Develop a professional approach to practice as early as possible. Whether it's your English homework, piano lessons, or sports...commit to your craft. Define and refine your process.
What your process? As a reminder, Master Chef Thomas Keller defined six areas that he learned as a dishwasher at age 19 that apply to his Michelin 3-Star restaurants today.
1. Organization...everything in its place
2. Efficiency...know what to do, when and how to do it
3. Constructive Feedback...learn from everyone.
4. Repetition...do it right, the same way, every time
5. Rituals and language...we have our unique language
6. Teamwork...collaboration to achieve high performance
Our written practice schedule contains choices from warmup and conditioning, offense, defense, and combination elements. Every practice contains elements from each domain.
How do I improve the team and myself today? A professional approach selects areas to improve. When Gordon Hayward was recovering from his fracture dislocation, we saw him working on his whole body with heavy ropes. Our young players need constant attention to form as part of function. Flips, Bradleys, and shooting against pressure (a defender) build their skills via repetition.
Everyone can become a better leader. Young players, especially girls, don't want to be seen as "bossy" or conceited. But leaders make leaders. I saw two of our top players going up against each other recently, pushing each other to improve.
Encourage teammates. Make a better play. Everyone should know what's a good shot for each other and for the team. We use Jay Bilas' "it's not your shot, it's our shot" every practice.
Cross the Red Line. Urban Meyer expects players fully engaged when crossing the red line around the practice field. That means you are physically and mentally ready, "fired up and ready to go." And every play, "A to B, 4 to 6" players go full tilt from point A to B in 4 to 6 seconds. Coaches do play favorites, those top 10 percent who don't take reps off or take plays off.
Have energy; bring energy. "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm." I don't mean false hustle, rah-rah displays, but authentic joy and love for the activity. My friend Neil and I played French horn for a year in seventh grade. Our classmate Paula studied French horn and got a band scholarship to Michigan State. She had energy.
Sense of Urgency. Another Jay Bilas Toughness principle is "get on the floor." I know our team is fully present when two girls are diving after the loose ball or fighting for a rebound. There is no 50-50 ball.
Exceed Expectations. Do you intend to meet expectations or exceed them? Lauren was the first at offseason workouts and the last to leave. She became a top student and a three-sport captain, even though she wasn't the biggest, fastest, or most skilled player. She's a second-year student at Annapolis, the United State Naval Academy.
Be Great Today. "Get past mad, get past sad, get past hard." You can do this. Everyone can't be the top student in the school, the best daughter or son, the most accomplished athlete. But everyone can do their best. I told parents of a former player (League MVP) that she always worked hard and was consistently pleasant. They said that she was every bit as helpful at home, whether the dishes needed to be done or snow shoveled. How can you not be happy for Kayla who recently completed her Master's program?
Lagniappe:
"Find the advantage..." from Radius Athletics.