A Pen And A Napkin

In the first of three in a series, we talk about the mental game and how much it plays into our programs. We often talk about the importance of the mental approach of our players, but what about leadership and the coaching staff; how you do you mentally prepare before each practice and competition? Here are some thoughts and ideas on what you can do to improve the mental approach of both yourself and your players.

New Oklahoma MBB HC Porter Moser goes through a detailed description of his background and coaching philosophy in his new book "All In". In this short, compact read, Moser talks about his failures and how he confronted them, how he bounced back from getting fired at Illinois State, the values he leans on and instills into his program, and much more. Great read for anyone interested in leadership!

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith MBB HC Jim Boone comes on the podcast this week to discuss a multitude of topics, including the benefits and drawbacks of multiple stops in a career, pushing players beyond their comfort zone, the packline defense (just a quick hitter), closeouts and motion offense. We also delve into really important stuff like late 70's Baltimore Orioles baseball, and perhaps Coach Boone's toughest question he's ever had to answer . . . desert island grilling choices . . . Enjoy the pod!!

As Coach Meyer used to say "You'll never end a season saying that we were just too tough." But how do you establish standards within your program to create toughness and a commitment to the team first? Here are some thoughts on how to build toughness up and down your program, but build toughness the right way.

Yep, you read the title right . . . Robert Sutton gives you guidance on how to identify people in your life (including evaluating yourself and how you treat others) and how to deal with "jerks" in your life. Any organization needs to make sure that they have everyone rowing in the same direction, and if anyone is disrupting that flow, they need to be dealt with. Sutton gives us all tips on how to organize our programs to get everyone on the same page. Enjoy!!

The next couple of months are a great time to take a look at your practice plans and analyze how you spent your time; did you spend too much time on defense but not enough time on shooting? Too much time on special situations that your team was never in position for anyway, and not enough time on free throws? How about shaking up the order of your practice? Here's some thoughts on looking backwards so you can look forwards!

Great discussion with 4x state champion Humphery St. Francis (NE) GBB HC Bryan Reichmuth. In this pod, we talk about building a strong culture at a small school, bouncing back from a state championship game loss to set up the 2020-21 season, being part of the recruitment of a Power 5 player, defensive pressure, offensive transition and practice set up. Great information from one of the best small school programs in the state!

Legendary Georgetown Coach John Thompson's autobiography "I Came As A Shadow" is a tremendous summation of one of basketball's legendary figures. As one of the most influential and controversial coaches in college basketball history, Thompson casts a long shadow, both literally and figuratively, and after reading his life's story, you have a greater understanding of Thompson's life and why he was the master of "Hoya Paranoia". A great read with numerous lessons to learn!

Hastings Adams Central (NE) Boys HC Zac Foster comes on the pod to discuss the development of his program and how he has built a perenial power in central Nebraska. We discuss the influence of Paul Beranek, developing championship habits, developing a quality youth program, shooting and we wrap it up with a discussion on the merits of a shot clock in high school basketball. Great information for all coaches!

We're all going to spend alot of time this off-season breaking down film, possessions, drill work, practice plans and everything in-between, but how much time are you going to spend breaking down yourself? What are your greatest strengths? What are your greatest weaknesses? What are you going to do to emphasize your strengths and what are you going to do to shore up your weaknesses? Taking the lead from Coach Wooden, here's an honest discussion about looking inwardly at making yourself the best coach you can be, and it has nothing to do with X's and O's.