Practice

Practice

By: Greg Tuchek, Pro Shot Trainer, Venice Beach Basketball Hall of Fame Player 

I don't get these guys nowadays. Don't get me wrong, I hated running... But, I looked forward to competing. My goal was to take your spot, or keep mine. I looked forward to getting better every day! I wanted to win every sprint or at least come in the top three. My speed developed so much running sprints. At Long Beach City, Red was the first team. White was the second. I was on white my whole freshman year. I was new to organized basketball and just happy to be a part of the team. I wasn't tainted by the "superstar" mentality. I played hard EVERY possession. I would get the red team so mad! I would sneak in for an offensive rebound and coach would go ballistic. I just thought that is how you were supposed to play. Like a "Rudy," but with more talent. 

I was a good teammate and we could be cool after, but, you had what I wanted. I tell my kids and players, "try to be a part of every play." For example, every free throw, I try different things when we are shooting. If I am up against a big dude, I try to sneak around him and get to the ball. Or, I will try to time it and tap it out. On "D" my hands were always active. Got my hand on so many balls. My son is just like me. He is the deflection king! I tried to get every rebound. I followed my teammates on easy layups. I got so many follow up baskets like that. I was hoping they would miss! Play every play!!! 

I recieved this story from the UW Women's Basketball Newsletter newsletter via Coach Mike Neighbors.  To recieve the weekly newsletter, email him at nabes22@uw.edu.