Uncertainty surrounding the basketball season complicates the situation.
1. Dave Smart's growth mindset, "Every day is development day."
- Understand the game through video study and reading. "See the game."
- Physical training to build strength and quickness.
- Skill building at all three levels (inside, middle, perimeter) for "four ways to score"
The best players I've coached have been students of the game.
2. Incremental gains. Learn "something" every day...like the Jokic Short Roll Game, the epitome of good decisions and patience.
"Little things make big things happen." - John Wooden
3. Separate skill and luck. "Every hand's a winner and every hand's a loser." - Kenny Rogers
Good teams don't beat themselves. Stop beating ourselves. Players, organize thoughts around offense, defense, and conversion. The priority shouldn't be on results but on constantly evolving process. These are FIVE COMMANDMENTS.
- Take better shots.
- Reduce turnovers.
- Contain the ball. The inverse means layups and free throws.
- Avoid unnecessary fouls leading to the highest points/possession allowed.
- Stop transition scoring.
4. Teach great stories. "Never give up."
Carolina overcomes an eight point deficit in the final seventeen seconds and wins in overtime. Never give up.
During the State Tournament in 1973, we (19-3) trailed a 22-0 team 26-12 in the second quarter. We scored the next 23 points over 8:35 and won 47-41 in the pre-shot clock era. Never give up.
It doesn't always go in your favor. I heard Doug Collins discuss the last song that he heard on the radio coming out of the locker room before the fateful Olympic loss to Russia.
The US never accepted the silver medals. Never give in.
5. Live with joy and gratitude. Excellent teams are a joy to be around. It no paradox that shared sacrifice brings joy.
Have a stable of gratitude techniques.
Lagniappe: enjoy
During the State Tournament in 1973, we (19-3) trailed a 22-0 team 26-12 in the second quarter. We scored the next 23 points over 8:35 and won 47-41 in the pre-shot clock era. Never give up.
It doesn't always go in your favor. I heard Doug Collins discuss the last song that he heard on the radio coming out of the locker room before the fateful Olympic loss to Russia.
The US never accepted the silver medals. Never give in.
5. Live with joy and gratitude. Excellent teams are a joy to be around. It no paradox that shared sacrifice brings joy.
Have a stable of gratitude techniques.
- A gratitude walk allows us to contemplate what we're grateful for.
- Shawn Achor has a 21-day gratitude exercise where we write down three things we're thankful for each evening.
- Maintain your jar of awesome.
“If you don’t enjoy it, why are you doing it?
— Basketball Psychology (@BallisPsych) September 17, 2020
I want to support our guys. I want to give them belief. I want to inspire them. I want to love them so they can play the best basketball that they’re capable of.”
— Mike Malone
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