"How a team approaches the game makes all the difference in the world. A team can take the floor with one of the three perspectives:
Team A goes out on the court feeling it must win at all cost, which places an unbelievable pressure on the athletes. This team will very rarely play anywhere near its potential.
Team B comes into games with a fear of losing. Therefore, the players play the game trying not to lose rather than trying to play their best. Again, this is an unhealthy attitude that will inhibit the players on the team from playing up to their potential.
Team C enters a game with the attitude that I stress: Play hard, play smart and have fun. This is the best approach because it promotes maximum effort from all members of the team while allowing them to enjoy the thrill of competition. In this situation, the players aren't burdened by the pressure of winning at all cost, nor do they fear losing. Rather, they simply try to give their best effort and to have fun, and, as a result, they play up to their potential.
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Basketball is just a game, it's supposed ti be fun, and we can have fun while we are busy playing hard and playing smart."
in Coaching Basketball Successfully, by Morgan Wootten
