Animal behavior teaches us about human nature - opportunity and danger. Basketball imitates life.
In On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, Darwin discussed factors that advantaged organisms. "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."IM CRYING ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/2FP2znbvz5— Fascinating Videos (@FascinatingVids) January 24, 2018
Figure from Predator. I encourage our guards not to attack the strongest and best ball handler, but to identify the weak or out of control player, who is most likely to surrender the ball, travel, or make a poor pass.
"Teams that cannot shoot free throws survive as long as dogs who chase cars." Tom Hellen (Coach Storm)
Animals either have or learn basic survival skills, with inherent qualities like speed or camouflage, or acquired behaviors like warning calls or escaping potential dangers at hints of trouble.
The best players adapt to do whatever it takes to survive game elements.
When shots aren't falling, they elevate their defense, rebounding, or passing. "Know that" and "know how" differ vastly.
You cannot measure it, but you know it when you see it. Toughness, like excellence, doesn't just happen. You have to want it, chase it. You must want to play harder, to be the Alpha Dog. James Kerr writes in Legacy, "Our values decide our character. Our character decides our value."
Jay Bilas authored Toughness, "I would watch games and see player upon player thumping his chest after a routine play, angrily taunting an opponent after a blocked shot, getting into a shouting match with an opposing player, or squaring up nose-to-nose as if a fight might ensue. I see players jawing at each other, trying to "intimidate" other players. What a waste of time. That is nothing more than fake toughness, and it has no real value."
The animal world teaches us the value of teamwork, resilience, having a thick skin.
Nature exacts a terrible toll, taught by telltale experience.
Young players learn 'survival skills' from their elders.
"Instinctive" or "creative" play doesn't just happen. Years of practice and observation serve as foundation for advanced play. Coming to work determined to be your best is THE best preparation for life.
Lagniappe:
Grainy video of Scott Skiles. "It's not boasting if you can do it." - Dizzy Dean
"The only thing worse than losing is winning every game."
