"There is always a pecking order." - Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra
The best teams find player-based leadership. Captaincy doesn't promote hierarchy or resume-building, but serves the team.
Think metaphorically: A = B or leadership = service.
A popular misconception shares wolf leadership structure as battle and dominance. Research shows a more nuanced "family" organization led by a breeding pair, their older progeny, and younger pups.
Here's the 411:
- Parents guide group activities, including travel, food gathering, and protecting the pups.
- Older offspring help support the family, while younger wolves learn from their parents and siblings.
- Many young adults eventually disperse, seeking a mate and territory where they can establish their own family. They don’t ordinarily need to overthrow a parent to become a breeding wolf.
In most organization, natural 'tension' exists among those at various levels - leadership, ascending players, and younger players "learning the ropes." Veterans - lead your team whether between the lines or on the sidelines. Young players - absorb the experience and become the positive culture.
Successful teams function as a unit, producing melody and rhythm together - everyone playing their part. The lead violin gets more attention than the person playing the triangle, yet both animate the music.
The stakes rise in the postseason. Each game represents the potential "last ride" together. Contests demand the highest level of focus on each play.
You noticed improved play from the JV late in the season. More experience played a role, plus something JV Coach Ryan Celli asked from the players. "Just give your best effort on every play."
That blends two themes - "always do your best" and "next play." Talent, toughness, and togetherness make teams a "tough out."
"The strength of the wolf is the pack."
Lagniappe. What's your sign?
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