Day 19: Share your skills

By Darren Gorton on September 19, 2010 in Resources

This article is part of the series “30 days to being a better basketball player“.

"Coach Brown Profile" by kenyaboy7, via flickr

One of the most incredible ways to learn is trying to teach.

Have you ever thought you’ve understood a maths concept or knew how to conjugate a verb, then tried teaching someone else? It’s only when you’re trying to teach that you find out whether you really know what you’re talking about.

If you’ve been playing basketball for more than a year, chances are you’ve picked up some knowledge and skills along the way that someone else doesn’t have. This is your opportunity to pass on those skills, to contribute to the development of someone else… and to learn a little about yourself along the way too.

Don’t think there’s anybody you can teach?

You’ll be surprised. Look around you. Youngsters on the team, some of the kids on the team a year or two behind you, or if you’re a bit older perhaps your kids or your friends’ youngsters.

Make a decision to take someone under your wing and teach them what you know. You might know a whole lot, or you might not. It doesn’t really matter as long as you’re patient, willing to try and you’re genuinely interested in that person’s development.

Try setting aside some specific time every week or couple of weeks to get together on the court, and see how it develops from there.

The guidance and direction you impart could be invaluable to that person’s life.