Blog Post #72, August 15, 2009

Take It; It's Yours

About one month ago, I turned into the Costco parking lot and thought, although the chances were slim, I would try and get a parking spot up close. With low hopes, I methodically drove toward the building, looking to my left and right, hoping to get lucky. And then the miracle happened. As rarely as finding a four-leaf clover, a car was backing out of the end space, the space closest to the building. I was swollen with pride. Wisely, I turned on my blinker to let everyone know the pecking order had been determined, and I inched toward the spot. This spot was mine. I mean, this was A-1 Prime Position, twenty steps from the front door. I anticipated the envy of those who would see me pull in, as they were completing their marathons from the back of the parking lot. I envisioned myself majestically getting out of my car, making eye contact, and flauntingly saying, “Good day.”

I inched a little closer as the retreating car was now completely out of the spot. I checked my rearview mirror and saw at least ten marathoners that were about to witness the catch of the day. The car went forward and I stepped on the gas, ready to make my grand entrance. And then it happened; another car came from the opposite direction, slipped right in front of me, and dove into my spot. I just sat there, blinker on, mouth wide open, and blood pressure approaching that of Archie Bunker.  

Today, I watched a seven-foot, high school, basketball player participate in a summer camp. They played three-on-three. Although I saw definite talent, he didn’t show it; he didn’t get good position, didn’t get the rebounds he should have, and got his shot blocked. Like the car that took my spot at Costco, his opponents took his position, took his rebounds, and took his shot away from him.

During a break, I called him over and talked to him. Here’s what I said: “Mike, if I had a basketball in my hands and let it go, what would happen to it? Yes, it would fall to the ground and eventually come to rest. That basketball is a lifeless object; it’s not going to jump into your hands. You have to take it. Not only do you have to take it; in many situations, you have to take it away from somebody else. When you get position, you have to take that position away from someone else. That’s basketball. Stand around and wait for something good to happen and you’ll be average. Take what is rightfully (or not rightfully) yours, and you’ll become a productive basketball player. And you know what? You’ll have a lot of fun too.” 

I am 100% sure Mike will read this blog post so I’m going to speak personally to him. Mike, I’m going to list all the situations I can think of and illustrate exactly what it means to “take” what is yours. 

1. Posting Up on the Side of the Lane: Take all the space your defender gives you, and more; move toward the basket, make contact with him and, with the side of your body and hip, push him another two feet under the basket. Then go take the pass.
2. Posting Up in the Middle of the Lane: Flash into the lane and make contact with your hip and upper back. Move the defender under the basket. Take the space and then go take the ball.
3. Inside Scoring: When you receive the ball in close, take the two points. Don’t shoot like you “hope” the shot is going to go in; put it in. And if you miss, follow it up and then put it in. You earned the position so you deserve to score. It’s yours so take it.
4. Defensive Rebounding: Every shot is a pass to you. That ball has your name on it. Don’t let those others take what is yours. Block out, get up in the air, and take it away from anyone else that might want it. 
5. Offensive Rebounding: The defender has position. Think of that space as a parking spot and take it away from him. He thinks that position is his but he is grossly mistaken; it’s up for grabs. Go take it and then take the rebound. 

Mike, I have no idea how this will motivate you. If it does, I might have created a monster. But if, in the future, you and I are at Costco competing for a parking spot—don’t you even think about it!