You've heard it before, "relief pitchers need short memories," or "cornerbacks need to forget the play that burned them." We cannot rewrite history; control what you can control.
In addition to getting quality play, we want to avoid having players compound one error (e.g. turnover, poor quality shot) into another (bad foul, lackadaisical defense). Both coaches and players benefit from focus and redirection, the capacity to recenter. Games can turn in a heartbeat; winning each possession counts.
Coaches speak the same lingo:
Don Meyer - "Do the next right thing right."
Mike Krzykewski - "Next play." Jay Bilas includes this in his landmark article "Toughness."
Lauren Hill reminded people to live "In the moment."
Chris Mullen discussed "Right here, right now."
Nick Saban - "Get your head right."
Jerry Lynch - "IPR Instant Positive Response"
Jon Gordon "Positive Dog"
I emphasize "Positive Play." Players can vanquish negative thoughts but the word "Play" has meaning, too. Do you perform best when you "work" basketball or when you "play" basketball? In the best moments, our team should radiate energy and joy.
