Basketball: Obsession with Ingredients, Preparation, and Tracking

"Remember...obsession with the quality of the ingredients." - Massimo Bottura, 3-Star Michelin Chef (His restaurant in Northern Italy was voted best in the world. I've made his grandmother's pesto - note the bread crumbs, pasta water adds creaminess, and he favors a touch of mint). 

Obsess over player development. Obsession carries a negative connotation, but elite performers obsess over planning, preparation, and performance. A highly regarded investment professional summarized, "I like to win." 

Help players become their own coaches, "performance-focused, feedback-rich." What does that take? 

• Attention to detail. "Plan your trade; trade your plan." 
• Define goals and expectations for workouts. "Make at least 80 percent of free throws." 
• Practice shooting under fatiguing conditions. 
• Track and trend results. Is my plan making me better? 
• Practice with a partner to elevate competition. 

For example, I recommend elbow shooting with a rebounding partner. Shoot, sprint to the sideline and back, catch and shoot. Make as many as possible in one minute. It's far more game-like than standing, open catch-and-shoot. 

"Every day is player development day." That includes athleticism, skill, game understanding (including video and situation review), and a segment dedicated to "closing." For example, get the ball on the wing or elbow with the score tied and ten seconds left, what's your go to and counter action? Practice your winning moves every workout. When the moment arises, you will rise to it because of your preparation. 

Read, read, read, read, read. Read to become well-informed, to become a better leader, and to understand human nature. Surround ourselves with great books. 

Seek understanding not validation. For example, how will teammates respond to wins, losses, struggles, and your success as a younger player? During media opportunities, deflect credit to teammates and coaches. 

Video is the truth machine. Study truth. What did you see? What did you do? What could you do better? 

Recognize success elements. 

• Great players make teammates better and the team better. 
• Great players are great teammates. 
• Be confident yet humble. Be more concerned about doing right than being right. 

Obsess over becoming the best ingredient. 

Lagniappe: "The Wright stuff," Penetrate, pass, pass.