"In basketball -- as in life -- true joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way." -Phil Jackson
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
How to Develop Mental Toughness
How to Develop Mental Toughness on the Court 
A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to meet Graham Betchart, a brilliant performance coach who specializes in mental skills training for athletes.
After numerous phone conversations and email exchanges we finally connected in person at a Big East college basketball game.
I have always been fascinated by the role the mind plays in achieving success on the basketball court, and have spent a ton of time studying (and improving) that aspect of my own coaching arsenal.
Depending on who you ask, most agree that basketball is around 75 percent mental (Bob Knight was even quoted as saying the "mental is to the physical as 4 is to 1"). Yet most players readily admit they don't spend time working on mental training. So at best, they spend 100 percent of their time and effort focused on the remaining 25 percent.
If you want an edge, you have to train your mind and body.
Another part of mental toughness is the ability to focus on what you can control and stay in the moment (also known as "Playing Present").
You are 100 percent in control of:
The key to effectively playing present is to focus on the 'next play.' Not the one that just happened--it's over. Not the one that may happen later, but the play right in front of you. You must learn how to focus on the task at hand and execute that to the best of your ability. Then do that for the next play. And the next play. And the play after that. One play at a time.
When you get back on defense, that stop is the most important stop of the entire game. Why? Because it is the ONLY one you can directly affect. It's kind of like the old coaching mantra "the next game on our schedule is the most important game of the year." There is a ton of wisdom behind that quote.
Same holds true for shooting. The next shot is the only one that matters because it is the only shot you can affect. That is what makes Michael Jordan so phenomenal. Although it rarely happens, if MJ misses his first 10 shots... he doesn't let it affect his 11th shot. The 'next shot is going in' mentality is why he was such a potent offensive player. He always thinks, "My next shot is good."
You need to be so into the moment ('Play Present')... that on an offensive possession you are thinking something to the effect of, 'cut hard to an open space, catch the ball, square up, survey my options, and make the right play.' Now of course all of this needs to happen quickly, in real time. You can't be out on the court in La-La-Land day dreaming! In fact, it is the opposite. When you 'Play Present', you are so dialed in you have razor-sharp focus.
Creating this awareness is what separates an NBA superstar from other talented players. He always gets back to the process and doesn't worry with the outcome. Don't be a sucker for the results! Focus on perfecting the process and the results will follow.
John Wooden was famous for NEVER talking about winning. All he talked about was the characteristics needed to be successful. In his case, the winning (obviously) took care of itself.
Just remember, the next step is always the most important step... focus on each and every possession. Play present. Coach Betchart also calls this concept W.I.N. -- 'What's Important Now?' The only thing that should be important now is the play that is right in front of you; the next play.
After numerous phone conversations and email exchanges we finally connected in person at a Big East college basketball game.
I have always been fascinated by the role the mind plays in achieving success on the basketball court, and have spent a ton of time studying (and improving) that aspect of my own coaching arsenal.
Depending on who you ask, most agree that basketball is around 75 percent mental (Bob Knight was even quoted as saying the "mental is to the physical as 4 is to 1"). Yet most players readily admit they don't spend time working on mental training. So at best, they spend 100 percent of their time and effort focused on the remaining 25 percent.
If you want an edge, you have to train your mind and body.
Mental Toughness
People define "mental toughness" in a variety of ways, and there is usually some truth to most of those definitions.Part of mental toughness is learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
One of the biggest roadblocks to maximum performance for both players and coaches is falling in the trap of focusing on (and worrying about) things that are out of their control.
You are 100 percent in control of:
- Focus
- Attitude
- Body Language
- Effort
- Thoughts
- Communication
When you get back on defense, that stop is the most important stop of the entire game. Why? Because it is the ONLY one you can directly affect. It's kind of like the old coaching mantra "the next game on our schedule is the most important game of the year." There is a ton of wisdom behind that quote.
Same holds true for shooting. The next shot is the only one that matters because it is the only shot you can affect. That is what makes Michael Jordan so phenomenal. Although it rarely happens, if MJ misses his first 10 shots... he doesn't let it affect his 11th shot. The 'next shot is going in' mentality is why he was such a potent offensive player. He always thinks, "My next shot is good."
Focus on the Process
A key component of playing present is being able to focus on the process, not the result. For instance, don't worry about whether or not you make the shot. Instead, focus on the steps needed to greatly increase your chances of making the shot:- Being on balance
- Having good footwork
- Staying square to the rim
- Keeping your eyes on the rim
- Executing your shot technique
- Holding your follow through
You need to be so into the moment ('Play Present')... that on an offensive possession you are thinking something to the effect of, 'cut hard to an open space, catch the ball, square up, survey my options, and make the right play.' Now of course all of this needs to happen quickly, in real time. You can't be out on the court in La-La-Land day dreaming! In fact, it is the opposite. When you 'Play Present', you are so dialed in you have razor-sharp focus.
Creating this awareness is what separates an NBA superstar from other talented players. He always gets back to the process and doesn't worry with the outcome. Don't be a sucker for the results! Focus on perfecting the process and the results will follow.
John Wooden was famous for NEVER talking about winning. All he talked about was the characteristics needed to be successful. In his case, the winning (obviously) took care of itself.
Just remember, the next step is always the most important step... focus on each and every possession. Play present. Coach Betchart also calls this concept W.I.N. -- 'What's Important Now?' The only thing that should be important now is the play that is right in front of you; the next play.
Quote of the Day:
"Once practice starts, we work hard, and that's the best conditioning there is. Everything counts. Every little thing counts. Run hard, play hard, go after the ball hard, guard hard. If you play soft, you won't ever get into shape." -- Coach Pete Carril
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Do you deserve to win?
Rick Pitino opens his book Success is a Choice with the following: "Winston Churchill's rallying cry for the British people during WWII was simple and succinct: hoping and praying for victory was fine, but deserving it was what really mattered.
According to Churchill, victory comes only to those who work long and hard, who are willing to pay the price in blood, sweat and tears. Hard work is also the basic building block of every king of achievement: Without it, everything else is pointless. You can start with a dream or an idea or a goal, but before any of your hopes can be realized, you truly must deserve your success. This may sound old-fashioned in this age of instant gratification, but from the Sistine Chapel to the first transcontinental railroad to today's space shuttle, there's no mystery as to how these things of wonder were created. They were created by people who worked incredibly hard over a long period of time."
What does it mean to 'deserve victory'?
According to Churchill, victory comes only to those who work long and hard, who are willing to pay the price in blood, sweat and tears. Hard work is also the basic building block of every king of achievement: Without it, everything else is pointless. You can start with a dream or an idea or a goal, but before any of your hopes can be realized, you truly must deserve your success. This may sound old-fashioned in this age of instant gratification, but from the Sistine Chapel to the first transcontinental railroad to today's space shuttle, there's no mystery as to how these things of wonder were created. They were created by people who worked incredibly hard over a long period of time."
Quote of the Day:
"Everyone wants to win, but not everyone is willing to prepare to win." -Coach Bobby Knight
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tex Winter: Essentials of Coaching
Read this post on another great blogger's website. Enjoy!
What makes Tex Winter so great is that his principles regarding the game of basketball remain true no matter what era. Because of his principles, he was able to remain influential as a coach his entire career which was over 50 years. Here are Tex Winters Essentials of Coaching:
A. The answer to success in coaching does not lie in some form of super strategy, or some ultra super plan.
B. Success, overall, does rely on basic sound teaching abilities. The ability to teach the fundamental skills (basic basketball) to the individual athlete is critical. Your players must understand that their natural ability can take them only to a certain level.
C. Athletes must strive to break those physical barriers of endurance, speed, coordination, reflex action, jumping ability, etc., to truly become a better athlete.
D. As coaches we must develop and organize out of season programs that promote greater total development of our athletes, so that they can break those physical barriers.
E. Total preparation of the mental, emotional and physical aspects of athletes then permit greater technical preparation.
F. A player has not learned a fundamental until it becomes second nature (a habit). Automatic reaction is the goal of skill execution. No thought process necessary: react.
G. Basketball is a game of total quickness; a game of reaction.
H. Athletes are in the process of learning and have not learned a skill until they can perform a skill correctly and quickly while involved in game situations, automatically.
I. The coaching objective is accomplished through continuous repitition of drills and exercises.
J. Practice does not make perfect--only if the proper techniques and mechanics are being practiced. Proper techniques become movement habits.
K. Repetition must be done with high levels of interest, enthusiasm and in an exciting manner until it becomes an instinctive reaction.
L. One thing that highly disturbs me is the fact that I see so many bad habits being practiced today at all levels, from the junior high to the professionals.
M. We must demand correct execution of basic skills.
N. Design practice time and situations so that it provides the technical know-how for the individual and the team of all the phases of the game that we plan to use in the total game plan.
O. Practice sessions must be so designed to lead to superb physical conditioning. Basketball is a game that cannot be played properly, unless you are in the very best possible physical condition.
P. Evaluate your practices to determine if they are designed to prepare the individual player; physically, technically, mentally and emotionally. If these factors are included then we should be able to visualize victory
What makes Tex Winter so great is that his principles regarding the game of basketball remain true no matter what era. Because of his principles, he was able to remain influential as a coach his entire career which was over 50 years. Here are Tex Winters Essentials of Coaching:
A. The answer to success in coaching does not lie in some form of super strategy, or some ultra super plan.
B. Success, overall, does rely on basic sound teaching abilities. The ability to teach the fundamental skills (basic basketball) to the individual athlete is critical. Your players must understand that their natural ability can take them only to a certain level.
C. Athletes must strive to break those physical barriers of endurance, speed, coordination, reflex action, jumping ability, etc., to truly become a better athlete.
D. As coaches we must develop and organize out of season programs that promote greater total development of our athletes, so that they can break those physical barriers.
E. Total preparation of the mental, emotional and physical aspects of athletes then permit greater technical preparation.
F. A player has not learned a fundamental until it becomes second nature (a habit). Automatic reaction is the goal of skill execution. No thought process necessary: react.
G. Basketball is a game of total quickness; a game of reaction.
H. Athletes are in the process of learning and have not learned a skill until they can perform a skill correctly and quickly while involved in game situations, automatically.
I. The coaching objective is accomplished through continuous repitition of drills and exercises.
J. Practice does not make perfect--only if the proper techniques and mechanics are being practiced. Proper techniques become movement habits.
K. Repetition must be done with high levels of interest, enthusiasm and in an exciting manner until it becomes an instinctive reaction.
L. One thing that highly disturbs me is the fact that I see so many bad habits being practiced today at all levels, from the junior high to the professionals.
M. We must demand correct execution of basic skills.
N. Design practice time and situations so that it provides the technical know-how for the individual and the team of all the phases of the game that we plan to use in the total game plan.
O. Practice sessions must be so designed to lead to superb physical conditioning. Basketball is a game that cannot be played properly, unless you are in the very best possible physical condition.
P. Evaluate your practices to determine if they are designed to prepare the individual player; physically, technically, mentally and emotionally. If these factors are included then we should be able to visualize victory
Quote of the Day:
"If we're playing hard in practice, under gamelike conditions, then we're just naturally going to play smarter and better during a game. That's why all our practice drills are as gamelike as possible." - Mike Krzyzewski
Monday, September 26, 2011
Bob Knight on Ball Handling
Great, quick video on Bob Knight's philosophy for practice and ball handling.
Take action. Today.
What is it that you want to take action on? Is there a goal you want to pursue? Is there a habit you want to create? Sometimes it seems like a mystery as to how people are able to accomplish some things and other things they leave to procrastination or simply don’t ever get started.
Understanding the “Theory of Planned Behavior” developed by Ajzen and Fishbein can help. This theory shows that PLANNED behavior is most likely to become ACTUAL behavior. Understanding it can help you move more of your behavior from planned to actual.
1. Attitude Towards the Behavior/ Action
This concept is pretty simple. What is your attitude towards the action or behavior? If you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to take action. r.
2. Subjective Norms
The second factor is the subjective norms related to the action. This relates to the perceived social pressures around the action. In other words, will others approve of the action or behavior? This is why having someone to exercise with makes such a difference. It provides a built in positive social reinforcement. The strength of the social pressure comes in to play here as well. The more people that will react positive to your behavior and the more important those people are in your life, the more likely you are to take action.
3. Perceived Behavioral Control
The final factor is the likelihood of being successful. This really relates to the perceived difficulty or ease of the action. If it is something you think is easy and that you will be successful in it, you will more likely do it. If you think it will be difficult and that you might fail, you are less likely to do it.
Bringing it all together this theory teaches us that if there is something we really want to accomplish, there are three things we can do to make it more likely we will actually do it:
Have a positive attitude about the action or behavior
Bring others around to support and challenge us – people that would approve of our success in this behavior
Believe you will be successful and that the task is not impossible
What is one action you’ve been putting off doing? Or what is one habit you want to create in your life? Take that action or habit and analyze it under the three factors and use them to help spur yourself into action.
Quote of the Day:
"In close games, when the pressure intensifies and the margin between who wins and who loses can be as thin as an eggshell, we believe that all our hard work, all the long hours, and all the perspiration will enable us to come out on top. Why? Because we deserve it. We deserve our victory!'-- Rick Pitino
Role of Team Captains
One definition of captain is "the person in charge of and responsible for a vessel". Is your captain steering your team the right way?
A misguided or uninformed captain can have negative ripple effects on your entire program- it's important to clearly lay out your expectations about a captain's responsibilities.
Here's a great handout for team captains:
A misguided or uninformed captain can have negative ripple effects on your entire program- it's important to clearly lay out your expectations about a captain's responsibilities.
Here's a great handout for team captains:
1. Be on time for all classes, team meetings, practices, and trips.
2. You are the bridge/liaison to the head coach about how the team is feeling:
a. If you have any concerns about individuals (academics, socializing, etc) you should walk the line of confidentiality.
b. Communicate to the team the things that we as a staff want the team to understand (sell staff & program philosophy)
c. If you, as a captain, disagree with an idea, voice it to the head coach in our meeting; you may either present a new perspective to coach OR you may buy into the idea by understanding it better. Once the final decision is made, you must communicate that to the team (“sing the same song”).
3. Be loyal to our team goals and team philosophy
4. You must be role models for the team- actions, words, on and off the court. Lead by example.
a. Philosophically: be an extension of the head coach.
i. Represent school, team, and self with class.
b. The younger ones will be upperclassmen, maybe captains someday; leadership begins with leadership.
5. Reinforce Rules & Regulations and procedures both on and off the court (self-police first)
a. Set the standard for appropriate behavior on and off the court.
6. Respect your teammates and your coaches, as well as members of the Athletic Department.
7. Help establish and/or reinforce traditions.
8. Bring your own sense of identity and leadership into the program- make it YOUR experience. If there is something that you want to bring or create for the program, try to make it happen.
9. Keep a check on all incoming freshmen
a. Make sure they’re connected socially with others on team, off the court
b. Make sure they understand the workout schedule (who, what, when, where, when)
c. Along with coaches, match up new players with a sophomore/junior.
10 Be in charge of getting team ready for practice
a. On time for practice, etc.
b. Locker room behavior
i. Conversations, atmosphere
c. Set work ethic in lifts, conditioning, workouts
11Confirm times and attires on team trips
12 Game warm-ups
a. Organize drills and supervise pre-game
1 Live the “AND THEN SOME” philosophy…do everything that is asked of you and then some.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Quote of the Day:
"The trouble with referees is that they just don't care which side wins." -Tom Canterbury
Get in the "Zone" Part VII
Part 7 of a 7 part series on helping athletes and coaches get focused, achieve flow and "get in the zone".
Persistence
Many top athletes have had to go through hardships and adversity in order to get to the top of their game. Bereavement, long term injuries, and psychological issues are some of the challenges top athletes have overcome in order to get to the top. Two recent events in the world of golf saw Darren Clarke and Tiger Woods overcome the emotional turmoil of losing an immediate family member during the 2006/2007 PGA Tour season. Through persistence and tenacity they moved beyond their personal losses, and in the process became stronger and more accomplished athletes.
Accessing the zone more often involves tenacity and determination. Whatever life or your sport may throw at you, hang in there. All it takes is a quick turn of events and suddenly you are back in your flow state, playing at your best. By persevering and remaining committed to your cause you maximize your opportunity to get back in the zone.
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