By Aseel Barghuthi,
Amman Baccalaureate School,
Amman, Jordan.

Question #1
Dear Aseel,
I'm going to be a junior in high school this year. That means I will be moving up to Varsity. I play center and I'm six feet and two inches, meaning I'm a lot taller than all the other girls. Since I am taller, everyone thinks I should be really good. Sadly, I'm not. I need to get rebounds, box out my girl, post up my girl, and get a shot in. Mostly, get rebounds. Everyone says I need to be more aggressive, but I don't know how. Do you think you could give me a few tips?
Yours In Basketball,
Gina Heald

Hi Gina,
It looks like what's happening here is that people are only seeing you for your height, and that can be intimidating, since then you start putting pressure on yourself to live up to others' expectations. It's all right to push yourself to be better, but it's not all right to try to mold yourself to fit the image other people might have of you.

In order to put your height to good use, you have to work on a trademark move. For example, Shaq's under-board jam, or Hakeem Olajuwon's hook shot. As a high schooler, your moves don't need to be that fancy. Start with just a drop step move, then ask your coach for a move he or she thinks will work for you. You already have an advantage with your height, and by establishing a couple of trademark moves for yourself, you'll become more powerful under the basket, and virtually unstoppable.

In terms of aggressiveness, the one way I was able to become more aggressive at the game was by playing with guys. No matter how tough they are, or fast they are, it'll make you stronger physically and mentally.

But no matter how hard you work at your game, if you're still measuring yourself by other people's standards, then you'll never be content. Set your own goals and expectations, and in time, you'll become the player you dream of being.
- Aseel#68 -

Question #2
Hey there girly ... this is "DaCeltics" from Opendiary.com and even though I never do stuff on OpenDiary I read your column REGULARLY ... anyway, I really do have a question ... Last winter, I fractured my growth plate. I have been cleared to play this coming season, but I want to make Varsity. I'm working out some, but I want to know if you have any suggestions as how I could train, like on a schedule?
- Susanna #24

Hey girl,
If you've been cleared to play the coming season, then it sounds like your injury is 100 percent healed. However, I suggest you don't severely strain yourself when exercising or training, because it might cause reverberations of your previous injury. Most important, ask your doctor EXACTLY what is okay to do and what is not okay. If the doc says anything is okay, then start getting back into shape and go for it.

The most important thing to do is to be consistent with your workout schedule, no matter how short it is. If you give yourself a consistent schedule, you'll be more apt to stick to it. It will also help you grow stronger in the faster way.

Start out slowly, with some aerobic training (light running, exercise bike, or swimming) mixed with light training exercises (start with body weight exercises before doing any training with weights--called external loads), then work your way up to heavier exercises, and heavier weights. But the best advice is this: ask a coach, athletic trainer, or physical therapist for help with your training program. And don't put too much pressure on yourself to heal quickly, because that'll only harm you in the future.

If you don't make varsity this year, you always have next year, the most important thing is your health. If you're not up to it, don't pressure yourself, give yourself time to rejuvenate. I wish you the best of luck.
- Aseel#68 -

Question #3
Hi. I really enjoy reading your columns and they always seem to help my game. My problem is that I always try my hardest and my best and when all fails effort pushes me through, but I guess I take myself out of my game mentally and I see the rest of the girls playing great and I'm never able to play up to my best ability. When I'm out in the yard or playing pick up games I'm great. I know I can play and I want to make it to the WNBA and I know that I can do it, but it'll take sacrifices and ALOT of practice. How can I help myself to play to the best of my ability and have more confidence in myself so that I can reach my dream? Thanks, Aseel.
Cam #4

If you read my column titled "Competitive Edge" I made a statement that was related to "competing with yourself." Looking at the way others play will be an impediment to your development as a player. If you begin to concentrate more on the way you play, then eventually you'll come to see yourself as a better player. It appears to me that the reason you are unable to play well when surrounded by teammates is because you are easily intimidated by other players. Keep in mind, that you have the ability to be one of the best, and that comparing yourself to other athletes will only de-motivate you further. Confidence is key in basketball, so hold your head up high and try your hardest. Disregard the abilities of those around you, and instead, focus more on your own. Good luck.
- Aseel#68 -

Question #4
Hello there,
I am 14 years old and have been playing since I was about 11, but I've always had this problem: I can't run as fast as others. Maybe it's my height (5 foot 7)? I also weigh 143 pounds. I know it's not that either. But, do you have to run all the time, like when you are out of season, also? I mean, I don't get tired when I'm playing in a basketball game but at practice I do because it seems like we run more... and sometimes I feel like I'm going to faint and my ears pop because I'm so tired. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Kari

Kari,
As important as speed is in the sport of basketball, quickness is even more important. Being able to intercept a pass and make a steal involves a great deal of quickness, and not speed. Not being able to run as fast as other players isn't very important. As long as you run your fastest, it's A-OK.

But what's not okay is if you're out of shape, and lack the proper training to be running fast enough. If you feel like you can be faster, and you aren't as fast as you could be, then proper training is in order. I remember an exercise my old coach used to give me to increase my speed: run a mile in under six minutes, and you're in good shape. The reason you run so much at practice is because that way, you don't feel tired during games due to all the running you're accustomed to. Just as long as you try your hardest, and do your best, then you'll be fine.
- Aseel#68 -

Question #5
I have a question about basketball. I am a sophomore point guard with a lot of talent but I'm only 5'2-1/2" and I get kind of nervous because most guards are 5'8" or around that area. I was wondering if I had to worry about my height and if it will have any effects on my future plans playing basketball and getting on basketball teams. Thanks for your help!

A year ago, I opened a basketball magazine with a headline that read: "Height: the most apparent element in basketball." I didn't know whether to laugh, or cry... Being the 5'6 person that I am, I've always worried about my height. However, I eventually came to realize that you can make up for your height in several different ways. For example: by being a fantastic three point shooter, or a speedy lane-driver. If you observe other basketball players that don't have the gift of height, you'll notice that they're either quick, great shooters, have a really high vertical jump, or all of the above. So, my answer to your question is: no, you do not have to worry in any way whatsoever about your height, just as long as you make up for it with other things, and other talents.
- Aseel#68 -

Until next time....

#68, Aseel

Aseel Barghuthi just recently graduated from the Amman Baccalaureate School in Amman-Jordan, and will be attending Duke University this fall. She has also lived in the United States (Athens, Georgia) and England. To contact Aseel with any comments or suggestions, e-mail her at aseel@index.com.jo.