Next Play?

After my timeout message about focusing on the next play, I asked the girls to put their hands in. I began, "1-2-3" and in unison the girls belted out, "Next Play!" 

The five 6th grade Next Play Spring AAU team players broke the huddle and walked onto the court.

Julia turned and smiled, "Oh, I get it. It's not just the name of the program." I smiled, too. We had been together for a few months when the light bulb went off for that 12 year old. We want our players to focus on the next thing that is coming at them.

Our Next Play Basketball program is designed to help players develop their confidence, skill, and understanding of the game. We teach and preach Next Play. 

We want the players to stay even keeled on the court when things are going well or when they aren't. Miss a shot, “Next Play!” Turn the ball over, “Next Play!” The players routinely call this out to one another to help the team move forward and focus on what's next.

Sometimes the players get excited when things are going well and celebrate or even over celebrate and And-1! In basketball, the game is fluid and there's a lot of ups and downs. We preach "Next Play."

We want our players to learn how to settle themselves, to "be in the moment" and get ready for the next play!

It's been a lot of fun helping players like Julia develop the mindset that will help her on and off the court! We look forward to our returning players and the new players who are eager to join our family.

Written by Coach Matt Paul

Tryouts for our spring teams start on Jan 22nd!