Expert: David Kenward - 1/24/2008

Question
during practice , i work well, and my coaches say that i have a chance to make it to pro if i continue to work hard during practice. i am only fourteen. i cant jump to save my life, and i am about five feet four. whenever i get in the game and i see the opposing players and there tallness, i freak out, and i make dumb mistakes. everytime i play, i am the shortest and the skinniest person on the court. the tall people take advantage of me. is there anything that you can do to help me?
(i play starting point guard for my high school freshmen team (a big disappointment) and i really eant to be smarter on the floor, so i can play Varsity basketball from tenth through twelvth grade.(i am in the ninth grade.)

Answer
Hello Christopher

The first thing I'd suggest you do is read about 5 foot 6 inch NBA legend Spud Webb: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spud_Webb

Now that you know it's possible to play competitive basketball at your height, it's time to talk to your coach and learn what YOU can do to improve.  Spud Webb used his height as an advantage.  Being smaller, he was quicker and could do things the taller players couldn't.  You can do that too.  Take your coach's advice and work hard.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com
Win the Mental Game: Perform better under pressure in any sport
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