Keywords: #PERMA, empathy, listening, process, #UnrequiredWork
A firehose of information barrages us every day. Even more comes at our students from their classes, classmates, families, and the Internet.
Filter that into a manageable drink. What "bottom line" content and context belongs in our message?
Learn positivity (self-talk). We control our responses to outside influences. According to Martin Seligman, positivity is a key component of well-being, along with engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment (PERMA). We can orient ourselves towards happiness using mindfulness and gratitude. I remind myself with a pair of initials "PD" from Jon Gordon's Positive Dog.
Empathize. Put yourself in the position of other team members. That frames the relevance of team defense, "helping teammates" on offense, and remembering Bilas' advice, "It's not your shot, it's our shot."
Listen. Listening is a prerequisite for learning. Openness allows us to assess new concepts.
In our 3 on 3 work, learn multiple options as illustrated in this Oregon ball screen series. Pay attention to the details, the exquisite footwork, including not only 'typical' pick-and-roll actions but rejecting the screen and slipping.
The screenshot shows the drive-and-kick possibilities seen by Sabrina Ionescu.
Figure out your process. Plan your practices from your "drill book" or even a cheat sheet.
Essentials for us include 5 versus 7 (pressure), Form shooting, 30 buckets (volume shooting competition), box drills, and 3 on 3 (inside the split)...small-side-games learning how to play offense.
Do extra. Chase excellence with UNREQUIRED WORK. Work on your body, skill, and game understanding. As a player, can you jump rope for 5 minutes daily? Are you tracking your free throw percentage? Do you watch game film?
Lagniappe: Kirby Schepp drills "teach them how to play"
Use a confined space to practice cutting and passing. In the next iteration, add screening. Make them uncomfortable to help them succeed.
Lagniappe 2: Fail fast and overcome failure. For us to succeed, reduce turnovers, improve shot quality, and disallow easy baskets (prioritize layups and transition).