You are all familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. But what belongs in our Basketball Daily Needs?
Preparation. "Deliberate practice" requires carefully planning into both the elements and the sequence of practice. You wouldn't scrimmage first and then introduce new concepts to be tested during play. Alternating higher and less intense activities gives the players some chance to recover.
Detail-orientation. "Little things make big things happen," reminds Coach Wooden. Setting screens properly, waiting for them, setting up cuts, "shaping up" in transition, and being properly positioned defensively every possession matter. Last night I saw Amir Johnson get back to stop the ball in transition against a guard. But Marcus Smart, who was miserable most of the game, flew by him to protect the basket if Johnson got beat off the dribble. Smart's presence simply discouraged the guard from even trying it.
Energy. "Nothing great is accomplished without enthusiasm." It's no accident that ENTHUSIASM and INDUSTRIOUSNESS are the cornerstones of Coach Wooden's 'Pyramid of Success'.
Concentration. Most coaches share the admonition of play hard, play smart, and play together. Because eighty percent of the game is mental, without concentration, players will make mental mistakes...no coach every said, "don't just do something, stand there." CARE. "Concentration leads to anticipation, leading to reaction and execution." Concentration leads to 'engagement' or "getting in the fight".
"TEAM First." This message gets expressed in different ways by many leaders. Don Meyer shared "Passion, UNITY, servant leadership, humility, and thankfulness." Coach Wooden's central block contains condition, skill, and TEAM SPIRIT. Shaka Smart's core values are: "appreciation, enthusiasm, competitiveness, accountability, and TEAMSHIP." However diligently one enhances their skills, they are incomplete or wasted without sacrifice to the TEAM.
