This evening I will speak to a group of a few hundred coaches at the Nike Championship Basketball Clinic at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA.
It is always a pleasure to meet passionate coaches who understand the importance of their own development.
How hard do you work on your craft?
Whether you are a player, a coach, or a trainer… how much do you work on your own development? An honest answer to this question will dictate your success. It’s not a mystery; the more effort, energy, and enthusiasm you put into your craft (whether playing or coaching), the more success you will have.
Are you constantly in search of new information? Do you expose yourself to a variety of resources? Do you approach new learning experiences with an open mind?
For my specific situation, there are 5 key areas I want to continuously develop:
1. Training methodology (exercises & drills, equipment, etc.)
2. Coaching techniques (ways to motivate, improved communication, etc.)
3. Relationship building (building rapport, networking, social media, etc.)
4. Running a business (customer service, branding, marketing, etc.)
5. Public speaking & writing (speaking at clinics, writing a blog, etc.)
What are the 5 key areas you need to focus on? Are you working on them every day? Make sure you look at the big picture – not just the obvious.
Players, there is a lot more to being a sound basketball player than having a nice jump shot.
Coaches, there is a lot more to being an effective coach than the X’s and O’s.
My goal to read 50 books every year. I chose to read books on success, leadership, motivation, mental training, biographies, as well as strength & conditioning to ensure a well rounded approach.
My goal, whether reading a book, watching a DVD, or attending a clinic is to pick up one new thing. All I need is one! One new coaching concept or one new drill makes me just a little bit better. If I can get one new tidbit from a resource I consider it well worth my time and money.
I recommend you approach all learning opportunities with an open mind; but make sure you stick strong to your own convictions. Just because a successful player or coach does something doesn’t mean that is the only way or that is how you should do it. Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone defense is a staple at Syracuse; but that doesn’t mean it will work great in your program. Don’t be the coach who goes to a clinic every other weekend and comes back with an entirely new philosophy each time. Subtle changes and tweaks are vital for success. Your program and your philosophy should always be a work in progress.
Your development doesn’t always have to come from traditional sources. Hip hop music helps me develop several key skill sets. Despite being a 35 year old father and obvious suburban white guy, I listen to hip hop because brilliant artists like Lil Wayne, Jay Z, and Eminem have amazing control of the English language and portray unbelievable imagery in their words. They are master linguists and have amazing speaking rhythms and creativity. Listening to hip hop makes me a better public speaker and writer. It also keeps me in touch with today’s youth and helps me form more meaningful relationships with my players.
I am well aware the #1 excuse people make for not working on their craft is lack of time.
You will never find time for your development… you have to make time for it!
You don’t need large amounts of time either, strive for quality over quantity. Set aside 15 minutes before you got to bed to read one chapter in a book. Instead of watching Seinfeld re-runs for the hundredth time; watch a training DVD. Print out a week’s worth of e-newsletters and read them Sunday morning instead of the newspaper. Listen to Audiobooks on your commute to school or work.
You can make time if it is important to you.
And aside from your health and your family, what could possibly be more important than growing, developing, and being the best you can be?
I take tremendous pride in helping coaches and players to be the best they can be. If I can ever be a resource to your development, please don’t hesitate to email me at Alan@StrongerTeam.com.
Lastly, here is the video we showed at our end of season team banquet:
DeMatha Basketball: The Legacy Continues - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDYrRdxsuZc
The best part is, with the exception of Mikael Hopkins (#23), all of these guys will be back next season!
Alan Stein
www.StrongerTeam.com
www.Twitter.com/AlanStein
www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam