Don't worry about how many POINTS you score.
If you think the most important thing you can do on the basketball court is to score points, think again. Playing together as a unit and maximizing your team's ability to score points is the key (along with trying to keep the opposing team from scoring). Chances are, everyone on your team wants to make a lot of baskets and be the star. But that will not work when your are trying to be a team.
If the coach determines that the best way for your team to play is for you to take a large number of shots (and hopefully make them), then that's what you should do. But the coach may want you to concentrate more on playing tight defense on the opposing team's top scorer, or to try and pass more to your teammates to give them a better chance ro score. The point is, whatever is asked of you by your coach is what you should do. Working together as a team and achieving success as a group is always better than scoring a lot of points in a losing game where your team plays selfishly.
ASK THE COACH WHAT ROLE YOU SHOULD PLAY
If you are confused as to what your role on the team should be, just ask the coach. He or she will be happy to tell you, and even happier to know that you understand what playing on a team means. Also, do a quick self-analysis of your game. What do you do well and what do you need to work on? Maybe you are a great passer and dribbler, but you have not yet become a good outside shooter. Or your strength may be as a rebounder and defender. Together with your coach, you can determine what the best way is for you to contribute to the team. And remember, nothing is forever. The role you play today may change as your game improves and the coach sees how you can help the team in other areas.
