Fast Five: Jack Clark Raises the Bar, Getting Better as a Coach

1 "Hard work is a talent, because hard work means you keep going under pressure." - Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion

2 Hard work builds a process creating continuous quality improvement (kaizen). It never ends. 

Everyone studies successful coaches. Cal rugby coach Jack Clark is among the best in any sport. Wikipedia shares, "the Bears' era of success under Clark has also included a combined record of 36–1 against rugby powerhouses Army, Navy and Air Force; 14 of the last 18 vs. University of British Columbia; a domestic winning streak of 98 games from 1990–96 and a 70-game tear that lasted until 2003; a winning streak over U.S. collegiate competition that lasted 115 matches between April 2004 and May 2009; and a winning streak in 15s of 63 straight matches from 2010 through Feb. 18, 2012."

He shares his view of coaching structure. 

3 Clark puts day-to-day operations first, emphasizing communication with individuals at every level...bosses, players, coaches, media, donors. 

Execution demands mental toughness. Bring our best every day. 

4  Clark preaches a leadership model with everyone responsible. "On this team, the leadership model is open to everybody. For instance, even if you’re a freshman, you have the ability to make those around you better and more productive: Don’t be a distraction, be on time, know your stuff, play hard and well when you’re called on."

What are our values? We emphasize (for youth basketball) accountability, improvement, and teamwork with the goal of 5 "performance-focused, feedback-rich" process. 

Lagniappe: Share role models for your players - Sabrina Ionescu, the Queen of Triple Doubles




Lagniappe 2: via @BBallImmersion - diversion proves a valuable threat

Backdoor play set up by the threat of the Elevator action. Great example of how you can turn plays that you run already into backdoor plays. pic.twitter.com/jgzDWyilD4

— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) December 22, 2019

Lagniappe 3: from Garry Kasparov, MasterClass, Workbook.

"Strong players use their experience to inform their tactical and strategic decisions. You might see what looks like a strong and natural continuation, but remember that a formidable opponent will expect these logical moves. Look for opportunities to embrace creativity and surprise, as an uncomfortable opponent is more likely to make mistakes."

Lagniappe Christmas 'antepenultimate':