Leadership from all positions

When we think of leaders in basketball we often think of point guards or top-scorers. Leaders can actually come from any position.

Inspiration can come from a lot of places. When your team is tired, a fiery speech from a coach or a commanding shout from a teammate can ignite a flame that helps everyone push through. Leaders keep heads from hanging when you're down and egos humble when you're up.

There are a lot of great examples of leaders in today's game from Gregg Popovich and Mike Krzyzewski to Chris Paul and LeBron James.

Yanders Law has its own great leader in Founder and Coach, Rob Yanders.

Leadership can be vocal or even just by example. Not every player has the personality to be a vocal leader for their team, even if they're the best players (example: Kawhi Leonard).

Leadership does not always come from the top

If the top player for a team is not up for being vocal, that role needs to fall to someone else. Communication is a very important part of basketball - on fastbreaks, offense, and especially on defense.

The top vocal leader on your team may even come off of the bench. Players that are engaged and helpful from the bench are much better for a team than players who quietly wait to enter the game.

The best way to be a leader - no-matter your role the team - is to lead by example. If you are a player that does not give up on plays, is always pushing the pace, and defends tenaciously, you are constantly setting a good example for your teammates. That is called leadership.

“Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It’s being able to take it as well as dish it out. That’s the only way you’re going to get respect from the players.”

— Larry Bird

You may be the last player to come off the bench at the end of the game. If you play hard and scrape your way back into the game, you can inspire others to follow.

Leadership is incredibly important in basketball as well as other aspects of life. Remember that you can be a leader by working as hard as possible and setting an example for others to follow, no-matter your position or role.

Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement will be back!

Stay-at-home orders may have closed the doors at The Basketball Movement and halted Yanders Law activities, but you can still follow along online.

Amidst unprecedented circumstances, The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law are suspending activities as local officials issue stay-at-home orders in our area. Though we are all bummed, we are hopeful that these events will put a stop to the spread of the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc on our country and our community.

If you have been following us for a while, you know how seriously #LawNation takes the well-being of our community both on and off the court. We ask that everyone do your part to slow the spread by staying inside and practicing excellent hygiene.

The sooner we come together and beat this thing, the sooner we can get back hooping and doing what we love. That’s right - we will be back!

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We ask that you stick with us by giving a follow on Twitter, likes on Facebook and Instagram, and checking back frequently as we update this blog as usual. We are going to be doing our best to continue a flow of quality basketball content in a time that sorely misses the sport already.

To not only help support us as a local business, but also to stay on top of your game in this surprise offseason, dive in on Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper series on Patreon.

Not only will your contributions help us come back strong from this trying time, but you will gain access to an incredible library of on and off-court curriculum from the basketball mind of our Founder, Rob Yanders. New drills will continue to be uploaded, many of which you can work on from your driveway, garage, etc. More on The Evolution coming soon.

Thank you to everyone who has already been doing their part to combat the virus. Everyone else, join in and just study some film for a few weeks! We will be back soon!

- Yanders Law

Stay safe, Law Nation!

Just a reminder for our #LawNation family to stay safe and informed during this coronavirus scare.

We do not yet know the extent of coronvirus’ impact on the United States, as it is still early in our exposure. What we do know is that if left to flourish, it can wreak havoc on even developed nations such as our own. Luckily, it does not seem to have a dramatic impact on the young or generally healthy.

That said, it can still be spread through these demographics. Just because you may not be at risk does not mean you can go about completely carefree. It is still possible to spread the disease on surfaces or in the air. For the sake of your family, your neighbors, older individuals, the immunocompromised, and their loved ones, practice social distancing and take special care of your personal hygiene.

Yanders Law is all about hoops and we are certainly bummed to be missing out on March Madness, the NBA season, and more. Still, we are more than basketball. We want to do our very best to look out for #LawNation like the family we are. We hope to keep you informed and will certainly reach out with any decisions that will affect our athletes or their families.

We just plead again that you all stay safe and informed. Maybe this will all blow over, maybe it won’t for some time. Either way, just take it seriously. Don’t be Rudy Gobert touching microphones and goofing around in the locker room. Unfortunately, this is life or death for some people.

If you can’t be in a gym, remember there are other ways to stay sharp! Practice handles in your garage, lay down on your back and check the backspin on your follow-through. From social media, we have seen that the best have been watching film like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

Check around our blog for articles on good players to study by position. Also, keep your head up! This too shall pass. In the meantime, do your part to stay ahead of this thing. ‘Till next time!

Mamba Mentality

As the basketball world continues to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, we remind players to carry on the Mamba Mentality.

The world knew Kobe Bryant by the basketball player we saw on the floor. Only his close family and friends truly knew him as a person. We saw how hard he worked, what he was able to achieve, and for the most part, what it took to get there. There are still countless unseen hours, not just that he put towards the game of basketball, but into his other passions, hobbies, and relationships.

For that reason it is not fair of us, the public, to pretend we knew everything about Kobe Bean Bryant. Media figures and players say ”He would want this,” or “he would have wanted that.” All we know is that he loved his family, loved his occupation, and gave us a hell of a spectacle on the court.

The loss of a family man is an indescribable blow. So, let’s just focus on what we can wrap our heads around: Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality.

We knew Kobe primarily by what he was on the court - a true superstar. Bryant was as feared an opponent as anyone could ever imagine. His offensive repertoire made him a killer, a basketball assassin. He could rip your heart out and crush your dreams in so many ways that he earned the respect of nearly every hooper on the planet.

Since the NBA has been naming first or second team all-defense, Kobe earned the nod 12 times (nine first-team), the most ever by a guard. So despite being an offensive juggernaut, he was able to still exert enough energy and focus on defense that he was deemed one of the league’s best defenders multiple years. Impressive resume, but what does it mean?

The Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant was nicknamed the Black Mamba. He could and would strike on offense or defense at any moment, and it was always deadly. Players special enough to go so hard on both ends of the floor are rare, but they all possess something in common - a term coined by Bryant himself: Mamba Mentality.

Players do not need Kobe-level skills to harness the Mamba Mentality because it is just that - a state of mind.

The focus of the Mamba Mentality isn’t attacking the opponent like Bryant made it seem. Instead, the focus is internal; promises to yourself to get every loose ball, the drive to play every defensive possession like it is meant to be played, the willingness to let offense come to you, but also the readiness to take over a game if that is your role.

Mamba Mentality will look different depending on your role. Kobe was asked to shoulder the load on offense and be a defensive stopper. For some players, it may be focusing on snatching every rebound or making sure teammates are involved. Players on the bench, coaches, anyone… the Mamba Mentality can be applied no matter what.

Perhaps the best way we can remember Kobe Bryant the basketball player is to all try our best to approach life with the Mamba Mentality. Fiercely protect family and friends, keep your foot on the gas while you chase dreams, and give your all in everything you do.

Enjoy the processes - even the little moments and the tough times. Keep loved ones close and let them know how much they mean to you. Bryant and the other individuals we lost were taken from the world too soon, but we can make their loss count for something big. Embody the Mamba Mentality and you will be surprised by the doors that open for you. Reach out to us if that means getting in the gym. Reach out even if it doesn’t and we will be a shoulder for you.

RIP Kobe Bryant - thank you for everything.

Thriving in the underdog role

At every level of the sport, we have had the opportunity to see teams embrace the underdog role and surprise the big dogs.

No-matter your record, seeding, reputation, anything, you can still beat the odds and be the best team for a game. Once you start rolling, you may gain momentum that can help you sustain that success. We have seen it many times before, especially in the NCAA Tournament as we did just last year. It happened in last year’s NBA playoffs multiple times as well.

It is always a good time to remind you that no team is invincible. In any series or any season, the landscape can quickly shift, stealing confidence from one side and feeding it to the other. Confidence is big in the sport of basketball.

As we remember Kobe Bryant in this difficult time in the world of basketball, take note of his patented #MambaMentality. Do your best to keep your eyes on the prize and outwork the competition at every single turn, even if it hurts.

“Everything negative - pressure, challenges - are all an opportunity for me to rise.”

— Kobe Bryant

It is important to approach every game and every moment with confidence. Believe that your shot will go in. Believe that your team can win the game. Believing is clearly not everything, but if you have put in the work, there is no reason that you can’t give it your all and compete. If you do that, then you can beat the odds at any time.

Being the underdog in a game or being overlooked as a player or team often means that you may be underestimated. Use that as fuel. Harness the chip on your shoulder. No one knows what you can do better than yourself. There isn’t much that is more satisfying than defying odds and proving nay-sayers wrong.

So be that team! Be that player! Don’t sweat rankings or records, just control what you can by working as hard as possible, being confident, and not backing down from a challenge.

Remember, to help you work as hard as possible, stay at the peak of your game, and keep raising that peak, hit up our buddies and contact The Basketball Movement. We believe in you and we can help you be ready for the big moments.

Establishing a support system

In basketball and in life, you are going to need a support system. The further you want to go, the more important it becomes.

Whether it is 100 people or just one person, you are going to need a support system of some kind as you advance in your basketball career. You may have a circle already, but is it filled with individuals that truly support and want the best for you?

Yes, your mama can be your support system. Yes, a teacher, friend, or coach can be your support system. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as they are honest, supportive, and willing to have your back as you fight to achieve your dreams. Taking any path in life by yourself is going to be exponentially more difficult than doing it with the support of others. Even more difficult is going through life surrounded by the wrong people.

Individuals can unfortunately be toxic in many different ways. There are those that scheme and undermine you intentionally, though it may not always be immediately apparent. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed and will work behind the scenes to hold you back. It is a tough reality to face when this happens, especially when it comes from a source that you believed was in your corner.

Often, there is an even more difficult obstacle to detect. Some people in your corner may be unintentionally toxic. They think they help, they think they build you up, but really they are unaware that they do more harm than good. These situations are tough to deal with.

Cutting ties with someone you’re close to is going to be hard. However, it is imperative that you only surround yourself with those that will build you up and help you be the best person and player you can be.

The further you get in your basketball career, the more important this lesson will become. A negative influence is going to impact you at any level. That said, seriousness turns up as you select a college to play for. The more positive voices in your ear, the better. The more negative influences, the greater the consequences.

After college, if you are trying to play pro ball, you will need to work harder than you ever had in your life. You need everything to be as streamlined and beneficial as possible. At this stage, a negative influence can cost you everything. Make sure that your support system is filled with those that want to lift you up - not those that are looking for a meal ticket.

Knowing exactly who has your back can be more difficult than it sounds. Trust your instincts and listen to any nagging inclinations that someone may not have your best interest in mind. What is easy is stringing these people along for far too long. Don’t make that mistake; you will need to pull the weeds as soon as you can if you are going to grow and flourish to reach your potential (congratulations on reading the first and last gardening/basketball tie-in ever).

We used the words “difficult” and “tough” quite a bit in here. Establishing a support system is not always difficult, but maintaining it can be. Do your best, and really lean on those that you can trust completely. A strong support system will carry you far in all aspects of life!

Setting goals for the new year

With 2020 right around the corner, do not forget to set some goals for on and off the court.

Many of basketball's brightest stars were born with a lot of natural ability. However, most of them still had to work incredibly hard to get where they are today. Hard work is best when it is directed by established plans and aimed at particular goals.

Your Yanders Law coaches and/or The Basketball Movement can help players to establish plans and regimens to help them along the way in achieving those goals.

It is not hard to find quotes and tips from people and players that have experienced success in their careers. Many of them mention something similar; setting goals is important, but the growth and experience obtained in the pursuit of those goals is often the true victory.

“It’s not about looking for outcomes, but just enjoying the process. That’s when you become in the moment.”

— Steve Nash

Goals can be big or small - daily or long-term. They are important in sports like basketball, but also in many other aspects of life.

What goals will you set?

Different individuals may come up with very different goals and aspirations. As a basketball player, one player's goal may be to crack the starting five on their Junior Varsity squad. Another  may want to become a professional, overseas or in the NBA.

Skill development represents smaller, more compartmentalized goals. Your goal may be to improve your free throw percentage by a certain amount or to add two new post moves to your repertoire by summertime.

“A winner is someone who recognizes his (or her) God-given talents, works his (or her) tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his (or her) goals.”

— Larry Bird

Personal goals off the court are important also. Goals for school or for a career help you to stay focused on what is important. Try to make a point to be an achiever in all that you do in this new decade! 2020 can be your year if you are willing to reach for things outside of your comfort zone. If your goals are on the court, be sure to hit us up. Happy new year, everyone!

Angels of the Hardwood recap

The second annual Angels of the Hardwood event was a success!

This year marked the second annual Angels of the Hardwood event, with the Yanders Law program giving back to the community through the sport we love so much. This year our affiliate, The Basketball Movement hosted this day of giving, serving others, and of course, basketball.

With the help of the Yanders Law players, parents, and The Basketball Movement staff, kids were treated to light basketball drills and fun activities on the court. To ease the burden Christmas can often bring to these families, they received many gifts as well.

Over 100 pairs of brand-new Nike shoes were given out to each child as well as a new Nike Elite basketball, Nike Elite socks, a North Face fleece pullover, a goody bag with healthy snacks and hygiene products, and an age/gender-appropriate present from under the Christmas three.

There were even barber chairs set up courtside, so with the help of our friends at CUT N EDGE, we were able to give nice cuts to anyone that needed one!

The smiles we saw and the lives we know were touched made all of the hard work beyond worth it. We were able to use basketball to do some good in the community and we would encourage others to do the same. This time of year is perfect for reflecting and giving back, so use whatever platform or strength you have to make some good happen!

We have said it already, but it needs to be said again - thank you to all involved in making this happen! The Yanders Law players, parents, and The Basketball Movement staff did a tremendous job supplying the presents and their time.

Thank you again as well to all of our sponsors:

Nike

OMS Surgery

Parkcrest Dental Group

Eastbay

Clear Creek Family Dental

Aleshire Robb & Rapp

Cox Health - Neurosurgery (Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute)

Spencer Fane

Multiple anonymous donors

We also want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Harmony House, YMCA, and multiple area public schools for getting the word out and participating in this event.

This is Robert Yanders’ favorite event of the year and he wants to personally thank everyone that was involved in helping it come together. The second annual event will not be the last! Stay tuned for more from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement!