Monday, May 30, 2022

Be a Sheepdog (Basketball, Coaching, and Life Lessons)

Fergus Connolly shares insight into sport and human nature. His Game Changer and 59 Lessons inspire. From Game Changer:

"When establishing a culture, everything matters.  When it is established, minor things take care of themselves.

  • “If a few players disrespect assistant coaches, cut corners during team training, and cheat on rep counts in the weight room, these aren’t merely isolated discipline problems but also indicators that the players are not fully committed to the team and its principles.  Eventually, these same players will let you down during a crucial game.”
  • “The single greatest benefit is that in teams with strong cultures, minor things are self-managed by the culture and environment, so coaches need speak only when it’s important.”
  • "Trusting the process is always secondary to getting the win."

In his TED Talk, he explains there are three kinds of people - sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs. 

Sheep are those whom we care about. Wolves are those who would hurt them and us. And sheepdogs are those dedicated to protecting sheep.

Everyone breaks sometimes, even coaches. 

- Don't hesitate to ask or to call. "Give and take."

- As Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers." 

- Remember to ask, "what does our team need now?"

Help players become their best version.

  • Take care of business. That includes family and academics. 
  • Inspire players to earn more minutes, bigger role, and recognition. "This is whom you can become." That is how to do it. 
  • Magnify your strengths. 
  • Shoot better...practice your shots.
  • "Quality of the experience" (more important than quantity)
  • Play... competitively.
  • There is something to learn from every coach (what can people learn from us?)
  • There is a continuum among medical, strength and conditioning, and rehab (about performance, best is seldom perfect)
  • Study the game. Ask your coach for suggestions. 
  • "Don't play for me. Play for each other." 
Lagniappe (something extra). 

Lagniappe. Horns into Elbow Get. 

 

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