Over my 40 years as a player and coach at many levels I have accumulated an internal imprint in my mind of attributes which make great teams. Just like a shooter who has a visual picture of how their shot will look and feel each time they release it as a motion picture to follow, these attributes I believe are found in almost every team that has consistent success at all levels. Use these not so much as a check-list to say what you do not do as a player or team, but rather as part of a visual motion picture of how you want to play. In sports science terms this is called a frame of reference. A simpler way of saying it is that these are team goals for which you and your team should strive each and every day through a season and from season to season.

1. Running the offense with patience, intelligence, and poise.

2. Always getting back on defense, and seldom giving up easy baskets.

3. Excellent physical conditioning and strong mental attitudes.

4. Executing together.. .talking and encouraging each other.

5. Paying attention to details...being students of the game.

6. Knowing the teams strengths but admitting weaknesses and working toward eliminate them.

7. Complete selflessness eager to encourage and see teammates succeed.

8. Making the most from each practice session.

9. Being willing to unselfishly pass to teammates.

10. Believing in your teammates and your own abilities.

11. Sacrificing to be better players, no matter what the cost.

12. Excellent blocking out defensively, and being aggressive on the offensive boards.

13. Having positive attitudes... humble yet inwardly self confident.

14. Thinking while playing the game, adjusting to changing situations and using other tools when necessary to solve a problem on offense or defense.

15. Willingness to follow coach’s instructions.

16. Loyalty to teammates, and coaching staff.

17. Being able to say ~my fault” rather than blaming others.

18. Proper physical training and taking care of your body.

19. Getting the most out of every game situation by playing percentage basketball.

20. Working harder toward goals after adversity.

There are literally dozens of ways to play offensive sets and team defensive schemes. However my experience in the game has taught me that if you are not achieving many or most of these team goals, you are playing nowhere near your potential as a team. Remember attributes are adjectives that describe your team. Make them a priority if it is truly your desire to win championships and win on a consistent basis.

Alan Lambert
President/CEO
The Basketball Highway