Friday, January 26, 2024

Basketball: Morning Thoughts

Post by @amaziingastronomy
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Feeling self-important? Impact those around us in a meaningful way. Smile. Share. Respect others. 


We share moments because basketball changed our lives and we help change other like-minded people. 

Having once coached middle school girls for about twenty years, use Michael Useem's questions (The Leadership Moment):

  • What went well?
  • What went poorly?
  • What could I do better next time? 
  • What were the enduring lessons? 
What went well? It was about the players and the basketball experience. Playing time wasn't equal, but it was fair. If a player took every improvement opportunity (e.g. offseason voluntary workouts), video study, physical training and excelled, it wasn't fair that she play the same as everyone else. Herb Welling reminded me, "when you get the special player, you have to take care of her." 

Over time, teams always improved regardless of the wins and losses. The game is about the players. "Are you building a program or a statue?"

Admire coaches like Don Meyer who shared without fail. If I sent Coach Meyer a question on his website, he'd answer in a few days. Be eclectic and absorb the best from everyone we meet. Phil Jackson's, "Basketball is sharing" quote deserves application whether it's skill development, strategy, physical or psychological training. Basketball is open source. 

What went poorly? This reminds me of Ricky Nelson's "Garden Party," lyrically "you can't please everyone, got to please yourself." We could have better vertically integration with the high school program. I own this as much as anyone else. There's no point in beating a dead horse. 

What could I do better next time? Everything. I didn't apply the 'possession ender' philosophy until I learned it. The skill development always goes unevenly with the aptitude, athleticism, and commitment of players. 

What are the enduring lessons? 

1. There is always more to learn. 
2. The best coaches aren't egomaniacs. They're curious. They're learners. They welcome new ideas and concepts to make their own. 
3. Savor the moments. Time flies. 

Lagniappe. Goal directed. 

Lagniappe 2. Creating confusion and/or traffic is another strategy. 






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