Renewal

This time of the year and season, if you are open to it, can be a tremendous source of positive energy for coaches. It can be a time of renewed spirit, enthusiasm, and fresh approaches.

Students have a fresh start built in to every new school year and semester, and therefore have an energy boost - their interest is refreshed. Teachers have a fresh start with a new group of students, new classroom, or new course - their subject gets new energy.

Coaches have the very same opportunity. Use what you've learned over the summer (based on what you've read or watched), use knowledge gained from coaching clinics (such as the Can-Am), and apply a fresh approach to the opportunities presented by the upcoming season. Mix in some new drills. Do something different to build team unity. Breathe in the crisp fall air and embrace the renewal of your passion to coach. Find positives, make this a year that you will look back upon with great fondness. Enjoy the journey.

Get more from camp

Summer and basketball camps go together like lemonade and ice. The COBA player development series of camps is continuing this week. Once again, players are enjoying a high level experience and are being stretched from their comfort zones. In general, coaches owe it to their players to help them get the most out of camp experiences. Some tips regarding camps:

• research camps, near and far, and always have updated camp resources - match the intensity and demands to the goals of the camper
• take two pairs of court shoes (whether indoor or out) in order to alternate and dry
• bring OTHER shoes (i.e. sandals) to give feet a break from basketball footwear (put on asap after sessions)
  
• take more socks than any other item of clothing
• pack a water bottle (proper and regular hydration is essential)
• maximize learning - bring a notebook and pen and, for future development, take notes after each session
  
• be outgoing, make new friends, work smart, and ENJOY the week
  

Motivation for ANY time of year

What follows is applicable all year, forever - not just today or this season. However, if you do need a motivational boost NOW then read on. Finish Strong (a title from Simple Truth's), by author Dan Green, was recently made popular again due to the success of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, led by their determined quarterback Drew Brees, adopted the Finish Strong book, bracelet, and movie as their "battle cry" early in 2009.

After 41 tough seasons, the team was determined to achieve success and win the ultimate football team prize - the Vince Lombardi trophy. One year later, they did it, and are now Super Bowl champs - some say the party has not ended! Looking for similar motivation, watch the 3 minute Finish Strong movie at http://www.finishstrongmovie.com/miami/ - indeed, VERY inspiring. Go to Dan Green's site, www.finishstrong.com, for more information on what he has to offer.

In appreciation of mentors

Once again, as the world joins together for the highest in winter athletic competition, wonderful and positive stories have emerged. Beyond the skill and excellence currently taking place in the arenas and on the slopes, some of the best stories have long been written and are now being shared.

When time allows, do a search using words such as "inspirational coach" and "coach mentor" and you will uncover a host of great examples of coaches that lent a helping hand at an important time in an athlete's development. Go to the following bio for an example - www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=12150.html#hansen+profile+olympic+difference+makers. The stories underscore and reinforce what many coaches already knew - that they can make a difference. If nothing else, the current games should be re-energizing for coaches. Yes, there are many ups and downs in the journey of any coach. However, coaches should never underestimate the positive difference that they can make in the journey of each and every athlete. Many of the stories being shared of late are those of a coach simply offering their time, showing that they care, providing help with no expectation of compensation or reward - good and true values. Be proud to be a coach and remind yourself that you are in a position to make a positive contribution in the life of every young athlete.

Quotes to use with teams

With their teams, many successful coaches use quotes to emphasize a point, inspire, motivate, focus, or pick up their teams. Some coaches post a daily quote on their board or practice plan. There are tens of thousands of terrific quotes that are applicable to basketball. Over time, many quotes will be offered in this blog. If using a quote, coaches need to ensure they pay proper respect to it's author (which also encourages players to do the same, and may provide a spark to a player that inspires them to learn even more). Some popular quotes are:

• "Morale is when your hands and feet keep on working when your head says it can't be done." (Benjamin Morrell)
• "Dreams are what get you started. Discipline is what keeps you going." (Jim Ryun)
• "Competing is like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you are tired, you quit when the gorilla is tired." (unknown)
• "I want to know what I don't know." (Kevin Eastman, Boston Celtics)
• "What really counts is not the number of hours you put in - it's what you put in those hours." (unknown)
• "Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." (Sir Winston Churchill)
• "Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out." (John Wooden)
• "The four destructive behaviours of athletes are criticizing, complaining, comparing, and condemning." (Eric Musselman)
  

The importance of mental training

Playing the sport of basketball requires, amongst many qualities, tremendous strength and discipline. Not only physical, but mental. Being disciplined requires players to have a "present focus" (applies to coaches too). Players need to learn how to let go of mistakes as they happen so that they can then re-focus on the present moment. Here are some ideas to help your players with their discipline:

• educate them that the LAST play (or shot) does NOT affect the NEXT play - every moment in a game is independent of others
• teach your players how to "park" their negative thoughts. Letting go of, or moving beyond, negative thoughts is essential to success as an athlete
  
• watch your player's body language (make sure they are aware of the enormous difference between positive and negative signals)
  
• pay attention to your player's tone and choice of words
• help your players understand THEY are in control of their thoughts and reactions to events that involve them
  

Travelling with teams

Regardless of the ages of your athletes, when traveling with your team you need to expect the unexpected. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. At all times, as much as coaches are watching OVER their players, coaches must also remember that they are being watched BY their players. Leadership, especially when facing adversity, will be expected of everybody - coaches and players alike. People are best measured when they are greatly tested. To teach your team to work in harmony with life's circumstances, there is nothing better than the challenges brought about by airports and flights. Many events happen beyond a team's control - in airports, as in sport. In order to build a strong team bond, it is important to face challenges in a unified and harmonious way.

Of equal importance is what takes place after trips. Coaches need to ask their players what they liked best, as well as what they learned. If players are younger, ask the oft-used 'apples and onions' question. This encourages players to reflect on their experiences. Unless prompted, some players may not naturally grasp the value or cost of an experience. Some may take the effort, planning, and preparation for granted. We want them to appreciate the experience. When players reflect, they are able to gain an appreciation for things that previously went unnoticed.