Have you ever wondered about the difficulties of basketball? Lincoln Middle School 8th grade girls’ basketball team shares helpful tips about being on the team during the season and how to manage it.
Sometimes basketball can be mentally and physically draining for the players. If you play other sports alongside basketball, it can be very hard. It can be difficult to schedule it with other sports and still have your own free time. Without free time, you might not have time to decompress. When being asked about some difficulties that occur in basketball, 8th grader Reese Schnieder tells us, “It’s hard to balance basketball with softball.” This shows that finding a healthy balance can be challenging.
In basketball, constructive criticism can be hard to take while you’re on the court. You might want to take it personally, even when it is just coming from someone who wants to help. Sometimes it’s hard to realize that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s all part of the game. When 8th grader Mallory Paur is asked how she takes constructive criticism, she informs us, “Well, I try to take it and use it to help me perform better. Sometimes it hurts my feelings, but I remember that it’s just meant to help me.” This is helpful for us to see that everyone gets feedback, and it’s just there to improve your playing.
Pressure on the court can also be hard to manage. It might make you anxious about playing. 8th grader Ashlyn Webb tells us, “I take deep breaths to stay calm and collected during hard games.” You can also find other strategies to calm your nerves. For example, stay focused, visualization, and consistent pre-game routines.
In conclusion, basketball can be very fun. Coaches and teammates try to help you out, but there are always a few extra things you could know. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously. Trying out should be fun too. 8th grader Stacie Thomas tells us, “When trying out, try to have a positive mindset, and have fun.”
