It’s basketball season, which is the best time of the year for countless hoops fanatics. While the b-ball season is a great time, it can also be a bit of a grind, as it is a long season that overlaps the holidays. So here are six tips to help you have more fun as you immerse yourself in all things basketball.

COACHES
1 Change things up
You’ve built your routine, you’ve got your system, every minute is accounted for. Great job! Now add a little changeup to keep things fresh. A new game, a new drill, skip a practice for a pizza party… something that keep it fresh not only for your team, but for you.

2 Don’t determine your coaching worth based on wins and losses
The impact a good coach has on their players goes so far beyond championships, win-loss records and scores. Are you building up your team? Giving them the tools that’ll help them succeed in life? If so, congratulations, you’re a winner! It’s so easy to get caught up in results and lose sight of the difference you are making in your player’s lives.

PARENTS
3 Relax
As Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously said after a loss, “Relax.” It’s going to be OK. In fact, it’s sports so not only is it going to be OK, but it can be really, really fun! Relax, come to the gym with a smile, leave the gym with a smile. Encourage your kid to have fun, keep the mood in the stands positive, just relax and enjoy!

4 Be a fan of the team
You are there because your child is on the team, but don’t let your kid be the only thing you focus on or talk about during the game. Be a fan of the whole team! Know the other kids’ names, cheer them on and support the coaches. Don’t just be a parent, be a fan also, it’ll make it so much for fun for not only you, but for everyone around you, including your child.

PLAYERS
5 Be about team
If you are all about your team, you are going to have fun! You get to spend a lot of time with your basketball teammates, so make the most of it! A “what can I do for the team” attitude is going to be so much more rewarding and fun than a “I’ve got to get mine” mentality.

6 Set little goals… and then set some more
I’m going to make every free throw in practice today. I’m going to finish first when we run lines. I’m going to high five everyone one of my teammates during timeouts. I’m going to keep the player I’m guarding from getting off a shot this quarter. When you set little goals it takes the pressure off of having one big goal (a state championship, being all-league, etc.) and it breaks up the time. Plus it’s fun to accomplish things, so set some goals, accomplish them and then set some more.

No get out there and have fun this basketball season!