Touchdowns vs. First Downs: A Lesson in Process
I heard something about football recently that really stuck with me.
“I always thought the goal was to score touchdowns, but it’s not. The goal is to get as many first downs as you can, and in the process of doing that, you’ll score more touchdowns.”
That concept hit me because it perfectly captures the importance of being process-driven rather than outcome-driven.
Too often, we focus solely on the end goal: winning the game, making the shot, or scoring the touchdown. But those outcomes are a byproduct of doing the little things right. When you focus on the process, the outcomes tend to take care of themselves.
What Does This Look Like in Basketball?
In basketball, it’s easy to become consumed by outcomes:
• Did we win or lose?
• Did I make the shot or miss it?
• Did I turn the ball over?
But success comes from focusing on the process that leads to those results:
• Shot mechanics: Did I have good form on my shot, even if I missed?
• Decision-making: Did I make the right read, even if the play didn’t work out?
• Execution: Did I run the play with precision, regardless of the result?
If you focus on consistently doing the right things, the outcomes—wins, made shots, fewer turnovers—will follow.
The First Down Mindset
Think of your practices, workouts, or games like a football drive. Don’t chase touchdowns. Instead, focus on:
• Making the right pass (a first down)
• Cutting hard every time (another first down)
• Taking smart, high-quality shots (another first down)
Do those things repeatedly, and the “touchdowns”—the big plays and the wins—will happen naturally.
The Takeaway: Be process-driven.
Instead of worrying about the result, focus on doing the right things consistently. It’s not about the scoreboard or the stat sheet—it’s about getting better one play, one possession, one step at a time.
Let’s commit to the process together.
— Reid Ouse