Tuesday, October 14, 2008

THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM COACH (#20)

It is interesting that the first video in Coach's series is on TEAM ATTITUDE. Without it, all else fails. And that team attitude must be in everyone involved in your programs. Directly from Coach the trademarks of a championship program include:

#1 SHOW CONSIDERATION
a) in the way your work
b) respect the personal family life of staff members
c) individual sessions with your players (not just basketball talk)
d) improve facilities and equipment
e) players thanking each other
f) players and coaches writing thank you notes

#2 ENTHUSIASM
"Enthusiasm" was derived from "God in us."
Meyerism: "Coach today the way you want to coach 10 years from now."

#3 TOTAL PREPARATION
Don't prepare to have a winning record, but prepare to have a successful program.
a) Staff Preparation
Make them aware of things that can make them better people
Organize all staff meetings...lot of short ones better than a few longs ones
b) Academic Preparation
3 A's of academic success: Attendance, Attitude, Attention

#4 EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES
Important because it is visible evidence of progress

#5 RECRUITING
Recruiting essentials: where-who-how
Recruit individuals who want to make sacrifices and good decisions as a PERSON
Fit personality to your philosophy
Recruiting is important but teaching is always our backbone

#6 OFF-SEASON
No such thing as an off-season
Critical to reach maximum potential in skill development and strength training year round.
Give reading assignments to our players in the off-season

#7 DISCIPLINE
Don't just discipline in emergency situations -- discipline to avoid emergency situations
Discipline is built into practice and involves attention to detail

#8 DESIRE TO SUCCEED
John Wooden: "Self-satisfaction comes from knowing that you've done everything in your power to be the best that you can be."
To have great desire to succeed, you must BELIEVE.

#9 EVALUATION AND COMMUNICATION
You must live everyday examining your program and your life, your philosophy. Don't be paranoid. Have people from outside evaluate you practice and games.
Communication is the most important part of our program.