Reiss's Pieces - Read Widely

Read widely. ESPN Boston writer Michael Reiss (Reiss's pieces) shares a weekly Sunday column with coaching and playing insights.

Here are a couple of excerpts and annotation: 

"Former Patriots backup quarterback Jim Miller, who had a nine-year NFL career, said it will be critical for Maye to adopt a starter's mentality, something Maye himself also referenced Thursday when he acknowledged he's "one snap away." It can be hard to do as the backup." 

Comment: With six spots on the court and fourteen players, more players are 'stay ready' than starting. When your number is called, do you know your responsibilities in all situations? 

"Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, whose "QB Confidential" breakdown of Maye shares some of his insights on his game, had a similar experience with the Rams in 1998 learning behind Trent Green.

"The biggest thing you do when you're in that position is you try to get as many mental reps as you can. For me, any time Trent did something in the offense, I was asking him 'Why?' I was fortunate he was very open with me," he said. "I was watching through the play as Trent was running it, and saying 'OK, this is what I would have done.'""

Comment: "Every day is showtime." When you focus and engage 100 percent at practice, coaches notice. Be ready when your number is called. 

"Mayo and Mazzulla: Mayo first met Joe Mazzulla when the latter was serving as a Boston Celtics assistant coach and the two have stayed in touch since. Their connection has grown, which was evidenced when Mazzulla attended the team's Wednesday practice and held a practice script in his hands. Mayo said he appreciates their conversations about Xs and Os and how to manage people, calling Mazzulla -- who won a championship in his second year as Celtics head coach -- a great resource."

Comment: Everyone benefits from mentors. Experienced Harvard system surgeon Atul Gawande hired a senior surgeon to oversee his technique and benefited from The Coach in the Operating Room. 

In addition to trusted colleagues, coaches can consult Artificial Intelligence for ideas.