"Did you win?" the parent asked. Maybe you've been there.
'Winning' isn't one-dimensional. For example, "Unified Basketball" blends players with challenges with those challenged in other ways. Everybody wins - players, families, spectators.
"The score" in our lives might include inclusivity, growing a customer base, improved product quality, customer loyalty, and more.
Winning could improve habits, focus, or self-discipline. Winning appears as improved competitiveness, being a worthy opponent, fun, relationships, sportsmanship.
We've all coached games where 'gallant losses' left a better feeling than 'bad wins'. And had games where the level of our coaching didn't match the result on the scoreboard.
"Experience is the best teacher but sometimes the tuition is high." We often learn more from losses than wins. That only matters if we apply those lessons to our preparation, teaching, and game management.
We are always being judged. Recognize that there are a lot of scorekeepers in the gym, some with extreme precision. Some parents track minutes, shots, points, rebounds, and more. It's understandable as everyone wants a 'fair shake' for their child. Some come not to praise us but to bury us.
Fifty years ago, a disgruntled parent and local politician in our hometown tracked minutes after his son was cut. He made it his mission to dismiss the coach. He kept score for that purpose. The coach won the only Division 1 sectional title in the school's history...and stayed.
Bottom line, we have many ways and means to keep score. And not everyone agrees with our metrics.
Lagniappe.
Playing time issues can sabotage a team.
— Luke Gromer (@LukeGromer) November 12, 2022
Players deserve to know where they stand and why.
1-on-1 meetings are a must-do to ensure a healthy culture and set clear expectations.
Here’s how I track mine & the things we discuss 👇 pic.twitter.com/XJce95NPmn
Lagniappe 2.
Players...When your coach shuts his office door to take a call from a college coach/pro scout about you...What does he say? Mature or Immature? Grinder or Lazy? Tough or Soft? Great Teammate or Shitty Teammate? Leader or Follower? Raised Right or Not? Winner or Not? Trustworthy?
— Next Level Baseball (@nextlevelbb) November 13, 2022
Lagniappe 3. Practice to create and exploit advantage.