Fast Five: Conquest or Fear? We Decide.

“When you are not afraid of rejection and it feels like you have nothing to lose, amazing things can happen.” - Jia Jiang, Rejection Proof



We have a new team of sixth grade girls this year. None have played 'travel' basketball or AAU. Maybe we began the season with some fear. What could possibly go wrong? "Is the team we're playing good?" I'd say, "sixth grade teams aren't good." Not the perfect answer, carrying a hint of rejection. 

We started poorly, playing a continuation of "wreck rec ball" with two losses in three games. The "faith" and "patience" monikers flanking the top of Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success looked shaky. Our inexperience showed. 

This weekend we play the top (10-1) team in our league. "How do you feel about that?" The girls answer, "looking forward to it," having won seven of our last eight games. They have more tools, more confidence, ambition with humility. 

Embrace your philosophy, culture, and identity. But what is our team "values-based" identity? "The magic word is WHY?" Who we are defines how we play, fearfully (don't let me make a mistake) or aggressively ("fortune favors the bold.").

Should I suggest possibilities or should the team define itself? 

I had given them this laminated sheet; the lamination makes it harder (not impossible) to ignore. 

I'm curious to see if their values overlap mine. 

RESPECT the game. Let how you conduct yourself, how you "take care of business" define you. RESPECT your parents, teachers, teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials. 

LEARN constantly. Have the BEGINNER'S MIND. Be enthusiastic and open to new ideas and improving existing frameworks. Be solution oriented. 

GROW. When we're "pleased but not satisfied," it implies a desire to do more, to become more. 

Getting open means having the mindset to create separation and quality shots.
 
SHARE. "The strength of the wolf is the pack." Everybody can run; everybody defends. Each player can be "the queen." Use your individual gifts to help the team. I remind one player, "you're our fastest player. There is nobody you cannot catch defensively." Be there for each other.  

BE ACCOUNTABLE. I don't want to hear "my bad." That's negative accountability, because of poor decisions. Missing a shot doesn't imply poor technique or poor decision-making. Taking a poor quality shot, forced shot, or situationally-inappropriate shot is a choice. Become a better player by making better decisions. 

We choose how we play. Choose wisely. 

Lagniappe: Celtics ATO high ball screen double corner options

The first option (if 1, Kyrie Irving is covered) is a backscreen from 5 (Horford) giving Irving momentum and likely a switch. That didn't happen and the Celtics went into a high ball screen, pick-and-pop, leading to a Horford drive-and-kick (penetrate and pitch).