Preparing for Adversity

Kevin Sivils has written a series of wonderful books on basketball, but he adds great value through his academic training in sports psychology. 


Today, he reviews the importance of coping with adversity. 


Here is an excerpt:

Developing a proactive and positive plan to deal with adversity must deal with creating an appropriate mental mindset for both the coach and the players. Embracing adversity in concept is not enough. There must be a plan in place to deal with adversity and the challenges it will bring. Eight concepts are suggested here to be included in any plan developed to teach players and teams to deal with adversity and include:

• Control what you can control
• Develop a strong TEAM concept
• Develop the ability to respond appropriately
• Demonstrated ability leads to confidence under stress
• Strategic and tactical preparation
• Appropriate response to mistakes
• Teach problem solving
• Develop depth in the roster as early in the season as possible

In 2005, Melrose played the eventual Division 1 finalist Andover on a Saturday afternoon in Andover. Setter Amanda Hallett broke a shoelace during a critical moment in the game, and reserve setter Taylor Pearson came in and the team won 6 of 7 points while she was in the game as the 'equipment malfunction' got repaired.  Melrose won that set and the game. 

As we teach our young players, "the star of the team is the team."

Meanwhile, the D2 North section has played out as I projected it would, with Stoneham and Bishop Fenwick on one side of the bracket and Melrose and North Reading on the other.