Back Straight
Another element of a good stance in basketball and life is to keep your “back straight.”
In basketball you must be ready for anything on the court. You have to be ready to move in any direction to chase the ball, to chase a man, to attack the basket. It’s difficult to move when your body is not ready to go.
This is why it is important to have the correct stance in basketball. The correct stance is a basic fundamental of basketball and life that will give you the best chance of going where you want to go.
POWER VERSES
“...as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people…” And “…be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-6, 9 (NIV)
Basketball
BACK STRAIGHT (CHEST UP)
We have talked about head, feet, knees, and core. With all this, your body is low. If you stay focused on the lower part of your body, you could lose sight. Picture an elderly man (you might see in movies) bent over from wear and tear. Everything points down and looks frail or timid.
To keep us looking ahead, we need to have our back straight. This lifts us up, and keeps us focused on what’s ahead, not on what’s below. A strong back lifts us up and keeps us mobile even with a low center.
Further, with our back straight and shoulders back, we make ourselves bigger. This is especially important when you’re posting up near the basket or getting your hands wide on defense.
Life
BACK STRAIGHT (COURAGE)
In our bodies the backbone holds us up. A strong, upright back signals strength, and keeps us moving ahead. This symbolizes courage as well. We sometimes use the phrase “they’ve got backbone” to indicate that someone is strong and courageous.
In the Bible, when Joshua had to take over a whole nation from Moses, it might have been overwhelming.
Yet, God told him: “...as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people…” And “…be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-6, 9 (NIV).
This command was given 2 more times in the first chapter of the book of Joshua.
Joshua had backbone/courage BECAUSE God promised to always be with him.
Watch an 8 minute video, from The Bible Project, about the book of Joshua and his courage:
Steve Sorensen | News Release Basketball Associate Director
Steve has served with NRB for nearly 40 years.
For the past 15+ years he has been the Executive Director.
Steve has also been a high school basketball coach for 30+ years.
