What I Have Learned in 8 Years of Coaching

Eight years of coaching hoops has come and gone quickly! Not a day goes by that I am not jealous of my players. The thrill of suiting up in your school jersey and taking the court to compete against another team is like nothing else. I truly enjoy coaching, but I grew up wanting to be a player before I started coaching. Playing is always more desirable. However, coaching has been more educational for me. I have spent 6 years as an assistant (1 of those a JV head coach in addition) and 2 years as a head coach. I have been a part of 2 league title teams and 3 last place finishers. My teams have lost close games, won close games, been blown out, and blown out teams. I have gone to bed happy with the job I did, but have spent more nights replaying situations and thinking about what I SHOULD have done. Through experience and being surrounded by great people, I have learned significantly more about the game than I originally knew when I began coaching in 2007.

The most important thing that I have learned is that players are people. In fact, they are young people. They will make mistakes, they will lack energy on certain days, and they will take things personally. People all have their unique things about them that cause different types of reactions. Just because kids play basketball does not somehow eliminate their limitations caused by being human. For the longest time, I thought I needed to demand perfection out of them. One mistake was one too many.

There is definitely an importance to getting the most out of your players. But, as in life, mistakes will happen and failure will occur. In life, I have been told that through failure we find success. Thus, my mindframe has shifted from being negative towards failure to accepting faults as a means to encourage growth. One of my most concerned efforts to improve in my craft is to take away as many “don’t do” coaching cues as I can. Rather than tell players what not to do, I want to be able to give them a solution to encourage growth as opposed to discourage failure.

Turnovers will happen. Bad shots will be taken. There is nothing a coach can do to fully eliminate them. In order to develop my players, I must first understand they are people with a desire to do great things only to be limited because they are human. This is what eight years of coaching has shown me.

I guess I still have a lot more to learn.

#LiftAsYouClimb

Why Leaders Need Discipline - - Proverbs 10:17

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way of life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Proverbs 10:17

This is my first time reading through the Proverbs. The reading plan I am following has me reading 1 per day (I am on my second round through). One of the main themes throughout the book is discipline. This particular verse proved discipline to be vital to becoming a successful leader.

When I think of discipline, I think of three ways to define it:

Being disciplined - receiving consequences for actions

Having discipline - being able to do what is needed to be done, whether you want to or not

A discipline, or act - something that is done for growth

Each form of discipline is beneficial to the growth of an individual and also necessary for a leader to be effective.

Leaders must be able to handle feedback while also giving their teammates feedback (leading vocally).

Leaders must be able to do what is necessary regardless of how hard it is (leading by example).

Leaders must do little things on a daily basis that help them reach their full potential (leading by setting the standard).

The outcome of leaderships’ attitudes towards discipline will determine the development of your team. Will you show the way, or lead others astray?

#LiftAsYouClimb

Setback, or opportunity?

I recently received an email from my church that the class my wife and I had signed up for had been canceled due to lack of interest. Apparently, they have a minimum need of 10 people to sign up. While I understand the policy, I question why so many people pass up this opportunity to study and gain more knowledge in a subject they are obviously interested in? Westside A Jesus Church is not a small place. There are four services and each are highly populated. What kind of opportunities are you being given that you are not taking advantage of?

Many times in athletics, we have opportunities that we fail to recognize. In fact, we see them as setbacks. A personal example that I have (and that I see year after year) is being a Junior on the JV team. This can be hard, because players typically advance from Freshman team to JV team then to the varsity team as a Junior. My first reaction was that it was a huge setback and I was getting left behind. Years later, I was able to reflect and realize that I was given the opportunity to play in games more than I would have at the Varsity level, which allowed me to grow as a player.

There is always opportunity to grow in whatever situation you are in. If you feel like something is a setback, find the opportunity in it.

#LiftAsYouClimb

Being Coachable - - Respond AND React

There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. - Matthew 21:28-31

I can remember first hearing about what being coachable is from former Willamette University head coach Gordie James. He said that being coachable was not about saying “yes, coach” or telling the coach all the right things and having a good attitude. While those traits may in fact be good, they may also be a front. Being coachable is about taking correction from a coach and applying it, whether that be on the court or off.

Look at the two sons in Jesus’ parable. One says, “I will not.” A stern answer, a blatant refusal to follow directions. The other says, “I will, sir.” A response of submission along with addressing his dad with a respectful name. If the story stops here, it would be obvious which son was more coachable. But as we look deeper, the one who refuses at first ends up following his dad’s direction. The son who appeared to be respectful ends up insulting his dad by refusing to follow up on his word.

Being coachable requires actions in addition to a response. Coachable players will find their game improving throughout the season. The more players on a team that are coachable, the closer that team will get to reach its full potential. Remember that your coach only wants to help you improve when he is giving you advice. His goal is not to make you feel bad or inadequate, but to give you the tools to become the best player you can be.

#LiftAsYouClimb

Screen Time and Your Lack of Focus

“To watch television as a default would be to waste our many gifts.” - Tsh Oxenreider  

The above quote might use television as an example, but I think this quote relates to overall screen time, including phones, Ipads, and television. The screen has become the default activity for society, and is even more of a problem with youth. While smart phones may seem to only distract the individual for the time being, the lasting effect is real.

Abundant screen time can lead to attention deficit, lack of physical motivation, and, worst of all, stupidity (the last one is based off of observation and personal experience). About a year and a half ago, I got rid of my smartphone (and social media) and came back to the flip phone. It was one of the best decisions I have made in recent years. This caused me to talk to people face-to-face and engage in situations I would usually hide behind my phone in. It also encouraged me to explore new hobbies and activities.

As an athlete, screen time can be a huge hindrance on your development. Hobbies such as TV and video games, if abused, can deflate your goals. Abusing your phone can lead to mental distractions. I see a lot of players who are attached to their phone, on it before practice, and reaching for it first thing after. That means that in the 2 hours of practice, their mind was on something other than basketball.

I think technology has provided us with many great opportunities. However, we all need to be cautious as to the amount of time and attention it can take away from us. It’s easy to notice the time, but the lasting effects are the ways it distracts our mind in what we are doing currently doing.

Shot Selection - - The IQ Series

There are so many aspects to shot selection. I think I will be moved to write about different scenarios as the season continues. I am tentatively considering this to be part one. End of game situations can be difficult for players to understand. Most coaches use the term “time and score” to communicate the importance of recognize the end of a highly contested game. One of the hardest things to learn is how to play at the end of the game with a narrow lead.

Different coaches have different philosophies about remaining aggressive versus killing the clock. There is a fine line between being extra patient as the game winds down and causing players to tighten up and make mistakes in their attempt not to lose the lead.

There are some general guidelines that I think players can play by. Let’s say, for example, you are up by 4 with 2 minutes left in the game.

No contested jumpers/transition jumpers

Contested jump shots are usually not a coaches favorite shot at any point in the game, let alone at the end of a tight game. Shooting a contested jumper can lead to a long rebound, which also leads to a transition opportunity. This also is a low percentage shot, most likely allowing the other team to have the ball without having time run off the clock.

Always take the layup

An open layup is the highest percentage shot in the game. Adding two points extends your lead. Even though time may not come off the clock, you have now required your opponent to need an extra possession to tie the game.

Understand what you need

Being up by 4 points does not require your team to shoot a three. I think there are very few players in high school basketball that would be encouraged to shoot a three, regardless of how open they are, in this given situation. Again, different coaches have different philosophies. But players should understand that with 2 minutes left, the defense will probably become more aggressive. Offensively, you can take advantage of that by penetrating and by cutting if you are off the ball.

#LiftAsYouClimb

The 2014 Book List

Since I started picking up books in 2012, I have been sharing my reading list once the year ends. I think it's great to share what everyone is reading. I am always looking for book suggestions. This year, I am happy I reached the 20 book-benchmark. It was a hard year for reading enjoyable books; I am currently finishing grad school and, thus, many academic journals and textbooks were given priority. Perhaps my biggest recommendation from this list was Leaders Eat Last. Check out lists from 2013 and 2012.

1. The Assist by Neil Swidey
2. The Philosophy of Sin by Oswald Chambers
3. Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
4. Pursuing Christ. Creating Art. by Gary A. Molander
5. Contagious by Jonah Berger
6. The Professor Plus More NW Sports Stories by David Espinoza
7. Lead...For God’s Sake by Todd Gongwer
8. Youtility by Jon Baer
9. The Truest Thing About You by David Lomas
10. You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins
11. Mind Gym by Gary Mack
12. Multiply by Francis Chan
13. The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Clairborne
14. Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning
15. The Souls of Black Folks W.E.B. DuBois
16. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
17. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
18. Lion and Lamb by Brennan Manning
19. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
20. Notes From a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider

I am always looking for new book to go through. My list is already long for 2015, which makes me look forward to the new year.

#LiftAsYouClimb

Buckets and Pipes - - Sharing Knowledge, Encouraging Others

As the year comes to a close, I think it’s important for everyone to reflect on what they have learned and how it will help them in the coming year to grow and develop into the person God created us to become. One area I am learning about is the importance of sharing. I feel like in the past couple years, I have began to understand how to share tangible things. However, it seems like there is an importance in sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities that I still need to develop. I attend Westside: A Jesus Church in Beaverton, Ore. Last week, there was an analogy that made perfect sense to how I am learning and what I am doing with the opportunities I am given. Imagine your life as each of these two objects: a bucket and a pipe. A bucket collects water. However, there is not outflow from the bucket. The longer the water sits there, the more likely it is to collect dust and debris that will contaminate it. A pipe collects water, as well. The pipe brings in water and then distributes it to other locations, constantly bringing in and pouring out fresh water.

Our lives should reflect a pipe; gaining new pieces of knowledge, skills, and opportunities while also pouring out to others around us. Think about how you are consciously trying to help others advance in their growth. Are you a hoarder of knowledge? Or do you continuously learn and pour out to other?

#LiftAsYouClimb

The Interruptible Message of Christmas

Even though I am no longer in elementary school, I still get excited for everything that comes with Christmas. Yes, I enjoy the festive decorations, the holiday movies and the fact that most people are in a better mood. The best part of basketball season was always Christmas as well. Especially in college, because school was out for 3 weeks, and all we had to focus on was basketball. The small amount of per diem we got made us feel like pros for a bit (if pros made less than minimum wage). The problem with Christmas has become that our plans and desires are being put into the foreground. The most asked question is becoming “what do you want for Christmas?” Even the most selfless of people can get caught up in their plans for celebrating and deflate the mood of others if their plans don’t go accordingly.

My thoughts here are not to condemn or judge. I love presents and I also like to see my ideas come to fruition. My thoughts come from the story of Christmas and the fact that God interrupted the plans of an unmarried couple for the greater good of the world.

Take interest how God is interrupting your life, perhaps to your discomfort. Can this be a movement of the Holy Spirit in your life for something greater than the interests you have?

Merry Christmas, everyone! Thank you to everyone who is encouraging the growth of the Salem Hoops Project within the community. It is your support and involvement that is allowing youth in Salem to be given an opportunity to participate in basketball skills training regardless of economic status.

#LiftAsYouClimb

Remain in Love - - Notes From Bob Goff

I had the pleasure of hearing best-selling author Bob Goff speak at my church this past Sunday. His theme was from John 15:1 - remain (or abide) in love. If you have not read the his book Love Does, I highly recommend it. If you are a person who has ideas on ways you want to impact the world, but feel that your ideas are too big or not practical, this book will open your mind to believe that one small act of love can cause a major difference in the lives of others. As far as Bob’s speaking goes, he is an energetic man with plenty to share. There was so much that he talked about, but I will just share my biggest three takeaways from what he shared.

Have difficult conversations in the right places.

HUMILITY

Let go and stop being cool. Understand that you are not the center of what is going on. Understand that what you want for yourself is not always the best thing for yourself. The more we chase humility, the more likely we will be to sacrifice ourselves for the good of others.

I met somebody who told me who I was.

FILL YOUR BUCKET

Bob spoke of a period in his life when he carried a physical bucket to remind himself that he carried who he was becoming with him. Carrying pride around in a bucket will weigh you down. But filling your bucket with generosity will make life easier. Fill your bucket with things you want to be with you at all times.

People don’t fall out of love, they lose their imagination.

YIKES!...

...should be our reaction in life. We should never get to the point where we are not challenging ourselves or letting God challenge us. Often in life, we hope for things to be easy and for worldly blessings to be poured upon us. If this is our life, then where is our opportunity for sacrifice and reliance upon our savior?

People who are comfortable don’t need Jesus.