Playing Hard

What does playing hard mean? It surely doesn't mean hitting full power on every attack or trying to rip every serve.  

“I always write stuff on the board and I always say none of this matters if you don’t play hard." - Matt Painter

The harder playing team usually wins

(Via @AndrewPogar 🎥)

pic.twitter.com/kZuDUwWZRK

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) August 12, 2025

Playing hard is more nuanced, more subtle. 

• Focus fully every play.
• Do not allow the last play to interfere with the next play. 
• Encourage teammates.
• Listen during practice and timeouts.
• Anticipate and read plays. A high ball? Will it hit the ceiling and ricochet somewhere? 

Playing hard is a skill. You control playing hard.