How Do You Know If Your Kid Is Actually Good?

Every parent eventually pulls me aside — usually where other parents can't hear — and asks the same question. "How do I know if my child is actually good, or do I only think that because I love them?"

I respect that question every time. My honest answer has nothing to do with height, speed, or hand size. There's a simpler test.

When you take away "shooting hoops" as a consequence when they misbehave, does losing it actually sting them? Not a little disappointed. Actually sting. If yes, the passion is real. They're doing it for themselves, not for you.

Everyone wants to talk about potential. Vertical jump, wingspan — those measurables matter later. Right now, the most important thing is the desire to play and the desire to practice. If your player loves the game and genuinely wants to improve, everything else is teachable.

Fun is Always #1.

The players who go the furthest are almost always the ones who practiced alone when nobody made them. Shooting imaginary game-winners in the driveway. Working on their handle in the backyard. Nobody assigned that. The gym was the reward, not the chore.

If the love isn't there yet, don't panic. Love can be built — which is a lot of what we do at TDBA. But stop trying to evaluate talent before joy shows up. Joy is the talent that turns into all the others.

Watch your player when nobody is making them do anything. What do they reach for? That's your answer.

Come see TDBA. Let your player try it. We run individual classes, summer camps, leagues, and membership for families who want consistent development.

And my book Let Them Love It is free at teddydupaybasketballacademy.com.