A Game of Hoops!

Coach Wooden compared a game of hoops to how we can approach life with intent of success on our minds.

Initiative is like “shooting the ball”. It is more than merely taking the shot; it takes planning, patience to set up the play, and confidence. In harmony, “taking the initiative” in life involves preparing thoroughly in all ways and summoning the wherewithal to take action.

“Dribbling the ball” requires intense concentration and discipline. You must remain alert while doing so, if you wish to keep the ball under control as you advance down the court. In comparison, “being alert” means that you concentrate and discipline yourself to keep awake and perceptive.

In basketball the player must “bounce back” and get up after falling or failing. This is much like “showing intent”. Intentness means staying the course in life, even when that course is most difficult and the obstacles seem insurmountable.

With basketball it can be a challenge to maintain self-control. It’s so tempting to “follow the shiny ball” on offense. Without focus and self control the player lacks discipline needed to stay on defense. Life is much this way. We need self control to avoid succumbing to temptations that might lure us away from our path to success.