The Details Divide

Athletic Performance

“Success is built on small habits. Failure is built on small things left undone.”

The Small Things Make the Biggest Difference

The difference between success and failure?
It’s often marginal.

Success usually comes from small habits—done consistently—that compound into big results.
Failure, on the other hand, often stems from small details ignored: complacency, cutting corners, letting things slide.

At Shelby Trained, we constantly remind our athletes:

Details matter.

Why?
Because most people don’t pay attention to them.
And that’s exactly how you create separation.

Where the Separation Happens

If you’re serious about leveling up, start by evaluating your habits:

• Are you taking the extra 5 minutes to hit fundamentals before diving into training?

• Are you warming up with purpose—or skipping straight to the heavy stuff?

• Are you following a structured program—or winging it with random drills?

Those tiny choices stack up over time.

Let’s look at a quick example.

Player A vs. Player B

Both athletes are identical in skill, size, and basketball IQ.

Player A trains three times per week on their own—same basic quickness drills, same routine, no progression.
Player B trains three times per week too—but follows a structured, coach-built program designed with intentional progressions.

Three months later…

Who’s faster?
Who’s sharper?
Who’s made real progress?

You already know the answer.
Player B. Every time.

Effort matters—but effort with a plan multiplies results.

Final Thought

It’s not just about doing the work.
It’s about doing the right work—well, and consistently.

Because details compound.
And those small, unseen efforts?
They’re what separate the good from the great.

So as you prep for your next season, ask yourself:

Are you checking the box… or checking the details?

— Coach Shelby and The Shelby Trained Team