Watching game film is a part of the game that goes unappreciated, especially by young players. I know when I was young, I used to be guilty of just wanting to see how I played on video. However, looking back now, I see how important it is and it’s something I wish I took more serious.
There’s so much that can come out of watching game film, whether it’s learning your game, analyzing a offense/defense, or studying each and every move of your opponent. It’s often practiced at all levels of basketball from high school to the professional level but taken more seriously at the collegiate and professional level.
Studying Yourself
Analyzing and breaking down your own game is very important. It can separate a good player from a great player. It’s imperative to know what you’re really good at and where you need to strive to make improvements. Pay attention to things like your help defense, the release point of your shot, sprinting back on defense and things of that nature. When you get better at the little nuances of the game, you’ll be surprised of the major impact it makes.
“I seriously have stolen all my moves from the greatest players,”
“There isn’t a move that’s a new move,” he said. “There’s nothing that hasn’t been done before.”
These quotes come from a future Hall-of-Famer in Kobe Bryant who described how he ‘Imitated Greatness’ from watching former players (It’s a great read if you have the time).
Getting tips from watching some of the best players in the world can also be beneficial as well. Just like how rappers and producers take things from the past and incorporate them in music today, the same can be done in the game of basketball. All the vices are there with the power of the internet and social media. If you want to learn how to run a pick and roll, search Steve Nash. If you need more post moves, just google Hakeem Olajuwon. If you’re a shooter and you want to learn how to read/come off screens, then Ray Allen is your guy. All the outlets are there, you just have to take the time to do your research and apply them to your game.
Studying Your Opponent
When it comes to scouting your opponent it makes you aware of their tendencies and how they play on all facets of the game. You’re able to watch what plays they run, when they like to press, who their top shooter are and many other various tips. However, you still have to execute. You can scout a team for days and days and know everything about them but if you can’t go out there and stop it, then it really does nothing for you. Studying game film is an important aspect of the process but you can’t forget that execution means everything.
Watching game film comes from the love of the sport. It’s not made for everybody and not everyone will enjoy it but if you take it serious and really pay attention, then it will lead to success.
