Don’t just go out there and play your same old way. You aren’t as good as you could be. The only way to be as good as you can be is to question yourself constantly.
“Am I ready to help, to stop a layup, to touch a pass, to hit a dribble in the three-second lane? Am I often the first player down the court on offense? The first back on defense? Have I really tried for each offensive rebound, or am I often bailing out too soon? Am I blocking out for defensive rebounds? Am I on my way to the ball on each defensive rebound, or am I often standing and watching my teammates get it? Am I aware of the clock? Should I tell a teammate it is time to go for the backdoor? Can I draw a charge against one of their awkward big men who has to push himself to get back to cover our break? Should I tell the referee first, instead of getting knocked over for nothing?”
There is no end to the questions you should be asking yourself as you play. There is so much a player can do that never gets done. You can’t afford to just go out there and play if you really want to improve.
From Dick’s book Stuff
Welcome To Keys To The Gym 