Putting in the Reps

My son asked for private lessons with a former NBA star from the Utah Jazz and I told him the lessons are so expensive that he would need to prove over 6 months his dedication to the game he loves so much in order to earn such an opportunity.

Every day I would hear the ball bouncing in the driveway outside of my home office.  Most days I would go out and join him, trying not to coach too much (so that he doesn’t feel every time shooting baskets with Dad he’s being critiqued), but also showing him the in’s and out’s of the game I love, too.

It has been a very bonding experience.  I am so impressed with this 9-going-on-16 year old boy who is so determined to become great at his chosen sport.

The day came and I revealed to him he was going to get lessons from none other than our local hero and legend, Thurl Big T Bailey of NC State Championship and Utah Jazz fame.  My son could barely contain his excitement and ran right outside to practice more.

The coaching session with Thurl was very inspiring (link here).  It’s all about doing things technically well, not just making the basket.

He then taught my son the supremely essential lesson of Putting in the Reps.

Same shot, only using the one hand to shoot, the other only for balance.  Over and over and over and over.  Now let’s tweak it, video it, make sure we’re doing it right.  Shoot again, over and over and over.  

Same dribble, just pound the ball, don’t lallygag, commit to pressing the ball into the floor so they can’t steal it.  Up and down the court, over and over.  

Same stance, always be in triple threat, ready to guard the ball or receive it.  Over and over and over again.  

It was wonderful to watch Thurl teach this valuable life lesson to my son, and amazing to see how he has responded, as he has improved exponentially after just one lesson, because he’s now putting in the reps.

Putting in the reps can feel very boring, even if it’s doing something you love.  But in order to master a skill, putting in the reps, and doing them correctly, are required.

And as always, this comes back to The Promise to dedicate time, focus energy, and remember the reason you are doing what you’re doing with your life.   How have you put in the reps toward fulfilling your dreams today?

~ jason

Jason Hewlett, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, is a Keynote Speaker for the largest corporate events in the world. His primary message, The Promise, is essential for Leadership, Management, Sales, Marketing, Direct-Sales Companies, and is a combination of engagement and entertainment meets inspiration.  Jason has even received standing ovations from IT guys.  He has been acknowledged as life-changing by Conference Attendees, C-Level Executives and Hollywood Elite.  jasonhewlett.com

Please click here to learn about how Jason Hewlett, Speaker Hall of Fame, introduces the opportunity for you, or someone you love, to have the gift of learning how to create a Career From the Stage and begin moving toward fulfilling a lifelong dream as a full-time speaker, performer, or entertainer.