2025-11-08 10:00

Let me tell you something I've learned after years of studying football at both amateur and professional levels - the difference between good players and great ones often comes down to mastering fundamental skills. I was watching the recent game where Jabari Narcis put up 17 points and 10 rebounds, but his 8-for-18 shooting from the field really stood out to me. That's 44% shooting - not terrible, but not great either. Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo's performance with 12 points, 23 rebounds, and two blocks for the struggling Beermen demonstrated what happens when a player combines fundamental excellence with physical presence. These statistics aren't just numbers to me - they're stories about how well players have mastered their basic skills.

I've always believed that ball control separates weekend warriors from serious players. When I first started playing seriously, my coach made me spend hours just working on touch and control. You'd be amazed how many players at all levels neglect this. Watching CJ Perez score 14 markers in that same game reminded me of how crucial ball handling is under pressure. He's someone who clearly put in the time on fundamentals. I remember my own struggles with maintaining control when tired - that's when your basic training either saves you or exposes you. The muscle memory you build through repetitive drills becomes your best friend during those crucial game moments.

Passing is another skill that I think gets romanticized but not properly practiced. People love flashy no-look passes, but what really wins games are accurate, well-timed fundamental passes. Juami Tiongson's 12 points in that game came largely because he knew how to move without the ball and receive passes in scoring positions. I've developed a personal philosophy about passing - it's not just about getting the ball to someone, but delivering it in a way that sets them up for success. The best passers I've played with always seem to put the ball exactly where you need it, whether you're moving left or right, cutting to the basket or pulling up for a shot.

Shooting technique is where I see the most variation among players. From my observation, consistent shooters develop rituals they rarely deviate from. Jabari's 8-for-18 performance shows what happens when your shooting form breaks down under game conditions. I've experimented with different shooting styles over the years and found that keeping it simple works best. My shooting percentage improved dramatically when I stopped trying fancy releases and focused on fundamental mechanics - elbow alignment, follow-through, and consistent arc. The best shooters I've studied all share this commitment to repetitive, proper form rather than seeking shortcuts.

Defensive positioning is probably the most underappreciated fundamental skill. June Mar Fajardo's two blocks and 23 rebounds didn't happen by accident - they resulted from understanding angles, timing, and positioning. I used to think defense was about athleticism until I played against veterans who seemed to always be in the right place despite being slower and less athletic. They taught me that defense is primarily mental - anticipating plays, understanding tendencies, and maintaining proper stance. My defensive game transformed when I started focusing on footwork and positioning rather than just reaction time.

Dribbling under pressure is something I've had to work on extensively. Early in my playing days, I'd panic when defenders pressed me. What changed everything was practicing dribbling while tired - that's when you really develop the control needed in late-game situations. I've come to believe that confident dribbling forms the foundation of offensive creativity. The players who can maintain their dribble in traffic create opportunities not just for themselves but for their teammates. It's a skill that requires both technical proficiency and court awareness.

The first touch when receiving passes is something I'm passionate about. Too many players waste precious seconds controlling the ball after receiving it. I've drilled myself to catch and be ready to shoot or pass in one fluid motion. This small fundamental skill can create significant advantages against defenders. Watching professional games, I notice how the best players rarely take extra time to control passes - they're already thinking two moves ahead while the ball is in flight.

Communication on the field is a fundamental that's often overlooked in skill discussions. I've been on teams with incredible individual talent that underperformed because we didn't communicate effectively. Learning to call out screens, direct traffic, and provide encouragement isn't just about leadership - it's a practical skill that improves team performance. My own game improved when I started being more vocal on both offense and defense.

Spatial awareness might be the most difficult fundamental to teach. Some players naturally understand spacing and timing, while others must develop this through conscious effort. I fall into the latter category - I had to study game footage and constantly remind myself about positioning until it became second nature. The difference between good and great offensive players often comes down to their understanding of how to use space effectively.

Physical conditioning forms the foundation for executing all other skills. I can't tell you how many technically skilled players I've seen fade in the fourth quarter because they neglected their fitness. Developing endurance isn't just about being able to run longer - it's about maintaining technical proficiency when fatigued. My own commitment to conditioning has saved me countless times during close games when other players' fundamentals started deteriorating.

Finally, mental resilience is the fundamental skill that ties everything together. Watching the Beermen struggle despite having talented players like Fajardo demonstrates how psychological factors affect performance. I've learned that how you respond to mistakes, poor calls, and pressure situations ultimately determines your effectiveness more than any physical skill. Developing mental toughness has been my personal biggest challenge and most rewarding achievement in football.

What strikes me about all these fundamentals is how they work together. You can't have great shooting without proper footwork, can't execute precise passes without spatial awareness, and can't maintain defensive intensity without physical conditioning. The players I admire most, like Fajardo with his incredible 23 rebounds, demonstrate this interconnected mastery of fundamentals. They make it look effortless because they've built their game on a solid foundation rather than flashy tricks. If there's one thing I'd want every developing player to understand, it's that transformational improvement comes not from learning advanced moves, but from perfecting basic skills through consistent, focused practice.