Communicate Effectively

Changing others attitudes by speaking effectively on the court has been an effective tool for changing the momentum in a game. Just by saying "Way to go!", "Let’s get ‘em!" or even, "Yes!" has been known to change the ebb and flow of a game. Motivating younger ballers of today is a good sign of communication going on between the generations. There seems to be a lack of communication between the old time ball players and the new generation of ball players. New generation players can learn a lot from the older players about the game of basketball. Just ask older player about your game. Where can you improve or change your game to make it better. Ask your basketball coach for his/her opinion about your game. Take the comments and use them as appropriate to enhance your game. Keep the lines of communication open. It makes this game more effective. Communication on defense is very important. So, how will your teammate know if there’s a pick coming if you don’t tell him? How will your teammate know if someone is getting ready to take the ball if you don’t tell him? How will your teammate know which play you are running if you don’t tell him? Can you tell him/her with you’re your body language? Communication can also be non-verbal. Your face can communicate fear or it can communicate fearlessness. For example, when LeBron James goes to the basket to dunk, he has fearlessness on his face. You know to move out of the way. But when Darko Milicic goes to the basket, he displays fear in his eyes. Body language is also a communicator. Bending over pulling on your shorts can communicate fatigue. Flopping in the paint area can communicate weakness because you are not willing to get in there and bang with your opponent. Sometimes it’s a good idea to talk with the refs before, during and after a game. You could say something like "good call ref" or ask the ref to clarify a call rather than screaming or going off on the ref. You can talk with the ref before the game to find out his/her style of officiating. On the other hand, it’s just as important to be a good listener. Stay focused on the game. Is your teammate trying to communicate with you? Did you know that you cannot talk to the opposing player in the NBA? Some players were being intimidated...WOW! Did you know you can't trash talk in the NBA? Some players were losing there cool...WOW!Are you aware of where the ball is at all times? Communication is a two way street. 7 of 10