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

Bob Knight on Ball Handling

Great, quick video on Bob Knight's philosophy for practice and ball handling.

Take action. Today.

Great article from "The Success Professor" (blog).


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.

There are three things that determine the likelihood that you will take action.

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:

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. 

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.