As an assistant to a strong coach, take copious notes. Lawrence Frank was Coach Knight’s manager. Dean Smith served Phog Allen. Gregg Popovich coached under Larry Brown.
Culture builds off relationships. Few teams thrive with bad culture, with disrespect or dismissive attitudes. Positivity and collaboration go further. “I can go faster alone but we go farther together.”
Different Philosophies win. Find an approach suiting your temperament and teaching ability. Regardless of philosophy, prioritize player development. Value we add to them returns to us. Nobody regrets too much talent. What is our mentor’s favorite drill? In his MasterClass, Usher says to study your mentor’s mentor. He studied James Brown and Gene Kelly.
Teams assume the identity of leaders. We radiate poise, discipline, and toughness or disorganization and fragility. Choose wisely.
Imagine that we are assistants of a “team of coaches.” Much as Lincoln formed a cabinet of a “team of rivals” including Stanton, Bates, and Seward, we can learn from Newell, Wooden, Spoelstra, Snyder and many more.
Learn every day, compiling techniques and tactics and refine based on what works for us.
- What was the most valuable lesson coach taught?
- What non-negotiables belong?
- What does our team need now?
- How can I become better today?
- What enduring lessons will stick for our team?
Everyone can improve our understanding of the big picture and the details. Pencils out.
Lagniappe. We can’t know too much about the pick-and-roll offense and defense.
