"Man is pushed by drives, but he is pulled by values." - Viktor Frankl
If you stand for anything, then you stand for nothing. That is, if you put up with a lot of nonsense, you and your team have no self-respect. We decide what rules our aspirations...ego or values.
What are the beliefs, attitudes, and values that you're willing to fight for? As a coach and as a team, you develop an ethos, a raison d'etre, an uncompromising identity. "This is who we are, what we represent." We lead, teach, mentor, inspire, and facilitate growth for our players and teams. The experience must transcend basketball.
If we advocate for a hundred positions, we water down the commitment to any.
Players. Players need to feel valued with practice time, individual attention, roles, and "performance-focused, feedback-rich" communication. Asking for a buy in without connection is unrealistic.
Culture. "You fight for your culture every day." There's a distinction between slogans and action. I respect parental input, but the experience has to be about the players. The good of the team takes precedence. We aim for a "One Band, One Sound" mentality.
Process. We can't deviate from a process developed to improve players (on and off the court) and teams. We need relentless focus on preparation and practice activities that translate directly to how we play. "Movement kills defenses" and "no easy shots" are core beliefs.
Respect. "This is how we play." Our play should speak for itself. Respect yourself, your teammates, your opponent, the officials, and The Game. I was assisting at a game this summer when an older boys team literally started encroaching on the court and dribbling balls on the court with about five minutes remaining. I spoke to a young man (who looked like a leader) on the team and explained that our girls would never disrespect his team and the game that way. I politely asked him to ask his teammates to respect the game. He understood. Play hard but not "prison ball". Go to the floor. Value the ball. Share the ball. Represent.
Improvement. Every day needs meaning. Be grateful and express gratitude. How did I invest my time today? What lessons did life teach? What did I give? Become your "better version."
Awareness. Play smart. Etorre Messina emphasizes "0.5". You get 0.5 seconds to make a decision. Move the ball and yourself. See opportunity, create chances.
We're teaching children. These core attitudes, beliefs, and values aren't second nature. Children are inherently egocentric (self-focused). Education changes behavior. Make a difference.