Have you ever wondered what separates great basketball players from the rest? Most would guess size, speed, and natural talent. And while those factors all play into the equation, it’s not the full story…
The biggest factor?
Habits.
Elite players aren’t born—they’re built through choices, daily disciplines, and mindsets that almost anyone can develop.
My good friend, and world-renowned basketball trainer Alan Stein, spent time with some of the best (LeBron, KD, CP3, Steph) and found one interesting truth: Greatness boils down to consistency in the little things.
And the best part? Every player out there has 100% control over these.
It doesn’t matter how tall you are, how high you can jump, or what level you play—anyone can commit to these habits and behaviors, whether you’re a freshman trying to make the team or pushing for a college scholarship.
So, in no particular order, here are the 12 traits that make great basketball players:
1. They Compete Every Possession
Great players don’t flip a switch when the game starts—they show up to every drill, practice, and rep with full effort. Whether it’s a scrimmage or a drill, they treat it like the game is on the line.
Try this: Treat the next 10-minute warm-up like it’s the fourth quarter. See how much more intense and focused you feel.
2. They Play Defense Without Fouling
Most players foul because they’re out of position or overly aggressive. Great defenders master positioning and perception.
I teach a concept called ESP—External Signs of Passivity. It’s all about how your body language influences a referee’s decision. When you reach or swipe with your palms down, it signals aggression—even if you don’t make contact. That aggressive posture makes it much more likely the ref will blow the whistle.
But when your palms are up, it sends a completely different message: control, discipline, and legal defense. Refs are less likely to call a foul when your hands show you’re in control.
Try this: In your next practice, keep your palms up when closing out or contesting.
3. They Practice With Purpose
Elite players don’t just “get shots up” or go through drills on autopilot. Every rep, cut, and, dribble has intent behind it. For example, they don’t just shoot 100 free throws—they track their makes, visualize game situations, and simulate fatigue.
The difference? Average players go through the motions. Great players train to get better.
Try this: Before every workout, write down one specific skill you want to improve. Then structure your reps to challenge that area.
4. They Take Pride in the Little Things
Rebounding. Talking on defense. Setting hard screens. These things don’t show up on highlight reels, but they’re exactly what coaches notice, and what helps wins games.
These are the hustle plays that separate real competitors from stat chasers.
Boxing out your man so a teammate can grab the board? That’s winning basketball. Talking through every defensive possession? That’s leadership. Setting a screen that frees up a teammate for a wide-open shot? That’s impact.
Try this: Track how many screens you set, box outs you win, or closeouts you execute with high energy in your next game.
5. They’re Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Great players don’t fold under pressure. They don’t make excuses, roll their eyes, or check out mentally. They stay steady. They stay focused. And they keep showing up.
They understand that frustration is part of the process—and that how they respond to it reveals their character more than any stat ever could. When things don’t go their way, they don’t pout or point fingers—they dig in and do the work.
That’s the difference between average and elite: average players react emotionally—elite players respond intentionally.
Try this: Think about the part of your game that frustrates you most. Is it guarding quicker players? Shooting under pressure? Finishing through contact? Pick one and start attacking it in your workouts. Don’t avoid it—lean into it until it no longer holds you back.
6. They Play Under Control
Great players don’t just play fast—they play smart. They understand that playing out of control leads to turnovers, forced shots, and unnecessary fouls. Elite players separate themselves by mastering tempo. They read the defense, stay composed, and know exactly when to strike.
Playing under control means knowing when to change gears. It’s about using pace to your advantage—slowing down to read the floor, then exploding when the defender relaxes. That’s what makes players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Caitlin Clark so hard to guard. They don’t rush—they manipulate defenders with rhythm, balance, and timing.
Try this: In your next workout, add tempo shifts to your finishing drills. On each rep, alternate between walking, jogging, and sprinting into your move. Notice how the change of speed opens up new angles and helps you stay more balanced and in control.
7. They Know the Game
Elite players don’t just play the game—they study it.
They watch film—not just the highlights, but the details. Possessions, rotations, decisions. They ask questions like, “Why did that work?” or “What should I have done differently?” They notice momentum shifts, mismatches, and defensive tendencies—not just from what their coaches say, but from their own growing instincts.
Understanding the game takes you from just a player to a playmaker.
Try this: Watch a full quarter of your last game. Pause the film. Rewind. Reflect. Write down three decisions—offensively or defensively—that you could’ve made better. Then commit to fixing them.
8. They Embrace Coaching
Being coachable isn’t just nodding your head during a timeout or agreeing with what’s said. It’s actively seeking feedback and then immediately applying it to your game. Elite players understand that correction is the pathway to improvement—and they don’t shy away from it.
Try this: Ask your coach, “What’s one thing I can improve today?” Then lock in on it for the rest of practice.
9. They Master Both Hands
This one’s simple. One-dimensional players are easy to guard. Great players can handle, pass, and finish with either hand—no weak side.
Try this: Spend 5 minutes a day doing everything (dribbling, finishing, passing) with your non-dominant hand.
10. They Value Every Possession
Every possession counts. Sloppy turnovers and low-effort passes can be the difference between a win and a loss. Great players understand this and treat every possession as an opportunity—not just to score, but to create success for their team.
Try this: Review and analyze your turnovers from the previous game. Were you trying to do too much? Did you rush the decision? The next time you’re in a similar situation, focus on making a smarter choice. Over time, you’ll cut down on the unnecessary turnovers and become a more reliable player.
11. They Lead Without Needing a Title
Leadership isn’t determined by a title—it’s determined by your actions. True leaders bring energy, hold teammates accountable, and inspire others to rise to the occasion. Great players understand that leadership is about impacting your team, no matter your role.
Try this: Celebrate teammates’ effort, not just their points. Bring positive energy every time you sub out.
12. They Love the Game More Than the Hype
Great players don’t train for clout, followers, or mixtapes. They love the grind. The reps. The struggle. And they keep showing up long after the cameras stop rolling.
Try this: Spend one workout with no phone, no playlist, no distractions. Just you and the game.
When it’s all said and done, greatness is a choice.
You don’t have to be the biggest or the most athletic. But you do have to choose to be great—every day.
Each of these 12 traits is within your control, waiting for you to unlock them.
So, here’s the challenge:
Which one of these traits will you start working on today?
