There is a great scene in the film ‘The Untouchables’ where Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro discussed enthusiasm. It’s a classic scene. We continue with our 90 Day Basketball Improvement Plan.
Day 40 – Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is taken for granted in the game of basketball. I still don’t know why players don’t get excited when they step on the court? Do you ever see players who have zero energy? They play slow, are bad defenders and refuse to sprint up and down the court. Their body language is bad.
You have to be enthusiastic when it comes to working out. You have to be excited when you walk on the floor to practice and when it comes game time, you need to play like you’re on fire! You can’t take 15 minutes to get ready for a workout. I have seen kids dread walking in the gym, taking a long time to get changed into their workouts clothes.
I have witnessed players show up to practice uninspired, not willing to go hard and showing ‘zero’ enthusiasm. In order to have any progress with your game, enthusiasm is needed. During the game you should give everything you have; there should never be a time during the game you don’t go hard. Same goes for practice and workouts.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Of course, Steve, after his speech on “enthusiasm” and “teamwork” he proceeded to clock that screw-up over the head with his baseball bat!
That was a disturbing way to get one’s point across. Keep in mind, that was many years ago. Things have changed. LOL I think?