POST: THE DROP STEP

ARE YOU SCARED OF THE OPEN ROAD?

I was driving on a very dangerous two-lane highway in India. More than eight hours of death-defying horror... Our driver aggressively tailgated whatever car, truck or horse was in front of us, and then passed as soon as he was able (and sometimes when he wasn't). What amazed me, though, was what he did during those rare times when there wasn't a car in front of us, just open road.


He didn't speed up. In fact, it seemed as though he slowed down.  He was comfortable with the competitive nature of passing (I may not be fast, but I'm faster than you), and he was petrified of the open road and the act of choosing his own speed.


Are you doing the same things with your playing or coaching career? Most of us need competition to tell us how fast to go.

(Thanks Seth Godin)

FRIDAY QUOTES

"The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it."
- W.M. Lewis

“What actually matters most is getting started. You cannot achieve what you don't start.”
- Mark Fritz

“Don't stand there deciding and then shoot..Anytime you have stood there deciding, decide not to shoot.”
- Rick Allison

"Make sure your players understand the importance of shot selection. There is a BIG difference between a "missed" shot and a "bad" shot."
- Ty Farris

"Greatness is not born... it's grown”
- Daniel Coyle

“1 bad shot= 1 bad shot 2 bad shots = bad shooter 3 bad shots = bad coach”
- Coach Meyer

"Strength is the knowledge of your weaknesses."
- Tony Gaskins

“You should know the time AND THE SCORE at all times. Look up every time the clock stops and make sure it sinks in.”
- Rick Allison (via Dick Devenzio)

“All teams talk about "what it takes to win"; make sure they know "what it takes to lose" as well; know what gets you beat with your team!”
- Kevin Eastman

KING JAMES OR SPOILED JAMES?

Came across an interesting story (link) on the hidden side of LeBron that few of us get to see.  
This story reinforces my belief that coaches, especially lower level coaches, should hold their star athletes accountable to the "team first" concept, regardless of how talented they may be.
When coaches care more about their win-loss record than developing young impressionable minds into athletes of character, the athlete loses.

(Thanks Rick Allison Lone Star Basketball)

WHEN TALENTED ATHLETES "HIT THE WALL"

Have been reading some great stuff from Daniel Coyle (The Talent Code) lately and came across this little nugget that explains why so many young “hot-shots” seem to hit a wall and never get any better.

“A nice case study is found in the story of Debbie Phelps and her three kids – Michael (yes, that Michael Phelps) and his older sisters, Whitney and Hilary.

Growing up in suburban Baltimore, Whitney and Hilary were prodigial swimmers. Whitney was a national champion at 14. According to one of their coaches, Whitney and Hilary possessed more talent than Michael ever had. Debbie was the very image of an involved sports mom – celebrating each of Whitney and Hilary’s successes with great enthusiasm.

Then, as happens with so many, Whitney and Hilary hit the Prodigy Wall. They got really good, but couldn’t get any better. They couldn’t crack through.

Michael comes along. He’s really good — nearly as talented as his sisters. And when Michael was 15, he set a new American record at an out-of-town meet. As Michael traveled back to Baltimore, Mother Debbie did the instinctive thing – she festooned the house with balloons, streamers, and yard signs commemorating his remarkable feat.

But then something unusual happened. A few hours before Michael arrived, Michael’s coach, Bob Bowman, came to the house and removed all the streamers. He popped the balloons. He pulled down the signs. And he threw it all into the trash.

When Debbie Phelps saw what Bowman had done, she was understandably upset – why was he doing this? Didn’t he understand that this was a big moment, a time to celebrate?

Bowman let her protest. Then he told her, “This is a journey of a thousand steps. If we celebrate now, like this, that leaves us nowhere to go.”

(Thanks Daniel Coyle, The Talent Code)

BAD HABIT #1: IGNORE YOUR MISTAKES

Many top performers are obsessive about critically reviewing their performances – either on videotape or with a coach or teacher.
A good example of this is Bill Robertie, who’s a world-class poker player, world champ in backgammon, and a grand master in chess. Robertie reviews every game obsessively—even the ones he wins—searching for tiny mistakes, critiquing his decisions, breaking it down. The same is true of many top athletes, musicians, comedians, etc.

In the book The Mundanity of Excellence (by Daniel Chambliss), Chambliss makes a powerful case that top performers aren’t great because of any overarching superiority, but rather because they do a lot of ordinary things very well. They pay attention to detail. They make each repetition count. They seek small, incremental improvements one at a time, every single day. And these little habits, over time, add up to great performance.

(Thanks Daniel Coyle, Author of The Talent Code)

IT ONLY WORKS IF YOU USE IT

Players rarely use a weapon that works just about every time in a game... the fake.  Thought I'd drop this short video clip on Kobe's signature fake.

SUBSTANCE OVER STYLE

"I've said it pretty often over the years: As far as head coaches go, I have the easiest job in the league, because of [Duncan]," Popovich said.  "I mentioned how coachable he is and how he accepts what we do.  His ability to welcome other people into the program, to keep the standard where it's at, to set the example, and to do it, basically in an unobtrusive way."  

Duncan has helped Popovich win 751 games and four championships.  The reason their partnership has worked so well is because Popovich can coach Duncan... in other words, Duncam allows himself to be coached.

(Thanks J.A. Adande, ESPN.com)

THE RIGHT WAY TO WARM UP

Our young athletes really don't know how to warm-up.  Physically and mentally speaking... Your goal during warm-ups is to generate a sweat and really start to "lock-in" mentally to the game.  Instead of jogging around, joking with your teammates, looking in the stands and dancing to the music on the loud speakers you should be going "game speed" and mimicking plays that will actually happen in the game.
This takes self-discipline!
The results are amazing, preparing the right way before a game makes you ready to go even before tip-off.  Get your self going early, get a sweat going and start to visualize the game.  You can eliminate slow starts and create a competitive advantage.
If you do this simple thing, you will be 1-step ahead than 95% of the high school basketball players in America.  We all look for competitive advantages, I am giving you one here.

(Thanks iAthletes)

PLAY SMARTER - NOT HARDER! PT. 1

Attended a game yesterday where I watched a pretty good defender put a lot of pressure on the ball up high, so much so that the ball handler usually picked up her dribble and panicked... and then threw the ball to a wide open teammate left unguarded.

All of the effort and energy the defender put on the ball handler attempting to create a turnover was wasted because her teammates didn't anticipate what would happen next.  When the ball handler picks up her dribble... the obvious thing she is looking to do is to pass to one of her teammates.  Yet, time and time again the defense stood and watched, rather than ANTICIPATE what was about to happen and take action to prevent it.

Play smarter - Not harder!

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PLAY SMARTER - NOT HARDER! PT. 2

In the same game yesterday, I watched a player attempt to drive baseline on two occasions. Both times resulted in a turnover. On the first drive, the player recognized she was about to be trapped and threw up a garbage shot that bounced off the bottom of the backboard and into the hands of the defense.   The second attempt resulted in a trap and a jump ball.  When players make mistakes like these (and yes they ARE mistakes), it makes them look like they do not know know to play the game.

Players need to recognize that driving the baseline against a decent defensive team often results in a trap, turnover or a missed shot.  Good coaches constantly preach to avoid the baseline unless you have an open lane.

Play smarter - not harder!

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CHAMPIONS BECOME CHAMPIONS BEFORE THE BIG GAME

I'm not a big NFL fan.  As a matter of fact I haven't watched a full NFL game other than the Super Bowl in the past three or four seasons.  But what I am a big fan of are coaches and players that take their game seriously.  That earnestly seek to be the best they are capable of being.

If you are one of these types of players (or coaches) then you'll understand what Colin is trying point out in this video clip. If you don't quite get it... you're just a player.

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SHOWING SOME CLASS AFTER A BIG WIN

 The way the Patriots totally dismantled the Jets last night was quite impressive, but even more impressive was Brady's interview after the game.  He showed a lot of class.

MAKE THEM UNCOMFORTABLE

Your goal on defense should not be to steal the ball, but to force the ball handler into committing a turnover.  Most ball handlers begin to feel uncomfortable when a defender forces them to play at a pace (and pressure) they have not really practiced for.  They tend to throw hurried and rushed passes... which in-turn leads to a steal.

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NICK SABAN ON DISCIPLINE

"Discipline is getting players to do what they are supposed to do, when they’re supposed to do it, and the way it is supposed to be done. Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is changing a player's behavior to get him to do what you need him to do."

- Nick Saban

THE SAME 24 - MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Whether you are a coach or a player wanting to get to the next level, here is something you should think about.


Each person on Earth has the exact same 24 hours in a day that you have. That’s right, neither Kobe nor Coach K had an extra few hours each day that helped them get to the top. They only have 24… just like you do. But they are also committed to making the most of that time.


What’s the easiest way to add some extra time to your day? Why not wake up one hour earlier each day and use that time for reading or studying your school work. That would free up an extra hour after school to work on your game.


Just one hour per day… means you will gain 260 “extra” hours to practice your skills (1.5 months annually).

(Thanks Coach Bru)

WANT TO IMPROVE DECISION MAKING?

Decision-making in sports is the ability to choose the right action at the right moment. Skill is the ability to choose the right action at the right moment and perform the action efficiently and skillfully. Therefore, the first, and easiest, way for players to improve their decision-making skills is to improve their technical skills.


When you watch Steve Nash handle the ball, defensive pressure does not affect him; he ignores the defensive pressure and maintains his vision on the court. Therefore, to improve court vision, the first step is to improve the player’s confidence handling the ball under pressure.


Although it may make for sloppy practices, practices should be game-like. I prefer situations which cause lots of mistakes in practice and provide plenty of learning experiences so players are prepared for different situations - good and bad, planned and unplanned - in the game when performance counts.


If a coach wants his players to develop into better decision makers, technical skill development is the easiest first step. The harder step is to allow players to make mistakes by making their own decisions. Messy practices are not a sign of failure by the coach, but a sign of players’ learning. Learning takes time because it requires experience. The short cuts simply undermine the learning and long-term development even though the short cuts often lead to better short-term performance.

(Thanks Brian McCormick)

DON'T CONFUSE THE TWO

As a player, don't confuse "coaching" for criticism.  If your coach sees potential in you, he will try and show you how to reach that potential.  If your coach ignores you... it's probably because you haven't listened to any of his coaching so far, therefore, whatever is said will probably fall on deaf ears.

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R.I.P. COACH

We often get caught up in the hustle & bustle of each day, trying to squeeze in everything little thing we feel we must get done, without giving a lot of thought to what is actually important.

Lost a friend and fellow coach George Hamilton yesterday to a massive stroke he suffered earlier earlier in the week.  George was only 44 years old.  He spent his life helping kids through basketball.  In addition to being a high school hoops coach, he was a Youth Minister, a teacher at a local elementary school and an immediate friend to all that met him.

It was a poignant reminder to make the most of every moment we have... because our lives can change with every breath we take.

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WHAT IS 4:13?

Our team verse (and the way I end many of my blog entries) is 4:13.  I was asked yesterday "what does 4:13 mean?"  I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13

FRIDAY'S QUOTES (ON SATURDAY) ;)

“ACT: Accept the present state, Create your desired state, Take action to get there.”

- Chris Oliver

“Establishing & utilizing the sixth person role in many ways is much more important coach's decision than determining starters.”

- HoopTactics

“Pick a starting 5 that is super talented (obviously)... but also pick one that gives you the best chance to win!”

- Alan Stein

“Little things make the difference. Everyone is well-prepared for the big things, but only winners perfect the little things."

- Bear Bryant

“Mismatches don't hurt you near as much as open shots do.”

- Coach DeForest

“Don't base your game on “hope” but instead, spend time on meaningful skill development and game-like preparation. Players will end up playing like they practice.”

- Coach Farris

“Coaches are responsible for maintaining a healthy chemistry on the team, that means ego management through attitude adjustment.”

- Coach Farris

“Use memorable acronyms for teaching players important concepts... S.O.F.O. = Spin Off the First Obstacle (in traffic) -

P.O.O.P. = Pivot Out Of Pressure”

- Dick DeVenzio

"Do you wait for the game to start or do you prepare for the game to start?"

- Alan Stein

“Wannabe's talk the game. Stars walk their talk. Superstars let their walk do their talking. What do you do?”

- Dave Carpenter

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WHEN YOUR EGO HURTS YOUR TEAM

I’ve been blessed to have been able to coach a handful of great teams over the years and one of the main factors that led to our success was having a team of unselfish “team comes first” players.  Most seasons, our roster was filled with young and very average talent, yet we overcame tremendous odds and overachieved season after season because the players played for each other and didn’t focus on their own selfish desires (scoring, petty jealousy or wanting to be the “star”).

Most of the time, every player on a team easily recognizes a selfish player, and they talk to each other about how selfish that player is, but rarely do they confront the selfish player in question and help them see how their actions are hurting the success of the team.

Championship teams NEVER allow a selfish ego to get in the way of success.  There are plenty of teams in every sport that are loaded with talented players, but rarely make it deep into the playoffs because of the selfish play of just one or two players on the team.

Would you rather be recognized as a champion… or an all-star?  If your answer was “an all-star” you ARE one of those selfish players.

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LISTEN TO ADVICE & THEN PAY THE PRICE

When 11-year-old Wayne Gretzky met NHL Hall of Famer Gordie Howe at a sports awards banquet in 1972, Howe gave him a piece of advice: Work on your backhand.  Fast-forward to Sunday, Oct. 15, 1989.  Gretzky takes the puck on that backhand and flips it into the net with 53 seconds left in the Kings' game with the Oilers at Edmonton's Northlands Coliseum.  In that instant the NHL career-scoring record of 1,850 points that Howe built over 26 seasons was surpassed.

Gretzky had tied the record with an assist early in the game, but as time ticked away in the third period, it had appeared that the mark would not be broken this night in this place, with its strong ties to Gretzky.  Then, suddenly, there was that Howe-recommended backhand, which Gretzky had practiced at home with a tennis ball only a zillion times or so.

Gretzky's momentous shot not only broke Howe's record but also tied the score 4-4.  He then won the game for the Kings in overtime with still another goal, and he did all this against his old teammates, in the city where he led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups before being traded to Los Angeles last year.  And he did it in 780 games to Howe's 1,767.

Gretzky retired in 1999 with 2,857 points, an NHL record that still stands.

(Thanks Jay Greenberg of SI)

DON'T GET A BIG HEAD...SEE IT FOR WHAT IT IS

When a player hits a game winning shot, they are usually considered the hero by everyone at the game. High fives and the flattering "you were so awesome" comment is repeated over and over again.  It's easy to get caught up in the "I am the man!" mindset, but is it really deserved? Probably not.

When you stop and think about what really happens during a close game... it almost always consists of a majority (about 80%) of very average plays by both teams, with a couple of bad plays (about 10%) and a couple of good plays (about 10%) sprinkled in by both teams. The “hero” that hit the game winning shot just happened to be on the end of one of those good plays.

Now if that player scores 40 points in a close game, then maybe "hero" is actually warranted. But in most games, if the player that makes the game winning shot only scores 10-12 points... then see it for what it really is. Just one of those good plays.

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DEFINITELY SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

EUGENE, Ore. -- The University of Oregon Athletics Department unveiled another key element for Matthew Knight Arena de-signed to set the facility apart from any other arena in the country. Installation of a unique arena floor is currently under-way and features symbolic references to the Pacific Northwest, as well as the two individuals most responsible for the arena becoming a reality, Phil Knight and Pat Kilkenny.

"We wanted to design the most iconic television presence possible for the University of Oregon by conjuring up a highly unique and visible basketball floor design," according to Tinker Hatfield, vice president for design and special projects for Nike. "It's inspired by our beautiful tree-covered region and the UO 1939 NCAA Championship basketball team nick-named the 'Tall Firs.'"

The court is framed by a representation of a view from beneath a forest of fir trees. Also present on the floor is the new arena logo, designed for the namesake of the building, Matthew Knight.

Graphics: The graphics were completed by United Services based in Idaho Falls, Idaho . Graphics took 2,500 man hours to complete . Almost 2 miles of stencil material was utilized for the completion of the graphics . More stencil material was used on this floor then used for the other 30 floors in the Connor Sports Flooring completed earlier this year.

(Thanks KVAL.com)