Often times we attribute the best player on the team to being the person who scores the most points, who has the most assists, or who plays the most during a game. However, being a leader is not something that shows up on the stat sheet when the game is all said and done. Being a leader means caring for your teammates, respecting your coaches, giving it your all, and leading by example.
There are plenty of small things you can do as a basketball player to make yourself into a true leader. Examples include:
- Encouraging teammates
- Helping an injured player
- Hosting a team dinner
- Helping a teammate with homework
- Bringing an extra pair of socks or a hair tie for someone
- Sharing your water bottle
- Thanking your coaches
Being a leader off the court is just as important as being a leader on it. Being a leader off the court means taking responsibility for your actions, striving to be the best person you can be, and respecting one another. Examples of being a leader off of the court include:
- Getting your homework done on time
- Doing your chores
- Caring for your friends and family
- Working hard at school
- Sacrificing play for school or work
- Thanking your parents
- Respecting your elders
A leader is someone who can fulfill these examples both on and off the court. A leader does not only do a couple of these things, but they achieve all of them and with great success. Becoming a leader takes time, but it is a path worth pursuing. Being a leader will earn you respect from your friends, teammates, coaches, parents, and other adults. By taking the steps to become a leader, you will ultimately be leading yourself on a journey to becoming a well-rounded person.
