What does being a team player mean?

[sim111]

To me, it means just that, doing whatever is best for the TEAM I have met some fantastic people over the course of my years with GBB however by that same token, I have met some of the most selfish people in my life. I truly don't understand the logic of some and usually when you do good things for others, good things happen for you. It's sad how some parents feel winning is the most important thing and what's even sadder is they let their kids feel the same way. Some kids feel playing with certain kids is beneath them as do their parents and this is when someone truly shows their colors. Nothing upsets me more that selfishness and fortunately my kids are not that way. I recall our head coach asking my daughter year after year if she wanted to play with a more high profile team with better players however she stayed the course. The one year she did play for another team in order to try and get more National Exposure, she let it be known she would play in the July events to help her Houston teammates get looks. To me, this attitude shows the true team concept, willing to help others instead of worrying about self. Too bad more folks don't look at this way, nor do they choose to teach it.

[txbasketball24]

I agree 100%

[KickinAsphalt]

Simmie - I hear what you're saying about loyalty and being a good teammate, but my daughter could really use some help with this.

The entire varsity team, except her, graduated in June. Most of the JV squad moved up, along with a few freshman players.

Now, keep in mind that my daughter has played seriously for 5 years, trained all year and started traveling the National Summer Circuit a year ago. She is very serious about her game, works on it 12 months out of the year, and her goal is to play in college.

The girls on her new varsity squad are nice girls, but very inexperienced in basketball. A few have played in club teams over the years, but are not highly skilled. The rest have basically just picked it up a couple of years ago and are not serious ball players. As a result, there is a HUGE discrepancy in the skill level and experience.

It would not be so discouraging for her if she were a 6' 3" center and could just catch the ball over everyone's heads and pop it into the basket, but she is a guard.

The team plays in a fairly competitive league and she knows she will be double and tripled teamed all season.

She is feeling extremely discouraged about all of this. She does not have one teammate who takes the game nearly as seriously as she does. She gets very little help on the court.

As a result, she really doesn't want to play on this team, but there are few alternatives unless she wants to sit out next year.

Any advice to give her?

[sim111]

My advice would be for her to just stick it out. If she's on the circuit playing competitive ball, she will be seen and if she wants to play college ball, sitting out may hurt her. The colleges will call the HS coach and ask why she quit and if he spins it because of her teammates, well that isn't good. Has she tried talking to her HS coach and explain her passion and what she sees from the other kids? I know this may sound stupid but playing would make her a better person and she will also get liife lessons on overcoming obstacles.

The thread I started was about some kids onour AAU Team that dogged it in a game because they had to play with kids who they felt were beneath them, even though all are trying to get where some think they are. Good luck to you guys and keep me posted.

[glenn]

KickinAsphalt,

I'm with Simmie on this. In almost every aspect of life, one does not get to choose ... even family! With every situation comes a growing edge. I would say this is an opportunity for your daughter to hone her leadership skills, to learn how to pass on her experience to others and be an even better teammate in trying circumstances. For the long term, there cannot be a downside.

[sim111]

A couple of years ago, neither one of us probably thought we would ever agree on anything. Thanks for cosigning and I sent you a PM on Schimmel.

[kj]

What a great opportunity for your daughter to learn about leadership -- a lesson that will help her both in her basketball career and beyond.

She could talk to her coach about her concerns, but it might be better for her to talk to her new teammates. Not to accuse them of not caring enough, not being skilled enough, or whatever, but to listen to them. What do they want out of this season? How can she help them make the most out of their first varsity basketball experience?

I'd bet if she shows them respect instead of disdain she'll them be able to show them (not tell or yell) how to practice the right way, how to have fun but not waste time, how to focus on fundamentals and not on flash. If they learn those things, she and her new teammates and probably their coaches will surprise a lot of teams and find themselves a lot more successful than they expect.