins championships as well. Passing is a team concept that represents sharing the wealth and believing in others. Thank you for reading my reflection and liking my fan page. Please share this message with others so we can all have a victory! So basically I am asking you to “Pass the Ball” by sharing. 🙂 Peace, Love, and Blessings to All!
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Compete With Purpose 