It’s time for basketball tryouts. Many young people across the country are going to be cut from a basketball team. When you are cut from a team, from high school all the way down to an elementary school select team, it can be devastating. It also presents young people with an important decision… now what?

The most important answer to that question is that you can’t react to being cut by doing nothing. Meaning, “just hanging out” or “playing video games.”
If you get cut from the basketball team, here are three great options to keep you motivated, active and participating.

Play another winter sport

Wrestling, swimming, ski team, indoor track and indoor soccer are all options. I’ve known many young men who became wrestlers after being cut from basketball and found great success on the mat!

Perhaps you could use this new found time to take up a non-school sport, like martial arts, indoor rock climbing or snowboarding.

Find another way to play basketball

Find a team that doesn’t cut! Parks & Rec. is a great option. Find a private basketball coach to really improve your skills for next year. Find open gym options to get out and play the game you love regardless of being on a team or not.

Train for a spring sport

What do you like to do in the spring? Tennis, golf, track, baseball, softball or ultimate frisbee? Start training now! Just think of how much progress you could make between now and the spring with a solid game plan that includes great coaching and deliberate practice!

Contact me and let’s talk about helping your child come up with a game plan that they love.

I’d love to be an additional positive voice in your child’s life as they deal with being cut. To help them transition from that disappointment to the hopefulness and excitement that comes from having a new plan, new goals and being motivated to pursue and activity with gusto!

Obstacles are opportunities. Getting cut is an obstacle, so let’s make the most of the opportunity!