To All The Basketball Players

Stay.
Act like no one is watching.
Focus on the rim.
Don't let it out of your sight.
Watch it, with every inch of your body.
Grip the ball.
Firmly, strongly.
Tune out the crowd, 
Bring the ball up.
Square yourself to the net.
Shoot.
Let it swish.
Like no one is watching.
Tune back in, as the crowd cheers your name.
As your teammates clap you on the back. 
Hold the ball, grip it tight.
Just like it's you and the basket.
Pass it.
Let them catch it.
They shoot.
It bounces off the rim.
Box out.
Grab the ball.
Dribble.
Pound it on the floor.
Dribble low,
Cross it over,
Keep dribbling. 
Don't watch the ball,
Watch the defender.
Put your hand out in front of the ball.
Take it,
Grab it,
Shoot it.
Swish.
Now do it again.