Our actions mirror our soul. Imperfection mars us. But we can change. Winning basketball games but treating people poorly is a losing strategy.
Cliques form in schools - the nerds and the jocks, minorities, the 'rich kids', the "cool kids." In team sports, we need unity in the moment. Does a teammate need transportation, an assignment, help at school? Be their difference.
Madeleine Blais sculpted In These Girls Hope Is a Muscle. This quote encapsulates a toxic team atmosphere, “She used to love it. She joined the team in the eighth grade, a year after Jamila. But now; now, she had to wonder. Jen admitted to herself she’d been angry a lot of the preceding season. Coach acted as if only the only person on the team was Jamila. So did the media, for that matter. It was the as if in the eyes of the world they were Jamila’s team, not the Amherst Hurricanes.” Jamila Wideman and Jen Pariseau waged a private war for attention and status. At that point, the game was about them not the team. And we've all seen that hubris and ugliness.
Rivalries and envy are common, quintessential humanity. The rare player has the humility and character to share the ball and the credit. Humility isn't a part-time habit. Work to change ourselves and players.
Are you in the top 10 percent? Urban Meyer insisted OSU leaders drag players from the middle (80 percent) into the top by bringing a teammate to workouts.
Humility says to think about yourself less not to think less of yourself.
In the Washington corridors of power of World War II, master of logistics General George C. Marshall never pursued Command over the European theater because he understood the vitality of his strategic planning. Winning behind the scenes meant winning at the front lines.
Win at home by appreciating and helping family. Win in the corridors by respecting teachers and treating schoolmates well. Win on the court as a giver.
Lagniappe: via @BBallImmersion (traffic jam)
Lagniappe 2: Learn from other sports. Don't be a distraction (From Mike Hebert, Thinking Volleyball)Need a baseline inbound special when you need a shot? Try this weak side stagger. This clip also demonstrates the value of "knowing who to screen" which is the number 1 thing you should be teaching screeners. Video animation made easy with @KlipDraw pic.twitter.com/ub195uKnpU— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) September 28, 2019
Lagniappe 3: Resolve.