The Wheelbarrow

The following is a great analogy you can use with your team as to whether they are truly committed to the team or not.

The wheelbarrow tale that Riley told the team was believed to be this: In 1859 the Great Blondin, the man who invented the high-wire act, announced to the world that he intended to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. As the story goes, 5,000 people gathered to watch. Halfway across, Blondin suddenly stopped, steadied himself, back flipped into the air, landed squarely on the rope, and then continued safely to the other side. Just as he was about to begin yet another crossing, this time pushing a wheelbarrow, he turned to the crowd and shouted, "Who believes that I can cross pushing this wheelbarrow?" Every hand in the crowd went up. Blondin pointed at one man. "Do you believe that I can do it?" he asked. "Yes, I believe you can," said the man.
"Are you certain?" Blondin asked.
"Yes," said the man. "Absolutely certain?" "Yes, absolutely certain." "Thank you," said Blondin. "Then, sir, get into the wheelbarrow."

Coaching Quote #24: Obstacles

"You learn that, whatever you are doing in life, obstacles don't matter very much.  Pain or other circumstances can be there, but if you want to do a job bad enough, you'll find a way to get it done."

--- Jack Youngblood

Disguising Your Sets: Tara VanDerveer

Here is a collection of notes I put together after watching a DVD on Tara VanDerveer's "Disguising Your Man and Zone Sets."  Even though we don't use any of her offensive actions, she does provide some great ideas for disguising what we do. 

Tara VanDerveer: Disguising Your Man and Zone Sets

Very Impressive Person

He greets everyone with a smile

And a hearty handshake;

And makes you feel he means it

When he says he’s glad to meet you.

And he makes you glad to meet him.

He walks with a sprightly step

And speaks with a laugh in his voice.

He listens with interest

And speaks with conviction,

And makes you feel you’ve known him all your life.

He doesn’t seem to try to impress,

Yet he’s most impressive.

He never tries pressing to persuade,

Yet you always come away convinced.

He’s the kind of guy we enjoy being around

Because he is what we all secretly would like to be;

Someone who enjoys being himself.

“I have decided to let my life be my argument.”

-Albert Schweitzer

Why Wooden's Teams Won

Here is a great resource with a bunch of John Wooden information.   Things we all as coaches can use in our program in some form or another.

Wooden Handout

Coaching Quote #23: Challenges

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

--- Joshua J. Marine

Players Coaches Love: Rick Crotts

Here is a great list of characteristics of players that coaches love as outlined by Coach Rick Crotts.

1. Get self-motivated
2. Listen and Learn
3. Know your role
4. Love the game, work hard, and be loyal
5. Respond to the challenge

Jamie Angeli Shooting Drills

Here are some great shooting drills from coach Jamie Angeli.  Coach Angeli provides some great resources and really has a great mind for the game. 

Jamie Angeli Shooting Drills

Ernie Kent Continuity Motion Breakdown

A while back, I broke down Ernie Kent's continuity motion offense.  He has a bunch of good ideas that I think continuity coaches could benefit from. 

Ernie Kent Continuity Motion Offense

Chris Mack Program Philosophy

Here is a good set of notes on Chris Mack and his program philosophy.

Chris Mack Program Philosophy