Found in Translation

                                             

Finding readily available information can add to your players' physical and mental make up. I'll share a few examples from today's Boston Sunday Globe. 

Nick Cafardo discusses the transformation of Oakland left-handed pitcher Rich Hill from journeyman to ace. 

Hill says, "I've finally reached the point in my career where I've learned to focus completely on the mound, where you don't let in outside distractions...I focus on each pitch." Translation: play in the moment, this possession, the Mike Krzyzewski "next play."

"Brian (Bannister) studied the elite of the elite - Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke - emphasized that, take what you think are your best pitches and use them correctly." Translation: courtesy of Michael Mauboussin, 'do more of what's working and less of what isn't." 

Mauboussin has written, “When everyone in business, sports, and investing copies the best practices of others, luck plays a greater role in how well they do.” 

Adam Himmelsbach discusses the Boston Celtics' acquiring center Al Horford. 

"Coach Brad Stevens told the four-time All-Star, "the type of player you are is what we want." Translation: you have to know what you want and identify how to develop (or find) players that fit your culture, philosophy, and identity.

"He (Horford) is a big man who can space the floor with his outside shooting, and is capable of switching onto smaller guards on defense...he can do multiple things. He's not just a pick-and-pop guy. He can pick-and-roll, he can finish at the basket, and stretch his shooting ability out to the 3-point line." Translation: offensive and defensive versatility have increasing value in today's game. In contrast to Hill's doing more of one thing, basketball requires you to perform more skills well. Because the Celtics were among the five worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA, they need to make changes to improve spacing and solve scoring problems that plagued them in the playoffs. 

The answers to our daily needs are often in plain sight. Fleming discovered penicillin by observing bacterial inhibition in a laboratory 'accident'. Sildenafil (Viagra) was a failed high blood pressure medication. J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter series) had a dozen publishers reject her novel. Persist and succeed.