The day before we departed for the holiday break, I asked my players to write in their journals. Journal writing is something we try to do at least once a week in order to get our players to gain self awareness. Self awareness allows our players to understand why they do things and what they need to do to become better. It is the best tool for creating positive change.
The two questions they were asked were:
1. If you could give yourself a Christmas present which would make you a better player and person, what would it be?
2. If you could give the team a present to help us be successful, what would it be?
Most of the players understood what I was asking and responded to the first question with answers such as patience, self confidence, the courage to make a mistake, belief in my abilities, etc. The second question was also answered from a position of awareness when they wrote: ability to trust teammates to be where they should be on helpside defense; the knowledge of how to run the offense as a group; the understanding of what it takes to be a team and not just a player on a team; and the ability to finish a game from a position of confidence.
The next day I gave the sheet back to them and asked them to answer one more thought I had which was: List one good reason why you cannot have the gift you have wished for yourself and the team. I did not have to wait long for them to turn their papers into me. They already knew why I was asking that particular question. They knew such an answer did not exist. There might have been reasons why they couldn't have what they wanted, but none of the reasons would be good. They knew if they believed they deserved and were worthy of the present they wished for themselves, then they should receive it.
I hope they believe they are worthy. I hope they understand they are deserving. I hope they know with all their hearts they should receive the blessings they wished upon themselves. This is what I want my gift to be to them: for each of them to know they are worthy, brilliant, beautiful, deserving, talented, good, kind and wonderful. If they believe, they will tap into what it is already inside them and find what they already possess. If they don't believe it, they can never find what is missing even it if it already exists within them.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Playing With Dynamite
I have coached teams who have consistently won games by 20 points, teams who have consistently lost games by 20, teams who have surged ahead in the last five minutes to win, teams who have lost in the second half, but I've never coached a team who wants to play each game to the last second of the clock . . . until now. It is as if these players are adventure sport athletes playing basketball. They want the thrill of mountain biking off cliffs, parachuting off the Empire State Building, ski jumping with triple flips, or just waiting until the final moment of each basketball game to decide what team wins. It is as if they like playing with sticks of dynamite.
I'm not a coach who can take this. When I was younger, in great shape working out 2 1/2 hours a day with heart and lungs working like a twenty year old, I might could have withstood the thrill. Might could have. Now, I find myself out of breath, gulping for air, heart pumping like I was sprinting the 100 meters, and closing my eyes rather than watching the finish. It is too much for this coach to take.
In the eight games we have played, we are barely scrapping by with a two point margin of victory (77.1 ppg to 75 ppg). We have had opportunities to win every game we have played and we have succeeded in half of them. In the ones we have lost, we have learned from the errors we made. Yet, with each new opportunity to play, we have been able to discover new ways to make errors. My players inform me they are simply getting through each and every possibility so they will have that particular game experience. They are excited by the wisdom and knowledge they have gained. YAHOO!
I'm not saying I'm not enthused by their new found wisdom but I'd prefer a little distance in games, a little safety where I can breathe regularly, and where I can sit down on the bench at the end of the game and know we have won without waiting for the final shot. Surely this is a possibility.
The ironic thing is my perception of these players is they are not the crazy, insane, off-the-court thrill seekers who might find danger in all they do. They are the stay-in-the-room watch movies, play-card-games types who might occasionally go out on the town to dance and let loose a little craziness. Perhaps they need to get their excitement from games. Perhaps this is the only place where they can play with sticks of dynamite. I guess in the scheme of things this is better for their mental, emotional and physical health. But is it better for mine?
Alas, it is the concept of team I must succumb too--not my own preferences. If it is better for them to play until the last (and I mean last second) of the game, then I must sacrifice my needs and wants for theirs. It is how the team concept works. We all must buy into what is best for team and I am a part of the team--not a separate entity. So all I ask of them is this: learn from all your end-of-the game experiences and apply them to the next contest, then we will win more than we lose which is what we all desire.
I'm not a coach who can take this. When I was younger, in great shape working out 2 1/2 hours a day with heart and lungs working like a twenty year old, I might could have withstood the thrill. Might could have. Now, I find myself out of breath, gulping for air, heart pumping like I was sprinting the 100 meters, and closing my eyes rather than watching the finish. It is too much for this coach to take.
In the eight games we have played, we are barely scrapping by with a two point margin of victory (77.1 ppg to 75 ppg). We have had opportunities to win every game we have played and we have succeeded in half of them. In the ones we have lost, we have learned from the errors we made. Yet, with each new opportunity to play, we have been able to discover new ways to make errors. My players inform me they are simply getting through each and every possibility so they will have that particular game experience. They are excited by the wisdom and knowledge they have gained. YAHOO!
I'm not saying I'm not enthused by their new found wisdom but I'd prefer a little distance in games, a little safety where I can breathe regularly, and where I can sit down on the bench at the end of the game and know we have won without waiting for the final shot. Surely this is a possibility.
The ironic thing is my perception of these players is they are not the crazy, insane, off-the-court thrill seekers who might find danger in all they do. They are the stay-in-the-room watch movies, play-card-games types who might occasionally go out on the town to dance and let loose a little craziness. Perhaps they need to get their excitement from games. Perhaps this is the only place where they can play with sticks of dynamite. I guess in the scheme of things this is better for their mental, emotional and physical health. But is it better for mine?
Alas, it is the concept of team I must succumb too--not my own preferences. If it is better for them to play until the last (and I mean last second) of the game, then I must sacrifice my needs and wants for theirs. It is how the team concept works. We all must buy into what is best for team and I am a part of the team--not a separate entity. So all I ask of them is this: learn from all your end-of-the game experiences and apply them to the next contest, then we will win more than we lose which is what we all desire.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Taking Criticism
When I was a player I hated to be criticized, because I thought it meant I wasn't any good--that I was failure. Now I have learned not to take criticism personally; it doesn't have anything to do with me as a person. I am still a worthy and good individual; however, I might need improvements in some areas. This is the lesson I want my players to recognize. It will save them years of pain and self condemnation.
I am happy to report my lone senior, Katy Arick, has learned this lesson well. Even though we begin every year telling our players constructive criticism is necessary, many of them fall apart when we begin to criticize their skills. They have to accept we care enough about them to want them to be better. They have to start with the inner awareness we are here to assist them to become the best they can become. We cannot do this by allowing them to continue making mistake after mistake after mistake.
When Katy first began playing for us, she could easily tear up when we demanded her to be better. Now, after three seasons of understanding why we criticize, she is able to handle our demands from a place of inner strength and confidence.
Last Saturday during our game, we had a twenty point lead early in the second half only to see it dwindle quickly to six points. We were in a situation where we needed to score. Katy was struggling with her shot, missing open opportunities which she normally made. After missing back to back shots in early offense, I took her out of the game, sat her down and told her in a not so gentle manner to stop shooting the ball. She needed to play good defense, be a screener and a passer and go get the rebound.
I didn't curse at her, nor did I use any demeaning language about her person, but I was very firm in what I told her she must do. A younger player with less self awareness might have inwardly crumbled not hearing my intent. A younger player might have heard I didn't believe in her, she was a bad shooter, she couldn't play in stressful situations, etc. BUT Katy didn't hear that. She heard my message and knew what she needed to do to help us win.
After only a minute of sitting on the bench, I put her back in the game where she dutifully did exactly as I had requested. The only shots she shot for the rest of the game were free throws which she made. She screened. She rebounded. She passed. She was the ultimate team player.
Katy has learned she is still a great player but there are times when she must do what is best for the team. She didn't take my criticism personally; instead she understood my intent, used the strengths she possessed for that particular time period and helped us win.
I couldn't be more proud of her.
I am happy to report my lone senior, Katy Arick, has learned this lesson well. Even though we begin every year telling our players constructive criticism is necessary, many of them fall apart when we begin to criticize their skills. They have to accept we care enough about them to want them to be better. They have to start with the inner awareness we are here to assist them to become the best they can become. We cannot do this by allowing them to continue making mistake after mistake after mistake.
When Katy first began playing for us, she could easily tear up when we demanded her to be better. Now, after three seasons of understanding why we criticize, she is able to handle our demands from a place of inner strength and confidence.
Last Saturday during our game, we had a twenty point lead early in the second half only to see it dwindle quickly to six points. We were in a situation where we needed to score. Katy was struggling with her shot, missing open opportunities which she normally made. After missing back to back shots in early offense, I took her out of the game, sat her down and told her in a not so gentle manner to stop shooting the ball. She needed to play good defense, be a screener and a passer and go get the rebound.
I didn't curse at her, nor did I use any demeaning language about her person, but I was very firm in what I told her she must do. A younger player with less self awareness might have inwardly crumbled not hearing my intent. A younger player might have heard I didn't believe in her, she was a bad shooter, she couldn't play in stressful situations, etc. BUT Katy didn't hear that. She heard my message and knew what she needed to do to help us win.
After only a minute of sitting on the bench, I put her back in the game where she dutifully did exactly as I had requested. The only shots she shot for the rest of the game were free throws which she made. She screened. She rebounded. She passed. She was the ultimate team player.
Katy has learned she is still a great player but there are times when she must do what is best for the team. She didn't take my criticism personally; instead she understood my intent, used the strengths she possessed for that particular time period and helped us win.
I couldn't be more proud of her.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Challenges Create Champions
The great thing about athletics is how it relates to life situations. Life always offers opportunities for personal growth whether we want them or not. Playing basketball games is a journey of learning, growing from mistakes, keeping a head held high when things don't go the way we want them to and keeping faith in our abilities when the scoreboard doesn't end in our favor.
We are a team who could be 6-0 but instead we are sitting at 2-4. With every close loss, there is a heartache, a vacancy so deep and wide, it could fill the New River Gorge. If we begin to think like a 2-4 team, we will discover more losses, and we will not play to our abilities. If we know the truth as something different and think as if we were undefeated, we will play like a confident team with all our abilities.
This is a critical point in our journey. Do we look at ourselves and see losers or do we choose to see our depth, our strength, our courage? It is not our past which determines who we are; it is what we gain from our experiences. Now is the time for the Golden Eagles to make choices. What choice we make will determine our future. Are we going to allow our mistakes at the end of the games make us into a team who expects more of the same? Or can we choose to see each mistake as a stepping stone toward success?
Players with courage and confidence know this: a missed opportunity, an error, a mistake remains a failure only if we fail to learn from it. Learning from our losses will give us more than wins; it will provide us with the knowledge of our depth--our ability to overcome, to face adversity, to know with certainty when life throws us a curve ball, we can still hit it out of the park. Only a pessimist believes the journey is over this early in the season. Only a team without heart gives up and gives in before the last game is played.
There is always an option with each loss we face. Do we face our struggle with courage or do we give in to fear? Do we use these first games to make us stronger or do we allow them to make us weaker? It is not the outcome of the game which is so important; it is how we perceive it. If we can gain strength, look deep within ourselves and find a depth we did not know we had, we are better for our losses.
When I see our team, I see winners. I see women with heart and determination, with desire to be better, to learn from their experiences, and to grow as players and as people. I believe this team is full of champions. I hope they believe the same.
We are a team who could be 6-0 but instead we are sitting at 2-4. With every close loss, there is a heartache, a vacancy so deep and wide, it could fill the New River Gorge. If we begin to think like a 2-4 team, we will discover more losses, and we will not play to our abilities. If we know the truth as something different and think as if we were undefeated, we will play like a confident team with all our abilities.
This is a critical point in our journey. Do we look at ourselves and see losers or do we choose to see our depth, our strength, our courage? It is not our past which determines who we are; it is what we gain from our experiences. Now is the time for the Golden Eagles to make choices. What choice we make will determine our future. Are we going to allow our mistakes at the end of the games make us into a team who expects more of the same? Or can we choose to see each mistake as a stepping stone toward success?
Players with courage and confidence know this: a missed opportunity, an error, a mistake remains a failure only if we fail to learn from it. Learning from our losses will give us more than wins; it will provide us with the knowledge of our depth--our ability to overcome, to face adversity, to know with certainty when life throws us a curve ball, we can still hit it out of the park. Only a pessimist believes the journey is over this early in the season. Only a team without heart gives up and gives in before the last game is played.
There is always an option with each loss we face. Do we face our struggle with courage or do we give in to fear? Do we use these first games to make us stronger or do we allow them to make us weaker? It is not the outcome of the game which is so important; it is how we perceive it. If we can gain strength, look deep within ourselves and find a depth we did not know we had, we are better for our losses.
When I see our team, I see winners. I see women with heart and determination, with desire to be better, to learn from their experiences, and to grow as players and as people. I believe this team is full of champions. I hope they believe the same.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Don't Let The Record Fool You
Last week was a long week. Playing four games in seven days is challenging especially with the emotions wrapped up in a single contest. Within one game, so many emotions can be felt: joy, fear, elation, passion, anger, insecuity, unworthiness, strength, belief, faith and hope. Every game is like a journey through one's soul going through so many opportunites for growth in such a short amount of time and when in that short 40 minutes, it ends with a loss, the prevailing emotions felt are sadness and a deep questioning of self and team.
It is difficult to take a loss and then stand tall with faith in the next opportunity. It is especially hard when a team which is as good as we are now has three losses in four games. How does a player recover? How does a team recover especially knowing that within each game an opportunity was there for a win? The games were so close we could physically touch and emotionally feel them, yet not hold them as ours.
How do we gather ourselves up in the full knowledge and awareness we are good and the journey has just begun? How do we find the right stuff to end the game as we desire? The real question is: how do take these losses and turn them into victories? It is not what has transpired which determines our future. It is our hope, our faith, our belief in one another and ourselves. It is the unwavering knowledge we can overcome; we are deserving; we are good; we are capable and we can.
I have witnessed such tremendous growth in the individuals and the team this season that they have inspired me. There is Katy Arick who has practiced and played with pain every day but who is playing the absolute best she has ever played in her career. The mental courage and willingness of Ali Tobias to step outside of where she has played the last two years and become a scorer willing to take the toughest of shots. Tiana Beatty, another injured player, who without fear jumps and leaps and plays with reckless abandon knowing every step hurts her. Tarenna Dixon who just a year ago couldn't sustain playing through a mistake and now keeps playing and giving effort when she misses a shot. Lindsey Kentner, an athlete who has beaten herself up with mental games, allowing herself to not be perfect and to let go of her missed shots playing in the now.
I have seen Jules overcome self doubt and the pain of not playing much last season to step up with confidence. There is Chrissy, an freshman, who last night after the experience of just three games, razzled and dazzled everybody with her passes and vision. Tianni, another fresh face out of high school, work through her self frustation to come again and again to play with determination. Lisanne getting out of the throes of self pity after injuring her ankle to encourage her teammates and be a team player. Moneka in her disappointment of not playing as much as she desires to continue to work hard in practices to improve. And finally, Emma, our sweet Emma who has shown such tremendous heart in her willingness to take on the journey of loving herself through each of her mistakes.
I believe in where this team is going, where the journey is headed, what they will achieve in the future because I can see into their hearts. I am full of hope.
It is difficult to take a loss and then stand tall with faith in the next opportunity. It is especially hard when a team which is as good as we are now has three losses in four games. How does a player recover? How does a team recover especially knowing that within each game an opportunity was there for a win? The games were so close we could physically touch and emotionally feel them, yet not hold them as ours.
How do we gather ourselves up in the full knowledge and awareness we are good and the journey has just begun? How do we find the right stuff to end the game as we desire? The real question is: how do take these losses and turn them into victories? It is not what has transpired which determines our future. It is our hope, our faith, our belief in one another and ourselves. It is the unwavering knowledge we can overcome; we are deserving; we are good; we are capable and we can.
I have witnessed such tremendous growth in the individuals and the team this season that they have inspired me. There is Katy Arick who has practiced and played with pain every day but who is playing the absolute best she has ever played in her career. The mental courage and willingness of Ali Tobias to step outside of where she has played the last two years and become a scorer willing to take the toughest of shots. Tiana Beatty, another injured player, who without fear jumps and leaps and plays with reckless abandon knowing every step hurts her. Tarenna Dixon who just a year ago couldn't sustain playing through a mistake and now keeps playing and giving effort when she misses a shot. Lindsey Kentner, an athlete who has beaten herself up with mental games, allowing herself to not be perfect and to let go of her missed shots playing in the now.
I have seen Jules overcome self doubt and the pain of not playing much last season to step up with confidence. There is Chrissy, an freshman, who last night after the experience of just three games, razzled and dazzled everybody with her passes and vision. Tianni, another fresh face out of high school, work through her self frustation to come again and again to play with determination. Lisanne getting out of the throes of self pity after injuring her ankle to encourage her teammates and be a team player. Moneka in her disappointment of not playing as much as she desires to continue to work hard in practices to improve. And finally, Emma, our sweet Emma who has shown such tremendous heart in her willingness to take on the journey of loving herself through each of her mistakes.
I believe in where this team is going, where the journey is headed, what they will achieve in the future because I can see into their hearts. I am full of hope.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A Little Blip
Last week the Golden Eagles had a blip, a blot, an out-of-sorts kind of week. We were grouchy, slow to react, unwilling to listen to one another, full of excuses, blaming somebody else for our inadequacies and all around not playing together. It was rather nasty--not a week for singing positive praises about our team.
This lack of unity is not unusual. In fact, it is a normal phase of coming together. When a group comes together, there are times of laughter, fun and enjoyment and there are also times of jealousy, anger and blaming. What determines a team is not this time of "storming" but how we decide to deal with it. We could have chosen to leave it alone and pretend it wasn't there or we could have continued on the path of pointing fingers. What we chose instead was to find a way through our issues to gain the cohesiveness of a unit.
Saturday, rather than practicing on the court, we sat together in a circle with the instruction for each individual to write down three ways in which she contributed to our current state of affairs. We then went around the circle one at a time and shared our faults. No person was allowed to comment, judge or state anything after somebody had shared with the team.
Amazingly I found the players to be rather astute in their perceptions of what they needed to do in order to exert some control over what was occurring. One player said she needed to lead without fear of what her teammates would think about her. Another said she should voice her opinion when a teammate said something negative she didn't agree with rather than simply siding with her. One said she didn't need to bring her bad day with her on the court. Several of them stated they needed to be more vocal and show more enthusiasm when practicing.
When we had completed that exercise, we tore up our sheets of paper and threw them in the waste basket acknowledging we had dealt with our issues and they were no longer with us. Then we went around the group 10 times with each person stating something positive she did to help the team either on or off the court. No repeats of what another person had mentioned were allowed. At first, the Eagles were worried about the no repeat rule but they soon discovered how easy it was to find the positives. After 130 positive comments, we were well on our way to healing the experiences of our past week and moving toward the unity we needed to be successful.
When members of a team are willing to come together and share their faults, to admit their need for improvement, to take a part of the blame for what is occurring, then they can find the strength they need to defeat opponents.
To all the Golden Eagles for their willingness to work through our conflicts, I say: IHHOAGE!
This lack of unity is not unusual. In fact, it is a normal phase of coming together. When a group comes together, there are times of laughter, fun and enjoyment and there are also times of jealousy, anger and blaming. What determines a team is not this time of "storming" but how we decide to deal with it. We could have chosen to leave it alone and pretend it wasn't there or we could have continued on the path of pointing fingers. What we chose instead was to find a way through our issues to gain the cohesiveness of a unit.
Saturday, rather than practicing on the court, we sat together in a circle with the instruction for each individual to write down three ways in which she contributed to our current state of affairs. We then went around the circle one at a time and shared our faults. No person was allowed to comment, judge or state anything after somebody had shared with the team.
Amazingly I found the players to be rather astute in their perceptions of what they needed to do in order to exert some control over what was occurring. One player said she needed to lead without fear of what her teammates would think about her. Another said she should voice her opinion when a teammate said something negative she didn't agree with rather than simply siding with her. One said she didn't need to bring her bad day with her on the court. Several of them stated they needed to be more vocal and show more enthusiasm when practicing.
When we had completed that exercise, we tore up our sheets of paper and threw them in the waste basket acknowledging we had dealt with our issues and they were no longer with us. Then we went around the group 10 times with each person stating something positive she did to help the team either on or off the court. No repeats of what another person had mentioned were allowed. At first, the Eagles were worried about the no repeat rule but they soon discovered how easy it was to find the positives. After 130 positive comments, we were well on our way to healing the experiences of our past week and moving toward the unity we needed to be successful.
When members of a team are willing to come together and share their faults, to admit their need for improvement, to take a part of the blame for what is occurring, then they can find the strength they need to defeat opponents.
To all the Golden Eagles for their willingness to work through our conflicts, I say: IHHOAGE!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Cool Coach
I must be losing my touch--the coaching touch that is. A couple of weeks ago when we were doing a positive circle and each team member was instructed to say something positive about the person on her right, I was told by Julianne I was cool this year. I had to check her face to see if cool actually meant good or if it was some meaning I had not yet deciphered. Sometimes with younger people I get lost in the lingo. Words change meaning with them as they tend to use their own interpretation of definitions. So once I determined cool actually meant good, I wasn't certain how to react. I've been called many things in my 21 years of coaching but I sincerely doubt I've ever been called cool.
What does this mean--being a cool coach? Have I been too nice? Too easy? Is my intensity waning? Have I forgotten how to push? Am I getting soft? Are practices not challenging?
I've always known it should be more important to a coach to be respected than to be liked. Being liked in the coaching world almost has a nasty connotation associated with it. It means you are being friends with the players; you don't know how to discipline; you can't draw the line in tough scenarios; and of course, you don't have your players' respect.
So I had to take a deep breath on this "cool" factor. I had to examine who I had become and if it was okay to be known as cool. After several hours of reflecting upon it, I decided I was indeed a different individual than I was years ago or perhaps even last year. I believe there was a time when I confused fear with respect meaning I thought if players feared me, then I had their respect. I no longer believe that. Respect comes from being organized and prepared, knowing how to coach, showing respect for others, being able to accept criticism, and coaching from a center of compassion. Perhaps I am not as hard-nosed, but I am still demanding and intense focused on getting the best I can from players.
I'm not certain if I am truly qualified to be a cool coach, but I am okay with the players believing I am if it makes them play better. If it doesn't make them play better, then I guess I won't get to hold the cool status.
What does this mean--being a cool coach? Have I been too nice? Too easy? Is my intensity waning? Have I forgotten how to push? Am I getting soft? Are practices not challenging?
I've always known it should be more important to a coach to be respected than to be liked. Being liked in the coaching world almost has a nasty connotation associated with it. It means you are being friends with the players; you don't know how to discipline; you can't draw the line in tough scenarios; and of course, you don't have your players' respect.
So I had to take a deep breath on this "cool" factor. I had to examine who I had become and if it was okay to be known as cool. After several hours of reflecting upon it, I decided I was indeed a different individual than I was years ago or perhaps even last year. I believe there was a time when I confused fear with respect meaning I thought if players feared me, then I had their respect. I no longer believe that. Respect comes from being organized and prepared, knowing how to coach, showing respect for others, being able to accept criticism, and coaching from a center of compassion. Perhaps I am not as hard-nosed, but I am still demanding and intense focused on getting the best I can from players.
I'm not certain if I am truly qualified to be a cool coach, but I am okay with the players believing I am if it makes them play better. If it doesn't make them play better, then I guess I won't get to hold the cool status.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The First Scrimmage is Just The First
After our first scrimmage game, there were many comments from people who watched us play who were anxious about the upcoming year. They expressed their concerns about our lack of a cohesive offense. I agreed we did not play team offense; however, we never do this early.
The motion offense is an offense many coaches choose not to teach because it involves teaching multiple concepts. There is one famous coach who calls it the chaos offense because she assumes players are always confused and thus unable to play well. I agree that the motion offense can look chaotic, jumbled and messy. It can also look absolutely beautiful when all five players understand the principles of offense and buy into reading and reacting to the defense.
Unlike plays or continuity offenses, the motion offense requires teaching players to think while playing. They must not only understand spacing, headhunting on screens, reading their defender, choosing which cut or screen to make and the number of passes to make but they must intimately know the strengths and weaknesses of each of their teammates. It can be frustrating to teach and equally frustrating to learn.
The beauty of teaching players how to play the game and not just what "X spot" to run to on offense is that each of them evolve to a higher level of play. They eventually understand how a combination screen confuses the defense, how a back screen is more likely to get the screener open and how to create space by using different cuts. They will always be able to get open no matter what their defender does because they are watching and reacting to where she goes.
Not only does the motion offense create better offensive players; it creates better defensive players. Our defensive players become smarter because they understand what an offensive player is trying to do by cutting or screening. They get the game. When we face opponents who adjust a play from the coach on the sideline by how we defended the first time, we adjust with their adjustment. For example, a coach notices we are switching screens, so she chooses to call a "slip" screen. Because we work on slip screens daily in practice, we are prepared to defend it.
Our offense takes time. Every year there is a breaking point when I am prepared to ditch motion and go to some continuity offense. Just about the time I am ready to throw in the towel, the light bulb goes off and we begin to jell as a unit. It shouldn't take us as long this year to understand and grasp motion offense because we have several returners. So I must remind myself and others who witnessed our first scrimmage, it was just the first.
The motion offense is an offense many coaches choose not to teach because it involves teaching multiple concepts. There is one famous coach who calls it the chaos offense because she assumes players are always confused and thus unable to play well. I agree that the motion offense can look chaotic, jumbled and messy. It can also look absolutely beautiful when all five players understand the principles of offense and buy into reading and reacting to the defense.
Unlike plays or continuity offenses, the motion offense requires teaching players to think while playing. They must not only understand spacing, headhunting on screens, reading their defender, choosing which cut or screen to make and the number of passes to make but they must intimately know the strengths and weaknesses of each of their teammates. It can be frustrating to teach and equally frustrating to learn.
The beauty of teaching players how to play the game and not just what "X spot" to run to on offense is that each of them evolve to a higher level of play. They eventually understand how a combination screen confuses the defense, how a back screen is more likely to get the screener open and how to create space by using different cuts. They will always be able to get open no matter what their defender does because they are watching and reacting to where she goes.
Not only does the motion offense create better offensive players; it creates better defensive players. Our defensive players become smarter because they understand what an offensive player is trying to do by cutting or screening. They get the game. When we face opponents who adjust a play from the coach on the sideline by how we defended the first time, we adjust with their adjustment. For example, a coach notices we are switching screens, so she chooses to call a "slip" screen. Because we work on slip screens daily in practice, we are prepared to defend it.
Our offense takes time. Every year there is a breaking point when I am prepared to ditch motion and go to some continuity offense. Just about the time I am ready to throw in the towel, the light bulb goes off and we begin to jell as a unit. It shouldn't take us as long this year to understand and grasp motion offense because we have several returners. So I must remind myself and others who witnessed our first scrimmage, it was just the first.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Watching the Wide-Eyed Freshmen
After 20 years of being a head coach, I know one thing is a certainty: the freshmen are going to get overwhelmed, their brains exhausted from information overload. As I watch our newcomers this season, Chrissy, Tianni and Emma, try to keep up with our incessant teaching, I can't help but laugh at their wide-eyed stares. Their brains are cooked, drained and completely fried from our first eight practices.
When Tianni feels as if her I.Q. has dropped below double digits, Lindsey Kentner will say, "I've been there. It will get better." When Emma will look at me as if I'm speaking Russian, Katy Arick will interpret my words. When I yell at Chrissy for not remembering to hedge the screen, Lisanne will say, "Hang tough! We've all been through it." When I expect the seemingly impossible, loading another play upon them or worse, a new defensive rule, and all the fresh faces cannot believe there is more to learn, Tarenna or Ali will knowingly pat them on the back.
I know it is a difficult transition coming into the Golden Eagle program, because it is my philosophy to teach. I have rules for everything from offensive spacing to using screens to transitioning to defense to coming off the court to sitting on the bench. With initial entry into the Eagle program, players become confused, their feet stuck on a message that is trying to get from their brain down their legs. They become paralyzed from being analyzed. I understand their pain and would love to simplify the teaching but I also know the teaching is what will eventually make them better than they ever could have conceived.
With each practice, their feet will become more automatic, moving on muscle memory rather than brain focus. Their understanding of the game will make them smarter and this game intelligence will create confidence. I know this to be true because I have seen players evolve from their first year through their senior year. Each year they become better as their skills have improved. I see them adopt an attitude of belief in self and team. They become not only good but great.
So for Chrissy, Tianni and Emma, they will have to believe what the upper class players tell them. If they can live through this year, this self doubt, they will become phenomenal players. This I have witnessed year after year after year.
When Tianni feels as if her I.Q. has dropped below double digits, Lindsey Kentner will say, "I've been there. It will get better." When Emma will look at me as if I'm speaking Russian, Katy Arick will interpret my words. When I yell at Chrissy for not remembering to hedge the screen, Lisanne will say, "Hang tough! We've all been through it." When I expect the seemingly impossible, loading another play upon them or worse, a new defensive rule, and all the fresh faces cannot believe there is more to learn, Tarenna or Ali will knowingly pat them on the back.
I know it is a difficult transition coming into the Golden Eagle program, because it is my philosophy to teach. I have rules for everything from offensive spacing to using screens to transitioning to defense to coming off the court to sitting on the bench. With initial entry into the Eagle program, players become confused, their feet stuck on a message that is trying to get from their brain down their legs. They become paralyzed from being analyzed. I understand their pain and would love to simplify the teaching but I also know the teaching is what will eventually make them better than they ever could have conceived.
With each practice, their feet will become more automatic, moving on muscle memory rather than brain focus. Their understanding of the game will make them smarter and this game intelligence will create confidence. I know this to be true because I have seen players evolve from their first year through their senior year. Each year they become better as their skills have improved. I see them adopt an attitude of belief in self and team. They become not only good but great.
So for Chrissy, Tianni and Emma, they will have to believe what the upper class players tell them. If they can live through this year, this self doubt, they will become phenomenal players. This I have witnessed year after year after year.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The First Day of Practice
Official practices begin on Thursday which means that all players and coaches can be on the court at the same time with a basketball. Although basketball instruction has been taking place in small four-player groups throughout the past 6 1/2 weeks, we have not yet been able to put any of our offensive or defensive systems into place. We have focused on the principles or fundamentals of play.
When we begin on Thursday, the returners will know what to expect: more of the same emphasis on principles. The newcomers will undoubtedly want us to play more five-on-five. They will expect more focus on the systems. What they don't know is that 80% of our practices are spent in breakdown drills. It is my philosophy that the system isn't as important as the knowledge of how to use it.
In other words, I am more concerned about teaching athletes how to become better basketball players than executing a particular play or set.
For example, we spend hours upon hours teaching players how to set up their defender, go shoulder to shoulder off screeners and to read and react to where their defender goes. We might do this as footwork only or in 2-on-1 scenario or advance to 3-on-2 or 4-on-3. We move the players through drills adding speed and defenders until we get to 5-on-5. Then we break it down and build it up again. We do this from day one until the last day of practice and we do it for everything we teach.
We do the same thing with defense building on what we think are the essential pieces of defense: ball pressure, denial, help side, talking, boxing out, help-recover and closeouts. We use these principles on our half court defenses as well as our full court defenses. Whatever defense we play, we always go back to our defensive principles.
Everything is connected to how we teach our principles: how we defend screens, how we run plays, how we prepare for opponents, how we set up our scouting reports.
Inevitably, our newcomers don't understand the importance of our principles and they yearn for more scrimmages. Our returners know the benefits of the emphasis on fundamentals and they settle into practices knowing they will reap the benefits of becoming solid players.
When we begin on Thursday, the returners will know what to expect: more of the same emphasis on principles. The newcomers will undoubtedly want us to play more five-on-five. They will expect more focus on the systems. What they don't know is that 80% of our practices are spent in breakdown drills. It is my philosophy that the system isn't as important as the knowledge of how to use it.
In other words, I am more concerned about teaching athletes how to become better basketball players than executing a particular play or set.
For example, we spend hours upon hours teaching players how to set up their defender, go shoulder to shoulder off screeners and to read and react to where their defender goes. We might do this as footwork only or in 2-on-1 scenario or advance to 3-on-2 or 4-on-3. We move the players through drills adding speed and defenders until we get to 5-on-5. Then we break it down and build it up again. We do this from day one until the last day of practice and we do it for everything we teach.
We do the same thing with defense building on what we think are the essential pieces of defense: ball pressure, denial, help side, talking, boxing out, help-recover and closeouts. We use these principles on our half court defenses as well as our full court defenses. Whatever defense we play, we always go back to our defensive principles.
Everything is connected to how we teach our principles: how we defend screens, how we run plays, how we prepare for opponents, how we set up our scouting reports.
Inevitably, our newcomers don't understand the importance of our principles and they yearn for more scrimmages. Our returners know the benefits of the emphasis on fundamentals and they settle into practices knowing they will reap the benefits of becoming solid players.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Devolping Strength Within
Yesterday a former player of mine emailed to ask me how to develop mental toughness. She felt her team members were not displaying the attributes they should in terms of being mentally tough. I believe I know what many coaches might say. They would lean toward the physical part of practice to create the mental part.
In other words, many coaches believe the way to mental toughness is to put athletes in positions where they have to physically push through their self-imposed limits. For example, we make our players run 15 suicides in a row with only a thirty four second rest between each suicide. It is tough. It hurts. They gasp for breath but in the end most of them make their times. They see a result they didn't believe they could accomplish. This gives them confidence which produces mental toughness.
Confidence is really what mental toughness is. It is the belief system developed by players they can do and achieve what they desire. The problem is most players doubt. It is this doubt which doesn't allow them to achieve. It is not their abilities which hold them back; it is their belief system. When a desire is matched by a belief, then a player becomes mentally tough and all types of wonderful achievements occur.
While the physical part of practice is critical to success, the greater part of achieving goals is the mental part. No action in the world can overcome the inner belief system of not being good enough. Success has to start within the player.
We try to approach mental toughness training in a variety of ways. We have chalk talks every Thursday where we talk about the aspects of mental preparedness: how to respond to pressure; how to improve self talk; how to use rituals to get mentally prepared for games; how to play in the now.
We address self-awareness through the use of a journal. We ask them to answer questions about themselves where they have to think about their inner most thoughts. We might address their biggest strengths or weaknesses. We might ask them their state of mind before the best game they ever played. They might be asked to define the characteristics which prevent them from being a great player. It is through self-awareness they can create changes. If they don't know what they are thinking, they cannot change their thoughts.
In order for team members to become aware of what are the desirable traits, we have them fill out a questionnaire after each practice and game. By filling out the short questionnaires, they become more in tune with how they are developing their mental abilities.
We develop a great learning environment where we constructively criticize and provide positive feedback. We spend more time telling players what they can do versus telling them what they cannot do. We place more emphasis on recovering from a mistake than the mistake itself. We hold positive circles where each team member shares a positive trait. We emphasize the good about the team and team members.
Mental toughness is a difficult skill to teach, yet is it by far the most essential trait an athlete can develop. When a player learns to change her belief system to match her desires, she will not only become an elite athlete; she will experience success in all life endeavors.
In other words, many coaches believe the way to mental toughness is to put athletes in positions where they have to physically push through their self-imposed limits. For example, we make our players run 15 suicides in a row with only a thirty four second rest between each suicide. It is tough. It hurts. They gasp for breath but in the end most of them make their times. They see a result they didn't believe they could accomplish. This gives them confidence which produces mental toughness.
Confidence is really what mental toughness is. It is the belief system developed by players they can do and achieve what they desire. The problem is most players doubt. It is this doubt which doesn't allow them to achieve. It is not their abilities which hold them back; it is their belief system. When a desire is matched by a belief, then a player becomes mentally tough and all types of wonderful achievements occur.
While the physical part of practice is critical to success, the greater part of achieving goals is the mental part. No action in the world can overcome the inner belief system of not being good enough. Success has to start within the player.
We try to approach mental toughness training in a variety of ways. We have chalk talks every Thursday where we talk about the aspects of mental preparedness: how to respond to pressure; how to improve self talk; how to use rituals to get mentally prepared for games; how to play in the now.
We address self-awareness through the use of a journal. We ask them to answer questions about themselves where they have to think about their inner most thoughts. We might address their biggest strengths or weaknesses. We might ask them their state of mind before the best game they ever played. They might be asked to define the characteristics which prevent them from being a great player. It is through self-awareness they can create changes. If they don't know what they are thinking, they cannot change their thoughts.
In order for team members to become aware of what are the desirable traits, we have them fill out a questionnaire after each practice and game. By filling out the short questionnaires, they become more in tune with how they are developing their mental abilities.
We develop a great learning environment where we constructively criticize and provide positive feedback. We spend more time telling players what they can do versus telling them what they cannot do. We place more emphasis on recovering from a mistake than the mistake itself. We hold positive circles where each team member shares a positive trait. We emphasize the good about the team and team members.
Mental toughness is a difficult skill to teach, yet is it by far the most essential trait an athlete can develop. When a player learns to change her belief system to match her desires, she will not only become an elite athlete; she will experience success in all life endeavors.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Recovering From Recovery Week
When I was an athlete training with the national team handball team, we trained twice a day year around. It was our life. We got up in the morning, ate, went to the sports medicine center, practiced, went back to the trainers to pack ourselves in ice, ate, slept, then completed the entire morning scenario a second time. It was what I did for over five years.
So when I try to sneak a recovery week into our training schedule for the purpose of our athletes getting a little rest, I may not achieve all the recovery the players wanted. I think I am going easy on them when they think I have swapped one kind of running for another.
This past week instead of running timed sprints on Monday, we played ultimate frisbee and keep away. I believed these were rather innocuous games involving a little running, a little movement here and there, so I couldn't understand why they were out of breath and sweating when we were done. I mean 35 minutes of running should be relaxing. Right?
When Wednesday came around, I had another set of fun games for them to play. One was called Hungarian Dodge Ball and the other was titled Czechoslovakian Dodge Ball. Both of them involve sprinting full court while dodging balls. Again they were putting their hands on top of their heads, leaning over in taking huge gulps of air and perspiring. These were simple, fun games. Why were they acting as if they had just worked out?
By Thursday they were as fatigued as if we had completed a week of our usual conditioning. When I asked Lindsey Kentner, our extreme cardio woman who never gets tired, if she was feeling recovered, I was surprised when she told me that she wasn't. Using my astute deductive reasoning, I deduced if Lindsey was not fully recovered at the end of the week, then the other players would not have found fresh legs either.
Since the purpose of recovery week was for the athletes to refresh both minds and bodies, I had to convince myself on Friday to allow them to simply have fun without any running. I had to talk myself into the belief that we don't want to work harder than every other team in the nation, we want to work smarter. We desire to work smart hard, an endearing term which means we use the muscles of our brain as well as those of our bodies.
I would say when I was an athlete, we didn't use our brains which resulted in many overuse injuries and several losses along the way. Now I know the power of using our brains and hopefully, I am sharing that power with my players which meant that on Friday they were able to laugh and have fun fully recovering mind, body and spirit.
So when I try to sneak a recovery week into our training schedule for the purpose of our athletes getting a little rest, I may not achieve all the recovery the players wanted. I think I am going easy on them when they think I have swapped one kind of running for another.
This past week instead of running timed sprints on Monday, we played ultimate frisbee and keep away. I believed these were rather innocuous games involving a little running, a little movement here and there, so I couldn't understand why they were out of breath and sweating when we were done. I mean 35 minutes of running should be relaxing. Right?
When Wednesday came around, I had another set of fun games for them to play. One was called Hungarian Dodge Ball and the other was titled Czechoslovakian Dodge Ball. Both of them involve sprinting full court while dodging balls. Again they were putting their hands on top of their heads, leaning over in taking huge gulps of air and perspiring. These were simple, fun games. Why were they acting as if they had just worked out?
By Thursday they were as fatigued as if we had completed a week of our usual conditioning. When I asked Lindsey Kentner, our extreme cardio woman who never gets tired, if she was feeling recovered, I was surprised when she told me that she wasn't. Using my astute deductive reasoning, I deduced if Lindsey was not fully recovered at the end of the week, then the other players would not have found fresh legs either.
Since the purpose of recovery week was for the athletes to refresh both minds and bodies, I had to convince myself on Friday to allow them to simply have fun without any running. I had to talk myself into the belief that we don't want to work harder than every other team in the nation, we want to work smarter. We desire to work smart hard, an endearing term which means we use the muscles of our brain as well as those of our bodies.
I would say when I was an athlete, we didn't use our brains which resulted in many overuse injuries and several losses along the way. Now I know the power of using our brains and hopefully, I am sharing that power with my players which meant that on Friday they were able to laugh and have fun fully recovering mind, body and spirit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Using Discipline To Improve Team Concepts
When I played volleyball in high school, I was fortunate enough to have a great coach, Shirley Langdon, who taught me the value of discipline. I often got mad at her seemingly dispassionate nature when it came to matters of discipline. I thought she should have held more understanding in her heart especially when it came to me. (I'm certain some of my current and past players feel the same way about how I've handled them.)
One day during the preseason when my mother was taking me to practice, we had a flat tire. I immediately began crying because I knew I would be in trouble for being late. During those days without cell phones (yes I existed before the invention of cell phones), I walked to the nearest pay phone and called the school secretary asking her to inform Coach Langdon of my predicament. When I came through the gym door late, I thought Coach Langdon would offer me some sort of shortcut through the sprints since I had made the effort to contact her and I had a legitimate reason for being late. No such luck. I cursed at her (underneath my breath of course) for the entire thirty minutes I sprinted. I never forgave her for that one until I became a coach.
I now appreciate and understand the value of discipline. I comprehend that when I teach discipline I am teaching self respect, integrity, mental toughness, and the molding of a group of individuals into a team. I don't believe a team can become great without discipline. It is the means to which all ends are achieved.
I didn't understand then why Coach Langdon didn't relieve me of the sprints, but now I know she cared so much about me she wouldn't let me have any excuse for not being good. She took my excuses and threw them out the door. Nothing mattered to her except we did what we were supposed to do when we were supposed to do it. Because she took that approach which seemed harsh to most of us, we did perform exactly as she believed we could. There were no excuses which we could use to tell her why we didn't block a hit or why we didn't get the ball across the net. We did it because she made us believe we could. No excuses were accepted. We battled and we fought for her. We gave until we didn't think we could and then she demanded more of us. It was her way of giving to us a power we didn't know we had.
When I discipline, it is always for the good of the team. My intent is to make them better as players and as people. It is to get them to understand they are responsible for their success and excuses only serve to take them further away from what they desire.
Last Friday, the Eagles forfeited their right to game day which is implemented as a reward for their hard work throughout the week. During game day, we substitute a game for our usual timed sprints. The amazing thing was when I told them why we were running sprints instead of playing ultimate frisbee or one of our other fun games, they didn't quibble, get angry at one another or shoot me nasty looks. No, instead they worked as hard as they possibly could and made the most of the day. This impressed me--this no nonsense approach to finding the best within the situation. I liked that. I believe this team understands the necessity for discipline which means they have matured. Mature players are always wonderful to coach.
One day during the preseason when my mother was taking me to practice, we had a flat tire. I immediately began crying because I knew I would be in trouble for being late. During those days without cell phones (yes I existed before the invention of cell phones), I walked to the nearest pay phone and called the school secretary asking her to inform Coach Langdon of my predicament. When I came through the gym door late, I thought Coach Langdon would offer me some sort of shortcut through the sprints since I had made the effort to contact her and I had a legitimate reason for being late. No such luck. I cursed at her (underneath my breath of course) for the entire thirty minutes I sprinted. I never forgave her for that one until I became a coach.
I now appreciate and understand the value of discipline. I comprehend that when I teach discipline I am teaching self respect, integrity, mental toughness, and the molding of a group of individuals into a team. I don't believe a team can become great without discipline. It is the means to which all ends are achieved.
I didn't understand then why Coach Langdon didn't relieve me of the sprints, but now I know she cared so much about me she wouldn't let me have any excuse for not being good. She took my excuses and threw them out the door. Nothing mattered to her except we did what we were supposed to do when we were supposed to do it. Because she took that approach which seemed harsh to most of us, we did perform exactly as she believed we could. There were no excuses which we could use to tell her why we didn't block a hit or why we didn't get the ball across the net. We did it because she made us believe we could. No excuses were accepted. We battled and we fought for her. We gave until we didn't think we could and then she demanded more of us. It was her way of giving to us a power we didn't know we had.
When I discipline, it is always for the good of the team. My intent is to make them better as players and as people. It is to get them to understand they are responsible for their success and excuses only serve to take them further away from what they desire.
Last Friday, the Eagles forfeited their right to game day which is implemented as a reward for their hard work throughout the week. During game day, we substitute a game for our usual timed sprints. The amazing thing was when I told them why we were running sprints instead of playing ultimate frisbee or one of our other fun games, they didn't quibble, get angry at one another or shoot me nasty looks. No, instead they worked as hard as they possibly could and made the most of the day. This impressed me--this no nonsense approach to finding the best within the situation. I liked that. I believe this team understands the necessity for discipline which means they have matured. Mature players are always wonderful to coach.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Listening To Our Internal Voices
We ask our players to keep a journal and write an entry one time a week. The purpose of players writing in their journals is to become more aware of who they are--to discover things about themselves they did not know. It sounds a little silly to say that our players do not know who they are. It would appear after 18 years years of living they would have intimate awareness of their inner thoughts, but the truth is that at age 48 I am still learning who I am.
Often we don't stop to listen to our internal voices and the messages we are sending to ourselves. It is these internal messages which drive us to succeed or to fail, yet we have lived with the same voices so long we haven't taken time to digest exactly what we are saying.
Since our mind thinks in pictures, we may not be aware of the negative messages we continue to perpetuate day after day. Imagine for a moment a player going to the free throw line in a pressure situation. As she steps to the line, she tells herself that she cannot miss this shot. She repeats to herself, "Don't miss. Don't miss." When she tells herself not to miss, she cannot help but visualize the miss. Her mind pictures the miss.
What she should be saying to herself is more in the lines of "I see this shot going in. I feel it coming off my fingers exactly as I have done a thousand times before. I can make free throws anytime in any situation." Now she has visualized the shot going through the net, the thousand times she has practiced free throws and convinced herself she can make this shot now. What a different story!
Players who don't take the time to evaluate what they tell themselves will have difficulty finding the success they want. Thoughts perpetuate action. There is no other way to start an action except by thought. The thought always comes first whether we know it or not. If our players recognize what they are saying to themselves can be damaging or preventing their success, they can work on creating better thoughts.
How many players began with the thought "I can't" because they heard somebody in their past tell them they couldn't dribble with their left hand or shoot a three pointer or defend a faster player? Once they start a thought with those negative words, it is almost certain it will come true. If, however, they can think past the person who told them they couldn't, erase that vocabulary and begin with a different and more affirmative outlook, they will be able to find greater success.
By having our players write in their journals, they have the opportunity to grow in awareness. By expanding their awareness, they can impact their success by simply changing the way they speak to themselves on a daily basis.
Often we don't stop to listen to our internal voices and the messages we are sending to ourselves. It is these internal messages which drive us to succeed or to fail, yet we have lived with the same voices so long we haven't taken time to digest exactly what we are saying.
Since our mind thinks in pictures, we may not be aware of the negative messages we continue to perpetuate day after day. Imagine for a moment a player going to the free throw line in a pressure situation. As she steps to the line, she tells herself that she cannot miss this shot. She repeats to herself, "Don't miss. Don't miss." When she tells herself not to miss, she cannot help but visualize the miss. Her mind pictures the miss.
What she should be saying to herself is more in the lines of "I see this shot going in. I feel it coming off my fingers exactly as I have done a thousand times before. I can make free throws anytime in any situation." Now she has visualized the shot going through the net, the thousand times she has practiced free throws and convinced herself she can make this shot now. What a different story!
Players who don't take the time to evaluate what they tell themselves will have difficulty finding the success they want. Thoughts perpetuate action. There is no other way to start an action except by thought. The thought always comes first whether we know it or not. If our players recognize what they are saying to themselves can be damaging or preventing their success, they can work on creating better thoughts.
How many players began with the thought "I can't" because they heard somebody in their past tell them they couldn't dribble with their left hand or shoot a three pointer or defend a faster player? Once they start a thought with those negative words, it is almost certain it will come true. If, however, they can think past the person who told them they couldn't, erase that vocabulary and begin with a different and more affirmative outlook, they will be able to find greater success.
By having our players write in their journals, they have the opportunity to grow in awareness. By expanding their awareness, they can impact their success by simply changing the way they speak to themselves on a daily basis.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Winning is Everything
Several years ago when I was a young, ambitious coach I was on a job interview at a small college in Montana where basketball was THE EVENT. When a member of the search committee asked me about my views on winning, I replied, "Winning is everything . . . it is the only thing." I could tell she was a little taken aback by my intensity on the subject. Then I defined winning.
Winning to me is not about the scoreboard. The scoreboard never tells the entire story. It may be true the final score is what is celebrated by fans, written about in newspapers and discussed on television stations, but it is not always the entire story. The scoreboard is simply a piece of the journey involving the growth of the players and coaches.
For the Golden Eagles, a win is about three things:
1. Giving 100%.
2. Playing through every second no matter what the circumstance.
3. Learning from the experience.
Giving 100% means exhausting yourself totally. It means when a player departs the court, she could not have gone for another second. She has given her heart, her mind and her body to the game. She has left it all on the court not saving anything for the next day.
Playing through every second means there is no quitting, no letting up, no getting down at a missed shot, turnover or a great play by an opponent. It means that if we are down 20 points, we are still playing as if the game were on the line. It means that if we are up 30 points, we are still intense and focused, working on getting the most from our time on the court.
Learning from the experience means that we are looking for growth, recognizing the good as it comes and feeling great about it, but also always searching for a way to become better. If we learn to take something from each practice and each game, we are continually in the process of growing. Growing means we are getting better. Ultimately, it is what we should desire from our life experience--the opportunity to get better each day.
If we can do these three things, we will win on the scoreboard more often than we will lose. We will discover success. We will feel good about ourselves. We will find wins in some of our losses and discover that a win is not always as it appears on a scoreboard. We will strive to be our best and in being our best, we will truly have done something remarkable. And that is by far one of the most important aspects of winning--learning to feel good about who we are and what we have achieved.
Winning to me is not about the scoreboard. The scoreboard never tells the entire story. It may be true the final score is what is celebrated by fans, written about in newspapers and discussed on television stations, but it is not always the entire story. The scoreboard is simply a piece of the journey involving the growth of the players and coaches.
For the Golden Eagles, a win is about three things:
1. Giving 100%.
2. Playing through every second no matter what the circumstance.
3. Learning from the experience.
Giving 100% means exhausting yourself totally. It means when a player departs the court, she could not have gone for another second. She has given her heart, her mind and her body to the game. She has left it all on the court not saving anything for the next day.
Playing through every second means there is no quitting, no letting up, no getting down at a missed shot, turnover or a great play by an opponent. It means that if we are down 20 points, we are still playing as if the game were on the line. It means that if we are up 30 points, we are still intense and focused, working on getting the most from our time on the court.
Learning from the experience means that we are looking for growth, recognizing the good as it comes and feeling great about it, but also always searching for a way to become better. If we learn to take something from each practice and each game, we are continually in the process of growing. Growing means we are getting better. Ultimately, it is what we should desire from our life experience--the opportunity to get better each day.
If we can do these three things, we will win on the scoreboard more often than we will lose. We will discover success. We will feel good about ourselves. We will find wins in some of our losses and discover that a win is not always as it appears on a scoreboard. We will strive to be our best and in being our best, we will truly have done something remarkable. And that is by far one of the most important aspects of winning--learning to feel good about who we are and what we have achieved.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Laughter Creates Unity
I like this team. I realize I say that every year but this team makes me laugh and laughter is good for the soul. Of course, there are times when laughter is not appropriate such as after a loss, during a frozen push-up, running a sprint, doing a competitive drill and when my eyes are five times their size and veins are popping out of my forehead.
This team has a good sense of timing their laughs, knowing when to tease, when to let something go and when I will laugh along with them. Friday night during our initial team meeting, a meeting which is usually full of tension due to the string of rules and regulations I impose, the team had me laughing--a deep bellie laugh with tears at the edge of my eyelids.
If I were to relate the stories to somebody else, they probably wouldn't find them funny. It was one of those deals where you had to be there to think it was funny, yet as a group we can reivist those moments and find the laughter again. This ability to laugh together has already sealed our unity--provided us with a togetherness that other teams can only pray they can achieve. It has given us an intimacy, a feeling of oneness that we will be able to utilize during the challenging times.
Friday night wasn't all laughter; it was team business and motivation for the future. It was a time for sharing when the players read a page from their workout journal which I had requested them to keep over the summer. The journal will be a concrete reminder of the daily grind they put themselves through to find their dreams. When they shared their toughest workout day of the summer, I found I was amazed at their willingness to spend hours and hours getting better. There was Canada (Lisanne) who "ran through grass as high as my waist in the hottest of days . . . uphill both ways." There was Katy who played basketball for two hours against the Chinese, then spent another hour weight lifting, then another hour doing shooting, then did an ab workout. There were others whose workouts were just as impressive.
After we had laughed at Canada's rendition of her workout which became tougher with each telling, we each wrote our biggest strengths on a piece of paper. Then I had them add to that paper their vision of a perfect game. We then took those papers and hid them in the gym in a place where they wouldn't be discovered. So our strengths and our perfect game will be in the gym waiting for us all year long.
I am not certain where this year will take us, but I am convinced we will find laughter along the way.
This team has a good sense of timing their laughs, knowing when to tease, when to let something go and when I will laugh along with them. Friday night during our initial team meeting, a meeting which is usually full of tension due to the string of rules and regulations I impose, the team had me laughing--a deep bellie laugh with tears at the edge of my eyelids.
If I were to relate the stories to somebody else, they probably wouldn't find them funny. It was one of those deals where you had to be there to think it was funny, yet as a group we can reivist those moments and find the laughter again. This ability to laugh together has already sealed our unity--provided us with a togetherness that other teams can only pray they can achieve. It has given us an intimacy, a feeling of oneness that we will be able to utilize during the challenging times.
Friday night wasn't all laughter; it was team business and motivation for the future. It was a time for sharing when the players read a page from their workout journal which I had requested them to keep over the summer. The journal will be a concrete reminder of the daily grind they put themselves through to find their dreams. When they shared their toughest workout day of the summer, I found I was amazed at their willingness to spend hours and hours getting better. There was Canada (Lisanne) who "ran through grass as high as my waist in the hottest of days . . . uphill both ways." There was Katy who played basketball for two hours against the Chinese, then spent another hour weight lifting, then another hour doing shooting, then did an ab workout. There were others whose workouts were just as impressive.
After we had laughed at Canada's rendition of her workout which became tougher with each telling, we each wrote our biggest strengths on a piece of paper. Then I had them add to that paper their vision of a perfect game. We then took those papers and hid them in the gym in a place where they wouldn't be discovered. So our strengths and our perfect game will be in the gym waiting for us all year long.
I am not certain where this year will take us, but I am convinced we will find laughter along the way.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Fear or Faith
Every year brings with it new challenges and opportunities. The unknown can be disastrous if it is feared or it can be joyous if it is looked upon as an adventure. What is important at this stage of the year is the attitude of the players involved. It is their belief system which will determine whether this year is one to be remembered and cherished or one to be forgotten and stashed deep within themselves.
In searching for the answer to this question, I look at the upper class players to see how they have grown internally. I am always more concerned with the strength of their minds versus the strength of their bodies.
I can see the strength of Katy Arick who finally after three years of failing the 12 minute run succeeded. She has always known this battle for her was not one of her lungs or legs but one of her mind. It was the little child within her telling her she couldn't that would not allow her to make the run. Finally she has learned to quieten that little child and allow the bigger woman to step forth--the one who believes in opportunity and success, in achieving the seemingly impossible.
I see the determination of Tarenna Dixon who has had to learn some very difficult lessons but who with a tenacity she has never shown in the classroom achieved a "B" in a difficult course over the summer. When she speaks to me now, she looks me in the eyes as if she knows she deserves the praise I will give her.
I see the willingness of Lindsey Kentner to take the next step--the one which could make her a failure or a star. Her obstacle has been the need to be
perfect--to make every shot she shoots. Now, with the understanding that she can miss without being less than who she is, she is free to be the incredible player she has always been.
I see Ali Tobias whose favorite past time was believing she wasn't fast enough to compete against athletic players now offering up the knowledge that intelligence can surpass athleticism. She is more comfortable in her abilities to be deceptive.
I see Moneka Slaughter taking on the constructive criticism I give her with the understanding she is capable of pushing through my demands. She is growing into the awareness she is strong, fast and a good low block player.
I see Julianne Smith gaining confidence in her shooting skills, the same skills she worked on endlessly last year but never used. It was never that she couldn't physically shoot the ball; it was that she thought she couldn't.
I see Tiana Beatty as a player who will not be denied. Even with pain, she has continued to find ways to train over the summer. She did not let what she could not do effect what she could do.
There is a difference between fears they owned and fears they have dissolved. There is a quiet confidence, an inner calmness which they now carry. This is their torch . . .their team . . . and their destiny.
In searching for the answer to this question, I look at the upper class players to see how they have grown internally. I am always more concerned with the strength of their minds versus the strength of their bodies.
I can see the strength of Katy Arick who finally after three years of failing the 12 minute run succeeded. She has always known this battle for her was not one of her lungs or legs but one of her mind. It was the little child within her telling her she couldn't that would not allow her to make the run. Finally she has learned to quieten that little child and allow the bigger woman to step forth--the one who believes in opportunity and success, in achieving the seemingly impossible.
I see the determination of Tarenna Dixon who has had to learn some very difficult lessons but who with a tenacity she has never shown in the classroom achieved a "B" in a difficult course over the summer. When she speaks to me now, she looks me in the eyes as if she knows she deserves the praise I will give her.
I see the willingness of Lindsey Kentner to take the next step--the one which could make her a failure or a star. Her obstacle has been the need to be
perfect--to make every shot she shoots. Now, with the understanding that she can miss without being less than who she is, she is free to be the incredible player she has always been.
I see Ali Tobias whose favorite past time was believing she wasn't fast enough to compete against athletic players now offering up the knowledge that intelligence can surpass athleticism. She is more comfortable in her abilities to be deceptive.
I see Moneka Slaughter taking on the constructive criticism I give her with the understanding she is capable of pushing through my demands. She is growing into the awareness she is strong, fast and a good low block player.
I see Julianne Smith gaining confidence in her shooting skills, the same skills she worked on endlessly last year but never used. It was never that she couldn't physically shoot the ball; it was that she thought she couldn't.
I see Tiana Beatty as a player who will not be denied. Even with pain, she has continued to find ways to train over the summer. She did not let what she could not do effect what she could do.
There is a difference between fears they owned and fears they have dissolved. There is a quiet confidence, an inner calmness which they now carry. This is their torch . . .their team . . . and their destiny.
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Coaching Change
With the start of a new school year comes the beginning of a new season. This one is especially different for me as it will be the first time in 18 years I will be operating without my assistant coach, Lynne Fitzgerald. After 20 years of coaching, she made the determination that she was prepared to search a different direction for what life had to offer. Instead of spending days on end in the gymnasium, she has opted for blue skies, glacier lakes, and the wide expanse of the outdoors. Her focus in on the wilderness and outdoor leadership opportunites.
She has been a phoenomenal recruiter, getting us some of the top players in the WVIAC. Her strength as a recruiter was her ability to talk to anybody and make them feel special. She was also a tremendous teacher on the court. She knew how to break down a skill and develop it piece by piece to enable all players to be successful. One of the most important aspects of her job was to keep me level-headed, positive and coaching the game rather than reacting to the officials. She did this with humor and great insight.
She will be missed as part of the Golden Eagle coaching staff.
I welcome with enthusiasm the new member of my coaching staff, Rachel Pike. Rachel was a Golden Eagle from 2003-2007 and part of a team that acquired 106 wins versus only 24 losses. During her tenure, the team won back-to-back East Regional Championships and advanced to the Elite Eight in both 2005 and 2006.
During the past two years, Rachel was graduate assistant at Tiffin University where she received her Masters in Business Administration with a focus on leadership. While she is young, I have complete confidence in her ability to lead, to teach, to organize and to recruit.
When Rachel was a player, I often told her that she had the wisdom of an eighty year old mind in a twenty year old body. She was mature then in her decision-making and how she responded to conflicts which is exactly why she is a member of the coaching staff.
I often tell my players that you can't stay in the past. You have to perform in the moment. My challenge is to allow the wonderful 18 years spent working beside Coach Fitzgerald to remain part of the past and to be thankful for all she gave to me and the program and to allow Coach Pike to be part of the present.
She has been a phoenomenal recruiter, getting us some of the top players in the WVIAC. Her strength as a recruiter was her ability to talk to anybody and make them feel special. She was also a tremendous teacher on the court. She knew how to break down a skill and develop it piece by piece to enable all players to be successful. One of the most important aspects of her job was to keep me level-headed, positive and coaching the game rather than reacting to the officials. She did this with humor and great insight.
She will be missed as part of the Golden Eagle coaching staff.
I welcome with enthusiasm the new member of my coaching staff, Rachel Pike. Rachel was a Golden Eagle from 2003-2007 and part of a team that acquired 106 wins versus only 24 losses. During her tenure, the team won back-to-back East Regional Championships and advanced to the Elite Eight in both 2005 and 2006.
During the past two years, Rachel was graduate assistant at Tiffin University where she received her Masters in Business Administration with a focus on leadership. While she is young, I have complete confidence in her ability to lead, to teach, to organize and to recruit.
When Rachel was a player, I often told her that she had the wisdom of an eighty year old mind in a twenty year old body. She was mature then in her decision-making and how she responded to conflicts which is exactly why she is a member of the coaching staff.
I often tell my players that you can't stay in the past. You have to perform in the moment. My challenge is to allow the wonderful 18 years spent working beside Coach Fitzgerald to remain part of the past and to be thankful for all she gave to me and the program and to allow Coach Pike to be part of the present.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Remember the Wonderful Journey
At the end of the season, we are tempted to remember the last game, angry and upset by our lack of play. We could end the season that way, remembering the nightmare of being on the court but not actually being there, feeling embarrassed by our inability to perform. We could stay there in that place or we could celebrate the journey.
It is, after all, the journey which tells the story--which creates the people who are involved in it. Even though the Cal, Pa game was horrible, it does not define who we are and how far we have come. It was only a bleep in the long days of becoming better players and people.
I am amazed at the journey of the team and the young women who were a part of it. I am thrilled by their growth and their willingness to battle despite setbacks and challenges. Who would have thought at our mid-October scrimmage against Shawnee State when we were down 30 points at half time that we would win 26 games? Who would have dreamed when two returning starters went down with knee injuries from that scrimmage game that we could find a way to overcome it?
It is a testament to our seniors and their leadership.
I am grateful for Jen DeMeyer's ability to continue through her injuries and her emotional ups and downs from being hurt. She was strong enough to come back time and time again until the last knee injury then she was gracious enough to accept the role of cheering on her teammates.
I am grateful for Veronica Carman's growth as a player throughout her years here. Who would have thought her freshmen year that she would become a vocal leader? Who would have believed she would have spend hours and hours becoming a better offensive player? Who would have dreamed of her being not only our defensive stopper but our scorer as well? She did.
I am grateful for Jihan Williams and her willingness to overcome the concept of victimization to understand her control of circumstances. She determined she wanted a better relationship with the coaches and she created that. She became a stellar player after a junior year filled with frustration. She became a great player but a much better person.
These young women led from their hearts and souls. They provided the leadership the team needed and kept the team headed toward the right direction. They were not perfect . . . but then none of us are. They made some mistakes but they kept grounded and focused toward what was important. They made my job easier.
I hope the Golden Eagles can remember this season as the culmination of all experiences--of what they have learned and gained from the season. I hope they can use this success to propel them forward in the future. I hope they realize the life skills they can for the demands of tomorrow: discipline, motivation, self-awareness, responsibility, goal-setting, overcoming adversity, functioning as a unit, and hard work.
Basketball is much more than a game. It is a journey.
IHHOAGE!
It is, after all, the journey which tells the story--which creates the people who are involved in it. Even though the Cal, Pa game was horrible, it does not define who we are and how far we have come. It was only a bleep in the long days of becoming better players and people.
I am amazed at the journey of the team and the young women who were a part of it. I am thrilled by their growth and their willingness to battle despite setbacks and challenges. Who would have thought at our mid-October scrimmage against Shawnee State when we were down 30 points at half time that we would win 26 games? Who would have dreamed when two returning starters went down with knee injuries from that scrimmage game that we could find a way to overcome it?
It is a testament to our seniors and their leadership.
I am grateful for Jen DeMeyer's ability to continue through her injuries and her emotional ups and downs from being hurt. She was strong enough to come back time and time again until the last knee injury then she was gracious enough to accept the role of cheering on her teammates.
I am grateful for Veronica Carman's growth as a player throughout her years here. Who would have thought her freshmen year that she would become a vocal leader? Who would have believed she would have spend hours and hours becoming a better offensive player? Who would have dreamed of her being not only our defensive stopper but our scorer as well? She did.
I am grateful for Jihan Williams and her willingness to overcome the concept of victimization to understand her control of circumstances. She determined she wanted a better relationship with the coaches and she created that. She became a stellar player after a junior year filled with frustration. She became a great player but a much better person.
These young women led from their hearts and souls. They provided the leadership the team needed and kept the team headed toward the right direction. They were not perfect . . . but then none of us are. They made some mistakes but they kept grounded and focused toward what was important. They made my job easier.
I hope the Golden Eagles can remember this season as the culmination of all experiences--of what they have learned and gained from the season. I hope they can use this success to propel them forward in the future. I hope they realize the life skills they can for the demands of tomorrow: discipline, motivation, self-awareness, responsibility, goal-setting, overcoming adversity, functioning as a unit, and hard work.
Basketball is much more than a game. It is a journey.
IHHOAGE!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
DOUBLE WHAMMIE!
As if winning the conference title was not enough, the Golden Eagles decided to go for the double whammie--winning both the conference title and the tournament championship. This was a dream they had from the first day they stepped on the court in August. It is a testament to these young ladies that dreams do come true. This was the best part for me--watching them create their dreams.
The conference tournament started on Monday with a game against Salem University who had not won a game all season. This was tough for the five players from Salem who had the character to make it through the season. Imagine showing up after being beaten up all year for the final game against the number one seed. For our part, we had to focus on being our best for the play-offs. While we didn't want to run up the score against Salem, neither did we want to become soft and forget who we were. Even though we didn't press one possession and played all 12 of our players in double-digit minutes, limiting our starters to an average of 16 minutes, we still beat them by a score of 127-25. While I understand the challenge the players for Salem had, we also had the challenge of playing hard and keeping the game in perspective. For our part, we never once laughed or displayed any type of jest at the Salem players.
On Wednesday, we were paired against our rival, WV State. I knew this was going to be a difficult task because we had defeated them on Saturday by a score of 87-54 where we made 14 of 21 three point attempts for a shocking 66.7% from the three point line. Getting our players to think that the WV State game was going to be a challenge was my biggest concern. It is difficult to get players to be prepared for an opponent after defeating them so easily, yet I knew from 20 years of coaching experience that this was going to be a tough one.
The Yellow Jackets were ready to play us and they gave us all we could handle. We bumbled and fumbled the ball, passed it directly into their hands and watched as they sailed down the court for fast break lay-ups. We were not mentally there. As we called timeouts and tried to get the players to reel their minds back to the game, I felt almost hopeless because their minds were not in the Civic Center. I do not know how we won that game. In reality we should not have won that game, yet we found a way. With Ali Tobias on the free throw line and Jihan and Katy singing to her, she sank her 1-in-1 to help us to a 53-52 victory.
On Friday, we faced the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. I was worried that we would not be able to regain our confidence after the WV State game. We were lost and worried. I've seen teams tank after a game like that. Yet, this team never dies. They just find a new way to recover. We spent some time with them revisiting why we were a good team. We did a little team bonding exercise where the players reminded each other of our strengths. I could feel the shift in energy after we had completed the exercise. It was just enough to change our focus and get us back on track.
We were able to outlast UPJ by a score of 73-56 in the final few minutes of the contest despite injuries to Jihan and Katy. They were so tough playing through injuries, never giving in to excuses. This is what being a Golden Eagle is all about--mental toughness!
In the championship game against West Liberty, it was gut check time. The players from West Liberty played with such heart and determination. They came out and nailed seven three pointers on us before we even had time to register them. We were down 11 points and things were not looking pretty, but we didn't give up. We just keep playing hard. I collected a technical foul for clapping my hands once. No, I didn't say anything--just clapped my hands. Yet, thank goodness for the technical foul. It pumped us up. It got us out of our slump and pushed us toward focusing our energies on playing smarter and harder.
We only had the lead two times in the game. Early in the game with the score 4-2 and then at the 7:22 mark when we went up by 1 point. Then we were not ahead again until there was only 32 seconds remaining. We nailed six free throws in a row and stopped them scoring to end the game. WOW! This was a testament to believing in a dream so much that circumstances and events did not deter the dream.
I am convinced this team has won 25 games from the center of their heart. They have won because they believed in dreams and wouldn't let those dreams die. I have been impressed with their desire and their heart.
TO THE GOLDEN EAGLES I SAY: IHHOAGE!
The conference tournament started on Monday with a game against Salem University who had not won a game all season. This was tough for the five players from Salem who had the character to make it through the season. Imagine showing up after being beaten up all year for the final game against the number one seed. For our part, we had to focus on being our best for the play-offs. While we didn't want to run up the score against Salem, neither did we want to become soft and forget who we were. Even though we didn't press one possession and played all 12 of our players in double-digit minutes, limiting our starters to an average of 16 minutes, we still beat them by a score of 127-25. While I understand the challenge the players for Salem had, we also had the challenge of playing hard and keeping the game in perspective. For our part, we never once laughed or displayed any type of jest at the Salem players.
On Wednesday, we were paired against our rival, WV State. I knew this was going to be a difficult task because we had defeated them on Saturday by a score of 87-54 where we made 14 of 21 three point attempts for a shocking 66.7% from the three point line. Getting our players to think that the WV State game was going to be a challenge was my biggest concern. It is difficult to get players to be prepared for an opponent after defeating them so easily, yet I knew from 20 years of coaching experience that this was going to be a tough one.
The Yellow Jackets were ready to play us and they gave us all we could handle. We bumbled and fumbled the ball, passed it directly into their hands and watched as they sailed down the court for fast break lay-ups. We were not mentally there. As we called timeouts and tried to get the players to reel their minds back to the game, I felt almost hopeless because their minds were not in the Civic Center. I do not know how we won that game. In reality we should not have won that game, yet we found a way. With Ali Tobias on the free throw line and Jihan and Katy singing to her, she sank her 1-in-1 to help us to a 53-52 victory.
On Friday, we faced the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. I was worried that we would not be able to regain our confidence after the WV State game. We were lost and worried. I've seen teams tank after a game like that. Yet, this team never dies. They just find a new way to recover. We spent some time with them revisiting why we were a good team. We did a little team bonding exercise where the players reminded each other of our strengths. I could feel the shift in energy after we had completed the exercise. It was just enough to change our focus and get us back on track.
We were able to outlast UPJ by a score of 73-56 in the final few minutes of the contest despite injuries to Jihan and Katy. They were so tough playing through injuries, never giving in to excuses. This is what being a Golden Eagle is all about--mental toughness!
In the championship game against West Liberty, it was gut check time. The players from West Liberty played with such heart and determination. They came out and nailed seven three pointers on us before we even had time to register them. We were down 11 points and things were not looking pretty, but we didn't give up. We just keep playing hard. I collected a technical foul for clapping my hands once. No, I didn't say anything--just clapped my hands. Yet, thank goodness for the technical foul. It pumped us up. It got us out of our slump and pushed us toward focusing our energies on playing smarter and harder.
We only had the lead two times in the game. Early in the game with the score 4-2 and then at the 7:22 mark when we went up by 1 point. Then we were not ahead again until there was only 32 seconds remaining. We nailed six free throws in a row and stopped them scoring to end the game. WOW! This was a testament to believing in a dream so much that circumstances and events did not deter the dream.
I am convinced this team has won 25 games from the center of their heart. They have won because they believed in dreams and wouldn't let those dreams die. I have been impressed with their desire and their heart.
TO THE GOLDEN EAGLES I SAY: IHHOAGE!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dreaming on the Dream Board
During the summer months each player created a dream box where she was to place any articles, quotes, or pictures of her dreams for this season. It was a great way to keep our dreams close and to continually feel them throughout the summer. At the beginning of the year, we each shared something from our dream box with the team. Then the coaches just let the dream box idea slip. We didn't do anything with it until a week ago when Coach Fitzgerald decided that we needed a dream board in the locker room.
We decided that each player should bring something every day to tack to the dream board. In this way, we would be sharing our dreams with our teammates. It started with just a word or two, then quotes, then pictures, then a piece of the net we cut down three years ago when we won the East Regional Tournament. It began as something they had to do and grew into something they wanted to do.
The board has become a constant visual reminder of our dreams. It makes their dreams appear more real because there is substance to them. The more the dream is plastered on the board, the stronger the sense of the dream. It feels real. Every person who has ever felt her dream come true knows there was a moment when the dream no longer felt like a dream. It felt real even before it became real. This is how we won the conference title: believing in dreams.
The power of belief is so strong that it is the difference between those who succeed and those who fail. The dream board has kept us focused on what we want and placed our energy in the direction we want to go. It has created an energy of its own--an energy each player has taken to heart. Heart is the center of this team and dreams are the center of the heart.
I am thrilled with the accomplishments of this team and believe they still have dreams to fulfill. Until the season has been completed, the dream board will be alive.
We decided that each player should bring something every day to tack to the dream board. In this way, we would be sharing our dreams with our teammates. It started with just a word or two, then quotes, then pictures, then a piece of the net we cut down three years ago when we won the East Regional Tournament. It began as something they had to do and grew into something they wanted to do.
The board has become a constant visual reminder of our dreams. It makes their dreams appear more real because there is substance to them. The more the dream is plastered on the board, the stronger the sense of the dream. It feels real. Every person who has ever felt her dream come true knows there was a moment when the dream no longer felt like a dream. It felt real even before it became real. This is how we won the conference title: believing in dreams.
The power of belief is so strong that it is the difference between those who succeed and those who fail. The dream board has kept us focused on what we want and placed our energy in the direction we want to go. It has created an energy of its own--an energy each player has taken to heart. Heart is the center of this team and dreams are the center of the heart.
I am thrilled with the accomplishments of this team and believe they still have dreams to fulfill. Until the season has been completed, the dream board will be alive.
Monday, February 23, 2009
&%#$&*@()#&%^@&!!)(@#*$&!
The title of today's blog is the words I happened to say during and after the game on Thursday. I don't like to curse. I try not to practice cursing but dang-it, I hate losing. I am not a good loser which is one of the reasons I work so hard at winning. I once had a coaching friend of mine say that he thought losing got easier after so many years of coaching. I've not found that to be true. I love to win and love players who love to win.
This team loves to win and certainly competes hard. They did not try to lose on Thursday night. They gave everything they had that night. The problem was they didn't have much to give. Most of them were suffering from some form of the flu where coughing takes over the regular breathing mechanism and the result is the body replaces the exhalation of a breath with coughing fits.
I always tell the players that it doesn't matter if they are sick, tired, injured, angry, sad, or upset. When they get to practice or a game, they have to be there without any excuses. Of course, I understand there are days when the body refuses to give 100%. Yet, I am more concerned about how they are going to enter the battle. If they believe they should play through whatever ails them, they are more likely to do so.
I knew going into the game we were going to struggle because we had not had a successful practice all week. Monday, we didn't have enough healthy players to practice so we shot for 30 minutes. Tuesday, we attempted a practice but discovered that the players couldn't go hard. We ran a 32 second sprint and half of them spent the next two minutes coughing. This was not a good indicator of how we were going to run for the forty minutes which constitutes the length of a game.
I will give credit to Alderson-Broaddus for playing hard, executing their offense, and shooting the ball extremely well the second half. They did what they should have done--take advantage of our inability to play well. Despite having seven sick players out of our nine who play, I was still upset with them. Couldn't they find a way to dig deeper? Couldn't the two who were healthy carry us through the game?
I will admit to being a tad bit demanding. Maybe this was too big of a hurdle for them, but I won't give them that opening. If they search for excuses, they will always find them. I don't want them searching for excuses, I want them searching for answers no matter how difficult the obstacle seems. If they believe they should have overcome their illnesses to win, then the next time players are sick, they will step up and believe they should win anyway. It is always about mental toughness and believing in winning. Always.
This team loves to win and certainly competes hard. They did not try to lose on Thursday night. They gave everything they had that night. The problem was they didn't have much to give. Most of them were suffering from some form of the flu where coughing takes over the regular breathing mechanism and the result is the body replaces the exhalation of a breath with coughing fits.
I always tell the players that it doesn't matter if they are sick, tired, injured, angry, sad, or upset. When they get to practice or a game, they have to be there without any excuses. Of course, I understand there are days when the body refuses to give 100%. Yet, I am more concerned about how they are going to enter the battle. If they believe they should play through whatever ails them, they are more likely to do so.
I knew going into the game we were going to struggle because we had not had a successful practice all week. Monday, we didn't have enough healthy players to practice so we shot for 30 minutes. Tuesday, we attempted a practice but discovered that the players couldn't go hard. We ran a 32 second sprint and half of them spent the next two minutes coughing. This was not a good indicator of how we were going to run for the forty minutes which constitutes the length of a game.
I will give credit to Alderson-Broaddus for playing hard, executing their offense, and shooting the ball extremely well the second half. They did what they should have done--take advantage of our inability to play well. Despite having seven sick players out of our nine who play, I was still upset with them. Couldn't they find a way to dig deeper? Couldn't the two who were healthy carry us through the game?
I will admit to being a tad bit demanding. Maybe this was too big of a hurdle for them, but I won't give them that opening. If they search for excuses, they will always find them. I don't want them searching for excuses, I want them searching for answers no matter how difficult the obstacle seems. If they believe they should have overcome their illnesses to win, then the next time players are sick, they will step up and believe they should win anyway. It is always about mental toughness and believing in winning. Always.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Growing on Dreams
I have watched this team evolve from a team who could not defend an out of bounds play (Remember Concord scoring 10 points on the same play), who could not score on a 2-on-1 fast break play (ouch!), and who could not coordinate a team offense (the infamous one-pass-chunk-it offense) to a team who is third in the league in scoring offense (71.4 ppg), third in scoring defense (59 ppg) and first in FG% defense (.374).
Early in the season, I remember thinking that we were not very good. As I watched us fumble with our offense, consistently forget to rotate on helpside defense, and overall play with a lack of confidence, I didn't know how we were going to win a game.
Naturally, I didn't share these thoughts with the team. I told them that they were good, that they should be winning games, and that they had the talent to be the best. We talked about dreams and goals--about winning the conference and the conference tournament and getting back to the national tournament. We talked about these things as if they were true. Then we practiced on the court as if they were true.
Then little by little the team started to evolve. It was small things at first: scoring a fast break lay-up, getting a stop on defense, winning a close game, holding a great player below her scoring average. With each small victory, a larger victory came about--the inner confidence of believing we should win.
How could this team graduate from average to great in 3 1/2 months? How could players shed their lack of self confidence for a stronger belief system? How could a group of individuals come together so quickly in tight unity? How could they develop a sense for the game only experienced veterans have?
The secret is in the belief system. There is a quote which states, "Success breeds success." With each win, the players became more secure in their talents. They started thinking they were good. As their belief systems became stronger, their play on the court became better. They always had the ability to be good, but they needed to believe it.
Last week in our game on Thursday, I witnessed one of the best team efforts offensively and defensively I have ever seen a Golden Eagle team play. We scored 56 points on offense in a vast array of ways: in the paint, on fast break points, against the zone, with three point attempts, and on penetration. Then we shut down our opponent defensively allowing only 22 points on 30% shooting. On Saturday night, we had another incredible half of basketball, scoring 50 points while allowing only 14 points.
Is this the same team I witnessed in November? NO. It is not. It is an amazing team who can now touch their dreams, feel them on their fingertips, and taste the sweetness of victory on the tips of their tongues. This is a team who can dare to dream and dare to make those dreams come true.
Early in the season, I remember thinking that we were not very good. As I watched us fumble with our offense, consistently forget to rotate on helpside defense, and overall play with a lack of confidence, I didn't know how we were going to win a game.
Naturally, I didn't share these thoughts with the team. I told them that they were good, that they should be winning games, and that they had the talent to be the best. We talked about dreams and goals--about winning the conference and the conference tournament and getting back to the national tournament. We talked about these things as if they were true. Then we practiced on the court as if they were true.
Then little by little the team started to evolve. It was small things at first: scoring a fast break lay-up, getting a stop on defense, winning a close game, holding a great player below her scoring average. With each small victory, a larger victory came about--the inner confidence of believing we should win.
How could this team graduate from average to great in 3 1/2 months? How could players shed their lack of self confidence for a stronger belief system? How could a group of individuals come together so quickly in tight unity? How could they develop a sense for the game only experienced veterans have?
The secret is in the belief system. There is a quote which states, "Success breeds success." With each win, the players became more secure in their talents. They started thinking they were good. As their belief systems became stronger, their play on the court became better. They always had the ability to be good, but they needed to believe it.
Last week in our game on Thursday, I witnessed one of the best team efforts offensively and defensively I have ever seen a Golden Eagle team play. We scored 56 points on offense in a vast array of ways: in the paint, on fast break points, against the zone, with three point attempts, and on penetration. Then we shut down our opponent defensively allowing only 22 points on 30% shooting. On Saturday night, we had another incredible half of basketball, scoring 50 points while allowing only 14 points.
Is this the same team I witnessed in November? NO. It is not. It is an amazing team who can now touch their dreams, feel them on their fingertips, and taste the sweetness of victory on the tips of their tongues. This is a team who can dare to dream and dare to make those dreams come true.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Passion Is Stronger Than Fear
There are many coaching philosophies and many ways to win. There is the tough coach who demands, demands, demands, and uses punishment as a means to right the errors on the court. I had a former coach like this whose answer to every loss was to make us run suicides. When we lost, we knew the next practice was going to be horrible. We were going to run until we could barely stand up. The awful thing was that this approach worked because we hated running. The consequence of not winning was so devastating that we absolutely feared the next day. This fear drove us to win.
Of course, we all loved the winning. Winning was fun but the means to achieve winning was not. I hated the thought of going to practice--the thought of running until I felt my insides were going to all come up through my throat. I grieved all day, anxiety eating through my stomach, tasting the acid of that gut rot on my tongue as I envisioned my legs turning to rubber. There was no joy throughout the day until the running was done. Then there was that small moment of reprieve when I knew I didn't have to go through that again until the next day.
Since I didn't enjoy my experience, I am not the type of coach who uses punishment as a means to win. I don't want my players fearing practice, worrying all day about what I might do to them. I want them eager to arrive, to learn how to become better, to enjoy the experience even if sometimes the answer to a problem might be a tough practice. I remember as an athlete running and running and running all the while thinking that we would be better off working on the skills we needed to improve.
Am I soft? I don't think so. Should I at times be a little tougher? Probably. Should I at times be a little more understanding? Probably. I do know, though, the answer to my teams is not punishment but coming together to resolve problems or issues.
Two Saturdays ago after we lost to WVW, I wanted to work them hard--to push and push and push until they got everything right. It was what I wanted but not necessarily what they needed. They needed to recover from a loss, to work on the skills they needed to beat the opponent the next time, and to allow themselves a little time off from basketball.
In order to achieve these things, we spent a few minutes writing in our journals about why we lost. Then we went around the room asking each player why she thought we played poorly. After it was determined that it was a mental issue, a game preparation issue, I asked the players to complete a homework assignment on how to change their mentality the next time this occurred.
The next step was to work on the skills in practice which needed improvement. We changed our emphasis in practices and spent more time on those skills. When my assistant coaches brought to my attention that the players seemed tired and needed rest, I gave them Thursday off. No practice. No team meetings. Their instructions were to get away from basketball and enjoy the day.
Does this philosophy work for every coach? No. It works for us because we build the team around the positive and focus on creating our dreams from this belief system. Hopefully, the idea is that our players will love the game and use this passion to play. I believe passion is stronger than fear and I know without a doubt it is more fun.
Of course, we all loved the winning. Winning was fun but the means to achieve winning was not. I hated the thought of going to practice--the thought of running until I felt my insides were going to all come up through my throat. I grieved all day, anxiety eating through my stomach, tasting the acid of that gut rot on my tongue as I envisioned my legs turning to rubber. There was no joy throughout the day until the running was done. Then there was that small moment of reprieve when I knew I didn't have to go through that again until the next day.
Since I didn't enjoy my experience, I am not the type of coach who uses punishment as a means to win. I don't want my players fearing practice, worrying all day about what I might do to them. I want them eager to arrive, to learn how to become better, to enjoy the experience even if sometimes the answer to a problem might be a tough practice. I remember as an athlete running and running and running all the while thinking that we would be better off working on the skills we needed to improve.
Am I soft? I don't think so. Should I at times be a little tougher? Probably. Should I at times be a little more understanding? Probably. I do know, though, the answer to my teams is not punishment but coming together to resolve problems or issues.
Two Saturdays ago after we lost to WVW, I wanted to work them hard--to push and push and push until they got everything right. It was what I wanted but not necessarily what they needed. They needed to recover from a loss, to work on the skills they needed to beat the opponent the next time, and to allow themselves a little time off from basketball.
In order to achieve these things, we spent a few minutes writing in our journals about why we lost. Then we went around the room asking each player why she thought we played poorly. After it was determined that it was a mental issue, a game preparation issue, I asked the players to complete a homework assignment on how to change their mentality the next time this occurred.
The next step was to work on the skills in practice which needed improvement. We changed our emphasis in practices and spent more time on those skills. When my assistant coaches brought to my attention that the players seemed tired and needed rest, I gave them Thursday off. No practice. No team meetings. Their instructions were to get away from basketball and enjoy the day.
Does this philosophy work for every coach? No. It works for us because we build the team around the positive and focus on creating our dreams from this belief system. Hopefully, the idea is that our players will love the game and use this passion to play. I believe passion is stronger than fear and I know without a doubt it is more fun.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Playing Not To Lose
There is a difference in playing to win and playing not to lose. It sounds the same. On the peripheral, it might seem insignificant to those who don't understand the psychological differences. Playing to win means you are in the moment, secure in the belief of the outcome, heading toward the goal of having more points than the opponent at the end of the game. You are calm, searching for answers as the game progresses, believing in your abilities and those of your teammates. It feels comfortable and easy even if the lead is changing possession by possession.
Playing not to lose, on the other hand, is stressful, mind-taxing, and muscle-tensing. Playing not to lose means you are worried from the beginning about the outcome. Your focus is not on the moment; it is on the what-ifs of losing. When you are in this place of torment, you are not free to play as yourself because your belief system is in doubt. Your emotions are in the zone of fear and fear creates the physical symptoms of increased heart rate, muscle tension, rapid breathing, tunnel vision, and energy consumption.
When coaches say at the end of the game that their team choked, they are referring to this concept of playing not to lose. It is a real not imagined phenomena. It is the mind controlling the outcome of a contest before the contest even begins.
Not to take anything away from West Virginia Wesleyan, but we lost the game before we entered the court on Saturday. After gaining the number one slot in the conference and the number three slot in the region, our minds begin to worry and be consumed with the idea of not remaining in those positions. The mind is a tricky organ, and it is difficult to change the course of a mind once it begins its route on a thought. It is like hearing a song in the morning and then singing it all day long. It just gets in your mind and repeats and repeats and repeats.
Going toward a goal is different than going away from one. For example, if I wanted to travel to Cleveland, I would get on Interstate 77 and go north. It would take me approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to arrive in Cleveland. It would be an easy drive. I knew where I wanted to go and how to get there. There were no questions about which route was going to get me to where I wanted to go.
Suppose my goal was to go away from Charleston. I had no real destination in mind other than going away from Charleston. I might end up in Cleveland but it could take me hours because I had no real destination in mind; therefore, I might take back roads, detours, or go to five different cities before arriving. I would be tired of driving, my neck muscles would be tense, my eyes would be fatigue, and I would be hungry.
There is a real difference in heading toward something rather than going away from it or trying to avoid it. How do we return to going toward a win rather than trying so hard not to lose? We become aware of what we are doing. We change our words we speak to ourselves. We learn the lesson that we have to think in terms of a positive goal. We believe we have done it before so we can do it again. We understand that we control our minds and our minds do not control us. And we try. We get back on the court and play like we are capable.
Playing not to lose, on the other hand, is stressful, mind-taxing, and muscle-tensing. Playing not to lose means you are worried from the beginning about the outcome. Your focus is not on the moment; it is on the what-ifs of losing. When you are in this place of torment, you are not free to play as yourself because your belief system is in doubt. Your emotions are in the zone of fear and fear creates the physical symptoms of increased heart rate, muscle tension, rapid breathing, tunnel vision, and energy consumption.
When coaches say at the end of the game that their team choked, they are referring to this concept of playing not to lose. It is a real not imagined phenomena. It is the mind controlling the outcome of a contest before the contest even begins.
Not to take anything away from West Virginia Wesleyan, but we lost the game before we entered the court on Saturday. After gaining the number one slot in the conference and the number three slot in the region, our minds begin to worry and be consumed with the idea of not remaining in those positions. The mind is a tricky organ, and it is difficult to change the course of a mind once it begins its route on a thought. It is like hearing a song in the morning and then singing it all day long. It just gets in your mind and repeats and repeats and repeats.
Going toward a goal is different than going away from one. For example, if I wanted to travel to Cleveland, I would get on Interstate 77 and go north. It would take me approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to arrive in Cleveland. It would be an easy drive. I knew where I wanted to go and how to get there. There were no questions about which route was going to get me to where I wanted to go.
Suppose my goal was to go away from Charleston. I had no real destination in mind other than going away from Charleston. I might end up in Cleveland but it could take me hours because I had no real destination in mind; therefore, I might take back roads, detours, or go to five different cities before arriving. I would be tired of driving, my neck muscles would be tense, my eyes would be fatigue, and I would be hungry.
There is a real difference in heading toward something rather than going away from it or trying to avoid it. How do we return to going toward a win rather than trying so hard not to lose? We become aware of what we are doing. We change our words we speak to ourselves. We learn the lesson that we have to think in terms of a positive goal. We believe we have done it before so we can do it again. We understand that we control our minds and our minds do not control us. And we try. We get back on the court and play like we are capable.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reading the Stat Sheet
I once read a quote which started something like this: "There are lies, dang lies, and statistics." The quote was referring to the notion that perhaps statistics were not always truthful despite the hard push from researchers to equate them with the absolute truth. Any politician worth her salt knows that she can bend, twist, pull, and manipulate statistics into whatever form she desires creating her own form of truth.
What you might ask does all this mumbo-jumbo have to do with basketball? It has to do with the stat sheet which is suppose to tell the story of the game. After all, it has all the pertinent facts on it: field goals made, field goals attempted, field goal percentage, assists, rebounds, turnovers, steals, blocks, free throws attempted, free throws made, and free throw percentage. A coach should be able to review the stat sheet after a game and understand why a team won or lost.
Here is where the quote becomes pertinent. After the Golden Eagles play, I might look at the stat sheet and note that we have 32 turnovers (ouch!), a shooting percentage of 32% (You gotta be kidding!), 10 less rebounds (A REAL THORN IN MY SIDE), 2 steals (Where is the defense?), or 8 assists (Did anybody pass the ball?). Most of these statistics would result in the loss of a game. Yet, when I glance at the bottom of the sheet where the score is posted, the Golden Eagles have won. How?
The problem with the stat sheet is that it doesn't have a column marked intangibles. This is where the Golden Eagles play. They play in the intangible column. How can a statistician note heart, determination, will, and belief in team? Where is the stat that dictates never giving up? Where is the line which provides the medium which describes this team: Finding a way to win?
If I were just looking at the neat columns of the stat sheet, I would not believe we were 15-4. I would believe we were a .500 team. It would be that simple. Yet because I know these young ladies, know their work ethic, their desire to be good, their love for one another, their willingness to be coached, and their absolute belief in togetherness, I understand why they are winning.
Statistics can be deceiving but what is real is what cannot be written on a sheet. It can only be felt through the heart. This team is all about heart.
What you might ask does all this mumbo-jumbo have to do with basketball? It has to do with the stat sheet which is suppose to tell the story of the game. After all, it has all the pertinent facts on it: field goals made, field goals attempted, field goal percentage, assists, rebounds, turnovers, steals, blocks, free throws attempted, free throws made, and free throw percentage. A coach should be able to review the stat sheet after a game and understand why a team won or lost.
Here is where the quote becomes pertinent. After the Golden Eagles play, I might look at the stat sheet and note that we have 32 turnovers (ouch!), a shooting percentage of 32% (You gotta be kidding!), 10 less rebounds (A REAL THORN IN MY SIDE), 2 steals (Where is the defense?), or 8 assists (Did anybody pass the ball?). Most of these statistics would result in the loss of a game. Yet, when I glance at the bottom of the sheet where the score is posted, the Golden Eagles have won. How?
The problem with the stat sheet is that it doesn't have a column marked intangibles. This is where the Golden Eagles play. They play in the intangible column. How can a statistician note heart, determination, will, and belief in team? Where is the stat that dictates never giving up? Where is the line which provides the medium which describes this team: Finding a way to win?
If I were just looking at the neat columns of the stat sheet, I would not believe we were 15-4. I would believe we were a .500 team. It would be that simple. Yet because I know these young ladies, know their work ethic, their desire to be good, their love for one another, their willingness to be coached, and their absolute belief in togetherness, I understand why they are winning.
Statistics can be deceiving but what is real is what cannot be written on a sheet. It can only be felt through the heart. This team is all about heart.
Monday, January 19, 2009
TRIPPING on Trips
Some days are more challenging than others. Last Wednesday was such a day. I was not overjoyed to begin the trip to Seton Hill University knowing that we were going to be driving the vans through snow. This always means that my shoulders, neck, and trapezius muscles are going to be tighter than usual and my eyes will be more fatigued from the constraint strain of watching the road.
Like a dutiful coach, I made myself get mentally ready for the trip knowing that dreading the trip always makes it longer. About 2 1/2 hours into the drive, we stopped at a gas station to purchase windshield wiper fluid which is when I noticed I had managed to leave my purse in the office. The purse contained the cash for the trip, my credit cards, and my driver's license. When I mentioned this to the players, they immediately offered to assist by digging into their pant pockets to retrieve any money they might have. After pooling all their money together, we had about $8.00. My question is: How come they always have money for shoes?
Since we had no money, the players pulled their stocking hats over their heads, pointed their index fingers and thumbs into make-believe guns and told the guy behind the counter that we outnumbered him and could take him by force. I thought this was extremely funny, but I'm not so certain the cashier was as entertained as I was. Instead of holding up the store, we used Coach Fitzgerald's debit card to get us enough cash to make it to Seton Hill.
The drive is only supposed to take 4 hours which is what it took us when we returned home. Unfortunately, I was in the lead. Now why my assistants would let me lead when my sense of direction only includes front, back, left, and right I don't know. Imagine allowing somebody to lead who can get lost leaving a parking lot. (I've managed to do this twice.) Anyhow, six miles from the exit to Seton Hill, I exited onto the turnpike which does not have an exit for 15 miles. We were looking at a 30 minute detour until I talked to the nice man in the turnpike tollbooth. This nice man provided us with a "shortcut." The shortcut was on a winding hilly road that lengthened our trip another hour.
Imagine two vans full of players who are starving, afraid, tired, and wanting desperately to extend their legs. They should have been complaining, but they didn't. Perhaps it was my anger and fatigue that made them react the way they did, but they responded to the adversity they faced with laughter. They made me laugh by reminding of all the platitudes I often provide them: "Be flexible and adaptable." "Get over it." "Suck it up Coach." "You can do it." "The only person who is always right is the person who says, I can't." Then they provided me with a positive circle with each one of them giving me a word of encouragement. Soon I was I actually enjoying time with the team. They had managed to turn a difficult situation into fun.
We often tell the players that they get to choose how they react to every situation. They cannot always control what happens, but they can control their reactions. When I forgot this lesson, they had the fortitude to remind me of what I had so often told them. They created a time of sharing and laughter rather than allowing a long detour to sour their moods.
There are many strengths of a team which are not recognized in statistical columns: role players who love their roles, positive attitudes, belief in team first, good team chemistry, and players who learn to make the best of each situation. The time in the van reminded me of why this team is 12-4. It is not reflected in most of the statistical columns, but it is reflected in their strength of character and their commitment to one another.
To them I say: IHOAGE!
Words from Coach Fitz......I thought the "shortcut" was beautiful. The snow covered hills, the towering pines, and the quaint little farm houses were calling my name. I hope to pack up my snow shoes and/or cross country skis and return to that area again some day!
Like a dutiful coach, I made myself get mentally ready for the trip knowing that dreading the trip always makes it longer. About 2 1/2 hours into the drive, we stopped at a gas station to purchase windshield wiper fluid which is when I noticed I had managed to leave my purse in the office. The purse contained the cash for the trip, my credit cards, and my driver's license. When I mentioned this to the players, they immediately offered to assist by digging into their pant pockets to retrieve any money they might have. After pooling all their money together, we had about $8.00. My question is: How come they always have money for shoes?
Since we had no money, the players pulled their stocking hats over their heads, pointed their index fingers and thumbs into make-believe guns and told the guy behind the counter that we outnumbered him and could take him by force. I thought this was extremely funny, but I'm not so certain the cashier was as entertained as I was. Instead of holding up the store, we used Coach Fitzgerald's debit card to get us enough cash to make it to Seton Hill.
The drive is only supposed to take 4 hours which is what it took us when we returned home. Unfortunately, I was in the lead. Now why my assistants would let me lead when my sense of direction only includes front, back, left, and right I don't know. Imagine allowing somebody to lead who can get lost leaving a parking lot. (I've managed to do this twice.) Anyhow, six miles from the exit to Seton Hill, I exited onto the turnpike which does not have an exit for 15 miles. We were looking at a 30 minute detour until I talked to the nice man in the turnpike tollbooth. This nice man provided us with a "shortcut." The shortcut was on a winding hilly road that lengthened our trip another hour.
Imagine two vans full of players who are starving, afraid, tired, and wanting desperately to extend their legs. They should have been complaining, but they didn't. Perhaps it was my anger and fatigue that made them react the way they did, but they responded to the adversity they faced with laughter. They made me laugh by reminding of all the platitudes I often provide them: "Be flexible and adaptable." "Get over it." "Suck it up Coach." "You can do it." "The only person who is always right is the person who says, I can't." Then they provided me with a positive circle with each one of them giving me a word of encouragement. Soon I was I actually enjoying time with the team. They had managed to turn a difficult situation into fun.
We often tell the players that they get to choose how they react to every situation. They cannot always control what happens, but they can control their reactions. When I forgot this lesson, they had the fortitude to remind me of what I had so often told them. They created a time of sharing and laughter rather than allowing a long detour to sour their moods.
There are many strengths of a team which are not recognized in statistical columns: role players who love their roles, positive attitudes, belief in team first, good team chemistry, and players who learn to make the best of each situation. The time in the van reminded me of why this team is 12-4. It is not reflected in most of the statistical columns, but it is reflected in their strength of character and their commitment to one another.
To them I say: IHOAGE!
Words from Coach Fitz......I thought the "shortcut" was beautiful. The snow covered hills, the towering pines, and the quaint little farm houses were calling my name. I hope to pack up my snow shoes and/or cross country skis and return to that area again some day!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Belief in Self Changes the Outcome of Games
I have seen the Golden Eagles develop over the course of the season from a team which struggled against opponents who were inferior to winning against good teams. What is the difference? I'd like to say coaching, but the truth is the talent has always been there. What has not been there has been the belief in self.
It reminds me of a few years ago when we were able to win 29 games while only losing five games. About half way through the season, one of the Eagles, Laura Kinsler, came up to me after a game we had won and told me that we were good. I answered that I knew we were good, but she was truly amazed at our talent level. She was having a hard time getting herself to come to the realization that we were a very good team. The team changed after that realization. It became a team who knew they were going to win a game long before the opponents knew. They knew they had the talent, the heart, and the intelligence to become one of the best teams in the nation.
While this Golden Eagle team is still lingering in the stages of realization, they are becoming more aware of their talents. More players are looking to score and using their offensive skills. Last night in our victory against West Liberty, we were able to get 27 points from our substitutes. Not only did they score, but they keep the momentum in our favor, played solid defense, and showed heart and determination.
Early in the season, we didn't have scoring options. In fact, we didn't have much of an offense. We forced shots, turned the ball over every other possession, gave the ball up when we had open shot, and overall just didn't appear to have talent. Luckily, the team and the coaches didn't give up but continued to work and continued to believe.
It was actually after a defeat against the University of the Cumberlands, that we began to feel better about ourselves. It was a game that we lost by one point but that we began to let the game flow through us. The day after that game, I was not upset but bursting with enthusiasm. I was thrilled we had a breakthrough and we were finally to the point where we attacking within the offense. In fact, we were so thrilled with their efforts we took our players out to half court the next practice and had them sign the center circle with permanent markers.
The last time we had a team sign the court, it was the 2006 team which ended with the best record a UC team has ever posted at 31-3. We had them sign both end lines, a gesture which was meant to assert that we owned the court. It worked as we won the East Regional Tournament that season on our home floor.
While this Golden Eagle team is not the same kind of team as the 2006 team, it is a team with talent, good team chemistry, positive leadership, and a determination to learn. It is a team whose future is only limited by their belief system. Confidence is the difference between a team who ought to be good and a team who is good.
It reminds me of a few years ago when we were able to win 29 games while only losing five games. About half way through the season, one of the Eagles, Laura Kinsler, came up to me after a game we had won and told me that we were good. I answered that I knew we were good, but she was truly amazed at our talent level. She was having a hard time getting herself to come to the realization that we were a very good team. The team changed after that realization. It became a team who knew they were going to win a game long before the opponents knew. They knew they had the talent, the heart, and the intelligence to become one of the best teams in the nation.
While this Golden Eagle team is still lingering in the stages of realization, they are becoming more aware of their talents. More players are looking to score and using their offensive skills. Last night in our victory against West Liberty, we were able to get 27 points from our substitutes. Not only did they score, but they keep the momentum in our favor, played solid defense, and showed heart and determination.
Early in the season, we didn't have scoring options. In fact, we didn't have much of an offense. We forced shots, turned the ball over every other possession, gave the ball up when we had open shot, and overall just didn't appear to have talent. Luckily, the team and the coaches didn't give up but continued to work and continued to believe.
It was actually after a defeat against the University of the Cumberlands, that we began to feel better about ourselves. It was a game that we lost by one point but that we began to let the game flow through us. The day after that game, I was not upset but bursting with enthusiasm. I was thrilled we had a breakthrough and we were finally to the point where we attacking within the offense. In fact, we were so thrilled with their efforts we took our players out to half court the next practice and had them sign the center circle with permanent markers.
The last time we had a team sign the court, it was the 2006 team which ended with the best record a UC team has ever posted at 31-3. We had them sign both end lines, a gesture which was meant to assert that we owned the court. It worked as we won the East Regional Tournament that season on our home floor.
While this Golden Eagle team is not the same kind of team as the 2006 team, it is a team with talent, good team chemistry, positive leadership, and a determination to learn. It is a team whose future is only limited by their belief system. Confidence is the difference between a team who ought to be good and a team who is good.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Cardiac Kids on the Court
If you are the kind of person who likes Symphony Sunday, a leisurely walk on a sunny afternoon, lemonade on the deck, or a nap while watching television, this Golden Eagle team is not for you. If, however, you love hanging meat on your tent post in bear country, you are the first to volunteer for para sailing, you walk your dog in a blizzard, and you rock climb without safety ropes, then you need to come watch the Golden Eagles play.
This team loves the drama of the last three minutes of play. They like making the coaches sweat, develop rabid heart beats, loose hair, gain wrinkles, and utter curse words which are not part of our normal vocabulary. Is this some sort of coaches' karma for a bad deed in the past? I'm not certain but I am aware that life on the Golden Eagle sideline is not for the faint of heart.
In the 12 games that we have played, 11 of them have been close in the last five minutes of play. Amazingly, in my 20 years of coaching, I've never experienced this phenomena. Usually, the game is won or lost long before the five minute mark. In fact, I've only coached perhaps 6 or 7 overtime games in my entire career. I have a feeling, though, that we might play a few overtime games this season.
It doesn't matter what the score is or how many points ahead or behind we are, the game is not over until the buzzer sounds. The fact that we don't quit is a positive sign of a team who wants to win. Last night against West Virginia State University, we managed to allow an eight point lead evaporate in the second half. We kept our heads, though, and kept fighting not allowing ourselves to surrender to a momentum swing.
Just to provide you a taste of action in the game, allow me to give you the last five minutes of the contest. With 5:22 remaining, the score is tied 63-63. For a long minute and a half, the score remains tied until Jihan Williams scores a lay-up giving the Eagles a 65-63 advantage. Jihan is fouled with 3:12 remaining during a shot attempt, misses her first free throw but nails her second one to provide a 66-63 edge. With a great stop defensively, the Eagles come back with a three point shot by Ali Tobias to increase the lead to 69-63 with 2:19 remaining. At this point, as a fan, you might believe there is a short amount of breathing room. NOT! The Yellow Jackets hit a three pointer by a player who has only made three treys all season to bring the score to 66-69 with 2:04 to play. WVSU comes back to score a jump shot a mere 20 seconds later to bring the game to 69-68. (Breathe.) With 1:20 left, Jihan is fouled again and misses the front end of her free throw but makes her second attempt to provide the Eagles with a short lead of 70-68. The lead is broken with 51 seconds remaining by a jumper from the Jackets. (There are a lot of time outs and drama I am leaving out, but I think you are getting the gist of it.) Veronica Carman, who at this point in the game is 2 for 10, drives to the basket with 29 seconds remaining to hit a jumper giving us the edge. We end the game by Lindsey Kentner missing her first free throw attempt but hitting her second, giving us a 73-70 victory. WHEW!
Did I mention that if your ticker is not in the best of shape that you should remain at home? And if for some reason, you cannot make it to the contest that you shouldn't listen to it on the radio? BUT if you are a daredevil, loving adventure, bring your red bull, take your adrenaline pill, and be prepared for lots of drama!
See you there!
This team loves the drama of the last three minutes of play. They like making the coaches sweat, develop rabid heart beats, loose hair, gain wrinkles, and utter curse words which are not part of our normal vocabulary. Is this some sort of coaches' karma for a bad deed in the past? I'm not certain but I am aware that life on the Golden Eagle sideline is not for the faint of heart.
In the 12 games that we have played, 11 of them have been close in the last five minutes of play. Amazingly, in my 20 years of coaching, I've never experienced this phenomena. Usually, the game is won or lost long before the five minute mark. In fact, I've only coached perhaps 6 or 7 overtime games in my entire career. I have a feeling, though, that we might play a few overtime games this season.
It doesn't matter what the score is or how many points ahead or behind we are, the game is not over until the buzzer sounds. The fact that we don't quit is a positive sign of a team who wants to win. Last night against West Virginia State University, we managed to allow an eight point lead evaporate in the second half. We kept our heads, though, and kept fighting not allowing ourselves to surrender to a momentum swing.
Just to provide you a taste of action in the game, allow me to give you the last five minutes of the contest. With 5:22 remaining, the score is tied 63-63. For a long minute and a half, the score remains tied until Jihan Williams scores a lay-up giving the Eagles a 65-63 advantage. Jihan is fouled with 3:12 remaining during a shot attempt, misses her first free throw but nails her second one to provide a 66-63 edge. With a great stop defensively, the Eagles come back with a three point shot by Ali Tobias to increase the lead to 69-63 with 2:19 remaining. At this point, as a fan, you might believe there is a short amount of breathing room. NOT! The Yellow Jackets hit a three pointer by a player who has only made three treys all season to bring the score to 66-69 with 2:04 to play. WVSU comes back to score a jump shot a mere 20 seconds later to bring the game to 69-68. (Breathe.) With 1:20 left, Jihan is fouled again and misses the front end of her free throw but makes her second attempt to provide the Eagles with a short lead of 70-68. The lead is broken with 51 seconds remaining by a jumper from the Jackets. (There are a lot of time outs and drama I am leaving out, but I think you are getting the gist of it.) Veronica Carman, who at this point in the game is 2 for 10, drives to the basket with 29 seconds remaining to hit a jumper giving us the edge. We end the game by Lindsey Kentner missing her first free throw attempt but hitting her second, giving us a 73-70 victory. WHEW!
Did I mention that if your ticker is not in the best of shape that you should remain at home? And if for some reason, you cannot make it to the contest that you shouldn't listen to it on the radio? BUT if you are a daredevil, loving adventure, bring your red bull, take your adrenaline pill, and be prepared for lots of drama!
See you there!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Sometimes A Loss Is A Win
I would not say the Golden Eagles have played great basketball this season. We have won seven games and lost three close games, but we haven't played with confidence, passion, determination, or desire. We have been on the court and put in our minutes, but we have yet to play with the reckless abandon which creates the sense of fun and adventure a game should have. We've played uptight, worried, frightened, and intimidated.
Yet, all this time we've felt a sense of something more--something greater than what has transpired. It is like a thought which gets lost on the tip of the brain, sitting there just out of grasp. The thought is so close but just out of reach of culminating into words. This has been the essence of the Eagles--talented, strong, intelligent, and well-versed in the game--yet playing without the belief in ourselves. So close to being great yet so far.
As a coach, it is has been frustrating to recognize the abilities of the players only to see them not utilize their strengths on the court. Of course, the more I have become frustrated and pushed them, the worse they have become. Yet as a coach, it is difficult for me to stand by without trying to make things better. It is as if I'm standing in front of a door with a ring of keys, and I know one of those keys opens the door. Do I quit after trying six keys? Seven? Ten? I'm not the kind of person who quits, so I keep pushing and they keep pushing.
Then it happened. Finally. In the game against the University of the Cumberlands which we lost 67-68, we began to play--to let loose, to allow the flow of the game to come through us. It didn't happen until the second half, but it happened. It was beautiful watching the Golden Eagles allow themselves to play--to make mistakes, to try without fear of failure, to put themselves on the line, to play to win instead of playing not to lose.
It was the first time we had fun--the real fun of competing where we were all together as one, beating with one heart, playing as if we were one body all connected. It was a turning point--the place where we felt deflated after the game, being so close to playing well and winning, yet feeling good about the level of play. After the game, I was full of joy, happy, flowing with kind words and hugs. I knew we had changed and evolved even if the scoreboard didn't reflect our victory.
When we came back together to practice the next day, it was a new team--a different team. The talent was shining through them; they were connected now in a way they had not been in the past. Perhaps we will lose a game or two in the future, but it will be different. It will be with a unit of players, confident and playing as one defeated only by a team who was better that day--not beating ourselves.
Yet, all this time we've felt a sense of something more--something greater than what has transpired. It is like a thought which gets lost on the tip of the brain, sitting there just out of grasp. The thought is so close but just out of reach of culminating into words. This has been the essence of the Eagles--talented, strong, intelligent, and well-versed in the game--yet playing without the belief in ourselves. So close to being great yet so far.
As a coach, it is has been frustrating to recognize the abilities of the players only to see them not utilize their strengths on the court. Of course, the more I have become frustrated and pushed them, the worse they have become. Yet as a coach, it is difficult for me to stand by without trying to make things better. It is as if I'm standing in front of a door with a ring of keys, and I know one of those keys opens the door. Do I quit after trying six keys? Seven? Ten? I'm not the kind of person who quits, so I keep pushing and they keep pushing.
Then it happened. Finally. In the game against the University of the Cumberlands which we lost 67-68, we began to play--to let loose, to allow the flow of the game to come through us. It didn't happen until the second half, but it happened. It was beautiful watching the Golden Eagles allow themselves to play--to make mistakes, to try without fear of failure, to put themselves on the line, to play to win instead of playing not to lose.
It was the first time we had fun--the real fun of competing where we were all together as one, beating with one heart, playing as if we were one body all connected. It was a turning point--the place where we felt deflated after the game, being so close to playing well and winning, yet feeling good about the level of play. After the game, I was full of joy, happy, flowing with kind words and hugs. I knew we had changed and evolved even if the scoreboard didn't reflect our victory.
When we came back together to practice the next day, it was a new team--a different team. The talent was shining through them; they were connected now in a way they had not been in the past. Perhaps we will lose a game or two in the future, but it will be different. It will be with a unit of players, confident and playing as one defeated only by a team who was better that day--not beating ourselves.
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