How Do I Get My Child To Succeed In Basketball?

The Foundation for My Success

My dad once asked me, “Have you ever felt that I’ve forced you to play basketball?” 

Many people would consider us to be “a basketball family”. My Dad played and coached basketball overseas and even chose to coach his three boys and me instead of continuing to pursue a career in coaching higher levels of basketball. 

My two older brothers played basketball before me, and my younger brother is currently playing basketball on a full-ride scholarship at Biola University. 

I’ve been playing basketball from the time I could walk.

But the truth, and what I told my dad that day, is, “No -I’ve actually never felt forced to play basketball.”

In fact, my parents raised us to be very “well-rounded” when it came to sports and other activities. I actually look back and wonder how they juggled the packed schedule of four very active kids. And I believe, therein lies the answer to that question posed by so many parents: “How do I get my child to succeed in basketball?”

You don’t.

A Good Foundation is Key to Success

Now, hear me out; obviously every aspect of what you do in regards to them playing basketball is contributing to their eventual success, but success as a child is not the point.

Let me repeat that, success as a child is not the point.

And once we wrap our minds around that, we give them the true key to their future success – a good foundation that fosters a positive attitude and a development mindset!

Okay, okay, so you agree not to put the pressure on your child – step one complete; albeit it is an ongoing process of self control, refraining from being controlling, and refusing to be that one parent who constantly complains to the coach, thinks their child needs more playing time and pouts every time their child gets subbed off.

I applaud you for this. …Seriously, thank you.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s speak practicalities. How do you really “start ‘em young”; set them up with a good foundation; get their development on the right track; and teach the power of a positive attitude?  

Two words: fun and challenge.

 

Success Starts with Fun Challenges

How do you get a kid’s heart pounding to the beat of the basketball? Get them to fall in love with the game. Simple as that. Ignite the flame with fun! And…

Fuel the flame with challenge.

Notice I didn’t say competition. Why? 

-There will be a time for competition, trust me. But right now, I’m speaking to the brand new parent, or the parent whose child just told them, “Mommy, I want to play basketball!”. And you’re freaking out or overwhelmed with excitement whilst realizing you don’t know where to begin.-

Because, yes, a competitive mindset is great and a cornerstone for perseverance and determination, but competing – without the proper foundation – raises the risk of discouragement or a negative frame of mind. Remember, our goal should be to foster a positive attitude and development mindset, not a discouraged, negative mindset.

The Foundation for Your Child’s Success

So where do you begin? Start with a simple challenge where they can compete with themselves. When they beat that challenge, give them a harder challenge. And when they beat that challenge give them an even harder challenge. And so on… 

When they’re ready, compete with them; throw in a few siblings if they have them; make it a family affair. Before you know it, you’ve got yourself a very determined, competitive child who loves the game of basketball!

The best part about it? Their development will quickly dissipate from depending on you, but rather stem from their own intrinsic discipline; where, no matter what happens, who they compete against, what team they did or did not make, they will say to themselves, “It doesn’t matter. Get better.” 

Don’t force the love, foster the love. Start with fun, challenging things that will form a positive attitude and a focus on development.