Step1
PICK A TEAM TO CHEER FOR. It is always more fun when you can choose a team that you want to win the game. There are many ways that you can choose a team. If you want to be a cordial guest, choose the team that your host is cheering for. It can be a lot of fun to share the excitement together.
If you are the contrarians type and like some good ribbing, cheer for the team that your party is not cheering for. Some good-humored taunting can add a spice to the evening.
You may also choose a team based on a uniform color you like, a mascot you like, or for any reason you fancy.
Step2
PICK A PLAYER TO FOCUS ON. Once you have your team picked out, pick a player on that team that you can focus on during the game. In most cases, you will be watching the overall game and following the ball around the court. By focusing on a player, you will get a better understanding of all of the things that are happening on the court. There is a tremendous amount of action and drama that occurs away from the ball. In order to pick a player, ask your friends who is the best player or the most interesting player on the team. This player will provide the most enjoyment for you.
Step3
PLACE SOME FRIENDLY WAGERS. This is another way to increase the social aspect amongst your friends at the game. Choose some fun bets that will make the game interesting and keep you into watching it. Some ideas are:
Which team will score next?
Which coach will yell at a referee first?
Which team will get the first slam dunk of the game?
The bets do not have to be isolated to the game activity...have fun with it.
The friendly wagers can be anything from a quarter each to the next cold beverage.
Step4
ENJOY THE ENTERTAINMENT SURROUNDING THE GAME. Many games are surrounded with entertainment that almost make you forget that you are attending a sporting event. From the pre-game introductions to the halftime show, you will find an electric atmosphere that you can tap into. If you feel the urge, get up and dance...you won't be alone!
Step5
WATCH THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PLAYERS AND THE COACHES. For those of you that are intrigued by relationships, a basketball game is filled with Dr. Phil moments. As in any aspect of life, basketball brings joy, sadness, frustration, pain, excitement, and learning opportunities. Focus on the interaction between the players and the coach to see how they deal with these emotions. Is the coach providing support and guidance or is he/she jumping down their throat? Compare and contrast the coaching staff of each team.
Step6
APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK OF THE PLAYERS,COACHES,AND STAFF. When you are watching the game, understand that it has taken a lot of time, sweat, and dedication for all participants to be ready for the game. Depending on the age of the players, what you are seeing could be the culmination of 20 years of practicing 3 hours per day. If there is a bio on the players, take a moment to read about them. It may provide you some insight into their lives that can be inspirational or at least interesting. Think about basketball as an art form (not unlike dance, music, or painting) that takes a high-level of dedication and discipline to be successful.
Comments
CoachKen said
on 2/8/2008 I used to follow Granville Waiters when he was with the Bulls. His screening and movement off the ball was underappreciated by all those Johnny-come-lately Jordan watchers. Keep up the good work.
jdteaches said
on 12/17/2007 Thanks for the tips. My interest in the game has waned over the years, but you advice could come in handy watching almost anything that's not quite your passion... from symphonies to all star wrestling.