"It's a cruel summer." Cruel Summer checks a lot of boxes for the aspiring player. Excellence is meant to be hard.
Your summer program defines you. When you see "amazing" players, they lived cruel summers. Coach Wooden gave each player a new basketball and expected them to return it worn out in the fall...cruel summer.
Does every activity advance the process?
Don't waste or disrespect players' time. Operate at the highest safe tempo. Be mindful of heat stress. We are negotiating for indoor gym time.
Fine tuning the first summer workout.
As a group activity, I prioritize cost (families pay a lot to be in our program...our coaches volunteer) and inclusivity.
If we're playing outdoors in heat, some drills just aren't tolerated (e.g. Kentucky layups above).
Participation is optional. Participation reinforces positive energy and growth. Extend a culture of sharing.
Respect Pete Newell's emphasis on "footwork, balance, and maneuvering speed" to create separation. While each player spends 90 percent of the game without the ball, the offseason helps develop ball skills (dribbling, shooting, passing).
Teach “what do you see?” Coach authentically, logically (the why behind action), and empathetically ("We know it's not easy.") are important.
Penn Jillette's MasterClass advice, "learn other people's material and do it" applies. You won't always be able to beat another player with size or speed, so you need basketball moves, honed on your time. Develop GO TO and COUNTER moves without and with the ball.
Remember Coach Wooden's advice - EDIRRRRR (explain, demonstrate, imitate, and repeat x 5).
Combine moves like hesitation and crossover to challenge defenders.
Evan Turner shows the power of a jab and quick crossover.
You've gotta be cruel to be kind.
Lagniappe: our response to failure is everything. Keep grinding.
