“The game is always going to come down to not turning it over, getting the best shot that you can, and then making sure you’re good and consistent with the way you play effort-wise and focus-wise on the defensive end.” - Brad Stevens
This is a "reminder" post, something I (and other coaches) can refer to and relate to in good times or bad.
The coach's task is to help players get where they cannot go alone.
What does my team need NOW?
"Soldiers eat first." It's about the players. The players aren't ASSETS; they're kids. What are we doing to make them well-adjusted, productive citizens? This quote speaks volumes, "are we here to build a program or a statue?"
Add value relentlessly. Players should be excited to come to practice, to learn, to build life skills, and get traction in a slippery world. Learn every day.
You succeed in basketball by wearing opponents down. How are we going to do that possession after possession?
Excellence doesn't come from slogans. Excellence follows consistent, effective process.
"The magic is in the work." Are your dreams and goals aligned with your commitment and work?
Keep it simple. Simplicity builds clarity. Details define clarity.
Execute. Don Meyer noted, "what is unacceptable in defeat is unacceptable in victory." Help your teammates get easier shots, get and maintain possession, and deny the opposition any easy baskets.
Motivate. I can't change the world until I change myself.
Do well what we do a lot. If we ask someone to excel at everything, they probably won't excel at anything. Find solutions to finding solutions.
Push the right buttons; don't just push buttons. Create a legacy of making others better. If it doesn't translate, why am I investing our valuable time on it?