Basketball: Find a Philosophy That Works Everywhere

The best players make their teammates better. The best coaches get the most possible from their teams. As a player or coach, what specifically does that mean for you? 

Live core values. Define your identity and performance statements. This is who we are and this is how we play. Write your ethos out. Earn the label of good teammate.

Identity: "I am committed to becoming a better person every day."
Performance: "I focus, practice, study, and apply those to my work and play."

ACE up. Have a positive attitude, make good choices (decisions), show superior effort.
Communication is our default state. 
Energize - bring energy and energize your teammates.
Defend relentlessly. "The defense never rests." Great defense never has a bad day.
Passing - become a willing sharer, starting with the ball. 
Shot selection - no "shot turnovers", forced shots, or "my turn" shots.

Coaches. Radiate competence and value competition. 

Share clear philosophy. TIA. Teamwork, improvement, accountability. Know your NOs. 

The best defender starts. 

Player development is a priority every day. If we don't who will?
Communicate expectations, roles, and opportunity. 
Get the buy-in through earned trust.
Darwinian DNA. Adapt and overcome. 

Know teammates' strengths and weaknesses. 

• How can I help on teammate on this play? 
• What is a good shot for each teammate? 
• Presume that every shot they take will miss; optimize rebounding position.
• Can they handle a pass in the open court on the move? 
• Will they need "extra help" to contain the ball? "The ball scores." 

When are we going to win? 

Results are the reward earned for details and process excellence. Have we earned the right to win? Are we a worthy opponent? 

The player experience matters. Help kids make memories. 


Lagniappe: Give me something I can use today! My wife's grasshopper pie...