Someone recently asked me why I have a web log (blog)? As in, what qualifies me to write about basketball? That’s a fair question. After all, I haven’t even been coaching 10 years. The answer is very simple really. I love the game, and I enjoy writing, and what better topic to write about than something I enjoy so much?
As I’ve studied the game, gone to clinics, and read books or articles from more experienced coaches, I’ve noticed a recurring theme which happens to be what really draws me to coaching young athletes- that coaching is actually leadership and teaching, and a good coach uses the many opportunities found in an ordinary basketball season to teach his players valuable life lessons.
That’s where the real significant value of interschoolastic athletics can be found. Wins and losses are important in the moment. Improving individual skills leads to better team play right now. But what the game teaches us about ourselves and our interactions with others becomes a part of who we are in our everyday lives outside of athletics. I am interested in learning, teaching and writing about these kinds of things more than X’s and O’s.
But don’t misunderstand me, I do want to gain more knowledge of offensive and defensive tactics and game strategies. I want to get better at recognizing game situations, and reacting with good adjustments. But those things are for me, to make me a better game coach. The truth is, I am more personally invested in learning to be a better life coach for the young people I influence thru coaching basketball. This usually comes out in the things I choose to write about.
Finally, it’s been very apparent from my own observation that coaching experience is over-rated, and coaching talent is more imperative to success. I know with great conviction that I will always find this to be true no matter how long I coach because leadership is the real topic here. I brought with me to coaching the leadership training and experience I received during my 22 year fire service career, including 8 years as a supervisory fire engine operator (Captain) with the US Forest Service. Often when writing about my experiences in basketball, it’s my fire service background that is the foundation of my comments.
I enjoy coaching basketball, and I enjoy writing, that’s why I have a blog.
