“Are you building a program or a statue?” Author a memorable ending. James Patterson discusses 'endings' to stories, reminding writers that "it's not just you." The game is about the players.
What's the setup for the story? Do we overcome adversity, go from rags to respectability, or succeed unconventionally? Does the team massively disconnect, the proverbial “twelve cabs for twelve guys?”
How do the relationships play out? Does the team mysteriously gel or collaborate to succeed unexpectedly? Is the team destined to fail or overcome? Does the story ride ambiguity into the sunset where we’re unsure how it all ends?
What are the stakes and how does the group leverage the outcomes? Maybe the team leader is more focused on numbers than winning. But her rival decides that she deserves more shots and won’t pass. I’ve heard parents debating the shots and the glory.
The program outline defines expectations. Are they realistic or pipe dreams? What conflicts (rivals, friends, parents, illness or injury) advance the story? As coaches we expand the characters, the dialogue, and the plot, but the characters have their own subplots and agendas. We can’t yield our editing resources.
"I didn't see that coming." That may work for fiction not coaching because we must anticipate and confront problems.
Study why endings worked or didn't. One possession (e.g. Malcolm Butler) can change a season and destiny. Teams that share sacrifice and contain ego might not always triumph, but enjoy the ride more.
Endings have "logic and emotion". Without logic, we may only get chaos. Without emotion, we find staleness and robotic play. Great endings leave a wellspring of emotion that can transform individuals for a lifetime.
Having a vision of a memorable ending and the narrative skill to engage the ‘characters’ and the ‘readers’ separates ordinary from outstanding coaching.
