"I haven't read your work..."
Margaret Atwood shares a story about a couple meeting a chef, who asks whether they've eaten out lately. They explain they dined at a local place. "How was it?" They say they enjoyed it. He responds, "anyone can cook a good meal, once." We have to bring our best again and again.
In Gridiron Genius, Mike Lombardi informs why Bill Belichick has coached on seven Super Bowl winners. The acronym is STEPS - excel in Strategy, Tactics, Execution, Preparation, and Situational awareness.
When we watch other sports, we see coaching excellence in preparation, skill development, culture, decision-making, and more. Find the lessons. Yesterday, watching high school volleyball, I saw examples that translate to our favorite.
Develop depth and experience. Years ago against a state power, the setter broke a shoelace. The reserve setter came in cold and the team won six of seven points. Melrose graduated its setter, the sectional Player of the Year. A pair of youngsters, a sophomore and a freshman, replaced her. Coach Scott Celli (Massachusetts Volleyball Coaching Hall of Fame, 2012) brought in the freshman (Autumn) to play the second set. She showed some nerves early and the team trailed 14-15 (sets to 25). Many coaches would substitute in the regular lineup, but he let the team "figure it out." They responded with an 11-4 run to win 25-19. Autumn had ten assists in her debut.
Bill Parcells says, "confidence comes from proven success." Leaving our comfort zone allows players to grow theirs.
"Fight for your culture every day." Most teams play best with their best lineups on the court. But getting our teams to reach their potential means getting the entire roster to excel in its role. Everyone played, rewarded for hard work in practice. A culture of teamwork and inclusiveness values each player.
Energize. Jon Gordon wrote The Energy Bus. Another reserve, Claire, came in during the final set. She embodied Rule 7, "Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride." Her presence boosted the energy on the floor. She also delivered five kills, as she brought both intangibles and measurables. That's not criticism of others but praise for the praiseworthy.
Catch people doing well. Take positive lessons back to our programs.
Lagniappe:
Radius Athletics shares a different way to get into the Pick-and-Roll
