Two Truths About Successful Coaches

Steve Kerr said, "You could feel that they loved you and they cared about you, but you were a little afraid of them...You didn't wanna disappoint them."

The quote emphasizes that great leaders do 2 things:
1. Build real relationships
2. Set high standards

Let me explain... pic.twitter.com/BJLhii3Py0

— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) February 16, 2025

Two words I hated to hear as a coach were, "That's okay." Turnovers, bad shots, or missed assignments are not "okay."

Winners hold themselves to high standards. Remember Kara Lawson discussing "chasing perfection." Perfection won't come but telling teammates that's okay, especially with mental errors, departs from nearing the 'asymptote of excellence'. 

Baseball great Yogi Berra, part of TEN World Series championships had a saying, "90 percent of baseball is half mental." Staying in the game mentally with supreme focus, playing in the moment helps prevent a single error from snowballing into a run of errors. 

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski told players, "Next play." The last play is done, control this play. I liked to tell players "Positive play," to redirect from a mistake into doing the next right play. 

Whe coaches correct you, it's because they believe in your ability to be better. Be concerned if they stop correcting you. 

Lagniappe. "But I don't have a gym." Footwork practice doesn't require a gym. Whether you're practicing the skills in the video or closing the double block, the more you practice, the better you'll be. 

Reading the ball, proper footwork, and better athleticism give you the foundation for success that increases your playing time, role, and recognition.