"How can you fill your cup if already full?"
"Lean on Me" based on a true story, "95% true" according to the late principal Joe Clark. (Clip with language)
How do we "reach" the resistant player? We've all coached players, sometimes talented ones, who march to their own drum or tune us out. Sometimes they buy in but it's seldom easy.
Dr. Amy Gross suggests techniques to reach them...
- Overcome learned helplessness by building confidence
- Discover past history that created anxiety and negativism
- Build a 'scaffold' with stepwise progress (small steps matter)
- Set higher yet attainable standards
- Collaborate. Get people working together.
- Be enthusiastic and positive. Positive people create positive attitudes.
Know our audience. Reach out to players and families to get clarity on expectations. "What are you looking for from this experience?"
Buy-ins require trust. Trust isn't immediate. Again, harken back to the Wooden 'Pyramid of Success' with FAITH and PATIENCE (belief and time) flanking "Competitive Greatness."
One player created a special challenge. She seemed not to listen to anything, but she kept showing up in the summer sessions. The message she received was "you can be a special player if you work on a few things" (shooting and finishing) because she was an exceptional passer and defender. Eventually she became an all-league player. Her mother sent a note saying something like she figured it out that you wanted her to succeed.
Several former players made the high school varsity this season as sophomores. Remind players that making the team, while honorable and desired, isn't enough. "I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied."
Lagniappe. Chad Finn gets Louis Riddick's take on quarterbacking, "“Are not the two main non-negotiables when it comes to quarterback play decision-making and accuracy? Is that not where it starts?" Point guard play is the same.
Lagniappe 2. Variety of finishes works in any language - power layup, reverse, and floater. Tant mieux!
Lagniappe 3. What's important to you or to society?
Lagniappe 4. Leverage your strengths.
