In every sport there must be some type of team camaraderie or bond that is developed in order for a team to be successful. Rarely do you hear of a team winning a championship and the players disliking each other. Building a bond is important in sports, especially when you are playing in a hostile environment or when the odds are stacked against you. When times are tough its important for a team to stick together and not look to put the blame on someone else. Below are 4 great basketball quotes that will help motivate players to stand for each other and ultimately build a strong locker room.
1. "Individual commitment to a group effort--that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." -Vince Lombardi
Basketball is a team sport and unlike wrestling or bowling, you need your teammates too succeed. Trusting your teammates and having each others back is extremely important through out the season. When times get tough on and off the court, the closer you are with your teammates, the easier it will be to overcome the obstacles. Make sure everything you do on and off the court is to benefit the team. This will lead to team success when it really matters!
2. "I invite everyone to choose forgiveness rather then division, teamwork over personal ambition." -Jean-Francios Cope
It's important every player understands group and team success comes before individual success. If players are only focused on their own personal goals, the team will suffer and often times individual goals will never be achieved. Anytime one person's success overshadows the ultimate team goal, there will be division and problems within the locker room. Leadership trickles down from the top. Sometimes a coach can step in and take responsibility for mistakes even if it's really not their fault when blame must be taken. This is difficult to do, but will ultimately bring a team together.
3. "Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." -Mattie Stepanek
In sports we often see the team that is unified as one, plays as one, and thinks as one, usually has the most success and enjoys doing it at the same time. When individual players think their way is the best way and coaches think the same, separation within the team begins. Great coaches learn how to mold and adjust to their players and likewise, great players can mold and adjust to any style coach. The flexibility part is important and when people within a team see a person sacrificing and giving everything they have, it becomes contagious. There is unity in strength and when a team is a well oiled machine, the sky is the limit.
4. "The important thing is that your teammates have to know you're pulling for them and you really want them to be successful." -Kobe Bryant
Selflessness is one of the most important parts of team success and building team camaraderie. It's a great feeling knowing someone has your back no matter what. When you can play a sport knowing you have teammates who will support you through mistakes and blunders it makes all the difference. Playing uptight and afraid will equal failure at any level. When you genuinely enjoy your team and show that to your teammates, it will translate into wins and a natural flow on the court. When there is no ego or individual goal, extra passes will be made, unselfish plays will be made, and that will make any team hard to handle when game time comes!
These 4 basketball quotes will help coaches and players understand and believe in a team concept. With team camaraderie success will follow and you will finish the season satisfied in what you've accomplished. Be accountable in your training and get the most out of your skill set. Always be sure to train hard, train smart and train with a purpose!
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