Creating a culture that lasts from season to season is one of the coach’s most challenging tasks. When all team members buy in, significant successes can be reached so it is worth the effort. For a culture to truly come to life, the responsibility for its development must be shared by players and coaches alike. Give Players Ownership When New Zealand All Blacks coach Graham Henry took over after an unsuccessful 2003 Rugby World Cup, he began by making players responsible for the team. At first, the coaching staff identified some players who were negative influences in the clubhouse and …
Game 1: Hopes for the Remainder of the Series
Since the Toronto Raptors have made the playoffs after a six year drought, fans want them to do well so a lacklustre fourth quarter and a copious moments that can be most optimistically linked to inexperience was frustrating. It’s not that beating the Brooklyn Nets in a playoff series is an impossible dream but that there is a way the series must unfold for Toronto to win whereas other storylines may better suit Brooklyn.
Determining Responsibility for Improvement
Last night’s Toronto Raptors – Sacramento Kings game proved very controversial as fans, coaches and players were disappointed by the loss and eager to designate an appropriate culprit to focus their frustration. Ultimately, the team aims to improve and while a loss can serve as a powerful motivator, they need to target their efforts appropriately. Discontent breeds disillusionment but dedication and determination lead to progress.
The Heat Beat the Raptors on the Court and in Basketball Leadership
Miami’s 108-91 win over Toronto on St. Patrick’s game not only showcased the Heat’s elite talent but a wide gap in leadership between the two teams. When games are competitive in crunch time – this game was tied at 77 with 11:06 to play in the fourth quarter – the Raptors’ leadership fails. There is a lack of organizational leadership, leadership by example and vocal leadership. Keep pulling the rope together.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Motivational Rocks
Toronto’s two main coaches appear to be using the same motivational playbook lately. Last year, Dwane Casey arranged for a 1,300 pound boulder to be placed in the Raptors dressing room, in order to reinforce the team’s “Pound the Rock” motto. During off-season renovations, Randy Carlyle decided to install a slab of limestone, which weighs over five thousand pounds, to demonstrate that the organization is “Rock Solid.” Although Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment often tolerates the status quo, they were not apparently not satisfied with the Thornhill quarry that provided last year’s stone, purchasing the from a location in Wiarton …
What’s Wrong with the Raptors?
The Toronto Raptors have started the season off 3-13, alienating many fans. Compared to last year, offense is a little better and defense is a few points worse but the record is a disappointment. The difference comes down to a few minor points: conceding open baskets, allowing a little more penetration and needing too much help while rotating too slowly.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Building and Developing Great Teams
As the season ends for the Toronto Raptors, they are faced with the fact that success may be multiple drafts away. Consistent winners have built their teams through the draft, selecting talented athletes and developing them into great players.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Consistency
Consistency – over the course of a game, a season, a career – is one of the toughest obstacles faced by competitive athletes and teams. Over the course of an event or a meet, individuals may experience highs and lows; one poor race can dash one’s dreams of glory. In order to be consistent, different combination of players must maintain the same level of intensity and quality; diverse people must perform as one. Since it is so challenging to achieve, consistency is often associated with greatness. Dwane Casey keeps a 1,300 pound rock in the Toronto Raptors locker room, which …