A Coach's Diary

There was a high school coach in Texas, who was also the head of the middle school program (that is how it works in Texas). This coach was known for the relationships that he builds with the kids that he coaches, and the impact that he has on their lives. A couple of ways that he does that is by not turning any athlete away and by finding a specific spot and role for every athlete on the team. They said that he gives every athlete a position and role, he encourages and inspires them, and he teaches them how to master their role. Being intentional like this helps make every athlete feel valued and important. They give it their all because they are completely bought in. They perform their job at a high level because they have been taught how and they know what is expected of them. Now, that role might be the 3rd person from the right on the 3rd string kick-off team, but imagine how disciplined a team is if the buy-in, instruction, expectations, and relationsh...

One season, I had a team that just couldn't shoot it very well. We had one really good shooter, and everybody else wasn't very skilled at shooting. We played very hard, we were aggressive on defense, but shooting was not a strength of ours. I spent the first few practices complaining about our ability, or lack thereof, to shoot the ball. During one of my complaining sessions, my dad asked me, "What are you doing to teach them how to shoot?" That question changed my career as a coach and as a teacher. From then on, I stopped being a victim of my personnel, and I took ownership over what I taught them and their skill and ability. All it took was a mindset shift and good guidance from dad. Instead of saying my team can't do this _______________," ask yourself three questions: 1 - Why can't they? 2 - How can I teach this? 3 - What am I allowing them to do? Don't be a victim of your personnel. If your team can't shoot, teach them how....

Kemba Walker, the point guard for the Boston Celtics, is known for his crazy crossovers and his positive energy and positive spirit. In a recent playoff game, NBA announcers talk about his positive energy and his positive effect on the team: They talk about his smile. They talk about how he goes out of his way to say hello and ask how people are doing when they walk into the gym. They talk about how even the most cantankerous and competitive coaches find it impossible for them to stay mad when Kemba Walker walks into their office with a smile on his face. They talk about how contagious he is. He is the guy that everybody wants to play with, whether it is a practice scrimmage or a drill. What do your teammates say about you? How do you impact the locker room? How do you make people feel? Do you maintain a positive spirit through the ups and the downs?