A basketball team can have explosive scorers, gifted ball handlers, monster rebounders and tenacious defenders. Fans can witness all of their gifts over the course of a game, as well as on the stat sheets. But all good basketball teams have something that doesn't jump out at you -- leaders. Without good leadership on the floor, even the most talented team is unlikely to live up to expectations.
Court Smarts
You may have heard of a basketball player being called "a coach on the floor." That is as high a compliment as a player can get, and it is a sure sign of a leader. Coaches do what they can from the bench and during timeouts, but the leader is right in the middle of the action. When challenges arise such as confusion running an offensive set or a defensive breakdown, the leader recognizes the problem and takes proper steps to find a solution.
Dirty Work
Basketball players who shy away from some of the difficult aspects of the game are not leaders. Taking a charge is a perfect example. It is not easy to stand flat-flooted and absorb contact from the ball handler. But it is a big part of the game and the leader steps up and takes the charge. True leaders also dive on the floor for loose balls and pass to teammates with better shot opportunities rather than trying to force shots of their own.
Ego Check
The leader is usually one of the top players on the team. However, the best leaders are humble and don't holler and scream for the basketball so they can take every shot. Leaders make sure the other four players stay involved in the game. They are also the first ones to offer congratulations on a good play or a pat a teammate on the back following a mistake.
Crunch Time
You see true leaders step up when the outcome of the game is on the line. They are not afraid to take the shot at the buzzer that determines a win or a loss. Leaders also accept the challenge of driving the ball to the basket, drawing the foul and shooting the decisive free throws. Basketball is a sport packed with pressure, but the leader never panics.
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