Program Values

Screenshot from MasterClass, Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Success is a byproduct of values, not the other way around. Every program informs core values. 

Successful coaches get full "buy-in" to the values and team concept. 

As a middle school basketball coach, I preached "TIA" - teamwork, improvement, and accountability. Accountability means holding ourselves to a high standard - at home, school, and on the court. 

Years ago I spoke with Kayla Wyland's parents, commenting on her exemplary character. Her Mom shared that she was every bit as cooperative and pleasant at home. If the walk or driveway needed shoveling, she was on it. That's accountability. 

Coach K discussed having team meetings and team dinners to discuss program values. 

Communication. What and how we share matter. Teammates feed off positive communication with each other. Communication breeds confidence. Communication keeps the ball off the floor.  

Trust. Have each other's back on and off the court. Teams need ability, durability, and reliability. In the Patriots' culture, Bill Belichick preaches, "Do your job." 

Care. Whether someone is an upperclassman or an underclassman, what counts is that they are your teammate. It can be a cliche', but your teammates are like your family. 

Collective responsibility. As individuals and as teammates, you represent the team, the school, and the community. Community is one of the founding principles of "servant leadership." 

At times, it may seem that we live in the era of self - me, mine, ours. Other cultures haven't seen it that way. "Through the Native American worldview, each person identifies character traits based on values they experience within their tribe, community, or family. Character traits or core values expressed are respect, integrity, responsibility, humility, and wisdom.

The Swahili word, "ubuntu" translates to "I am because we are." And another African proverb says, "I can go faster alone but we can go farther together." 

Pride. Pride has an inexact definition. Pride encompasses satisfaction in knowing you did your best. You can be proud of your own accomplishments or those of others. You can also be proud of having done the work to succeed, even if your efforts fall short of the goal. 

Everyone can't be a great player but everyone can be a great teammate. 

Lagniappe. You don't need a net or a gym to build your body. 

Front, back, and side lunges (two sets of ten each) are also great for leg workouts to increase jumping power and explosiveness.