Moving The Carrot

Geno Auriemma is one of the best coaches ever. He has built UConn women's into one of the most successful basketball programs ever. He knows a little something about champions and developing championship players and teams.

He has excelled at motivating his players to perform at the highest levels. He is always putting his players in the most difficult situations in practice. Doing so pushes them and forces them to perform closer and closer to perfect to find success.

He likes to play 5 on 6, 5 on 7, and 5 on 8 in practice. He wants it to be really hard on his players. Whenever they get comfortable with doing something, he makes it harder on them. Some players complain and make excuses, but he said that those players and teams are never going to be any good. The great players and teams welcome the challenge.

He is always moving the carrot. Some don't want any part of it. Some keep going. The ones who keep going are the ones who will be champions.

PLAYERS: If you want to be great, welcome the challenge and want more. Don't back down when your coach makes it harder on you. Don't back down when you play somebody older, bigger, faster, stronger, or better. Work hard to meet the challenge. The only way to become your best is to play your best.