check this out, i got it in a newsletter once;

As they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". It takes time and hard work to become a leader or even a significant player on a team.
Here are some tips that will help you:



Don't try to show all your skills and abilities the second you step on the court. Make the coach trust you by executing and focusing on what he asks you to do.
Whenever a coach sends a player from the bench to the court, his main concern is: "I hope he won't do significant mistakes". Keep that in mind before taking a make-or-break decision.
Shot selection: a player who plays 30 minutes per game and a player who plays five minutes are not "equal" in the eyes of the coach. They are expected to take different types of shots.
If you try to "show" your coach you can make shots you are not expected to, you might let your coach down. My advice: don’t shoot for the first couple of plays. First, get into the rhythm of the game. Then, take only shots you can make.
Coaches like to play effective players. Becoming more effective does not necessarily mean you should score more; it means you should do your best on defense and help your team score more.
Keep in mind what you can do and what you can't. The number one reason for players to sit on the bench is trying things they can't do.
Set your expectations – be patient! It takes time to gain your coach's trust. You get one minute on the court – be smart and it becomes two, then four and then eight...

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