GOLD STANDARD COACHING @CoachLok

  Many years ago when I first got into the profession, I would tell people that I was Coach and they would ask me,  "What sport?"  I would relish in sharing stories about the teams and players that I was going through this journey with and everything seemed to come back to one of those stories. To this day, in almost any situation, there is a story or a parable that teaches some life lesson to anyone willing to listen. It would always be common in the sports world to walk around any venue, game, camp, or clinic to hear,  "Hi, Coach"; "What's up Coach?" ; "How are you doing Coach?" ; and whether you knew the persons name or not - by calling him or her "Coach" there is an immediate connection ... and a show of respect. Then we'd stand around and share stories that only added to the collection of tools in the toolbox to teach more life lessons down the road. Whenever I would walk down the halls at school, or better yet, walk into a...

All coaches would love for their teams to perform to their potential every time out and walk away with an undefeated record. Realistically, coaches also realize that is rarely possible; yet, some are still Win-At-All-Cost coaches who will do anything to try to make that possible. Worse yet, those coaches may place all of a player’s self-worth based on the results on the scoreboard. These WAAC coaches drive players out of sports and take away the opportunity for tremendous learning experiences. What most don’t seem to recognize is that by taking the focus off of the scoreboard, they actually might be increasing the chance to achieve on it. Gold Standard Coaching is an organization that started with the  purpose to help Players have productive growth experiences in & out of competition, Parents to have reduced stress so they can enjoy the experience, Coaches to develop tools to make 1 & 2 happen-while keeping their job, and Leaders to understand ways to serve all groups equit...

To inspire people to CARE about themselves & others,THINK how what they do affects those around them,TRY their very best & avoid stress by ENJOYing everything (including the struggle) - hopefully through my example of making the effort to do each of those things as much as possible.

Do we want to be easy to guard or hard to guard? Hard to guard. #Logic Are you harder to guard when you are standing still or moving?  Moving.  Then move. #Logic Is it easier to get open, pass or drive when it's crowded or when you have space? When you have space. So create good spacing. #Logic Is it easier to throw short passes or long ones? Short ones. Throw short passes. #Logic If you have good spacing, it's impossible to throw a basketball pass too hard. How hard should we throw it? As hard as we can. #Logic If a teammate is open, what should we do? Throw them the ball. #Logic Are you sure a teammate will be open later? NO. So Who should you throw the ball to? The 1st open man.  #Logic Is the ball in the air longer if you wait for it, or come and meet it? When you wait. Don't wait. Meet the pass. #Logic Is it easier to catch a ball with one hand or two. Two. Then catch  the ball with two hands. #Logic Once you catch it, can...

If you are a frequent visitor to this site you are quite familiar with John Wooden's Pyramid of Success. The "Pyramid" may be the most complete description of what individuals need to strive for in their pursuit of success, which Coach Wooden defines as, "peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Interesting that Coach feels you should look at success, not as something concrete you achieve or attain like a championship or certain status, but simply by being "at peace with your efforts." Coach spent years trying to decide what qualities individuals must possess if they are really going to give their very best effort. This became "The Pyramid" Many people are able to rattle off the fifteen "Blocks" of the Pyramid. The Cornerstones of Industriousness and Enthusiasm with Friendship , Cooperation , and Loyalty making ...

People all around the world have different lives, different, jobs, different cars, different homes - but we all have one thing the same and that is TIME. Every day- everyone has the same amount of time. 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day. 86,400 seconds. How those 86.400 seconds are used often defines our lives. If you've been reading often you know I'm an old John Wooden disciple, so get ready for some "Wooden-isms". One of Coach Wooden's most famous quotes is,"Don't mistake activity for achievement." Many folks get caught up in going, going, going and "appear" really busy. Often times those people are in a a hurry - and we all know to "Be Quick - but Don't Hurry" . I See people rushing around all the time because they are in one of two extremes. They either lack planning or preparation and "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." And "if you don't have time to do it right -...

Coaches often look at parents as a potential problem in a program - and they can be if you let them, but they can also be your biggest resource. When you communicate and can get them on your side, there is no stopping the places you an go. Laying out expectations early on and getting the parents to "buy into" your system is a major step in creating a Positive culture where everyone is working towards a common goal to improve the program. There are far too many potential jobs or duties to run a successful team, and that can become burdensome for any coach or staff. Convincing parents the value of assisting in these responsibilities creates some ownership and much can more can be accomplished. At worst, it will follow the old adage, "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer". I like to take all the potential duties and find something every family can contribute to. For example, on a youth baseball team of twelve players, you could have: 1)Ma...

The "Post-Game Handshake" has come under a lot of fire recently due to some confrontations, poor acts of sportsmanship, disrespect, or simply the percieved lack of sincerity in the process. Some organizations and leagues have discussed and/or actually eliminated the practice. A nice discussion started on Twitter after my friend @ClarenceGaines2 shared that @CoachFinamore had called into a show on the topic by @HeyCoachTony on his show, aptly named, "Hey Coach Tony" Coach Tony, whose show originates from Conneticut, provided an opportunity for my friend Steve Finamore, a successful high school basketball coach at East Lansing High School in Michigan and opened the door for discussion with a couple guys from SoCal. How great is Twitter? Their premise that handshakes have become meaningless, empty gestures and create an opportunity for some conflict isI actually one I largely agree with agree with. However... The fact that a situation creates a potential conflict is n...

I always get players (and coaches) asking for how they can improve any number of different skills or strategies. Everybody`s "wish list" is a little different -some are thoughtful and some are...interesting. Players usually want to know how to increase their vertical, or dunk in no time flat. Rarely do they ask how to execute a proper jump stop, bounce pass, or mid range jump shot off the glass. Some coaches want that one drill or play that will turn their team into championship contenders. It's good to add drills and plays to your arsenal - as long as we don`t forget to simply teach players HOW to play.The amazing thing about the game of basketball is that there are NO short cuts. Your daily efforts are what lead to positive results. It`s different than Christmas. There is nothing "magical" that is going to happen one day, nothing that is going to show up under your Christmas tree that will make you instantly better. Santa Claus is not going to bring you an ama...