Expert: Michael Muro - 12/5/2006

Question
Dear Coach,

I'm a basketball player who is trying to get better in my game. I'm having a problem though. Naturally, I'm a basketball player without the neccessary coaching that I should have had. I didin't get a chance to play high school, AAU, Or college ball at the present time. I've been told by high school coaches in summer league games that I was a solid player. They were even more shocked when they found out that I hadn't even played organized a day in my life! For now I'm trying to play at a school somewhere (college). How should I go about this route to be able to play on any type of team? Another question is sometimes when I play i play great even exceeding my own expectations. Then there's times when I play like I've never played basketball consistently at all. What can I do to gain the mental game?

Answer
Hi Carlos,

Your best bet for college is to start at the community college level. I am not familiar how the system works outside of California but in Cali the cost of attending school is very affordable. There is great quality basketball in Cali and community college basketball is a great stepping stone to a 4 year school. If you go to a good school you will learn the fundamentals and the mental part of the game. If you are not in Cali and want to stay close to home let me know what area you are in and I will try and find some schools for you.

I think with more playing experience you will learn the mental part of the game as it comes with time. You can watch college ball on TV and see what they are doing and how patience and fundamental they play. You will not learn the mental side of the game playing pick up so you have to surround yourself with good team basketball. Below is a good free website that covers the fundamentals of basketball. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Good luck and I will look forward to your next email!

Just copy and paste this address.

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/ExceptionalPlayer.html