The Grind Behind the Jersey

Written By Coach Paul

After years of trying and falling short, something changed before my 10th-grade season.

No trainer.

No private coach.

Just me, a relentless work ethic, and a belief that I could earn my spot on the JV team.

Here’s exactly what I did — the steps that took me from being overlooked to finally making the roster at Miramar High School.

Conditioning Became Non-Negotiable

I knew I needed to be in better shape than ever before. I hit the track, court, and streets with discipline.

  • Sprints & Suicides – 3–4 times a week to build speed and mental toughness

  • Distance Running – At least 2 miles, 2–3 times a week to improve endurance

  • No excuses – I ran when it was hot, when I was tired, and even when I was discouraged

Dribbling Was My Daily Foundation

I committed to handling the ball like my future depended on it.

  • 30 minutes of ball-handling drills — twice a day

  • Right hand, left hand, stationary and on the move

  • Cone drills, hesitation moves, pound dribbles, and speed control — all became second nature

Finishing Through Contact Was My Obsession

I knew I wouldn’t be the tallest or the flashiest — so I had to be the most effective.

  • Layup after layup, through cones, chairs, and imagined defenders

  • I practiced finishing with both hands until I was confident from every angle

  • I made physicality a strength, not a weakness

I Studied Like It Was Game Film for Life

I didn’t just train my body — I trained my mind too.

  • I locked in on Richard “Rip” Hamilton, the player I modeled my game after

  • I studied how he moved without the ball — his pace, footwork, timing

  • I watched entire games just to see how scorers made themselves valuable without needing the ball in their hands

Strength Was Built with Bodyweight

With no gym membership, I built strength the old-school way:

  • 100 push-ups a day

  • 50 pull-ups

  • 300 calf raises — I wanted explosive legs for stops, starts, and lift at the rim

The Bottom Line

There was no secret formula. Just sweat, sacrifice, and a clear target in mind.

Making the team didn’t come from one breakthrough — it came from stacking days, doing the same gritty work over and over again, even when nobody was watching.

If you’re chasing a dream — whether it’s making your school team or just becoming a better version of yourself — the blueprint is simple:

Stay consistent. Outwork everyone. And believe that your time is coming.

Coach Paul
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