http://virtualgameofbasketball.com/VirtualPlayersBlog

Please renew your Subscription

Reenter The Basketball Matrix

It’s unbelievable  how most basketball players think they already “know”- at least enough (especially older players).  On top of that,  they refuse (somehow ?)  to believe that what they don’t know not only shows, but is ultimately  vital to their success. It’s craziness. But in the world of basketball, that’s how it is -for the most part, even non-players think they know. This is delusion of the most high.  No other sport is quite as bad. Sh!  If only basketball was as simple as: a ball , a hoop , a couple of crossovers, a made three-pointer here and there,  and whala … give me the jersey –please!

Hoop is such a glamour/warrior driven sport  that egos are clad in tuxedos. Help is for others, but not me though?  Even if you can play , you probably can’t really play anywhere near where you think you can.  The vast majority of  players think their capacities are  120+ % of their actual self. That is, they think their capability (in a certain area or overall game) is at 100, but their actual proficiency  or ability  is closer to 80 in this scenario. I will say however, that a person with true ability who thinks this way is quite dangerous, especially in comparison to capable players who think 70 or 80% of self (think they’re at 70-80 % when they’re actually at 100%) — but that’s another issue.

Many ballplayers would rather be “…ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” (Norman Vincent Peale). In fact, many people do everything in their power to  surround themselves with people who will always say positive things about them and give them approval. Understandably, people generally don’t like being criticized.  But in order to truly improve, you must find a way to embrace it, rather than run away from it. Getting approval is very easy.  Getting the “real talk” can be tough, but worth the effort.  You can always find at least one person who will tell you exactly what you want to hear.

In order to improve, you need to ask yourself what you can do to grow, evolve, and excel.  You also need to seek people  who have solution-based information.  Since everybody knows something about basketball, you must develop an effective filtering method for the information you move forward with.  Ask: Does the information giver offer a Verification Model ( Information, Demonstration, Explanation and confirmation) ? Keep in mind, that when you do receive constructive criticism (quality information),  be certain to  listen to it and apply it to your program (skills, methods, and understandings).  Otherwise, it becomes a wasted opportunity.     People who “Listen to the Message” grow.  Most players fail to learn from criticism (see: “The Brain Game” chapter 2 in the Sampler) and therefore cannot adapt in response to it.

Bottom Line: Seek optimization where you can find it and  please….

“DON’T COMPROMISE YOURSELF… YOU’RE ALL YOU GOT!” — Janis Joplin

Proper footwork in basketball is as vital to successful play as effective skating is to quality hockey play. After all, foot control (explosive stops and starts) is a key element of body control and controlling opponents. If you cannot skate, you will never be an effective hockey player regardless of your other skills; likewise in basketball. Therefore you must understand how your feet operate. The feet are made of two parts. The balls of the feet are the Go or Push pads and are used to power your system.  The heels are the brakes and are used primarily for stopping and stabilization. Having your energy backward on your heels or operating on the brakes means you are stuck (flat) to the floor and slower to react.  (Note: Engaging the toes to the floor in a gripping fashion shifts your energy forward and keeps you on your pads.  This promotes instant forward movement or explosion…

“Every Step You Take” addresses the power of every step on earth for everyday walking. For  sports, how you operate your feet  determines your balance, stability and ability  to locomote effectively and deceptively.  If you think you  are ”non-athletic” or have  slow feet in your sport, check first to see if you operating on your feet properly.  Determine if your energy is typically moving towards  your “push pads” (balls of your feet) on steps or back towards the brakes (heels) .  It’s okay to have your heels touch the floor as long as your energy (from the heel) is moving away from the ground during the stride forward .  

“No homo, but Ray Allen’s sh*t looks like he’s got baseballs in his legs. Ray must walk on the balls of his feet because I can’t see any amount of training that would make his calf muscles that big and leave the rest of his leg skinny.” 
http://forums.projectcovo.com/showthread.php?t=1021215

 I notice players with poor foot mechanics and ones with great feet for that matter.  But poor foot mechanics is a  major contributor in lack of athletic prowess and simply an unnecessary handicap. Futhermore , individuals with bad foot mechanics and/or poor structure (geometric harmony) are also prone to injury.

Notice. The vast majority of players that can jump, or those with speed or quickness generally walk the same way. It’s true  for the mediocre and athletically challenged as well.  The typical step of that group is  heel first walking (touching). Notice. The heel first walker usually has less calf definition also,  less  hamstring and less pronounced glutes.  Hmmm… who would you rather be?

When you catch people at the gym walking up on their  toes … are you really surprised when they can jump or are explosive?  I know embouchure is a term used to describe the proper approach or positioning  of the lips on the mouthpiece of an instrument, but I like to think of the feet and their grip to  the court (or earth) in that way.  I talk extensively about this in the “Virtual Game…”, “We Can Build You”-Chapter 4.  Once you understand proper foot mechanics  and subsequently foot control, you’ll be able to control opponents with  greater ease; especially in basketball (with the law of leadership) or right to be first (in movement).

You have the power in every step you take to make a difference in the symmetry of your body and your physical capacity.   A whole generation wanted to be like Mike. It should include walking him. Be cognizant of how  you walk. Soon you’ll be better equipped to walk the walk and perhaps… talk the talk.

Growing as a basketball player through the programming of optimal default settings is the most challenging, frustrating, and rewarding processes I have been a part of. Already I am able to see the infinite connections between the hardwood and the “real world” and how easily success on the court can be translated to success in life. A virtual basketball player is unstoppable with unlimited potential.. the same is true for a virtual individual.

The Game After the Game: A Player’s perspective of  Virtual Play applied outside the Hardwood.  By Jordan Hamilton

When I began “virtual” training 7 years ago, I had the simple goal of improving my basketball game.   I had no idea I would be  able to accomplish so much on and off the court.  In fact, I’m in the process of  turning a lifelong dream(s) into reality. My success in basketball can be quantified though numerous athletic  awards and a  Division 1 scholarship. My scholastic awards speak for themselves.  However, it’s hard to quantify how much I’ve changed as a person. The countless hours I’ve spent in the gym programming inside of virtual play is why I’ve gotten where I have in basketball and why I believe I will end up where I want to go in life. Much of “The Virtual Player’s Blog” focuses on virtual play in the context of basketball. I intend to take a step back and look at  how “going virtual” has taken my life game  to another level.

Becoming a virtual player has been the most challenging task I have undertaken, and one I have yet to complete. The difficulty lies in working inside the small details of complete functions. These small parts – each mathematically efficient,  are compounded together to create powerful default settings for successful play or on the everyday level- modes of conduct. The required understanding of how each part contributes to the effectiveness of the whole and greater picture is what makes virtual play difficult, but also superior to any other form of skill development I’ve experienced.

Virtual play  forces you to accept , internalize, and execute specific information. This process demands  extreme focus (in order to stay present  against the emotional distraction of the brain while dealing with  material that has not already been programmed into the system).  Each rep  must be analyzed  and necessary adjustments  must follow. Perfect reps are difficult to come by and lack of emotional control further inhibits growth.

The good news is, with each perfect rep comes development and  a strong sense of confidence and empowerment to do anything.  As long as I’m willing to work on the right things, it  gives me a huge boost on the court and a tremendous edge in the classroom.  Of course, no one has command over each area, but through programming, proficiency will improve at a rapid rate.  I’ve found these skills to be useful in every area of my life – including  relationships and daily interactions.

My Journey as a virtual player has been rewarding beyond belief.  I’m winning the greatest battle of all: the battle over the mind. Over the years I’ve steadily surpassed my peers  and  believe no obstacle is too great. I continue to improve technically and emotionally while others seem to mostly maintain or improve only physically.   I recommend exploring the world of virtual play for anyone looking for an edge in basketball and a model for successful life. Virtual play has changed my life forever and for the better.

This is the dawn of the new  basketball vanguard . “The  Virtual Game…” will usher in a new understanding of prowess, objective and expectation.  I hope the articles to date have moved you at least closer towards the world of Virtual Play and the realm of optimization.

Welcome to the basketball matrix.  Here ultimate technique meets artistic expression. As a Virtual Player, you are bound only by perfection and emotion. Actualization as a Virtual Player occurs when you have mastered the art of allowing yourself to demonstrate the full gamut of your skill sets in the moment of exchange.

The road to virtual actualization is an arduous journey. It is truly the road less traveled. It takes incredible brainpower and discipline to deal with the rigors of programming and development: Man vs. Brain is the main event in an emotional “super fight.” So few stay the path as the stress and strain of change becomes too difficult and the process outweighs the passion and resolve of the individual. It is understandable. A Virtual Player is a rare treasure and like the most precious stone, the product of proper pressure, focus and time. Pressure to improve steadily. Focus on the right materials. And time to make it all happen.

May this material be a new testament for a new

millennium player

VP’s objectives for play are governed by net result and outcomes. Success is based on established default settings for optimal performance and extreme focus. VP’s mental make-up is one of emotional control. This control is rooted in the ability to withstand the toll of programming – interjecting commands to forge positive reps and acquire skill. VP’s realize they are greater than the brain and can exercise dominion through hyper-focus and a calm assertive mind. This mastery of the brain game will stand as a purposeful model of understanding advancement for whatever else in life.

As a VP you function as a viable component of any system.  You understand that it takes the right inputs for the right outputs and are machine-like in your approach. Intellectually you process the action of the game frame-by-frame, as if driving through an uncontrolled intersection: quick to assess and ready to act. This ability makes you an outstanding decision-maker even under duress. In fact, the more pressure you are subjected to, the closer you will move toward your defaults for clean play and performance. You fully embrace the law of leadership and work to preserve your offensive advantage to be first.  Your mission defensively is to “SCHOOL” your opponent and protect the “Queen” by any legal means necessary.

You are supremely confident, and your purpose and resolve is unshakable. You evoke the ire of inferior competition and the nodded respect of other true players. Purists will revel in the “basicology” of your play. However you must accept the reality and responsibility of continuously impacting others both positively and negatively. People’s perceptions of you as a player and person will be in constant flux as they attempt to balance your ability with their ego. Still, you must continue working to minimize negative impacts involving those in your environment who cannot comprehend your prowess or processes. Your sole goal is chartable growth at all times.

Technology will forever change. You must adapt to these changes or be prepared to fall short of your objectives.

Be gracious in victory and honorable in defeat. You are a Virtual artist who respects the game and others who play it. Above all, you respect yourself enough to register and accept optimization where you may find it. Grow in the game like you will play forever. Play like it is your last opportunity to perform –  “The Virtual Game of Basketball”

There will come a crossroad in every player’s journey between basketball life and life itself. For many basketball isn’t just a way of life, but rather, larger than life and  inextricably linked to their identity and sense of self.  As a result, far too many players get lost in the quagmire of unfulfilled dreams  when basketball is no longer a realistic priority.   As painful as the transition may be, don’t despair, I declare… if you can hoop there’s hope. 

If you can hoop (especially if you’re a star), it  means you’ve put  an inordinate amount of energy into developing your skill sets.  All those long hours on the playground and in the gym were not in vain. It’s time for the payoff.  Maybe it’s not how you imagined  it would be with a college scholarship or pro contract in hand, but, what you did get is a lifetime of benefit package and it’s ready to be activated.

The adage sports can teach you a life ‘s lesson if you let it is definitely true.  So now ask yourself the question … what have been the lessons learned inside your time in basketball.  Basketball gloriously is just  a model of life.  The same keys to success in the sports realm are transferable to life situations. So again, as daunting as a direction change seems at the moment; have no fear, sports has taught you tremendous things.

You have hands on experience with quick analysis and decision-making.  You are schooled in  group dynamics and goal setting.  You know what it’s like to be disciplined and dedicated.  You’ve walked the walk  because you understand the correlation between inputs for outputs and how each component impacts the whole unit.  You know how to execute and  persevere under pressure because you’ve been pushed to the limit and found a way to survive and enjoyed success.  You’ve beat the odds before and it was  your passion and refuse to lose attitude the carried you through.

Passion is the fuel that helps you motor through the tedium of all that is required of you on your journey to where you want to go.

Trust me. Developing yourself inside any sport may be the toughest challenge you face in life.  With the right approach (bring your “A” game), any other endeavor is just as doable- at least.

As kids we are taught to dream big and work like hell to make it come true.   Well… Don’t believe the hype — at least not entirely.  Dreams do come true (it could happen to you)- perhaps you’ve heard the jingle?  Yep… they may come true , but only if you do what must be done to embody the caliber of who you want to be.  In basketball, like many endeavors,  there is such a narrow window in which to actualize as a performer, particularly if you have aspirations of playing collegiately or professionally. Often times, hoop dreams turn to hoop hopes, which  turn to unanswered prayers. Those that continue to live the dream are but  hopeless dreamers, desperately trying to get through a window that will never open. This is the case in all sports, but painfully true  in basketball.

Truthfully, the window was never really open. Of  the  myriad of  challenges  on the road to a college scholarship or NBA opportunity - being skilled enough is one of them. It seems that  so many skilled individuals  never quite make it to the big-time. On closer look, these players typically have “little things” missing from their games.  What’s missing is usually trace elements of successful play that go unnoticed by most (players),  because they’re unknown by most - and that includes modern coaches.  This makes many so close… yet so far away from their goals.  As a result,  individuals never quite get what they really need to make it happen – unless they somehow randomly acquire the skill sets. Good Luck, somebody has to win the “lottery?”

What are the chances of randomly acquiring the necessary skill sets to become a top player? As a result, “stars” are rare.  That means most players are in desperate need of the right information or materials to become the diamond of their dreams…

The key is preparing yourself  properly as quickly as possible to fit inside the limited time frame available to capitalize.  Think of how many people would be high school stars,  if they were allowed to participate years after their eligibility.   This holds true for every level.  There are former college players  playing in Men’s and Women’s leagues across the country who would kill in college.  However, with their eligibility gone… so is their opportunity.

What is needed is some sort of guide to help you down the path. The guide could be an individual, reference material or both.

This way, there’s a greater opportunity to make it to the Big-time ….in Real-time!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OTHER ARTICLES UNDER NEW POSTS

Focus = Grit =Toughness.     

… heart and grit are the soul of any player. Some players just have that “thing”:  it is hard to put a finger on or define it, yet it is so easy to recognize. Many times grit is the deciding factor between otherwise equal adversaries.  In fact, a high Grit-factor (G-Factor) raises the other  categories of play  up a notch. Without it you may lose confidence under adversity, experience diminished skills or even the capacity to think clearly.     

Everyone at some point has succumbed to pressure and performed poorly. It does not necessarily make you heartless – just human. Coaches tell players to be tough all the time. But what is tough really? What is “hard-nosed”? There are a number of factors that contribute to toughness and fortitude. Attitude and physical prowess are often key components, but grittiness – the ability to hyper-focus 100% on what is necessary for success in each moment of exchange – might be the most important.  As a coach, I demand intensity and intelligence from players, but above all focus.– The Virtual Game of Basketball     

Who are the focused ones?  On the verge of the NBA Finals, who are the  remaining players with the highest G-Factors?     

1)Kobe Bryant- it’s amazing how driven (willing) he is to carry the burden of a franchise, one tough- shot-made at a time.  As a coach you would prefer higher percentage shots than some of the looks he comes up with , but at the same time no one with any good sense would venture to do anything that would impact his indomitable spirit and incredible belief in self.     

2) Paul Pierce- His name speaks for itself… only he spells it with a P instead of an F. One of the fiercest competitors in Celtic history.   He plays angry and expects success whatever the circumstances. He carries himself like the game ball belongs to him, and you’re lucky you get to play… forget about winning (taking his ball home).     

Other “G-Men”: no particular order…     

Derek Fisher-  Surprise… but I  just shake my head after each big shot this guy makes for his team.  What an unheralded gem (and I’m sure highly appreciated by the Laker Brass)). No wonder his minutes never go away.  He’s not running fast or jumping high, but still quick to put a dagger  deep inside the heart of opponents.     

Kevin Garnett-  Kevin is  more hungry (for a title), than gritty, although he does posses a high G-Factor.  KG is the consummate warrior who still must bask in the glory of Celtic greatness to thaw from his cold beginnings in Minnesota.  Got to hand it to players that give only 100% (no excuses) when they’re far below 100% themselves.     

Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen – Both focus magicians.  These guys are sticklers to their respective roles.  They both could do more (especially RayRay) but they stay inside the “cut” for the cause.     

Also:  Nate Robinson- Forget about his high-flying antics, “Lil’ Him” is tough as nails– G-Factor off the chart and his  Belief in Nate– ridiculous. More than impressive to come off the bench and score a pro-rated 42 pts. in such a pressure packed moment — particularly after sitting so long all playoffs  (I love it).  C’mon…you know he’ll scrap with the PA announcer for the dub.  Hell,  he used a less vicious (mentally) Dwight Howard against himself to win the Slam Dunk Title? I think the Celtic environment will help him mature as a player and be more consistently responsible in every moment of exchange.     

 Doc and Phil- Both of these coaches would fight you, just like when they played.  Back in Phil’s day guys did fight.  My dad  (his teammate with the Knicks) said he hurt just to bump in to. Phil’s a massive shouldered  bruiser from Montana, with the discipline of a Yogi. His laser like ability to focus on what’s necessary for success  allows him to deal with and  appeal to each individual as part of something greater.     

Doc may not be as wise as Phil- yet, but his classy-hyper-intelligent -bully mentality as a player, grooved the perfect disposition to lead perhaps the model(?) organization in all of sports.  I’m sure he plays clips of Bird and Cowens flailing about the Garden.  How else could Rajon have known to posterize Jason Williams with a defensive , offensive gem combo in such a nasty green fashion?     

Above all Doc demands that the C’s play with the wisdom of the Boston Sages past.   Quietly, I think it’s enough to raise yet another banner.  Just don’t let Kobe know… Mamba’s are dangerous.     

I am a “hover ” lover. Discovering the advantages of hovering is where being first and creating space happens. Watch the NBA playoff games and check who’s hovering. PG’s — in particular, Nash , Rondo and Jameer Nelson. Amongst to 2′s Dragic hovers… Ray Allen hovers… JJ Reddick hovers and of course, Kobe hovers. Rashard and Vince hover, J Rich and Grant Hill hover. Indeed Paul Pierce does as well. KG hovers, Rasheed, Artest; so does Matt Barnes. Damn … it really must be something to the hover. The hover gives you time to make contrary decisions against your opponent and dictate offensively. Take it from the pros still in the hunt. Every scorer is an adorer of the hover. Whether they know it or not, it just may be the best friend they’ve got.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER ARTICLES ON THE SIDEBAR UNDER NEW POSTS!

This era of the physical freak has morphed the game of basketball beyond physical recognition. It is becoming more and more difficult to compete on today’s athletic plane. The odds of being the most physically gifted player on the court are quite slim. Even if you are today, you may not be tomorrow. For sustained success you must continue to grow in your knowledge (Know-How) of the game and continue to sharpen your application of technique “virtually.” Moreover, the ability to manipulate time, space and opponents beyond the use of just basketball fundamentals is the trademark of a Virtual Player (VP).  VP’s understand the math and science of the game. This application bridges the gap between the super-freak and the average athlete.    

Of course, there will always be guys who have success off of what they can do physically or by way of trickery. These players operate on Do-How as opposed to Know-How. They are highly capable and often physical freaks of some sort. Too often however, their inadequate comprehension or application of fundamentals limits their chance for consistent success at high levels of play. Know-How will win the series against Do-How almost always.    

This  discovery of optimization in Virtual Play has been absolutely fascinating and it never stops. Uncovering these truths and absolutes is the portal to peak performance … Technology will forever change. You must adapt to these changes, or be prepared to fall short of your basketball objectives.    

Top High School Players 2010

Hoopsf4Haiti Mix