Life Lessons at Marquette

Not much explanation needed with this one. If you want an inside look at how Marquette develops its program and its people, watch the following clip - powerful message, passionate teacher, Head Coach Buzz Williams. Thanks to Marquette Basketball and Authentic Films for the access:

http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/083110aaa.html

New DVD - The Street Stops Here

Much has been written about Coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his teams at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Invariably, the stories revolve around the tremendous success achieved on and off the basketball court. Coach Hurley has developed some outstanding teams and players but, more importantly, some incredible young men and citizens. His graduation rate is excellent, his compassion is unquestionable, and his commitment knows no bounds.

Earlier this week, on many PBS affiliates, the new documentary that chronicles St. Anthony and Coach Hurley was shown in prime time. Given the impact of the film, especially considering how well it was done (Teamworks Media), it fits with the philosophy of this blog to share information on how you can see/obtain the movie. Simply click on the active links to:

• go to the St. Anthony School website to find out more about the school
• contact Kathleen Staudt to order copies of the DVD directly from the school
• watch a terrific interview on Chicago Tonight with Coach Hurley
  
• watch (on Expressvu) the documentary on the PBS East affiliate of WGBH Channel 2 on Sat. April 3rd at 6:30pm or Mon. April 5th at 2:30pm
• watch (again on Expressvu) the replay on PBS West (KCTS 9) on April 5th at 3am
• go to Amazon and order a copy online (for a reduced preview price)
• go to the Teamworks Media site to order a copy from the filmmaker
  

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
  

Keeping life and basketball in perspective

Some of you may be well aware of the story of Elena Delle Donne. We encourage you to read the following
article (written by Dick Patrick) that recently appeared in USA Today. It outlines the struggles of a
high level athlete that has worked hard to put family, basketball, life, and school into balance.
When you read the article, consider the importance of the "whole athlete" as well as the concept of
truly making an effort to view situations through the eyes of another.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/2009-11-26-delle-donne-delaware-cover_N.htm

The article highlights several major concepts:

• the importance of family - in this case, Elena's strong relationship with her sister
• the value of taking time (if necessary, for however long) away from sport to renew a level of passion
• the line "The game is fun again" - sport has to be fun, on many levels
• the great humility and grace of Coach Geno Auriemma (UConn - National Champs) that recruited - and then lost Elena - to say "if you're a basketball player and you're playing, it doesn't matter where"