The Key to Playing BETTER in Your Basketball Games

I recently asked you guys if you feel like you play up to your potential in games, and over 75% of you said that you struggle to play well in games. Now, initially, I was shocked. How could such a large percentage of players not feel like they are playing well in games?
But then I remembered something. When I was a young hooper, I struggled with the same exact thing. Whether it was my confidence, or feeling like I wasn’t scoring enough or whatever, more often than not I would leave my games frustrated, like I left something on the table, like I could have done more.
But here is the thing about my basketball journey, and here is where you have to be honest with yourself. I didn’t start really training consistently until the end of my freshman year of high school. And when I say training consistently, I mean I was in the gym basically every day working on my game, obsessed with improving. So looking back, how could I have expected to play to my potential if I wasn’t even working on my game?
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[@JustinKinder-b8e]

Dude I went from a complete novice to a ranked starter in 2 months by watching this guys videos and grinding

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go, love to hear it! Keep working!

[@kuaf5402]

cap. i hate to be that guy but going from a beginner to ranked started in two months is impossible

[@ninjalife910]

@@kuaf5402depends on ur level of basketball

[@daproductions_9645]

@@kuaf5402it’s not impossible especially if your a freak athlete but he most likely isn’t ranked like super high or nothing he just maybe got like a couple of highlights and a maxpreps

[@Miles-mb7gz]

@@kuaf5402 Yea, this dude has much more to learn. By watching Tucker, he’s just learning tips mentally to become a better basketball player. Tucker doesn’t teach film much so I know this guy might be lying.

[@RomanMiller-k6y]

I love that I can get a proffesional basketball player to give honest advice on youtube instead of someone who isn't playing at that professional level

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is the goal!

[@AbcMax12345]

You are easily the best basketball channel on KZbin

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate it!

[@jorge7672]

love the idea that don't let the result defines you.instead,focus on the process.

[@TuckerRichardson]

It's really the only way you should think. Basketball is a game of ups and downs, you can't let yourself be defined by them.

[@miyagi-masters143]

I remember my first ever organised basketball game. I was so nervous that I couldn’t shoot the ball. I simply couldn’t, it would just slip out of my hands when I tried. That same season I have an average of 2 points per game. That off-season I spent 3-4 hours a day working on my game. The next season I was scoring double digits. When you get better it automatically builds confidence itself.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Love hearing your story, and you are right about that!

[@egg8953]

man im 17 6'3 never touched a basketball in my life and fell in love with basketball around my 17th birthday and finally decided to try it out. I hate the fact that i never tried out any sport other than baseball in my life because i was afraid of being bad at something. Because I realise how much potential i have in basketball, I started out not knowing what a double dribble was in the beginning of this season and now Im starting Varsity and I would say im the best defender in my school whether its in the perimiter or in the paint. I love basketball so much and I really want to keep playing even in college but I feel like im the only person on my team that loves basketball as much as I do and it frustrates me to no end when at some points im the only person playing defense, diving for loose balls or out of bound balls, boxing out and shutting down 6'9 guys on defense. I feel like im all alone and to be honest I dont know where to go from here. Ive been injured throughout this entire season with micro tears in my left calve yet I feel like im the only one who doesnt slow down sorry for this rant but I needed to get this out

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate you sharing what is happening in your life. It sounds like you are an absolute grinder on the court, so obviously all you can do is keep that mentality and keep working to get better. Also, take care of those injuries!

[@mlnt3289]

Your love for the game shows you how great you can be, reading this I can relate starting the game very late, I just know you’ll make it if you never give up and put all your work into it, you can always go to trade school and get another year to work it up and recover

[@andreww05]

“success does not come from just makes and misses” i needed that bro. last game i shot 0/3 from three and finished with only 2 points and thought of myself as having a bad game when i looked at the hudl and i had multiple steals and assists with zero turnovers. i saw the good in how i played and you’re helping me with my mental game so much thank you

[@TuckerRichardson]

Exactly, it is all about shifting your perspective! If you just focus on makes and misses, then you won't do all those other really important things that ultimately can make you a great player!

[@pendolla3105]

I can relate to you, Bro. At first, I thought I had a bad game because I was 0/5 from the field. But when I checked the stats, I realized that I actually have 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists, and 1 block. By the way, I'm playing as a center and only played for 20 minutes.

[@4_Bez]

i watch your videos before every game and i went from 0. ppg to 8 ppg!! i know i could improve more but yo have REALLY helped me a lot! keep doing what ur doing your uploads help me sooo much! thank you.

[@TuckerRichardson]

So glad to hear this!!

[@dontewalker2698]

You have some of the best bball content. Good shyt💯

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate this!!

[@OmriCaspiFan916]

i seriously recommend adding this channels knowledge with chris gatlins workout/ inspiration videos

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is a great idea!

[@abdulrehmanhaider6026]

Bro thank you Because of you I have started to unlock my potential in basketball and have also made my school basketball team You have been a source of motivation

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go love to hear it!

[@wes2270]

Deep game is one of the most important things you can do for basketball and life. Love to see you threw that in there!

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%!

[@robloxking9446]

Ty man I did great in my game today thank you so much i didn’t score no points but I had heck of denfense we won 37-9

[@TuckerRichardson]

Way to get the win!

[@celticsontop180]

Bro all I needed was to change my mindset and thanks to you I consistently drop double digits and can impact my team from both ends of the court

[@TuckerRichardson]

Makes me happy to hear it!

[@celticsontop180]

@@TuckerRichardson Yea more people should be watching your videos

[@henryackerman4608]

Keep making these videos, they are so original and so helpful for me because I don't have access to great coaching

[@TuckerRichardson]

I gotchu, the goal is to help players like yourself!

[@Leviticus123]

W video! these are some of the most valuable basketball videos on KZbin keep it up!

[@TuckerRichardson]

I really appreciate that. Just trying to help the next generation.

[@andycastillo3689]

Thanks for all your advise! As a young basketball player, it’s been really helpful. I’ve started to apply these things and have seen improvement in my mentality! God bless you!

[@TuckerRichardson]

That's what I like to hear! Keep working.

[@bridgie_15]

I definitely see this now, I used to think that based off how I shot I would play well. I shouldn’t care about percentages and just focus on my next shot

[@TuckerRichardson]

This might be the single most important thing to unlocking your mind in basketball!

[@brady-4223]

See man, I have had this sort of fear of failure in games, while in trainings when it's just cones I'm an amazing player than in a game I freeze like I lost my abilities, at least that's what I've thought but no I've became so afraid of mistakes I'm not myself on the court, and that quote you said "Allowing yourself the freedom to fail is allowing yourself to get better" just like lit a spark in my gut, and all the stuff I've been told by my dad finally makes sense, thanks a lot.🤝🙏

[@roAncooks]

bro this man is amazing, he's helped me so much and dude still is. subscribe to him he deserves it

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@overtimenisa]

i have a game today and i’ll use this advice, thank you and i’ll be back to say how it went.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let me know!

[@overtimenisa]

@@TuckerRichardson 9 points 3 rebounds 2 assists 4 blocks 🫡

[@VanNguyen-zh4tl]

Legit coach Taylor at deep game deserves more recognition

[@TuckerRichardson]

Agreed, I love his stuff!

[@CaydenWohlford]

you make the best basketball videos the way on pay attention to detail is so crazy

[@TuckerRichardson]

I try my best!

[@jimppa2822]

What is success without failure. That's what i say to myself when i feel down

[@TuckerRichardson]

Exactly. You get it!

[@Tito110-t9u]

Great video. It helped a lot!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you, glad to help!

[@kestonniven8376]

Love this video keep it up!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!

[@iisxyaii]

thank you for these videos! these videos are really helping me!

[@TuckerRichardson]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@TatumVFX_]

Thank you.

[@minleesoritabergadojr.125]

thanks man

[@bridgie_15]

Best content on YT

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!

[@coopershackleford]

Bro i was thinking about how my stats effect me in game, and i thinknive worked out that from the final buzzer until the jump ball at the next game, im worrying about shooting better etc. But once im in a game i dont even think about it. I know that i am shooting 13% from 3 but i still will take 2 or 3 a game if im open. I think im gonna start recommending your channel to some of my teammates

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah I think this is a smart mindset. This will help you understand what your weaknesses are so you can continue improving without allowing it to hinder your actual games!

[@Sebolt14]

Thanks bro this vido helps me a lot

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@Roshu171]

Just like Alex Hormozi says, focus on the inputs (which you control), rather than the outputs (which are impacted by variables outside your control)

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%. Love that guy's philosophy.

[@shaizakhurram]

this helped alot man thx i just turned 13 its basketball season and im sometimes rusty i was supper good at dribbling and fell off in like 2 months and can you do a video for moves to use and practice fro young players

[@TuckerRichardson]

Maybe, there are also so many good KZbin videos out there you can find!

[@lor5ivestar]

I feel like my situation is confusing cause I get so nervous and feels like I’m not confident but I go on that court and work my butt off

[@TuckerRichardson]

Well, continue to work your butt off on the court. Like I try and talk about in this video, confidence issue normally come from you worrying too much about you success on the court, like makes and misses or turnovers. So instead, just focus on doing the best you can on the next play and your next shot.

[@BiramNdiaye_]

Yo man I've been watching your videos a lot and I love them ! But do you have any routines to do everyday for a highschool players pls

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah a couple easy ones, get good sleep (don't go to bed at midnight every night). Don't eat junk food all day, your health is so important. Find time to train your skills as much as possible. In high school I was training my skills practically everyday, and that is what separated me.

[@BiramNdiaye_]

Thanks for the advices !@@TuckerRichardson

[@ShareefusMaximus]

A lot of times the real problem is that players are optimizing their skill set to play pick up basketball instead executing their organized play offense. Example: They spend all summer working on crossovers and stiff legs but they play in five man motion (and they aren't the PG) or the triangle or Princeton. This is why they are uncomfortable in games. Sometimes it's as simple as they never use screens in their preparation but every set play has a ball screen or a pin down when their season starts.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah but if you want to play in college, most teams don't run flex or triangle or those kinds of things. Working on your skills allows you freedom in games to do anything. There needs to be a balance between working on your skills and playing.

[@ShareefusMaximus]

@@TuckerRichardson Agreed. But that's why they are uncomfortable in their games. I'm in New Jersey. There is a lot of Princeton, a lot of Dribble Drive Motion, and a lot of 5 and 4 man motion. The pickup games look nothing like that. They look more like NBA games. Isolations and pick and rolls.

[@jullianguan3744]

Bro you help me to a have a mythical 5 award thank you for the advice it help me a lot❤

[@TuckerRichardson]

Not sure what that is but I'm happy!

[@BuddyGuyMaster]

Bro I know I can play in places like lunch time or pick up games where its just for fun But i feel my mind just doesn’t allow me to make shots in games or practices and it becomes so sloppy and rushed

[@lennikylliainen]

I dont have a gym that I can go absolutely everyday. I have 5 practises tho+ games

[@TuckerRichardson]

Do what you can in the time you have in the gym!

[@lukelangel9795]

👏

[@TuckerRichardson]

What up Luke?

[@allola56]

i drop 33 points yesterday

[@louis30039]

Hey, I live in switzerland and I love to watch your videos. But in the winter, its very cold outside and the gyms are closed so i cant go and practice. What should I do?

[@TuckerRichardson]

Ugh, I'm in Finland right now so I could imagine an issue like this where it is freezing out. I honestly don't have a good answer for you. Obviously there are ways to get better without needing a hoop, but at the end of the day to work on your shot, finishing, etc., you need to get to a hoop.

[@louis30039]

@@TuckerRichardson Okay, I will try!

[@Kash24038]

Hey wassup I know this is a late reply but I wanna help you! I just got a hoop last week but before I got it I would just freestyle my ball handling in the backyard and sometimes in the house with a workout mat. You can do that and you can flick your wrist and work on keeping your form straight

[@louis30039]

@@Kash24038 Thank you very much! I will try. I wish you a nice day!

[@Kash24038]

@@louis30039 thank you I hope it all works out for you

[@teresascuteri8636]

Thanks!

[@TuckerRichardson]

No problem!

[@JackTisinger-d5x]

Tucker I used to average 20 pts per game now I can’t even average more than 10 can you tell me how to play to my full potential.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Keep getting better and find that confidence...

[@MedBeMovin]

I am a starter 12 years old and I’m trying to score more points. I feel like I am very skilled but my skill doesn’t translate to the game

[@TuckerRichardson]

It takes time to use those skills in games. Keep developing your skills, you are young and will see improvement over long stretches of time.

[@AnujNayal-st1mt]

🎉

[@OmriCaspiFan916]

i just realized bro went to toothpaste university😅love the channel

[@TuckerRichardson]

Gotta keep 'em clean somehow!

[@lizzosdaddy6956]

How do I get more threes up when I am face guarded? Last year I was more of a spot up shooter, but these year I’ve transitioned into the primary scorer on offense, so teams have been face guarding me all season. I have been improving my dribbling, and finishing to get around defenders which has been a good option, but I feel like I need to get more threes up because that is my main strength on offense. I average 18 pts (only 2 made threes per game on average) I assume you’ve been gave guarded many times, so I was wondering what I could do to get more threes up when I’m face guarded. Thanks.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Honestly, you should take the fact that you are being face guarded as a compliment. Yes, it happened to me a few times in high school as well. What I tried to do is to make myself a screener to open up my teammates, as well as taking advantage of the easier transitions like in transition or backdoor cuts or offensive rebounds etc. Think about it, if you are getting face guarded, and you set a screen, the defense can't switch or help on the screen, so they will be more behind. And if they do help, then you will be open to pop for a 3. Just try and be creative on offense!

[@cloudi6433]

Is 42.5% from three a good number for high school and if not what should I aim for. Appreciate all the advice your content is great.

[@coopershackleford]

I think he said it in another video, percentages dont really matter. Personally, i dont care what I'm shooting (currently im 13% from 3), i just take the shots that i know i can make. If i miss, so be it, i took the shot that i know i can make.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Of course that is a good number! But yes, even if you are shooting well from 3, worrying about your percentages can make you over think in your games. So don't worry about all that, just keep shooting and being aggressive with your shot!

[@Zufberg]

Hi Mr. Richardson, I appreciate the video. I have a problem where even if i work hard and my game doesn’t pan out i’ll think to myself “i could’ve worked harder” even tho im putting in more work then all my peers. If i play everyday but still don’t feel like i put in the work is that confidence issue?

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think you just need to be realistic with your situation. It sounds like you are working extremely hard, and you probably just need to either give yourself time to get better, or figure out if what you are working on is the right thing.

[@SamSung-zv3lj]

Really like what you're saying but that background music is so distracting though.

[@JunsongJiang]

Bro, you have the same problem I have 😮

[@lilballa]

How do I improve as much as I want to when I can’t even get in a gym and practice outside of my team’s practice hours?

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are going to have to find other ways to improve, or find outdoor courts or whatever you can. Can you show up to practice early and stay late to get skill work in?

[@Hoopin_]

What are some sources to learn and develop good shooting form and mechanics

[@TuckerRichardson]

I honestly think the best way is to watch how the best players shoot. I also know Coach Frikki on KZbin has made videos on this and I really agree with how he teaches shooting.

[@AnujNayal-st1mt]

I have a district level game tmmrw wish me luck boys plz

[@user-nn8oh1pt3c]

What do I do when I feel like if i mess up in a game, my coach will just take me right back out of the game?

[@TuckerRichardson]

You have to do enough good things so they can't take you out of the game, because you are too important to the team's success. This is why the best players are allowed to mess up without getting taken out.

[@martonbajo3056]

Hey bro, my issue is that im not calm while i play, i kinda hotheaded and i dont know how to work on it And the other is that when i get the ball i immediatly wanna shot even if its a really bad situation

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think visualization can be good for you. Take some time before your game to just breathe and think through situations that are going to arise during the game. This will help you be calmer and help you decide the right plays to make as a game goes on.

[@martonbajo3056]

Okay thanks😊

[@_don58293]

Tucker, I play on my schools JV team as a freshman and even though I work hard and support the team the coach has a personal issue and refuses to let me play (our team only has 8 players), it is really hurting my love for the game. What should I do?

[@TuckerRichardson]

The coach has a personal issue with you? If that is the case, then you should probably have a conversation with them about it. Otherwise, you'll have to be patient until you can get on varsity and prove him wrong.

[@JustHoopzTV]

what skill sets should I work on as a small guard

[@TuckerRichardson]

First of all, work on your shot. You're going to need to be able to shoot at the next level. Then of course, your handle and your basketball IQ. If you can see things on the court that others can't using your brain, you will begin to separate yourself.

[@JustHoopzTV]

ok thanks@@TuckerRichardson

[@theelectricman3323]

Work on the things your bad at not what he reccomends because he doesnt know your skill set@@JustHoopzTV

[@expection45]

Hey man, does starting basketball at 16 too late for me to play on high competition basketball league?

[@ZukonYT]

Nope starting at 16 isn't late just gotta catch up to be on the level as your peers

[@TuckerRichardson]

Definitely not too late, if you have a passion and motivation for getting better. Like I talk about, basketball is a game of gradual progress, but you can still make a big jump in your game at your age. You just have to get to work!

[@expection45]

@@TuckerRichardson I could still catch up right if I just put the work in? It's just that my skill level isn't on par with my peers personally

[@TuckerRichardson]

Of course you will be behind them. And it isn't about catching up, it is about working everyday to improve and become the best player you can. If you listen to someone like Kobe talk about improvement, that is how he approached getting better at the game.

[@Jaxson17DavanteAdams]

I improved

[@davitkvachantiradze211]

They simply just dont pass the ball what do i do

[@TuckerRichardson]

Get better and continue to take advantage of the opportunities you do get with the ball.

[@coopershackleford]

I dont know what position you play, but maybe you could ask your coach if you could bring the ball up for a couple possesions each game, so you can prove to them what you can do with the ball. If you do well, coach will tell people to pass to you

[@waspio88]

Suggestion: Consider using different background music, it kinda gets repetitive between videos (just being honest not tryna hate)

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@spobpopicle921]

Well I like the background music

[@waspio88]

@@spobpopicle921 yeah it's good, I have just seen a bunch of his videos with this track and the melody just keeps repeating

[@teresascuteri8636]

Thanks!