WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A LADY LION?

One . . . self-discipline

Two . . . competitive fire

Three . . . self-belief

SHE MUST ALSO HAVE GOOD VISION

Vision is a very encompassing matter.  A good player does more than just see her teammates -- she also sees the defense.  This particular type of vision allows the good player to make the proper decisions with the basketball.

SHE KNOWS HER STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

A good player knows what she does well and works hard to get in position to take advantage of those skills and fundamentals.  Just as important however, is the fact that a good player knows what her limitations are, her weaknesses, and stays away from them.

SHE KNOWS HER TEAMMATES STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES

This is very difficult for the average player, and in fact, it is a rare quality usually found in the best players.  That special type of player knows who the best shooters are on the team and tries to get them the ball when they are open.  She knows who the best post players are and feeds them the ball.  She knows who has trouble dribbling the ball and doesn’t put them into a position that will result in a turnover.

SHE MIXES AGGRESSIVENESS WITH PATIENCE

The good player knows when to push the ball up and when to hold it up.  She knows when to attack the basket and when to reverse the ball.  She is prepared to play at whatever speed is necessary for her team to be successful.

SHE IS HARD TO GUARD

A good player is constantly working to get open and at the same time occupy her defender.  She understands that she must move with a purpose, because she must never confuse “activity for achievement.”

SHE IS STRONG WITH THE BALL

Whether she is dribbling, passing, or holding the ball, she is going to be strong.  She is not going to let the defender rush her into a mistake.

COMPOSURE—COMPOSURE—COMPOSURE!!!

The best players never let anything upset them.  Have you ever seen Michael Jordan, Lebron, Kobe or Dwayne Wade pout on the floor or show a lack of confidence?  They don’t let the crowd effect their play; they don’t let the other team effect their play; and they don’t let any breakdowns by their teammates effect their play.  They NEVER “droop” after a missed shot or turnover.

SHE MUST BE MENTALLY STRONG

We want players that have a fearless warrior mindset.  Never surrender – Never retreat! 

SHE MUST BE AN EXCELLENT CONDITIONED ATHLETE

Good players are able to outrun the opposing players down the court for fast break opportunities.  And, just as important, we expect our players to be able to outrun the opposing players and be in good defensive position in defensive transition.  Our players are constantly moving.  They are “hard to guard.”  All of this demands a supreme physically conditioned athlete.

SHE MUST BE A SMART PLAYER

We expect our players to be able to “think” the game.  Our players are expected to constantly make good decisions while on the floor.  When and who to screen, when to pass, when to dribble are just some of the instant decisions we expect them to make.  They must also know which particular player they are defending and how to defend them.

SHE MUST POSSESS A GREAT WORK ETHIC

Obviously, to be a warrior and a supreme physically conditioned athlete, and a mentally prepared basketball player, you must first possess a great work ethic.  We demand a lot from a Lady Lion and the truly good ones are not afraid to work.  To be an elite player, a good work ethic is an absolute requirement.

Some of you will make a name for yourself this season because your competitive fire lights up at game time.  Do you remember the day or the moment you decided you were always going to do your best?  

There are no short cuts to being great.

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