Gatorade produced a very nifty commercial highlighting the importance of executing the little things in key moments. Michael Jordan misses the jumpshot over Craig Ehlo, Derek Jeter doesn’t throw Jason Giambi out at home, and Joe Montana throws a pass off Dwight Clark’s fingers. The moral of the story: it’s the details that count; I agree entirely. Bret Hart is the best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be because he is the excellence of execution. Coaches should improve student-athletes by developing fundamental skills and teaching players how to work together on the court. …
Stream of Consciousness, Part II
Charlie Weis mishandled the closing moments of the Notre Dame – USC game. He should have used his timeouts to stop the clock once USC got in the red zone. At least Notre Dame would have had thirty seconds to drive for a game tying field goal … I’m really interested in what happens with the Astros – Cardinals series. Houston could be completely crushed as a result of that slider Albert Pujols crushed in the top of the ninth. Nevertheless, starting Roy Oswalt and Roger Clemens in games six and seven and their mental toughness gives them a chip …
Choice Theory
A recent Choice Theory workshop that I attended was very productive. During a very valuable ninety minutes, the group discussed the negative consequences of criticism. Players and coaches shared how they had been affected by criticism. Coaches, family members, athletic directors, and others hurt people with thoughtless – and sometimes abusive – comments. First of all, there is never any place for personal criticism. In sport, although it is necessary to provide feedback, comments should focus on specific behaviours, not a person’s character. Secondly, correction must be supplemented with encouragement to build the confidence of individual athletes and the entire …
Night Tennis
James Blake and Andre Agassi played one of the better tennis matches that I have seen in recent years last night (and part of this morning.) The majority of the points were very well played, displaying the tremendous skill of both players. The match was intense and legitimately surprising as the momentum changed sides several times. If there is a lesson that can be applied in other sports, it is to never give up. Down two sets and a break in the third, Agassi brought his game to another level and won the next two sets. Needing to break to …
Notre Dame Football and a Coach
Previously, I used to enjoy cheering for Notre Dame football. The Fighting Irish conveyed a sense of prestige when they took the field. I truly respected Tyrone Willingham and the work that he was doing. When Willingham was dumped at the same time as Notre Dame clung to a pretence of integrity, it was an affront to sensibility. I understand that most “big-time” sports are for entertainment purposes only, especially the Association. Most teams and athletes follow the Al Davis mantra “just win baby,” and I’m cool with that. What bothered me was that Notre Dame said it was never …
Team vs. Individual Discipline
The San Diego Chargers have blown it by suspending TE Antonio Gates. As Red Auerbach said, never punish the team for the sins of the individual. N.F.L. holdouts and contract renegotiations are unbecoming to the sport and out of control; the issue should be addressed in future collective bargaining to create uniform rules for all teams. Nevertheless, the Chargers painted themselves into a corner with their ultimatum that Gates sign the qualifying offer or be suspended. Therein lies the massive flaw with ultimatums – they limit your options. You should never make a threat that you aren’t willing to carry …
Track and Field and the Bar
Congratulations to Tyler Christopher, who won bronze in the Men’s 400m, Canada’s only medalist at the World Championships. Mark Boswell offered an interesting quote regarding his narrow miss of the bronze medal in the men’s high jump, “The bar can take you out as easily as it can put you in.” Unfortunately, it seems that many other promising Canadian competitors must go back to the mental training drawing board.