Once again it’s time for us to move into our Learning to Teach While Teaching Series. This week's topic: “Humility”
As most of you know I was raised in a small rural town in Florida that isn’t much to speak about. Not much has changed in the way people think or do things since about the mid – 1950’s so there's always some sort of racial tension or overtone to most anything that happens.
My grandmother (“Big Nana”), the matriarch of our family was the granddaughter of a slave who taught me those “common sense life lessons” she had learned throughout her years in the south. My grandmother’s wisdom and insight are still a huge part of my beliefs system and how I try to raise my own children today.
She only had a couple of rules that I can remember and both of them where specific to how I behaved. She wasn’t much for grades in school since she only had a second grade education, but she always wanted to see my conduct grade. Looking back on it, I believe that if I had failed every subject and received an “A” in conduct she would have been fine with that because conduct was about your character and who you were becoming as a human being… I understand that now.
The only other thing that Big Nana ever repeated to me over and over when I was being an obnoxious kid was this simple quote: “Humble is the way son…humble is the way.”
Humble is defined as: adj. not proud or arrogant; offered in a spirit of submission.
What a concept… no suffering from “the disease of me.” Being submissive and thankful for who I am and doing my best to lift those around me.
We live in a society that is driven by recognition, celebrity and power. Three "social moguls" that what will undoubtedly make a tremendous impact on the lives of our young people. Coaches, in conjunction with parents, have the dubious responsibility of making sure our young people understand humility's importance. Sport again, would seem to be a logical choice in helping develop this character trait. It’s innate for us to copy what we see…right? We emulate the very behaviors that are commonplace in our environment - doesn’t it make sense?
The reoccurring theme here, good folk, is to model the behavior for our young people to see. Arrogance is easy, selfishness is easy – it’s always about what we want as individuals. Learning to sacrifice for something bigger than yourself is a difficult task. By nature we're all selfish – even as babies we cried to get our way; to be fed, changed, held, or for whatever our little hearts desired.
Here's the sixty-four million dollar question ladies and gentlemen: "At what point do we as coaches, mentors and leaders selflessly and positively lift our young people up?" That, my friends, is hard…selflessness is hard… discipline is hard…humility is hard… LEADERSHIP...is HARD
Have you ever known of anything worth having to be easy?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Overcoming Adversity, Changing Perceptions
As many of you know, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl this past weekend. Anyone with even a passing interest in the NFL would undoubtedly know that the Packers came into the playoffs as the sixth (and final) seed in the NFC. As a result they had to win three playoff games on the road, including the NFC championship game at their division rival the Chicago Bears. The other compelling story line from the Packers’ road to the Super Bowl was the fact that their team had been decimated by injuries. By the time they reached the Super Bowl, the Packers had 6 starters on injured reserve and nearly a dozen other players not dressed for the game. On top of that, their offense and defense veteran leaders, Donald Driver and Charles Woodson, went down in the first half with injuries that would ultimately prevent them from finishing the game. An entire article could be written (and many have been written) about the tenacity the team showed in coming back from these injuries. Suffice it to say, the Packers banded together as a team, continued to play their game, and defeated the much healthier Steelers. However, I don’t wish to bore you with yet another blog post about how resilient the Packers were in winning the Super Bowl despite devastating injuries to key players. I want to draw your attention to an injury that occurred several weeks earlier, and the importantly unusual response by one of the veteran players on the team.
Several weeks ago I read an article on ESPN.com about Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver and concussions. On December 12, in a key divisional game against the Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ quarterback was knocked out of the game with a concussion. Like most football players, Rodgers scoffed at the severity of the injury and was intent on going back into the game. After all, a loss would severely hurt the Packers’ playoff hopes, and the loss of Rodgers would severely hurt the Packers’ chances of winning this game. One would expect that most of Rodgers’ teammates would share Rodgers’ opinion about concussions, and encourage him to get back into the game. However, veteran receiver Donald Driver, one of the team’s emotional leaders, had a different response. After taking one look at Rodgers, Driver told him he didn’t look right and that he should stay out of the game, reminding Rodgers that his long term health was much more important than any play or any one game. In doing this, Driver made it ok for Packers’ players to leave a game for a concussion or for any other serious injury without having their masculinity or commitment to the team questioned. In a year when the NFL has tried to increase awareness and change the perception of concussions, Donald Driver did more in a five minute conversation than the league has done all season. For the full original article follow this link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=keown/101221
Interestingly enough, nearly two months later at the Super Bowl, it was Driver, not Rodgers, who was sidelined with an injury during the game. While watching Driver hoping to get back in the game, I could not help but think of this article. Two points came to mind. The first, was that Driver could have used a figure like himself to come and say, “You don’t look right, you should sit this one out, your health is more important than any game.” Even though his injury was to his ankle, and much less likely to lead to serious health problems down the line than a concussion, he still appeared as though he could have used some perspective. The other point that came to mind was that it was Driver himself who, 7 weeks earlier, had helped to create the team environment that would allow a player to sit out even the second half of the Super Bowl due to injury with no snide remarks from teammates. This is the kind of team environment we sorely need in sports at all levels, but particularly at the college and professional levels. If only we could all be so blessed as coaches to have a couple of Donald Drivers on our teams.
Jesse Huff
Social Foundations of Coaching
Notre Dame, 2011
Several weeks ago I read an article on ESPN.com about Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver and concussions. On December 12, in a key divisional game against the Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ quarterback was knocked out of the game with a concussion. Like most football players, Rodgers scoffed at the severity of the injury and was intent on going back into the game. After all, a loss would severely hurt the Packers’ playoff hopes, and the loss of Rodgers would severely hurt the Packers’ chances of winning this game. One would expect that most of Rodgers’ teammates would share Rodgers’ opinion about concussions, and encourage him to get back into the game. However, veteran receiver Donald Driver, one of the team’s emotional leaders, had a different response. After taking one look at Rodgers, Driver told him he didn’t look right and that he should stay out of the game, reminding Rodgers that his long term health was much more important than any play or any one game. In doing this, Driver made it ok for Packers’ players to leave a game for a concussion or for any other serious injury without having their masculinity or commitment to the team questioned. In a year when the NFL has tried to increase awareness and change the perception of concussions, Donald Driver did more in a five minute conversation than the league has done all season. For the full original article follow this link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=keown/101221
Interestingly enough, nearly two months later at the Super Bowl, it was Driver, not Rodgers, who was sidelined with an injury during the game. While watching Driver hoping to get back in the game, I could not help but think of this article. Two points came to mind. The first, was that Driver could have used a figure like himself to come and say, “You don’t look right, you should sit this one out, your health is more important than any game.” Even though his injury was to his ankle, and much less likely to lead to serious health problems down the line than a concussion, he still appeared as though he could have used some perspective. The other point that came to mind was that it was Driver himself who, 7 weeks earlier, had helped to create the team environment that would allow a player to sit out even the second half of the Super Bowl due to injury with no snide remarks from teammates. This is the kind of team environment we sorely need in sports at all levels, but particularly at the college and professional levels. If only we could all be so blessed as coaches to have a couple of Donald Drivers on our teams.
Jesse Huff
Social Foundations of Coaching
Notre Dame, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Learning to Teach While Teaching Part III: Trustworthiness
This week we dive into our third topic in our Learning to Teach While Teaching Series: "Trustworthiness"
Our young people today need to be taught the value of being trustworthy. Unfortunately, when they watch ESPN or any television show for that matter the modeled behavior is often times less than what it should be – there’s what I like to call (PMS) the “Predominately Me Syndrome” displayed everywhere. Professional athletes from football players to race car drivers show irresponsible, selfish behavior that fills the minds of our young people with what they think is acceptable.
It’s ok to do steroids…as long as I apologize. It’s ok to say disrespectful things to others…as long as I apologize. It’s ok to be unfaithful…as long as I apologize. It’s ok “go off” on my parents and coaches…as long as I apologize. Basically it’s ok to be a complete idiot…as long as I apologize.
IT’S NOT OKAY!!!!
Trustworthiness; sounds like a really important word. What is the clinical definition of trustworthy? Trustworthy is defined as:
adj. deserving trust or confidence; dependable or reliable
Merriam-Webster is saying there’s actually some responsibility in being trustworthy. There’s actually a level of expectation applied to someone who possesses this character quality. Being considered trustworthy is actually earned….wow - what a concept!
While playing at Notre Dame, Coach Holtz would pose three questions to our team as we began each year. It was his way of reminding us that we had a responsibility to our teammates, our coaches, our community and ultimately to ourselves to be the best possible young men we could be. Not just on the football field or in the classroom, but in life.
The three questions he asked us to consider were:
Can I trust you?
Do you have my back? Can I trust that you will do what needs to be done for the team to be successful? Can I rely on the fact that you will put the team first?
Are you committed to excellence?
Are you willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team in working together for a bigger more unified goal? Will you work hard each day to be the best possible version of yourself and in doing so make us stronger?
Do you care about me?
Do you care enough about me to execute the previous two questions on a consistent basis? Even when you’re tired and worn. Even when others talk about you? Will you defend the honor of the team with your actions?
Even today at my own sports academy we use those same questions in our philosophy of teaching character through team work and discipline. If you were to ask members of the Relentless Sports Academy what those three questions were, most of them would be able to tell you not only what they were, but what they mean.
Being a young person today is admittedly tougher than when most of us grew up. That said it is the responsibility of parents to set the foundation at home for their children. It then becomes the responsibility of coaches to model the behaviors that are acceptable in their programs which should mirror those from home. There was a time that we could get some additional help from our “celebrity” role models…
Unfortunately, we can’t always depend on them anymore.
Our young people today need to be taught the value of being trustworthy. Unfortunately, when they watch ESPN or any television show for that matter the modeled behavior is often times less than what it should be – there’s what I like to call (PMS) the “Predominately Me Syndrome” displayed everywhere. Professional athletes from football players to race car drivers show irresponsible, selfish behavior that fills the minds of our young people with what they think is acceptable.
It’s ok to do steroids…as long as I apologize. It’s ok to say disrespectful things to others…as long as I apologize. It’s ok to be unfaithful…as long as I apologize. It’s ok “go off” on my parents and coaches…as long as I apologize. Basically it’s ok to be a complete idiot…as long as I apologize.
IT’S NOT OKAY!!!!
Trustworthiness; sounds like a really important word. What is the clinical definition of trustworthy? Trustworthy is defined as:
adj. deserving trust or confidence; dependable or reliable
Merriam-Webster is saying there’s actually some responsibility in being trustworthy. There’s actually a level of expectation applied to someone who possesses this character quality. Being considered trustworthy is actually earned….wow - what a concept!
While playing at Notre Dame, Coach Holtz would pose three questions to our team as we began each year. It was his way of reminding us that we had a responsibility to our teammates, our coaches, our community and ultimately to ourselves to be the best possible young men we could be. Not just on the football field or in the classroom, but in life.
The three questions he asked us to consider were:
Can I trust you?
Do you have my back? Can I trust that you will do what needs to be done for the team to be successful? Can I rely on the fact that you will put the team first?
Are you committed to excellence?
Are you willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team in working together for a bigger more unified goal? Will you work hard each day to be the best possible version of yourself and in doing so make us stronger?
Do you care about me?
Do you care enough about me to execute the previous two questions on a consistent basis? Even when you’re tired and worn. Even when others talk about you? Will you defend the honor of the team with your actions?
Even today at my own sports academy we use those same questions in our philosophy of teaching character through team work and discipline. If you were to ask members of the Relentless Sports Academy what those three questions were, most of them would be able to tell you not only what they were, but what they mean.
Being a young person today is admittedly tougher than when most of us grew up. That said it is the responsibility of parents to set the foundation at home for their children. It then becomes the responsibility of coaches to model the behaviors that are acceptable in their programs which should mirror those from home. There was a time that we could get some additional help from our “celebrity” role models…
Unfortunately, we can’t always depend on them anymore.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Take in the following scenario: 50 friends get to leave the snow and 10 degree weather of South Bend, Indiana, and fly to the sunshine and 70 degree weather of Orlando, Florida. The group will be going to dinners, staying together in a nice hotel, and going to Disney World.
Now add to the scenario the fact that the group is actually a college lacrosse team, and that the reason for the trip is to compete against the USA national team, at Disney World, in a game that would be broadcast on ESPNU. The team trip to Disney World wasn't to experience the magic of Disney, but to practice and play. Can you imagine the challenge a coach would face in trying to keep his team focused in the face of so many monumental distractions?
I was lucky enough to be a member of a team that got to take this trip this past weekend. We left the snow behind us Friday morning, arriving in Orlando in the afternoon. Because I knew I would be writing this blog on the experience, I tried to pay more attention than normal to the exact details of the methods my coaches would use to keep our team focused on the purpose of the trip. Well, I didn't have to wait long, as we went directly from the airport to the practice field. As we bused past the exits to various Disney attractions, it was evident that the members of the team would much rather be going to any one of them than to the practice field. As we pulled up to the entrance to the Disney sports complex, the challenge of keeping our team focused truly dawned on me. I know that I, personally, had never been to Disney before and was a little overwhelmed at everything going on; I also really wanted to go see more at the other locations, but that was an empty wish. However, when our team was dressed and ready to go on the practice field, focus had to turn to the various drills at hand.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy for a team to go from a bus trip to a plane ride back onto a bus directly to practice, and our team's performance reflected this difficulty. Dropped passes and mental mistakes were more numerous than the normal well-executed plays we normally make as a team. Our coaches were obviously not happy, and had to get that fact across to the team.
At the end of practice, in our huddle, our coach rounded up the dilemma facing each of us players and offered us a very simple solution. While we were indeed in Florida, and in the nice weather, and at Disney, we were there for a very specific reason: to get better as a lacrosse team. This didn't mean that we couldn't have a good time and enjoy both ourselves and our surroundings, but we had a job to do. When we set foot on the field, we were to be both physically and mentally present and focused. When we played, we were to give our performance our complete effort. When we were away from the field and back at our hotel, then we could enjoy ourselves, but only in ways that wouldn't inhibit our ability to carry out our responsibility of giving complete focus to our sport.
The next day we continued our mission to get better as a lacrosse team by having a morning practice, followed by a few hour break of free time at the hotel before another practice. As you can probably guess, convincing a group of college kids from snow-bound Notre Dame not to go swimming and lay out in the sun during the day while they were in Florida during their free time was not an easy thing to do. But rather than lay down a law, our coach simply told us to use our better judgement and think about how our actions would affect our team. This seemed to have a powerful effect, as while a large portion of our team went straight from the first practice to the side of the pool, it was evident that our coach's words, and our goal as a team were not forgotten. Players relaxed in the sun, and jumped in the outdoor pool before sending texts reminding friends back in the snow of the weather they were enjoying, but then they headed back to the shade to relax and refresh for the next practice. Our coach had managed to overcome this incredible distraction simply by reminding us as players of our responsibility to each other to be able to give our all.
On Sunday, the day of the game, our team was tested in our ability to remain focused on the task at hand of becoming a better lacrosse team. Our game came and went, and as the clock ticked down we would not be on top on the scoreboard, but as the game had progressed our level of play as a team had risen, and we reached the goal our coach had presented us with. After the game, our coach acknowledged our ability to stay focused and improve as the game went on. His simple reminders had kept the idea of our personal responsibility to our teammates in our mind throughout the weekend, yet still allowed us to have a fun experience in Florida.
While writing, I am currently on the plane back to Chicago. I dread the return to the cold and snow, and I am positive that I am not alone in this. However, I also know that there are 50 other guys on this same flight who know that our coaches are already planning on how to ensure that, as a team, our focus is returning with us from Disney and is now on the next step in our team's season.
Jake Marmul
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2011
Now add to the scenario the fact that the group is actually a college lacrosse team, and that the reason for the trip is to compete against the USA national team, at Disney World, in a game that would be broadcast on ESPNU. The team trip to Disney World wasn't to experience the magic of Disney, but to practice and play. Can you imagine the challenge a coach would face in trying to keep his team focused in the face of so many monumental distractions?
I was lucky enough to be a member of a team that got to take this trip this past weekend. We left the snow behind us Friday morning, arriving in Orlando in the afternoon. Because I knew I would be writing this blog on the experience, I tried to pay more attention than normal to the exact details of the methods my coaches would use to keep our team focused on the purpose of the trip. Well, I didn't have to wait long, as we went directly from the airport to the practice field. As we bused past the exits to various Disney attractions, it was evident that the members of the team would much rather be going to any one of them than to the practice field. As we pulled up to the entrance to the Disney sports complex, the challenge of keeping our team focused truly dawned on me. I know that I, personally, had never been to Disney before and was a little overwhelmed at everything going on; I also really wanted to go see more at the other locations, but that was an empty wish. However, when our team was dressed and ready to go on the practice field, focus had to turn to the various drills at hand.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy for a team to go from a bus trip to a plane ride back onto a bus directly to practice, and our team's performance reflected this difficulty. Dropped passes and mental mistakes were more numerous than the normal well-executed plays we normally make as a team. Our coaches were obviously not happy, and had to get that fact across to the team.
At the end of practice, in our huddle, our coach rounded up the dilemma facing each of us players and offered us a very simple solution. While we were indeed in Florida, and in the nice weather, and at Disney, we were there for a very specific reason: to get better as a lacrosse team. This didn't mean that we couldn't have a good time and enjoy both ourselves and our surroundings, but we had a job to do. When we set foot on the field, we were to be both physically and mentally present and focused. When we played, we were to give our performance our complete effort. When we were away from the field and back at our hotel, then we could enjoy ourselves, but only in ways that wouldn't inhibit our ability to carry out our responsibility of giving complete focus to our sport.
The next day we continued our mission to get better as a lacrosse team by having a morning practice, followed by a few hour break of free time at the hotel before another practice. As you can probably guess, convincing a group of college kids from snow-bound Notre Dame not to go swimming and lay out in the sun during the day while they were in Florida during their free time was not an easy thing to do. But rather than lay down a law, our coach simply told us to use our better judgement and think about how our actions would affect our team. This seemed to have a powerful effect, as while a large portion of our team went straight from the first practice to the side of the pool, it was evident that our coach's words, and our goal as a team were not forgotten. Players relaxed in the sun, and jumped in the outdoor pool before sending texts reminding friends back in the snow of the weather they were enjoying, but then they headed back to the shade to relax and refresh for the next practice. Our coach had managed to overcome this incredible distraction simply by reminding us as players of our responsibility to each other to be able to give our all.
On Sunday, the day of the game, our team was tested in our ability to remain focused on the task at hand of becoming a better lacrosse team. Our game came and went, and as the clock ticked down we would not be on top on the scoreboard, but as the game had progressed our level of play as a team had risen, and we reached the goal our coach had presented us with. After the game, our coach acknowledged our ability to stay focused and improve as the game went on. His simple reminders had kept the idea of our personal responsibility to our teammates in our mind throughout the weekend, yet still allowed us to have a fun experience in Florida.
While writing, I am currently on the plane back to Chicago. I dread the return to the cold and snow, and I am positive that I am not alone in this. However, I also know that there are 50 other guys on this same flight who know that our coaches are already planning on how to ensure that, as a team, our focus is returning with us from Disney and is now on the next step in our team's season.
Jake Marmul
Social Foundations of Coaching
ND 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Learning to Teach While Teaching Part II: Hard Work
This week we tackle part two of our Learning to Teach While Teaching Series:
Today's subject --> HARD WORK
I think it’s safe to assume we all agree that our generation (Generation X) has worked hard to give our children (Millennials) all the things we didn’t have – to provide those experiences and opportunities that we believed would be valuable to them later in life. We strive to make sure our children have the very best of everything. We spare no expense, we call in favors and if need be… would "swim a gasoline ocean with a lit blow touch in our mouths" for our children’s sake.
With our aggressive nature and over-achieving attitude, we open doors and create paths for our children and in some cases we seem to care more about their success than they do… Have we gone too far? Have we done too much? Have we created a generation of young people who feel they have a “right of entitlement?” Have we unintentionally crippled the hard work gene from the lives of our young people?
Let’s be realistic…our children are more technologically savvy than we were at their age, they’ve experienced much more than we did at their age (partly due to our efforts) and they have a huge convenience factor that most of us didn’t enjoy until the mid-nineties. Remember popping popcorn? Remember what a big deal it was to have “popcorn night?” Remember that big ol’ pot and putting the oil in it with the kernels and waiting anxiously for the popcorn to slowly creep out from underneath the lid? Hmmmm… today it’s just a flat bag and the push of a button and….taaah-daaah! Instant popcorn!
Yeah… yeah I know everybody has their own idea of what hard work should be. We’ve all heard the quotes before, right?
“No pain… no gain”
“Work works”
“There’s no traffic jam along the extra mile”
“No one has ever drowned in a pool of sweat”
Does this mean that I have to subject myself to physical pain in order to work hard? Is that the only way? Is there a way for us to instill hard work in the value system of our young people?
I submit to you my friends that sport is a way to subconsciously re-invent the wheel. Struggle, passion, commitment, selflessness are but some of the many ingredients required for success. Sport is a way to help us re-instill hard work as a part of the normal regime in the lives of our otherwise unencumbered young people.
Enter the importance of a good coach… not just a coach who’s good with X’s and O’s or who’s all about wins and losses, but a coach minister…a coach who understands the importance of coaching for character and building young people as human beings. Young people need a coach who won’t sacrifice character development for athletic prowess… a coach who actually cares about them – not just his/her legacy.
At the end of the day, life is challenging. Hard work is just a part of what we’ve come to know intimately as “the daily grind.” We may not be working hard in the physical sense, but working effectively with others, having the discipline and focus to keep it all together and somewhere in that microcosm of life finding the patience to be a person for others. Our young people need to know this… they need to be taught this… they need to understand this… the need to embrace this…
Yes, hard work isn’t always fun and it definitely isn’t the coolest thing to do, but it is necessary…VERY necessary.
Thoughts?
Today's subject --> HARD WORK
I think it’s safe to assume we all agree that our generation (Generation X) has worked hard to give our children (Millennials) all the things we didn’t have – to provide those experiences and opportunities that we believed would be valuable to them later in life. We strive to make sure our children have the very best of everything. We spare no expense, we call in favors and if need be… would "swim a gasoline ocean with a lit blow touch in our mouths" for our children’s sake.
With our aggressive nature and over-achieving attitude, we open doors and create paths for our children and in some cases we seem to care more about their success than they do… Have we gone too far? Have we done too much? Have we created a generation of young people who feel they have a “right of entitlement?” Have we unintentionally crippled the hard work gene from the lives of our young people?
Let’s be realistic…our children are more technologically savvy than we were at their age, they’ve experienced much more than we did at their age (partly due to our efforts) and they have a huge convenience factor that most of us didn’t enjoy until the mid-nineties. Remember popping popcorn? Remember what a big deal it was to have “popcorn night?” Remember that big ol’ pot and putting the oil in it with the kernels and waiting anxiously for the popcorn to slowly creep out from underneath the lid? Hmmmm… today it’s just a flat bag and the push of a button and….taaah-daaah! Instant popcorn!
Yeah… yeah I know everybody has their own idea of what hard work should be. We’ve all heard the quotes before, right?
“No pain… no gain”
“Work works”
“There’s no traffic jam along the extra mile”
“No one has ever drowned in a pool of sweat”
Does this mean that I have to subject myself to physical pain in order to work hard? Is that the only way? Is there a way for us to instill hard work in the value system of our young people?
I submit to you my friends that sport is a way to subconsciously re-invent the wheel. Struggle, passion, commitment, selflessness are but some of the many ingredients required for success. Sport is a way to help us re-instill hard work as a part of the normal regime in the lives of our otherwise unencumbered young people.
Enter the importance of a good coach… not just a coach who’s good with X’s and O’s or who’s all about wins and losses, but a coach minister…a coach who understands the importance of coaching for character and building young people as human beings. Young people need a coach who won’t sacrifice character development for athletic prowess… a coach who actually cares about them – not just his/her legacy.
At the end of the day, life is challenging. Hard work is just a part of what we’ve come to know intimately as “the daily grind.” We may not be working hard in the physical sense, but working effectively with others, having the discipline and focus to keep it all together and somewhere in that microcosm of life finding the patience to be a person for others. Our young people need to know this… they need to be taught this… they need to understand this… the need to embrace this…
Yes, hard work isn’t always fun and it definitely isn’t the coolest thing to do, but it is necessary…VERY necessary.
Thoughts?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Learning to Teach While Teaching Part I: Discipline
Today we discuss the first section of our series on Coaching for Character. Today's topic: DISCIPLINE
As coaches we always say that discipline is important and how we need to be a disciplined team in order to be successful. What is discipline exactly? Merriam-Webster defines discipline as: (1) training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character (2) orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior (3) Self-control
Hmmmm…..from these definitions seems that discipline is a basic form of mental toughness. Not mental toughness in the sense that one is completely oblivious to everything around them, or getting beat to the proverbial pulp, but mental toughness as in staying the course and being focused on one's goal.
Let's even take one step further and consider the root word of discipline which is - DISCIPLE. A disciple is one who "spreads the teachings of another." Wow... that's strong! As coaches we are challenged to teach morals and values as much as the specific techniques required to play our chosen sport. As ministers we are called to glorify the Kingdom of God by our representation both on and off the field.
The best definition of discipline that I can remember was given to me by my life trainer during my brief stay in the NFL – Mack Newton. His quote was simply: “discipline is doing what you should do, when you should do it, whether you like it or not.” I have to admit that immediately I thought the definition was dry and a bit blunt… but then again you would have to know Mack. That said, I took his words of wisdom and made them my personal mantra.
Having played at Notre Dame I thought I understood what it took to work hard and give it my all. What I didn’t understand was how to give more than I had. Mack pushed me far beyond any physical or mental limit that I could have imagined. It was tough…in fact, it actually hurt. The feeling of knowing that I gave everything I could give in an effort to be successful was one of the most rewarding feelings I had ever felt. Physically, mentally and emotional exhausted yet happy to have competed…and that was just the workout!
It’s not always easy to discipline oneself. We all fall a little short of the "excellence" mark from time to time. Discipline in that vein comes from how resilient you are in regaining your composure and continuing on your journey. As I have told my students in the past: “None of us were born with a MANUAL OF LIFE in a little baggie; failure is a part of any success.” We have the power to decide how we handle any given situation in our lives. We may not be able to control what happens to us, but we have total control of how we react to it in moving forward.
As coaches and athletic administrators it's our job to assert discipline in our programs. It's also our responsibility to be sure that our student-athletes understand that through this discipline they are not only learning their sport of choice, but also becoming the best possible version of themselves which will enable them to become productive members of society.
Sounds like a tall order coaches... but then again no one ever said ministry was easy. Discipline: "Doing what you should do when you should do it - whether you like it or not." Well said Mr. Newton - thank you.
As coaches we always say that discipline is important and how we need to be a disciplined team in order to be successful. What is discipline exactly? Merriam-Webster defines discipline as: (1) training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character (2) orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior (3) Self-control
Hmmmm…..from these definitions seems that discipline is a basic form of mental toughness. Not mental toughness in the sense that one is completely oblivious to everything around them, or getting beat to the proverbial pulp, but mental toughness as in staying the course and being focused on one's goal.
Let's even take one step further and consider the root word of discipline which is - DISCIPLE. A disciple is one who "spreads the teachings of another." Wow... that's strong! As coaches we are challenged to teach morals and values as much as the specific techniques required to play our chosen sport. As ministers we are called to glorify the Kingdom of God by our representation both on and off the field.
The best definition of discipline that I can remember was given to me by my life trainer during my brief stay in the NFL – Mack Newton. His quote was simply: “discipline is doing what you should do, when you should do it, whether you like it or not.” I have to admit that immediately I thought the definition was dry and a bit blunt… but then again you would have to know Mack. That said, I took his words of wisdom and made them my personal mantra.
Having played at Notre Dame I thought I understood what it took to work hard and give it my all. What I didn’t understand was how to give more than I had. Mack pushed me far beyond any physical or mental limit that I could have imagined. It was tough…in fact, it actually hurt. The feeling of knowing that I gave everything I could give in an effort to be successful was one of the most rewarding feelings I had ever felt. Physically, mentally and emotional exhausted yet happy to have competed…and that was just the workout!
It’s not always easy to discipline oneself. We all fall a little short of the "excellence" mark from time to time. Discipline in that vein comes from how resilient you are in regaining your composure and continuing on your journey. As I have told my students in the past: “None of us were born with a MANUAL OF LIFE in a little baggie; failure is a part of any success.” We have the power to decide how we handle any given situation in our lives. We may not be able to control what happens to us, but we have total control of how we react to it in moving forward.
As coaches and athletic administrators it's our job to assert discipline in our programs. It's also our responsibility to be sure that our student-athletes understand that through this discipline they are not only learning their sport of choice, but also becoming the best possible version of themselves which will enable them to become productive members of society.
Sounds like a tall order coaches... but then again no one ever said ministry was easy. Discipline: "Doing what you should do when you should do it - whether you like it or not." Well said Mr. Newton - thank you.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Learning to Teach While Teaching Intro
This week I thought we would open with a subject that all parents, athletes and coaches hold near and dear... or at least they should - coaching for character.
What exactly is coaching for character? What does that even mean? How does one go about it? What is character development? Who's responsible? Why is it even important?
There's a whole lot more to sports than just winning... and please don't get me wrong, I don't think any of us wants to lose. Truly, wins and losses are a fundamental part of sports AND life. That said what do you really learn if morals and values aren't taught while teaching?
Huh? What the…?
Yeah, that's right you heard it here first folks; teaching while teaching... as much as we (coaches) are teaching (coaching is nothing more than teaching) young athletes how to execute a specific movement, play or technique we should also be sure to capture those "teachable moments" that will further benefit our young athletes in life. As a matter of fact, that's a huge part of our responsibility as coaches.
Athletes are always looking at how their coaches conduct themselves. ALWAYS - We are responsible for what they see... in other words we must be able to model the very behavior that we expect from them.
The following are a few areas that can be "taught while teaching" in sports...
• Discipline - "Doing what you should do whether you like it or not." -Mack Newton
• Hard work - "No one has ever drowned in a pool of sweat." -Lou Holtz
• Trustworthiness - "Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Humility - "A man wrapped in himself makes a very small bundle." -Ben Franklin
• Positive Attitude - "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -Churchill
• Respect - "Respect yourself and others will respect you." -Confucius
• Passion - "Passion is the genesis of genius." -Anthony Robbins
In the coming weeks we will dive into a seven (7) part blog series about the above character traits as they pertain to athletics as a vehicle to teaching life lessons. I hope you will join the discussion...
Enjoy -
What exactly is coaching for character? What does that even mean? How does one go about it? What is character development? Who's responsible? Why is it even important?
There's a whole lot more to sports than just winning... and please don't get me wrong, I don't think any of us wants to lose. Truly, wins and losses are a fundamental part of sports AND life. That said what do you really learn if morals and values aren't taught while teaching?
Huh? What the…?
Yeah, that's right you heard it here first folks; teaching while teaching... as much as we (coaches) are teaching (coaching is nothing more than teaching) young athletes how to execute a specific movement, play or technique we should also be sure to capture those "teachable moments" that will further benefit our young athletes in life. As a matter of fact, that's a huge part of our responsibility as coaches.
Athletes are always looking at how their coaches conduct themselves. ALWAYS - We are responsible for what they see... in other words we must be able to model the very behavior that we expect from them.
The following are a few areas that can be "taught while teaching" in sports...
• Discipline - "Doing what you should do whether you like it or not." -Mack Newton
• Hard work - "No one has ever drowned in a pool of sweat." -Lou Holtz
• Trustworthiness - "Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Humility - "A man wrapped in himself makes a very small bundle." -Ben Franklin
• Positive Attitude - "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -Churchill
• Respect - "Respect yourself and others will respect you." -Confucius
• Passion - "Passion is the genesis of genius." -Anthony Robbins
In the coming weeks we will dive into a seven (7) part blog series about the above character traits as they pertain to athletics as a vehicle to teaching life lessons. I hope you will join the discussion...
Enjoy -
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Pushing vs. Shoving… Which Would You Prefer?
As parents we always push our children to be better than they believe they can be… that’s part of the job in parenting. We all want to make sure that our kids have a better opportunity to be successful…a better opportunity than we did; but how far is far enough to push? How far is too far to push? At the end of the day maybe we should examine the difference between “pushing” and “shoving.”
When we hear the word “push” we usually think of someone challenging us to go harder and further than we’ve ever gone… kinda like achieving a level that you never thought attainable. Throughout that state of being “pushed” there are usually times when you think that you can’t continue and you’ve gone as far as you can possibly go… completely exhausted… physically, mentally and emotionally. At the same time however, you remain invigorated and determined to achieve the goal or task at hand… fighting tooth and nail to conquer whatever obstacles may lie ahead. Fear isn’t a consideration and at the very root of this journey is the idea that you WANT to be there… You ACCEPT the challenge.
Being “shoved” is more of a violent movement than anything… right? Whenever fights start there’s usually one person who “shoves” the other person causing an immediate emotional outburst of retaliation. When you think about being “shoved” you think about being forced to do something and thrown into an arena that you don’t really care to be in. Fear (we’ve all heard of the acronym associated with F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appearing Real) is a dominant factor which causes “paralysis of analysis.” No action. No movement. No fight. No nada! There’s no interest in the challenge much less the goal or the fight.
Merriam-Webster defines shove as: v. to put in a rough, careless or hasty manner; to move by forcing a way
Does that sound like anyone you know?
Ultimately, we need to be able to rightfully divide a loving “push” from a careless, hasty “shove” as parents. I was told by one of my coaches a long time ago: “the biggest room in the world is room for improvement.” Of course our kids need improvement… they’re kids, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we too live in that same room.
Your feedback is most appreciated...
Oscar McBride
Associate Director
Play Like A Champion Today(TM)
When we hear the word “push” we usually think of someone challenging us to go harder and further than we’ve ever gone… kinda like achieving a level that you never thought attainable. Throughout that state of being “pushed” there are usually times when you think that you can’t continue and you’ve gone as far as you can possibly go… completely exhausted… physically, mentally and emotionally. At the same time however, you remain invigorated and determined to achieve the goal or task at hand… fighting tooth and nail to conquer whatever obstacles may lie ahead. Fear isn’t a consideration and at the very root of this journey is the idea that you WANT to be there… You ACCEPT the challenge.
Being “shoved” is more of a violent movement than anything… right? Whenever fights start there’s usually one person who “shoves” the other person causing an immediate emotional outburst of retaliation. When you think about being “shoved” you think about being forced to do something and thrown into an arena that you don’t really care to be in. Fear (we’ve all heard of the acronym associated with F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appearing Real) is a dominant factor which causes “paralysis of analysis.” No action. No movement. No fight. No nada! There’s no interest in the challenge much less the goal or the fight.
Merriam-Webster defines shove as: v. to put in a rough, careless or hasty manner; to move by forcing a way
Does that sound like anyone you know?
Ultimately, we need to be able to rightfully divide a loving “push” from a careless, hasty “shove” as parents. I was told by one of my coaches a long time ago: “the biggest room in the world is room for improvement.” Of course our kids need improvement… they’re kids, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we too live in that same room.
Your feedback is most appreciated...
Oscar McBride
Associate Director
Play Like A Champion Today(TM)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
High School Rudy Awards - Vote for your Favorite
Twelve high school football players receive belated Christmas gift from Trusted Sports.
Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger announce the top twelve High School Football ‘Rudy’ Award Finalists. $25,000 in college scholarships awarded to final four.
Bend, OR – December 28, 2010 – Santa is coming a little late for twelve inspirational high school football players this year. Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger announced today the top 12 finalists of the second annual High School Football Rudy Awards. Chosen from over 250 nominees, these 12 young men have inspired their teammates, coaches, and communities. Chosen for their ability to inspire others to excellence on and off the gridiron, the finalists come from the four corners of the nation, and across the pacific from Hawaii. Their inspirational stories can be found at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.
“These twelve finalists are amazing! I’d like to meet each and every one of them so I can shake their hand and let them know how much they’ve inspired me,” said Drew Bledsoe, Chairman of the Selection Committee. “Over the Holidays I’ve shared some of their stories with friends and family, and we’re in awe by what these kids have been through. They really honor the soul of the High School Football Rudy Awards which is all about motivating others, and demonstrating immense courage and integrity. Every single one of them is a ‘Rudy’.” Bledsoe heads up the selection committee that includes notable sporting personalities such as Leigh Anne Tuohy, mother of NFL player Michael Oher and inspirational figure of the film The Blind Side; Shaun Alexander, former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP; and NBC Football Sideline Reporter, Andrea Kremer.
The High School Football Rudy Awards top twelve finalists are:
- Chance Anthony of Hardinsburg, Kentucky
- Kamron Clark of Canton, South Dakota
- Kenny Daily of Bend, Oregon
- Tyler Dutruch of Slidell, Louisiana
- Jake Eilers of Breese, Illinois
- Michael Harris of Fort Worth, Texas
- Schuylar Hurd-Johnson of Indianapolis, Indiana
- Reid Layton of Seminole, Texas
- Phillip Madriaga of Aiea, Hawaii
- Cody Rye of Ironwood, Michigan
- Tray Waite of Warren, Ohio
- Kyle Wilcox of Seffner, Florida
The finalists were chosen based on their ability to inspire others, their courage and character, and their commitment to the game while overcoming personal or physical challenges. Known by high school football coaches as the award that honors athletes for the heart they bring to the game as opposed to the stats, the final four scholarship recipients will be named on January 18, 2011. The winner will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship to a college of their choice. Two runners-up in addition to a fan favorite determined by online voting will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. America can vote for their favorite nominee online through January 17th. Since voting began, nominees have tallied more than 1,250,000 votes.
About Trusted Sports
The High School Football Rudy Awards™ are operated in partnership with the Trusted Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity focused on getting and keeping kids in the game. Trusted Sports empowers young athletes to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime.
For information:
Sandy Henderson
Trusted Sports Inc.
www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com LOG IN AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!
Phone: (541) 848 9509
Email: sandy@trustedsports.com
Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger announce the top twelve High School Football ‘Rudy’ Award Finalists. $25,000 in college scholarships awarded to final four.
Bend, OR – December 28, 2010 – Santa is coming a little late for twelve inspirational high school football players this year. Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger announced today the top 12 finalists of the second annual High School Football Rudy Awards. Chosen from over 250 nominees, these 12 young men have inspired their teammates, coaches, and communities. Chosen for their ability to inspire others to excellence on and off the gridiron, the finalists come from the four corners of the nation, and across the pacific from Hawaii. Their inspirational stories can be found at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.
“These twelve finalists are amazing! I’d like to meet each and every one of them so I can shake their hand and let them know how much they’ve inspired me,” said Drew Bledsoe, Chairman of the Selection Committee. “Over the Holidays I’ve shared some of their stories with friends and family, and we’re in awe by what these kids have been through. They really honor the soul of the High School Football Rudy Awards which is all about motivating others, and demonstrating immense courage and integrity. Every single one of them is a ‘Rudy’.” Bledsoe heads up the selection committee that includes notable sporting personalities such as Leigh Anne Tuohy, mother of NFL player Michael Oher and inspirational figure of the film The Blind Side; Shaun Alexander, former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP; and NBC Football Sideline Reporter, Andrea Kremer.
The High School Football Rudy Awards top twelve finalists are:
- Chance Anthony of Hardinsburg, Kentucky
- Kamron Clark of Canton, South Dakota
- Kenny Daily of Bend, Oregon
- Tyler Dutruch of Slidell, Louisiana
- Jake Eilers of Breese, Illinois
- Michael Harris of Fort Worth, Texas
- Schuylar Hurd-Johnson of Indianapolis, Indiana
- Reid Layton of Seminole, Texas
- Phillip Madriaga of Aiea, Hawaii
- Cody Rye of Ironwood, Michigan
- Tray Waite of Warren, Ohio
- Kyle Wilcox of Seffner, Florida
The finalists were chosen based on their ability to inspire others, their courage and character, and their commitment to the game while overcoming personal or physical challenges. Known by high school football coaches as the award that honors athletes for the heart they bring to the game as opposed to the stats, the final four scholarship recipients will be named on January 18, 2011. The winner will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship to a college of their choice. Two runners-up in addition to a fan favorite determined by online voting will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. America can vote for their favorite nominee online through January 17th. Since voting began, nominees have tallied more than 1,250,000 votes.
About Trusted Sports
The High School Football Rudy Awards™ are operated in partnership with the Trusted Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity focused on getting and keeping kids in the game. Trusted Sports empowers young athletes to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime.
For information:
Sandy Henderson
Trusted Sports Inc.
www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com LOG IN AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!
Phone: (541) 848 9509
Email: sandy@trustedsports.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
On September 27, 1992, a milestone-in-the-making began. In a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay Packers decided to start relatively green quarterback Brett Favre. On this day, the greatest iron man streak in sports history began. On Monday, December 13, 2010, that streak ended at 297 consecutive regular season starts (321 if postseason games are considered). In an already tough sport, Brett Favre stands as the toughest player of them all.
In recent years, the former golden boy of Green Bay’s image has been tarnished, with three near-retirements and a scandal from his days playing for the New York Jets, but those who have remained faithful supporters of him do so all for the same reason: when he is in his element, Brett Favre is electrifying to watch.
Over the course of his career, Favre has seen more than his share of tragic adversity. After the death of his father in December 2003, Favre decided to start in a Monday Night Football game against the Oakland Raiders. In this game, Favre was incredible. He threw four touchdown passes for 399 yards and earned a passer rating of 154.9 (3.4 points from perfect). In 2004, his brother-in-law was killed in an accident, and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Favre led the Packers to a 10-6 finish that season, earning a playoff berth.
Of course, in the public eye, this does little to justify his behavior off the field in the past three years. However, is it fair to criticize Favre so freely? Are we merely tearing him down so far because we’ve built him up so high? Brett Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks to play professional football, and he is one of the toughest athletes of all time. Should we not applaud his achievements? His alleged cell phone scandal not included, can we not forgive his indecision regarding retirement? For the past 20 years, Favre has only known football. It is his passion. Years of physical injury led him to believe on more than one occasion that he may not physically be able to play anymore, so he has been faced, on more than one occasion, with the decision to give up his passion. Would any of us be better in making that decision? I think not.
Brett Favre loves football. He has given his life to it, sacrificed his physical health. He turns to it when times are good, and when times have never been worse. All of us should be proud to have that level of dedication and love present in the arena of professional athletics, for it is the same level that we value in youth sports that often fades in the transition from collegiate to professional ranks.
Anthony Conklin, ND 2011
Blog Article
Social Foundations of Coaching Class
In recent years, the former golden boy of Green Bay’s image has been tarnished, with three near-retirements and a scandal from his days playing for the New York Jets, but those who have remained faithful supporters of him do so all for the same reason: when he is in his element, Brett Favre is electrifying to watch.
Over the course of his career, Favre has seen more than his share of tragic adversity. After the death of his father in December 2003, Favre decided to start in a Monday Night Football game against the Oakland Raiders. In this game, Favre was incredible. He threw four touchdown passes for 399 yards and earned a passer rating of 154.9 (3.4 points from perfect). In 2004, his brother-in-law was killed in an accident, and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Favre led the Packers to a 10-6 finish that season, earning a playoff berth.
Of course, in the public eye, this does little to justify his behavior off the field in the past three years. However, is it fair to criticize Favre so freely? Are we merely tearing him down so far because we’ve built him up so high? Brett Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks to play professional football, and he is one of the toughest athletes of all time. Should we not applaud his achievements? His alleged cell phone scandal not included, can we not forgive his indecision regarding retirement? For the past 20 years, Favre has only known football. It is his passion. Years of physical injury led him to believe on more than one occasion that he may not physically be able to play anymore, so he has been faced, on more than one occasion, with the decision to give up his passion. Would any of us be better in making that decision? I think not.
Brett Favre loves football. He has given his life to it, sacrificed his physical health. He turns to it when times are good, and when times have never been worse. All of us should be proud to have that level of dedication and love present in the arena of professional athletics, for it is the same level that we value in youth sports that often fades in the transition from collegiate to professional ranks.
Anthony Conklin, ND 2011
Blog Article
Social Foundations of Coaching Class
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