Bring "Beginner's Mind" to our work, our avocations. Be fresh, be open to possibility, be present. Don't presume high level game understanding with young players.
Television host Robin Roberts says it differently, "Get to" don't "have to."
Years ago a colleague boasted, "I can keep anyone alive for 24 hours." Tragically, the Gulf War disabused him of that hubris. Beginner's mind implies humility.
Expertise shouldn't limit adopting new...or old approaches to solving problems. For example, Zeljko Obradovic teaches the benefits of setting a screen (e.g. a drag screen) with your front facing the basket to see the court better.
Players often get taught the details before the big picture. That's on us. For example, Pete Newell said the coach's job is teaching players to SEE THE GAME.
- He added, "get more and better shots than your opponents."
- "Master footwork, balance, maneuvering speed."
Don Meyer shared the evolution of coaching:
- Blind enthusiasm
- Sophisticated complexity
- Mature simplicity
Dr. Fergus Connolly breaks sport into:
- Initial spacing
- Player movement
- Ball movement
- The scoring moment
Mike Prada simplifies to:
- Initial positioning
- Create advantage
- Take advantage
Basketball informs an elegant symmetry:
- Create separation (offense) and deny separation (defense)
- Take care of the ball and force opponent mistakes
- Take quality shots and allow only "one bad shot"
The more we know the less we must think to execute.
Lagniappe. "Empty your cup."
Lagniappe 2. Note the urgent cutting to separate. Exceptional video for young players