Part of being a player for a basketball team or any sport, is knowing how the game is played, what to do when, and having the proper equipment. Below are ten things as a basketball player is important you do before a game.

1.Know the when and where the game is being played.

Don't wait until the last minute to find out where the game is being played. Talk to your coach at practice to ask for directions and times. Usually a coach will hand out a game schedule ahead of time and confirm the games as they come up. Ultimately, it is still your responsibility as a player to know when and where the game is playing and how you are going to get there.

2. Get your uniform on.

I know this sounds like a real "da" step, but getting your uniform means making sure your uniform is clean. Put your uniform on at home, you won't have that much time to put it on at the court. If you have a warm up jersey that goes over top of your uniform, put that on at home too so you don't forget to take it.

3. Pack a bag for the game

Pack a small gym bag with your name marked on it, with game shoes, knee pads, support pads you may need like knee braces, small towel, and a water bottle.

4. Get to the court one half hour before your game time.

Most coaches want their players at the court one half hour before game time so they can go through the warm ups and get last minute instructions.

5. Report to the coach to let them know you're there.

When you arrive at the court, immediately report to the coach and let them know you are there. When coaches are making their line-ups, they need to know who is there. If you appear out of no where at game time, you may not get to play as much as you hoped because the coach didn't put you in the line up.

6. Change shoes, use the bathroom, and take off all jewelry. Before the team warm ups, make sure you take care of all the little details so you won't lose any game time. Change into your court shoes right away. Make sure you remove all jewelry and anything plastic or metal like hair clips. If you walk onto the playing court with any of that on, you will be told to get off the court by the ref.

7. Fill up your water bottle. If you drink more than one water bottle during the game, have two. But make sure you fill your water bottle up before the game. Make sure your bottle is marked with your name on it.

8. Warm up on the court. At practice the coach normally will teach your team a warm-up you will go through before each game. If not, just make sure you get out there and takes some shots, dribble, and pass.

9. Mentally warm up. When you step onto the court for warm ups, you should already be in basketball mode. That means you put aside all your everyday stuff and concentrate on the game. Go over in your mind what you learned at practice about game strategies or new plays. Don't wait until the middle of the game to ask the coach how a certain play is run. Go over what you don't understand with the coach at practice or before warm-ups start. Remember that playing a game is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical. You want to be prepared in both ways.

10. Listen to the coach for last minute instructions. After warm ups the coach will talk to you about the game strategies and who is starting. This is an important time for you to listen and focus on what is being said. If you have a question on the coach's instructions, ask. But don't ask the coach questions that don't pertain to that game.

By taking these ten steps before each game, you can be assured you are coming prepared and will be ready to go in when the coach yells your name from the bench. Good luck and remember, learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!

About the AuthorKathy is a coach of 23 years for elementary basketball. She is a creator of programs for anybody who wants to learn about the game of basketball. Starting out or have a passion for the game? Visit her site at www.ges110.com/courtsidekids.html