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Thursday, August 1, 2024

Basketball: Creative and Critical

Author Salman Rushdie reminds us that we have creative and critical voices. They emerge confronting the blank page and during revision.

No coach wants to hear about our limitations or mistakes. "Who died and made you king?," was maternal advice. Our ego wants massaging not messaging. 

New coaches have the blank slate to devise and implement their program. Just "do something" seldom works. 

Include:

  • Clear general philosophy 
  • Relationship development "this is a relationship business"
  • Player development program
  • Communication policy 
  • Offensive and defensive principles
In a sense, this starts the separation of 'theory and practice' as the rubber meets the road. 

Returning coaches face 'critical voices' as coaches now must manage their history of relationships and team performance. This is not unique. In the military, commanders face "After Action Review." In medicine, teams of doctors have "morbidity and mortality" conferences. 

Coaches take heat from stakeholders unhappy with minutes, roles, and recognition. Other observers will take issue with strategy, team development, style of play, or game management. Some critics will be unfair and wrong, others ahead of the curve. 

Returning coaches benefit from allies and mentors willing to ask hard questions and provide a sounding board for change. As Michael Useem writes in The Leadership Moment:

  • What went well?
  • What went poorly?
  • What can we do differently next time?
  • What are the enduring lessons? 
Curiosity and openness mark excellent coaches. Defensiveness and close-mindedness belong to lesser coaches. 

Lagniappe. 

Lagniappe 2. Accountability is a choice.  

Lagniappe 3. Movement kills defenses. "The ball has energy." Move the ball.  

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