I have so many players that I speak with and work with who believe that improving is a quick fix.  That if they work on something for a week, month or even two months that they will have MASTERED it!  In my experience, anything learned and mastered takes a great deal of time and concentrated effort. 

I just finished reading a book called the TALENT CODE by Daniel Coyle.  The book talks about how to build skill, sustain skill and how to master a particular skill.  In his studies he found that it either took 10 years or 10,000 hours to master a particular skill (i.e. playing defense, shooting, ball handling, passing, etc).  I find this very true!  Now, with that being said, the challenge I give to all of your players out there is where do you stand in that 10,000 hours at this very moment?  Are you in your first 1,000 hours?  3,000? 5,000? 500?

So, now we go back to our initial question and that is – When does next season start?  It starts now!!!  If you want to improve your status (are you starting, coming off the bench, riding the bench) or accomplish the goals (to be all league, start, be a contributor, play more, make the team) you have set out for next season, that work begins now!  What you work on now will be there for you next year!  If you wait too long, you are in essence pushing the pause button on that “10,000 hours” needed for you to master the necessary skills in basketball!

GET TO WORK IMMEDIATELY!!!  LETS GO HOOP DREAMERS, DREAM BIG!!!