Coaching is problem solving. Use mental models to help us relate our domain knowledge to other domains. This may trigger analogies or "out of the box thinking."
Here are ideas from Biology mental models:
"Ideas from biology provide other key mental models. Evolution via natural selection explains much about competition and adaptation." At any moment, we live in a "defined state," physical and mental activity, sleep. The effectiveness of these activities defines our growth trajectory and sometimes our demise. Our actions determine our growth/evolution.
Gary Keller, author of The ONE Thing advises highly motivated people to invest four hours a day on their "one thing."
Microbiology teaches that tiny bacteria and viruses invisible to the naked eye can transform environments, economies and societies. Small changes create big ripples. We spend almost no time thinking about zoonotic disease - COVID, malaria, dengue fever.
Attention or inattention to detail can cost us everything. Nassim Taleb discusses rare yet predictable events in "The Black Swan." Who could have guessed that the costliest accident in Las Vegas history was a tiger killing his handler?
Failure to prepare or inability to execute during "winning time" impacts basketball history. Call a timeout where none exists. A free throw lane violation in the final seconds eliminated UNC in the ACC tournament this weekend. A Princeton backdoor cut beats defending champion UCLA in 1996. Predictable unpredictability...
DNA is the source code programming the growth and form of all biological organisms. Metabolism powers the chemical reactions sustaining life. What is the DNA of our basketball program? Does a learning culture, effort, unselfishness, and toughness define us?
Homeostasis describes how organisms dynamically self-regulate to maintain ideal equilibrium within despite external changes. How much time do we devote to lesser known aspects of self-regulation? Have we prioritized the proven benefit of sleep and basketball performance? Is nutrition something we ever discuss (timing, consumption of protein, alcohol use?). Do we preach recovery by low level activity, foam rolling, hydration, thermal contrast - hot and cold - showers?
Lagniappe. Ran this once and got a shot but not a hoop. Alpo not Valpo...
Top 10 March Madness Moments:
— Matt Hackenberg (@CoachHackGO) March 14, 2025
10/ Bryce Drew lifts Valpo pic.twitter.com/DYhXTEixAh
Lagniappe 2. Coach Crean on in-game change options.
1. Substitute based on instinct. Try a new energy source.
2. Change defenses.
3. Do something that gets you to the foul line.
4. Call an offensive set that forces 5-6 passes and go inside.
5. Trap the 1st pass, Star or corner.
6. Sub all Five one time.
Lagniappe 3. A few 5-out options. Teach young kids spacing even if they can't shoot from the perimeter.
3 Temple Plays From the 5-Out
— Joe Haefner | Breakthrough Basketball (@BreakthruBball) March 12, 2025
- Zoom Action
- Twirl Action
- Upscreen / Post Isolation
Which one do you like best? pic.twitter.com/wFWN74e4fA
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) March 12, 2025
Don’t panic !! https://t.co/6JkCuQK8jE
