Sunday, June 16, 2024

Basketball: The Magic Flashlight

Believe in a "magic flashlight" on players.   

Projection is part of running youth tryouts. If twenty girls try out, probably half a dozen catch the eye as the top and another six lack the size, athleticism, or 'force' to become impactful. Focusing on the middle group becomes the priority. You never know what the light of your magic flashlight will unearth. 

Years ago as an assistant, I had the privilege of 'selecting' the player for the final roster sport on a group we'd coach for four years. One fifth grader caught my eye. She lacked basketball skills but had fluid movement and more 'athletic explosion'. So Sydney made the team. She became one of our top two players, scoring over 30 points on multiple occasions while being an impact defender. She played on a State Champion volleyball team as well. 

Players have their low and high ceiling. If they don't 'love the game' or they have other sports as their priority, it's more likely that they fall to their 'low ceiling' instead of bumping into their high one. 

Coaches can't supply everything. Good ones create aspiration and inspiration. Players define their preparation and perspiration


Everyone needs to know our limitations. Within that framework, keep expanding our "circle of competence" and "people skills."

Lagniappe. Do the work early.