There's a big difference between being a basketball player... and someone who likes to play basketball.

One of the most difficult realizations a young athlete must learn to come to grips with as they move up to the next level, is being able to recognize that they may no longer be the “go to guy” on their team.

Athletes mature at different ages and I've seen numerous examples of a 6^th or 7^th grader that was absolutely the best player on their team, and within a year or two, their teammates mature and catch up and even surpass them in athletic ability and game skills.

It can be even more difficult for the athlete to grasp if they reach a plateau where they aren't getting any better, and their teammates continue to excel.

As athletes move up to the next level, more and more demands will be required of them. Shooting baskets out in your driveway was the only real practice needed when you played youth ball. If you could hit shots, the ball went to you in the game. Not necessarily because you were so good... but maybe because your teammates couldn't shoot.  As you move into more competitive Middle & High School play, shooting isn't nearly enough to earn playing time.

Recognize that you are competing against your teammates for playing time. Making the team didn't mean that you were the best (no matter how much you may love the game), it only means that you were in the top 12-15 kids out of the 30 or 35 that tried out.  If you don't think you are getting the minutes you deserve, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions and be honest in your answers...

Where do I rank against my teammates in the following areas:

Defense?

Quickness & athleticism?

Ball handling?

Court Awareness?

Understanding the offense & knowing the plays?

Hustle?

Conditioning?

Leadership on the court?

To excel at the next level means you'll have to work a lot harder to improve your skills (both mental & physical) more than just shooting around in your driveway and during scheduled practices. You're going to have to make specific improvement a priority outside of scheduled practices.  

There's a big difference between being a basketball player... and someone who likes to play basketball.

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