Think First (Impulsive Behavior)
Michael Jordan was known for taking big shots, but what did he also do before shooting?
He looked at the defense and made a wise choice.
Reflection: How can you pause and think before acting when you get frustrated at home?
If LeBron James misses a shot, what does accountability look like?
Answer: He keeps playing hard and tries again.
Reflection: What can you do when you make a mistake at home instead of blaming someone else?
If Tim Duncan didn’t like a referee’s call, what did he usually do?
Stay calm and keep playing.
Reflection: What can you do when you don’t get your way at home?
Magic Johnson was known for passing. Why was that a smart choice?
It helped his teammates score.
Reflection: How could sharing and cooperating help prevent meltdowns at home?
What NBA behavior shows thinking before acting?
Passing instead of forcing a bad shot.
Reflection: How could pausing before acting stop you from having a meltdown?
What can happen if a player like Russell Westbrook drives to the basket too fast without looking?
Answer: He could lose the ball or miss the shot.
Reflection: What could happen if you act without thinking when you want something immediately at home?
What should a player do if they commit a foul during a game?
Answer: Accept it and play better next time.
Reflection: How could you admit it when you hurt someone’s feelings instead of having a meltdown?
What should a player do when their team loses a game?
Accept the loss and learn from it.
Reflection: How could you handle not getting what you want without having a meltdown?
Why did Larry Bird succeed even when things didn’t go his way?
He stayed calm and focused.
Reflection: How can staying calm help you when things don’t go your way at home?
How can accountability in basketball help you at school?
You take responsibility for your actions.
Reflection: How could being honest at home help you make better choices?
Why is it not smart to shoot every time you get the ball, even if you’re Steph Curry?
Answer: Sometimes passing is the better choice.
Reflection: How could waiting your turn or listening to others help prevent meltdowns?
Kobe Bryant believed in working harder after mistakes. What does that show?
Accountability.
Reflection: How could practicing honesty and taking responsibility help you at home?
Why is it important to accept when you don’t get the ball every play?
Because basketball is a team game.
Reflection: How does waiting your turn help everyone get along at home?
What lesson can we learn from Kevin Durant switching teams and continuing to work hard?
Accept change and do your best.
Reflection: How could you accept changes at home, like rules or routines?
What does accepting a coach’s decision teach players?
Respect and patience.
Reflection: How could accepting rules at home make things easier for everyone?
What is one way NBA players avoid making impulsive plays?
They slow down and think before acting.
Reflection: What can you do to slow down when you start to feel upset at home?
Why is blaming teammates not a good choice, even after a loss?
Because everyone shares responsibility.
Reflection: How can blaming others at home make things worse?
What does good sportsmanship look like after a tough loss?
Saying “good game” and being respectful.
Reflection: How could using kind words instead of yelling help at home?
How did Shaquille O’Neal show accountability when he struggled with free throws?
He practiced and kept trying.
Reflection: How could you fix mistakes at home by being honest and trying again?
Why is staying calm better than reacting angrily?
It helps you make better choices.
Reflection: What could happen if you stay calm instead of yelling?
How can pausing before a play help a player and their team?
It helps them make better decisions.
Reflection: How could taking a pause help you make better choices at home or school?
How does taking responsibility help a team improve?
It builds trust and teamwork.
Reflection: How could taking responsibility for your actions help your family trust you more?
How does acceptance help players stay focused during a game?
It helps them move on and keep trying.
Reflection: How could accepting “no” help you focus on something else at home?
What do many great NBA players do after making a mistake?
Learn from it and move forward.
Reflection: How can learning from mistakes help you get along better at home?
What is one life lesson basketball teaches us?
Think first, take responsibility, and accept outcomes.
Reflection: How can you practice these lessons at home when you don’t get your way?