Last One Holding The Chalk...Usually Wins!

(December 2002)

Assortment of plays, drills and ideas to help your program improve.

Coaches and Players with Great Team Attitudes...

1. Listen to each other.

2. Are courteous of each other.

3. Show concern for each other.

4. Help each other out - share the load.

5. Say what they feel, but watch how they say it.

6. Don't put each other down.

7. Praise each other.

8. Don't talk behind each other's back.

9. Celebrate success.

10. Treat everyone's opinion as important.

11. Treat mistakes as learning experiences.

(Compliments of Don Meyer Basketball)

BIG TEN SET PLAYS (PART II)

OHIO STATE

ILLINOIS

IOWA

PURDUE

STAND FOR SOMETHING OR FALL FOR EVERYTHING!

What do you "stand for" in your program. What is your "trademark", your "calling card", your "credo". It goes by several different names but usually makes one statement, "This is what we believe in and commit to each time we step on the floor." I encourage you today to take a look at what you believe in. Do you "preach it" and "teach it" each day? You know it, do your players know it? Does the administration? The community?

Coach Wooden had his "Pyramid of Success", Pat Summit writes about "The Definite Dozen" and UCLA's Steve Lavin has his "Bruin Attitude". Think about developing your credo today. Every successful business has one, why shouldn't you?

Here is Steve Lavin's "Bruin Attitude". Each year Coach Lavin takes the entire team through each one (he doesn't like to refer to them as "rules" as that has a negative connotation with young people), making sure they totally understand what each step involves. There are 23 "guidelines" in the Bruin Attitude - for no special reason - other than Michael Jordan is the greatest player in the game and Coach Lavin thought it would be appropriate to associate this "attitude" list with him.

Steve Lavin's Bruin Attitude

1. Excel in the classroom.
2. Compete (No excuses).
3. Be on time (No excuses).
4. Listen.
5. Play through referee's calls.
6. Make the simple play.
7. Huddle up as a team on free throws.
8. Run to the bench when substituted.
9. Run to time-outs.
10. Run to lockerroom.
11. No swearing on court.
12. No hanging head.
13. Never quit on a play! Never!
14. No poor body language.
15. No pointing fingers (Unless for good pass).
16. Cheer for your teammates when on the bench.
17. Study during study hall.
18. Attitude of gratitude-say "Thank You".
19. Look people in the eye when communicating.
20. Be a role model off the floor.
21. Be humble in victory; gracious in defeat.
22. Share the juices and the basketball.
23. Keep the lockerroom clean.