I have 3 ½-year-old twin boys, Jackson and Jameson. They’re a lot of fun, and despite being twins, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Watching them learn to walk taught me something that translates perfectly to basketball skill development.
When toddlers start to walk, they fall—a lot. And what we noticed with the twins was fascinating.
• Jackson was stronger, had better balance, and moved more smoothly. But he was timid. He’d hold onto the couch or a table and wouldn’t let go because he was afraid of falling.
• Jameson, on the other hand, wasn’t as strong or coordinated. But he didn’t care. He’d take a step, face plant, get back up, and try again—over and over.
Here’s the twist: even though Jackson was the “better walker,” Jameson learned to walk much faster. Why? Because he was willing to fail.
At that stage, toddlers aren’t really learning how to walk—they’re learning how to not fall. And Jameson’s willingness to fall repeatedly gave him more opportunities to figure it out.
The Lesson for Basketball
I think basketball skill development works the same way. A less talented player who’s willing to fail repeatedly will often progress faster than a more naturally gifted player who’s timid or afraid of mistakes.
In basketball, just like learning to walk:
• Failure isn’t a setback—it’s a necessary part of the process.
• Confidence comes from repetition, not perfection.
• Progress requires taking risks, even if it means falling a few times.
As coaches and players, we need to embrace the process of failure. The players willing to “fall” are the ones who will eventually stand tallest.
The Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid to stand still.
— Reid Ouse