Sharing and preparing

If you have the chance, attend a clinic that has Coach Don Meyer as a presenter - it will be well worth your time. Coach Meyer spoke at our Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaches Clinic in 2008 and many coaches still mention that experience. In the meantime, if you come across any "Meyerisms" then take a moment to read them. Given Coach Meyer's success, there are many pearls of wisdom that he has passed along. Beyond the list of some favorites that apply to coaching young athletes, the more powerful message is that Coach Meyer is always willing to share and help teams prepare. Truly, he is an example of that servant attitude that so many coaches strive for in their programs.

Of the many gems from Coach Meyer, we are especially fond of the following:

• effort and attitude are the two most important changes you can make (in yourself and in others)
• move people mentally
• you get what you accept, expect, and inspect
• have a servant attitude (program, coach, player, volunteer, etc.)
• a great team does not need a coach to tell them to talk
• appreciate hard work and effort
• learn how to compete on nights when you don't have it
• you can measure a person's character by how they treat people that can't do them any good or can't fight back
• in skill development, go fast enough to make a mistake
• confidence comes from demonstrated ability
• it's not what you teach, it's what you emphasize
• assess your personnel - are they energy givers or energy drainers?
• understand that loyalty is a two-way street
• be passionate about teaching and helping others improve their lives
• give more than what is asked, take less than is deserved