Mike Dunlap

Agreed. But before that the basics must be in place, a before b. No basics, adjusting just another excuse b/c basics not in place.

Job not to motivate talent? I see this, I hear this. Head scratcher. Everyday I have an opportunity, by example, to inspire & instruct talent. How? Preparation, body language, voice cadence, poise under pressure, energy levels elite-engaged-every possession matters.

Red Flags: •Someone else speaks for athlete. •Being on time becomes an issue. •Any human who refers to themself in 3rd person. •Mindset always about the loss, not, "Here is what I learned." •Thinks managers should clean up after them. •Disregards manners as a way of living.

Boundaries. Well defined boundaries that provide comfort, clarity, role declaration, sense of purpose. Any parenting class, it is much easier to have simple routines that are structured instead of out of pocket wing it stuff. Players, team, needs routine-keep it tight early.

Simple concept. When thinking about O attack, exactly what can each player do "best", his-her best, their absolute best offensive weapon. HC-are you putting them in a position-spot where they are doing what they do best. If not, don't have them do it.

Time is always moving on in a practice or game-there is no room for indecision-it will kill you. Hence, the more times a player & team can be put under pressure, game situations, the better. Once "they" have it, overload them, 5/4 drill, etc..

Observation w/out rancor, truth as I know it, not all truth, not at all. Many great coaches, female & male. Some needed to stay put, others could move up, down, or wherever & acclimate. Point, as a learner take from everyone but be selective as you move to a new job.

Observations. 45 years on the path, no more or less. Lessons learned: 1) Be respectful, game bigger than all. 2) Growth mindset means listening 1st. 3) Don't fear change, we can always improve. 4) Lead w/ humility, show grace, laugh whenever appropriate. 5) Serve the game.

Prime the pump. You want that, use a play &/or continuity action 1st, play out of it, & then break down to detail by using 3on3, 4on4 Cut Throat Drill w/ time & score. Thus, players play & coaches get to teaching cutting, counters, & movement . Sometimes we have to bait hook.

AAR, after action review w/ practice, good habit, beneficial=improve as teacher, stats, nuance, seeing things in slow motion, assist players w/ fact, praising staff & players for JWD(Job-well-done), build next practice plan, edit film for team/player to evaluate, etc..

Love practice, always a joy spot. C. Chaney, C. Sampson, C. Meyer, C. Riley, C. Thibodeau, C. Goorjian, C. Sterling(Australia), C. Newell: Elite, watched all of them & came away w/ notebook full of ideas. Nothing better than observing some of the best.

Famous poet, Mary Oliver, "It is no simple matter to be both inspirational & moderate. As HC's age, get quieter, using fewer words(i.e. Ralph Miller sitting, cup of coffee w/ a grit in his mouth, observing but not talking). C. Pitino 12-15 sec. stoppages, keep team moving.

Each practice w/ team a test of organizational mastery. Practice plans are single most important act by coaching staff, each & everyday. Yes team/players over things, you bet, yet a well organized practice plan dictates daily success or failure. The gym is your classroom.

While I understand the point, family is # 1, winning resoundingly about scaffolding, step by step & reveling in process & outcome. Yep, failure is learning=mindset. Easier for a man to ask, "What is the point?" when you have won. Not so much in defeat. instagram.com/reel/DMIxanqtX…

C. Newell. 88 yrs old. Iowa hs coaches clinic. Nails it. Tiny notepad in back pocket, writing down list of bullet points w/ his footwork program. Legendary preparation. HC at Cal, once his team beat UCLA never lost to them again before he retired, 8 straight wins. Whew.

Interesting. Open this diatribe by saying we all are part of problem. Good points sure but what exactly are you doing to change said issues.

Advice. "Be yourself". Really? Not even. As years pass, feedback allows one to evolve IF you listen, take stock, motivated to learn & evolve. Coach Newell would say to stay open minded, be selective, prioritize, & enjoy your players as you move down the path of time. "Yes sir".

Art of delegation. Assigning someone a task means knowing about The Rock Of Responsibility. As HC you line out a task, his/her rock, a boulder, BIG one. Most assistants eventually run into a wall w/ said task. Bring rock back to you: Don't take rock back, help but rock is theirs.

Went in to HC's office w/ one of my tasks assigned by him in staff meeting. After finishing my question he said, "Do I need another me or you?" Ouch! But truth is truth & shortly thereafter I completed the task. Accountability is NOT something purchased at CVS, it takes time.

Liz Wiseman & John Wooden: "The worst thing you can do for those you love is the things they could and should do for themselves." Exactly WHY helicopter parents don't raise pilots. HC's important to deligate w/ players & staff. Next: Make sure THEY complete the task at hand.