“When written in Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters-one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” -JFK
Friday, August 12, 2011
Build a Shelter Against the Storm
Duke men's head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski talks about crisis management in his book Beyond Basketball and, as the title suggests, provides lessons for leaders and team members across all backgrounds.
"As a leader, I am often asked about how to act and lead your team in a time of crisis. My response is that, once you find yourself in crisis...it may already be too late."
"Crises are not handled in the instant they occur but are prepared for in all of the moments that you and your team spend leading up to that one. You prepare for the crisis well ahead of time be establishing trusting relationships among all team members. For me, every team meeting, every practice, every individual conversation...establishes who we will collectively be when a crisis occurs".
"As a leader, I am often asked about how to act and lead your team in a time of crisis. My response is that, once you find yourself in crisis...it may already be too late."
"Crises are not handled in the instant they occur but are prepared for in all of the moments that you and your team spend leading up to that one. You prepare for the crisis well ahead of time be establishing trusting relationships among all team members. For me, every team meeting, every practice, every individual conversation...establishes who we will collectively be when a crisis occurs".
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wooden: Principles of Offensive Success Part II
6) Flexibility: Mechanical offenses where players are forced to follow set patterns are easily defended. To encourage players to be resourceful, the offense must be flexible enough to provide a sufficient number of options to counteract all possible defensive maneuvers. Individual innovation must take place within the guidelines of proper spacing, ball movement, etc.
7) Timing: Creating a smooth-working unit is an ultimate goal of any offense. For any play to work effectively, ball movement and player positioning must be coordinated and timed to near perfection. A late or early pass or cut will likely result in missing a scoring opportunity and stagnate the offense.
8) Equal opportunity: Every player on the court must be a contributing member of the offensive attack, even if a player's contribution is mostly by passing, cutting, and screening to allow the main scorers to get good shot opportunities. As a result, unlike team members who view themselves as simply supporting actors for star players, they are fully engaged in the effort to help their team score every chance they get.
9) Rebounding balance: Offense does not end until the other team gains possession; rebounding balance consists of 3 players forming a rebounding triangle in the paint, one long rebounder at the free-throw line area and one protector going back towards half-court (if the shot is taken from the outside, the shooter will always become the rebounder).
10) Defensive balance: If the opponent obtains the rebound, the rebounding balance alignment also serves as defensive balance. The long rebounder is in position to defend a player who receives the first pass (outlet) because they know they have help from the protector. The protector defends any long pass or will serve as basket protector until the posts arrive.
Without the ability of all players to quickly an properly execute the fundamentals of basketball at high speed and without conscious thought, following the principles of effective offense won't make much difference. All of these principles are dependent on fundamentals: quick, timely and accurate passing; aggressive receiving; sharp cutting; proper pivoting; skilled dribbling; and quick shooting.
The attention to details- such as faking without the ball, developing perfect timing on the backdoor pass, making sure all players handle the ball and have scoring opportunities, insisting the outside shooter goes to the free throw line area to become the long rebounder, and teaching definitive penetrating cuts- can be the difference between a season of success and one of failure.
7) Timing: Creating a smooth-working unit is an ultimate goal of any offense. For any play to work effectively, ball movement and player positioning must be coordinated and timed to near perfection. A late or early pass or cut will likely result in missing a scoring opportunity and stagnate the offense.
8) Equal opportunity: Every player on the court must be a contributing member of the offensive attack, even if a player's contribution is mostly by passing, cutting, and screening to allow the main scorers to get good shot opportunities. As a result, unlike team members who view themselves as simply supporting actors for star players, they are fully engaged in the effort to help their team score every chance they get.
9) Rebounding balance: Offense does not end until the other team gains possession; rebounding balance consists of 3 players forming a rebounding triangle in the paint, one long rebounder at the free-throw line area and one protector going back towards half-court (if the shot is taken from the outside, the shooter will always become the rebounder).
10) Defensive balance: If the opponent obtains the rebound, the rebounding balance alignment also serves as defensive balance. The long rebounder is in position to defend a player who receives the first pass (outlet) because they know they have help from the protector. The protector defends any long pass or will serve as basket protector until the posts arrive.
It is the cumulative effective of doing alot of little things correctly that eventually makes a big difference in competition.
Without the ability of all players to quickly an properly execute the fundamentals of basketball at high speed and without conscious thought, following the principles of effective offense won't make much difference. All of these principles are dependent on fundamentals: quick, timely and accurate passing; aggressive receiving; sharp cutting; proper pivoting; skilled dribbling; and quick shooting.
The attention to details- such as faking without the ball, developing perfect timing on the backdoor pass, making sure all players handle the ball and have scoring opportunities, insisting the outside shooter goes to the free throw line area to become the long rebounder, and teaching definitive penetrating cuts- can be the difference between a season of success and one of failure.
Wooden: Principles of Offensive Success Part I
Excerpts from John Wooden's UCLA Offense by John Wooden and Swen Nater:
10 key principles that together provide a structure to facilitate team play yet also create opportunities to maximize the talents of specific individuals on the squad: *parts 6-10 will be posted later*
1) Spacing: On the strong side, players should be spaced approximately 15' apart. This facilitates safe passing distance and provides operating room for the player with the ball while also limiting additional defensive help. A pass more than 15' is in the air too long and subject to interception; a pass less than 15' may be difficult for the receiver to handle.
2) Triangles: Adding a third receiver produces more and better passing angles and scoring opportunities than a simple two-man game.
3) Penetration: The heart of any successful offense is unselfishness, confidence, and constant penetrating movements from spread and balanced areas of the floor. Cuts and screens (think UCLA screen) must be perfectly set-up by faking away from the desired destination, setting yourself up at a 90 degree angle to the direction you wish to go, and then changing pace when you change direction.
4) Passing: Ball movement keeps the defense reacting. Dribbling keeps defenders in good defensive position. But the mere act of passing accomplishes little; when the defense stops one option, the ball must be quickly and strategically moved to the weak-side for immediate attack.
5) Strong/weak side balance: Balance makes things work as they should. To balance an offense, it must have good weak-side action for two reasons: to help make strong-side action work and to create an immediate weak-side attack, should the ball be reversed.
10 key principles that together provide a structure to facilitate team play yet also create opportunities to maximize the talents of specific individuals on the squad: *parts 6-10 will be posted later*
1) Spacing: On the strong side, players should be spaced approximately 15' apart. This facilitates safe passing distance and provides operating room for the player with the ball while also limiting additional defensive help. A pass more than 15' is in the air too long and subject to interception; a pass less than 15' may be difficult for the receiver to handle.
2) Triangles: Adding a third receiver produces more and better passing angles and scoring opportunities than a simple two-man game.
3) Penetration: The heart of any successful offense is unselfishness, confidence, and constant penetrating movements from spread and balanced areas of the floor. Cuts and screens (think UCLA screen) must be perfectly set-up by faking away from the desired destination, setting yourself up at a 90 degree angle to the direction you wish to go, and then changing pace when you change direction.
4) Passing: Ball movement keeps the defense reacting. Dribbling keeps defenders in good defensive position. But the mere act of passing accomplishes little; when the defense stops one option, the ball must be quickly and strategically moved to the weak-side for immediate attack.
5) Strong/weak side balance: Balance makes things work as they should. To balance an offense, it must have good weak-side action for two reasons: to help make strong-side action work and to create an immediate weak-side attack, should the ball be reversed.
Video clip from John Wooden's UCLA Offense DVD.
Quote of the Day:
At a coaching clinic years ago, in front of a large audience, one of the attendees asked, "Coach Wooden, what part of the game of basketball is most connected to winning?" to which he replied, "Some say the team that outrebounds the opponent usually wins the game. Some say the team that has the least number of turnovers usually wins the game. Some say the team that makes the most free throws usually wins the game. Still others say the team that shoots the highest field goal percentage usually wins the game. From my experience, I say the team that scores the most points usually wins the game."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Quote of the Day:
“If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.” -John Maxwell
Imagination, Growth and George Carlin
"If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play" (John Cleese).
George Carlin, a controversial and often times vulgar comedian, had a basic idea in one of his stand-up routines- parents allow too much electronic entertainment and over-schedule activities for their children. Carlin makes a strong point that "each kid should be made to sit in a room, by themselves, and look out the window for 15 minutes each day so they can exercise their imagination".
Planning/Prioritizing: before "putting your nose to the grindstone" each morning, spend 10-15 minutes looking at the day and week ahead of you; prioritize your tasks, plan for upcoming projects, review deadlines, etc.
Strategizing/Projects & Action Steps: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Before diving into a project, allow some time to think about the 'big picture'. Brainstorm ideas on paper, talk to colleagues, do some research and think about a plan of attack.
Thinking & Creativity: What is one thing could you do (that you aren’t doing now) that if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous difference in your personal or professional life?
What can creativity, imagination and "free time" do for us as coaches?
Planning/Prioritizing: before "putting your nose to the grindstone" each morning, spend 10-15 minutes looking at the day and week ahead of you; prioritize your tasks, plan for upcoming projects, review deadlines, etc.
Strategizing/Projects & Action Steps: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Before diving into a project, allow some time to think about the 'big picture'. Brainstorm ideas on paper, talk to colleagues, do some research and think about a plan of attack.
Thinking & Creativity: What is one thing could you do (that you aren’t doing now) that if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous difference in your personal or professional life?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
John Maxwell: There is no off-season
A huge assist to Bob Starkey for posting the following from John Maxwell:
How well did you approach your off-season? Did you have a plan of attack? In all actuality, we need to come up with another term instead of "off-season." Because thought we aren't actively involved with our teams per rules and guidelines, we are always (or should be) working to develop ourselves and our organizations. Here is what John has to say about "off-seasons":
Leaders are revealed during the busy seasons, but they are made during the offseason. Work done for months behind-the-scenes determines what happens onstage the night of the show. Here are five ways leaders, and the teams they lead, can make the most of the offseason.
Develop Stamina
During the offseason, leaders develop stamina through a mixture of rest and training. Recognizing that they’re ineffective when worn out, leaders prioritize rest during the offseason to replenish energy reserves. However, leaders must also condition themselves to be ready for the rigors of the upcoming season. Much as a runner would be foolish to show up for a marathon without having trained, leaders cannot remain idle throughout the offseason and expect to be at their peak when the season arrives.
Revisit Vision
The offseason is an opportune time for leaders to revisit vision and values, and to make sure their team is focused on what matters most. Once they’ve gained personal clarity, leaders then can help their team generate its goals for the future. Keeping a vision in front of a team, and giving it goals to reach for, brings much-needed purpose and motivation to offseason activities.
Build Team Unity
During the offseason, teams face less stress than at other times of the year, and they do not have as many critical tasks to accomplish. This makes the offseason a prime occasion for investing in relationships. When teammates connect meaningfully during the offseason, they form bonds that can sustain team unity during the pressure-cooker of busy seasons.
Pursue Personal Growth
The frenetic pace of life’s busy seasons crowd out time for personal growth. Conversely, during the offseason leaders find themselves with plenty of room to breathe. Wise leaders make productive use of their extra time by attending training seminars, studying industry experts, and reading up on cutting-edge strategies. Those leaders who develop their skills and enhance their knowledge during the offseason have an advantage over the competition once the season starts.
Rehearse
Much as a music band must rehearse before going on a concert tour, a team must practice together in the offseason to prepare itself for future projects. Championship teams spend the offseason shoring up their strengths and working out the kinks in their systems. They conduct trial runs and pilot programs to test new ideas and fine-tune their processes. The practice that a team puts in over the course of the offseason improves its performance, and instills confidence for the upcoming season.
Leaders are revealed during the busy seasons, but they are made during the offseason. Work done for months behind-the-scenes determines what happens onstage the night of the show. Here are five ways leaders, and the teams they lead, can make the most of the offseason.
Develop Stamina
During the offseason, leaders develop stamina through a mixture of rest and training. Recognizing that they’re ineffective when worn out, leaders prioritize rest during the offseason to replenish energy reserves. However, leaders must also condition themselves to be ready for the rigors of the upcoming season. Much as a runner would be foolish to show up for a marathon without having trained, leaders cannot remain idle throughout the offseason and expect to be at their peak when the season arrives.
Revisit Vision
The offseason is an opportune time for leaders to revisit vision and values, and to make sure their team is focused on what matters most. Once they’ve gained personal clarity, leaders then can help their team generate its goals for the future. Keeping a vision in front of a team, and giving it goals to reach for, brings much-needed purpose and motivation to offseason activities.
Build Team Unity
During the offseason, teams face less stress than at other times of the year, and they do not have as many critical tasks to accomplish. This makes the offseason a prime occasion for investing in relationships. When teammates connect meaningfully during the offseason, they form bonds that can sustain team unity during the pressure-cooker of busy seasons.
Pursue Personal Growth
The frenetic pace of life’s busy seasons crowd out time for personal growth. Conversely, during the offseason leaders find themselves with plenty of room to breathe. Wise leaders make productive use of their extra time by attending training seminars, studying industry experts, and reading up on cutting-edge strategies. Those leaders who develop their skills and enhance their knowledge during the offseason have an advantage over the competition once the season starts.
Rehearse
Much as a music band must rehearse before going on a concert tour, a team must practice together in the offseason to prepare itself for future projects. Championship teams spend the offseason shoring up their strengths and working out the kinks in their systems. They conduct trial runs and pilot programs to test new ideas and fine-tune their processes. The practice that a team puts in over the course of the offseason improves its performance, and instills confidence for the upcoming season.
Quote of the Day:
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." -Eleanor Roosevelt
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