Do you keep your cool during a basketball game?
Are you a hot head when something doesn’t go your way?
Are you one who complains and battles the official when a call or two goes against you?
Day 37– Poise
Poise, staying cool. It’s the ability to play your best when your best is needed.
You hear it all the time; ‘they play with poise’. But just what is playing with poise really mean? A poised player is one who is thinking straight. They refuse to let someone rattle them. It’s not self-destruction when things get heated.
What about not losing your cool during a tough practice or a very physical game?
How about if your opponent throws an elbow at you while the official isn’t looking? Are you going to keep your composure and not retaliate? Or are you going to swing back, and get caught by the officials and thrown out of the game, possibly enduring a suspension and hurting your teams’ chances of winning?
What if a foul is called on you, will you argue with the official? If the coach takes you out of the game will you pout at the end of the bench?
If you turn the ball over on offense, get back on defense and do your best to get it back.
How do you react when the defense is shutting you down, when they don't give you an inch? Do you keep your poise and help the team win or get upset because things aren't going as you planned?
We play a tough and physical brand of basketball, but there should never be an excuse for losing your poise.
