The theme for the team this season is #wintheday. For the
past couple seasons I have implemented the concept of a theme for the season.
The idea to use a theme was inspired from the movie "The Heart of the
Game" in the coach in the movie implemented different themes each year for
his high school girls team. Last year's theme was "Embrace the
Moment" and some previous themes have included "pride of lions"
and even one year " creating music". These themes provide a focus
point for the team and also is the foundation for my talks during the season. I
make it a habit to have regular communication with my players especially after
each practice and each game. In fact
last week, I was talking with a couple players before their high school playoff
games and one said " I miss the talks from coach".
Why #wintheday as this year's theme? During the offseason I
make it a point to try and read new books that can help me become a better
coach. This offseason I was recommended the book "The Mind of
Champions" by a college coach and previously I read "The Mind
Gym" upon recommendation from my eldest. Each of these books speaks to the
importance of the mental aspect of an athlete and how is affects performance.
As a coach I strive to provide my players with not only the physical skills
needed to excel but also the mental skills to help them perform their best both
on and off the court.
#Wintheday in its simplicity means to take one day at a
time. If we focus on doing our best everyday then the end result will be
successful. Too often our focus is
swayed by thinking about what happened in the past or what is coming up in the
near future and we don't place enough emphasis on what is taking place in the
present. " the past is a a lesson to learn from , the future is dependent
on today's outcomes but the present is within our control ". One of my goals as a coach is to ensure that
the players place special emphasis on making each practice the best one they
have yet and by winning in practice the result will translate into success on
game day. This can mean to place a practice focus on a specific aspect of their
game , either guarding a new way or finishing stronger at the hoop. Without a goal in mind we are just going
through the moments and losing the day.
I will continue to expand on the concept of #wintheday in
future blogs.
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