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Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Basketball Values - More Than Words?

Ask any coach about values and we'll hear a long list of noteworthy ones. Kevin Eastman summarized many in his book, Why the Best Are the Best. 

 The 25 power words of champions:

  • Truth
  • Action
  • Intentional
  • Preparation
  • Accountability
  • Trust
  • Sacrifice
  • Discipline
  • Commitment
  • Belief
  • Unrequired
  • Choices
  • Circles
  • Competition
  • Passion
  • Habits
  • Urgency
  • Standards
  • Courage
  • Curiosity
  • Respect
  • Adjustment
  • Humility
  • Investment
  • Talent

Also worth considering are integrity, sportsmanship, and toughness. 

You'd probably agree with Eastman's list and supplemental concepts. Then ask why we've all seen the following:

1. Some coaches start working and abusing the refs from the opening tip. I saw one get tossed at forty-five seconds when nothing had objectively happened. Did he have a flight to catch? Teach respect for officials. 

2. Yes, basketball is a collision sport not a contact sport. Some coaches teach 'gorilla basketball'. I don't mean playing hard, clean basketball with basketball plays. If your team delivers a steady stream of cheap shots and dirty plays (e.g. moving screens and elbows), that's on you. If you want to coach full contact sports, coach Mixed Martial Arts. 

3. Coaches go through the handshake line with a 'puss'. "We would have won if we made any shots." At their best, players learn what we teach. No wars ended or international boundaries were established based on the outcome of a middle school basketball game. 

4. Coaches run up the score as though Vegas has a line on the game. For whatever reason, sometimes one team is far superior to the other. What on earth makes coaches leave starters in to press and grind the losers into dust? Or take a time out in the final minute up thirty to run additional special situations plays? 

5. "Never be a child's last coach." I don't care whether it's sixth grade or college basketball, calling kids out as 'worthless', 'useless' or worse says everything about you. If we expect players and fans to "always do your best," then look in the mirror and start there. 

Coaching should be a noble profession as we teach worthy values to young children and future leaders. Act like it. 

Lagniappe. Earn more chances. 

Lagniappe 2. Do the right things. 



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