How we mentor young people determines our success, as we work in a relationship business. We model responses to frustration and disappointment.
1. Anger clouds thinking. Anger causes loss of self-control. Anger compromises our decisions and our choices define us. Maintain self-discipline.
2. Trust defines relationships...no trust, no relationship. We build trust when we provide opportunities not guarantees. Kevin Eastman says that we need to be able to live the truth, tell the truth, and take the truth. Xs and Os only matter when players commit to executing plays, not running them.
3. Non-verbal communication matters. Do you hang your head after a mistake? Do you 'double down' on a bad play (e.g. a turnover) with a "stupid foul?" Is your shirt on your chest or in your mouth? Does your posture connote attention and engagement? Amy Cuddy has shown that our posture has effects on our biology, as expansive postures raise testosterone and lower the stress hormone, cortisol. Make better communication a daily priority.
4. Listen. We learn while listening, not speaking. Coach Bob Knight describes an exercise where he simulates a timeout during practice. He hands out cards and pens and asks players to write down what he said.
5. Differentiate yourself. Bill Russell said, "imagination leads to innovation, that leads to differentiation." Force the coaches to play you with your concentration, alertness, reaction, and effort. Win every sprint. Compete every drill. Battle every possession.
None of these 'talents' requires size, athleticism, or physical skill.
Lagniappe.
Most games with young players feature steals off the "wing-to-top" pass. Take advantage of defensive aggression with back cuts.
Double bonus. "Manitoba" rebounding.