How Playing Basketball Improves Discipline and Mental Strength
Hello friend! I, Craig Raucher, am delighted to have you here. It’s possible that you enjoy bouncing a ball. You might also prefer making new friends. In that case, you have come to the right place.
Here I will tell you a story. The story is entirely mine. I started the Staten Island Basketball League 46 years ago. I founded the league in 1980. It is really hard to believe that, right?
Right now, I am more than 70 years of age. It implies that I’ve already celebrated more than 70 birthdays. And the best part is that I still play the game despite my old age. Both of my knees have been operated on and replaced during all these years. But that didn’t stop me from playing basketball. I, Craig Raucher, nevertheless play basketball twice every week.
This particular league is unlike other sports teams. We are similar to a happy group of people who are friendly to each other. We don’t have any fancy uniforms whatsoever. It implies that we simply show up and play the game in a competitive spirit. The league is conducted at a school named PS8 in Great Kills.
What Kind of People Play in My League?
People of different categories play in this aforementioned league. Many of my friends had been ex-convicts. And at the same time, some friends are also CEOs. It implies that they are the bosses of some big businesses. An ex-convict and a CEO playing together is incredible. But that is my league.
I, Craig Raucher, have told everybody that it doesn’t matter who you are when you’re playing basketball. You simply need to try your best and respect everybody. This is the reason why I like this league. That is why I have continued with this league for 46 years.
6 Ways Playing Basketball Improves Discipline and Mental Strength
The word “discipline” implies many things. It means that you should do something even when you are exhausted. Mental strength implies that your brain is not going to give up easily. Let us find out how basketball improves mental strength and discipline in the following paragraphs.
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You Learn to Wait Your Turn
While playing, it is not possible to grab the ball at once. This will be silly. You need to wait till your turn comes to shoot or pass. Despite being difficult, waiting will make you strong within yourself. Your brain grows somewhat stronger each time you wait for your turn.
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You Keep Trying Even When You Miss
Every player will miss the basket sometimes. I, Craig Raucher, also miss. I have been playing basketball for more than 40 years, but I still miss. However, we do not cry or quit in my league. We simply say “next time”. We try again while running after the ball. This is known as mental strength. Missing the basket isn’t bad. Nevertheless, quitting is bad. I never allow my players to give up easily.
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You Follow Simple Rules
I, Craig Raucher, do not have many rules to follow. Some are taking turns, no pushing, etc. Proper discipline will help one to follow these rules. It is something like brushing teeth every day. Following the rules can be difficult at first. However, it will become easy after some time.
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You Calm Down When You Are Angry
You might feel annoyed when the other team scores. This is okay. It can happen to everyone. Nonetheless, I, Craig Raucher, have told that you should take a deep breath while continuing playing. I teach the players that they shouldn’t shout whatsoever. This is big and powerful mental power. This power can be used at school or even at home.
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You Help Your Friends
While playing basketball, it is natural for anyone to fall down. In that case, it is your responsibility to help him up. You also pass the ball to any of your friends who don’t have it. It requires strength to be kind. One can easily be selfish. Nevertheless, it requires discipline to be kind. My league is packed with kind individuals. I want you to be one of them as well.
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You Show Up Even When You Feel Tired
There might be a heavy downpour outside. Your legs might also feel exhausted. Nevertheless, you are practicing discipline in case you come out to play basketball. You are informing your body that you can do this. You will feel happy after playing basketball. This feeling will be better than slumbering for a while. I, Craig Raucher, also feel like that every week, even after crossing 70 years.
The Best Part? You Belong Here with Me
People of different professions play at the SIBL. For example, we have talked about the CEOs and the convicts before. They all play together while enjoying basketball to the fullest. My league isn’t only about basketball. It is about fair play and respect. It is also about unity, which implies that we are one big family. You will never be alone while playing with me.
I, Craig Raucher, began this league 46 years ago. I wanted individuals to come together and be their best selves. I play every week, even after crossing 70 years of age. It shows that you never stop if you love something. You keep going.
I request you to come and play with me, along with your parents or even grandparents. There is no need for you to be a champion. There is no need for you to be tall or fast. You simply need to try. I, Craig Raucher, promise that you will become stronger. I likewise promise that you will make friends. And the best part is that you will have fun.
Wrapping up
Consider my league to be a special treasure. I have kept this treasure safe for 46 years. According to me, basketball is more than simply a game. It will teach you discipline while building mental strength. I, Craig Raucher, will save a smile for you. Join the league and become a part of my story.