Good leaders stand out on the basketball court. A true leader will play with a sense of calmness and confidence in the most tension-filled moments of the game. In many cases, the leader of the basketball team is its best scorer. That makes sense because key shots will need to be taken when the game is on the line. But leadership is about more than scoring points. A leader must take responsibility for key plays and help other players execute them to the best of their ability.
Step 1
Command the ball on key possessions. A point guard is often in the position to do this because the ball is in his hands most of the time. When you have the ball, you will look for open teammates, drive the ball to open spots on the floor or take the shot when the opposing defense gives you an opening. A leader will make the best decision with the ball and will act decisively on the majority of his team's possessions.
Step 2
Take the toughest offensive player when your team is on defense. Playing defense is often a function of toughness and will. When you can slow down or stop the best offensive player your opponent has on a consistent basis, you will be respected as a leader on your team.
Step 3
Dive hard for loose balls and hustle every opportunity you have. Many players talk about being a hard worker, but the player who does the dirty work by going to the ground for loose balls, taking the charge on defense or going to the glass where a player may have to take an elbow to the face to get the rebound will be respected for his work ethic and will become a leader.
Step 4
Crave the last shot when the game is on the line. When your team is in the final seconds of a game, your coach will often decide who gets to take the last shot. He will be able to sense who wants to take the shot and who is overwhelmed by the responsibility. If you want to take that shot and you stay after practice to work on your range, release and consistency, you will get a chance to prove your worth as a player and a leader by getting tapped by your coach to take the game-winning or game-tying shot.
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