Kobe, Shooting, Missing, and The Code

Kobe Bryant just set the record for the most missed shots in NBA history. It reminds us of Wayne Gretsky’s famous comment that “you will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Or of Tommy Heinsohn’s observation a generation ago that he does not shoot all the time, but only “when he gets the ball.” Does the Code have anything to say about this? You could say that the Code reminds us to put “team goals ahead of personal goals” or that it says “I will give my best effort in practice and in competition.” But when do we take shots, and when do we pass? That is a part of the challenge in playing on any team, and every player needs to know when he or she should pass, and when they should shoot. This is an important conversation all coaches need to have with their team, so that everyone is in agreement. Not to take the open shot is as often a bigger failure than shooting and missing. A part of the mental part of the game is knowing when to shoot and when to pass.   How clear are you on this in your mind? How is your team?