Compete Level

Divide players and teams into three types:

1) High compete (high motor, high effort)

2) High skill

3) Blended - high effort plus high skill

It's a 'no brainer' to ask which you want to be.

Think about professional athletes. Most were the 'star' player on every team they played for since they were young. The guy at the end of the bench could have been a high school All-American. 

Former Celtic Henry Finkel was in our building a few years ago. The Celtics backup was an All-American at Dayton, averaging 25 points/game in his best season. I greeted him saying, "It's great to meet you. I've never met an office furniture magnate before." He laughed. After basketball he went into retail. The traits that help you compete on the court help you in your life. 

How can you up your 'compete level'? 

• Compete against higher skill or older players or boys.
• Raise your athleticism. 
• Find mentors. 
• Ask better questions about how to improve.
• Self-assess and work to improve strengths and limit weaknesses. 

How do your coaches compete? Coaches work overtime to prepare you for success. Recently Coach Scott Celli went to watch/scout the Woburn-Billerica game to evaluate possible future opponents. 

Coaches are readers like Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, Mike Neighbors, Brook Kohlheim, and especially George Raveling. I'm reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz at a glacial pace. It's not uplifting but educational. I'm also reading Innovation and Its Enemies, about forces inhabiting and inhibiting change. 

Coaches study video. Sport breaks down to 'how can we score more points' and 'how can we allow fewer points'? 

Lagniappe. In 2005, Burlington had three boys over 6'2" on their volleyball team. The 'rules' said they could only play in the back row. Coach Celli agreed to let them play in the front. The highlight for me was watching Melrose players stuff block several boys attacks. Compete. 

Lagniappe 2. How do you win Olympic Gold indoors, outdoors, and as a coach? Learn!