Life sends us wake up calls. They arrive in many forms.
1) Physical. Illness, injury, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and 'undermanned talent' all show on the premortem examination. Nobody "immunizes" a team against acts of God. Overwork or undertrain a team and we're doomed. If players 'burn the candle at both ends' with immaturity, lack of self-care, or alcohol, then we're still accountable. If we have inadequate size or speed, we'll struggle to find a coherent solution.
2) Tactical. Love our losses. Early on, we were ill-prepared to match up with teams with a year's experience together. A virtuous blowout showed us what we couldn't do:
- Contain the ball.
- Defeat pressure.
- Defend urgent cutting.
- Dominate the defensive boards.
- Simplicity preaches, "how you do anything is how you do everything."
- You cannot hide your authentic self on the court.
- Share positive and negative examples of resilience.
1. Set Realistic Goals
- Break Down Goals: Help athletes set achievable, incremental goals. This makes larger objectives feel more manageable and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they progress.
- Focus on Effort: Emphasize the importance of effort and improvement rather than just outcomes or winning. This shifts the focus from just the end result to the process.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset
- Promote Learning from Mistakes: Teach athletes that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Emphasize that effort and perseverance lead to improvement.
- Positive Self-Talk: Encourage them to use positive self-talk and affirmations to build confidence and counteract negative thoughts.
3. Model Resilient Behavior
- Demonstrate Persistence: Show how you handle challenges and setbacks. Your behavior can serve as a powerful example.
- Share Stories: Share stories of athletes or individuals who have overcome obstacles through hard work and resilience.
4. Teach Stress Management Techniques
- Breathing Exercises: Introduce simple breathing techniques to help manage stress and anxiety during competitions or practice.
- Visualization: Encourage athletes to use visualization techniques to picture themselves succeeding and handling challenges effectively.
5. Foster a Supportive Environment
- Build a Positive Team Culture: Create an environment where athletes support each other, celebrate successes, and encourage one another through tough times.
- Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication between athletes, coaches, and parents to address concerns and provide support.
6. Provide Constructive Feedback
- Focus on Improvement: When giving feedback, concentrate on what athletes can do to improve rather than just pointing out mistakes.
- Balance Praise and Critique: Offer balanced feedback that includes praise for effort and areas for growth.
7. Teach Problem-Solving Skills
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Help athletes develop problem-solving skills by discussing how they can address challenges and find solutions.
- Role-Playing: Use role-playing scenarios to practice handling difficult situations and making decisions.
8. Promote Healthy Routines
- Physical Conditioning: Ensure athletes understand the importance of physical conditioning, rest, and nutrition in maintaining performance and resilience.
- Mental Well-Being: Encourage activities outside of sports that promote mental well-being, such as hobbies, socializing, and relaxation techniques.
9. Celebrate Effort and Resilience
- Acknowledge Perseverance: Recognize and celebrate instances where athletes demonstrate resilience and persistence, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
- Reward Progress: Offer rewards and recognition for effort and progress, not just for winning or achieving goals.
10. Be Patient and Consistent
- Understand Individual Differences: Recognize that each athlete develops resilience at their own pace. Be patient and provide consistent support.
- Continuous Reinforcement: Reinforce resilience-building practices regularly to help them become ingrained habits.
Brilliance from @RyanPannone in his G-League head coaching days demonstrates the adaptability of the Brad Stevens "Winner" sideline inbound play into a half-court action.
— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) August 11, 2024
Check out more ways to adapt the Brad Stevens "Winner" play here https://t.co/igPn77smi9 pic.twitter.com/KdAANGVyRb
Lagniappe 2. Move defenders north/south and east/west.
SPACING 101
— Chris Steed (@steeder10) August 11, 2024
Move the on-ball defender VERTICALLY and the helpside defenders HORIZONTALLY.
If your system accomplishes this, then you have proper spacing.
Conversely, great defenses have an inverse effect on spacing. The on-ball defender pushes the ball horizontally and the… pic.twitter.com/bau6ccdZx6
Lagniappe 3. Moving defenders to open space is sometimes overlooked.
*Circle Motion Offense Tips and Tricks*
— Matt Hackenberg (@CoachHackGO) August 10, 2024
Use the “scissors” action to clear the back side help setting up a backdoor at the top of the key
A pass fake coming to the ball helps sell the backdoor pic.twitter.com/Q6NtgkquYy
The Duke "elbow series" starts with horns spacing and clears a side.