Timing is Everything
The timing of a player’s movements in competition are crucial. A move may not work against an opponent but that same move may be made a moment sooner or a moment later and work perfectly. This is because timing is a large ingredient in the execution of moves in sports. Especially in team sports where the timing is not limited to an individual’s own rhythm but refers to how their movements are in sync with everyone else on the field or court. If a move is made and another player decides to move into that same targeted space then it will not work. The timing of a player’s movements must not be too early or too late, and be in accord with other players in their environment. Basketball is a great example of how timing is everything.
Basketball: Timing Creates Something Beautiful
A basketball player might recognize the open space towards the goal after they pass the ball. Recognizing the space and knowing where to cut is a great start, but the execution and timing determines whether or not it works. If the player rushes into the space and forces the cut then it might be too quick for their teammate to get them the ball. Or if the player waits too long to cut then the space might close up. The timing must be just right. The player knows that their teammate needs time to see their cut and they must move quickly enough to get past the defender before the space closes. This balance between eagerness and complacency is important.
Basketball happens in a confined space with ten players that are all moving, acting, and reacting. This movement constantly creates pockets of open space and closes them as well. The timing of movements must be in accord with the other players or it will create a jumbled mess. Entering into this rhythm of proper timing creates a harmony of movements on the basketball court. This is why the game of basketball can be equated to the movement of jazz music. The timing of each player’s movements help create a unity that fills open spaces and creates something beautiful.
Life: Timing Creates Something Beautiful
The importance of timing in basketball and the balance between eagerness and complacency is also important in life. A person’s movements in life may not work in one season but occur effortlessly in another. Sometimes doors to opportunities are closed and sometimes they are open. The timing of these movements is everything. We are tempted to try and force things to happen too early because of our human eagerness. Whether it is a new job or a relationship, perhaps the timing is not right for these life movements and naturally they do not amount to anything. On the other hand, we might see opportunities and wait too long sometimes, and our complacency stops us from moving at the right time. We might be too late. But, when we live with an awareness to recognize opportunities and open spaces in life, then we are able to learn when to move with proper timing. If we let our eagerness get the best of us, we might try and force something that is not right for us right now. But, if we wait too long to act, we might miss our opportunity. Timing is everything.
Final Thoughts
A basketball player knowing where and how to cut or make a move is great. But these skills are carried to fruition by knowing WHEN to move. One extreme is being eager, while the other extreme is being complacent. Great players balance between these two extremes and move with proper timing so they are in the right place at the right time. Great people do this in life, too. They balance between not forcing things that aren’t right for them at the moment and not waiting on their heels for everything to come to them. Great people understand proper timing in life by moving into opportunities when they present themselves and flourishing in open spaces at the right time.
