July/August 2019 - 17

USING BOOKS,
QUOTES INSPIRES
PLAYERS
By Kevin Weigand, contributing writer
We all look for ways to motivate ourselves and our players.
Each player and team is different from the rest, so we must
figure out what works best for each given circumstance.
One thing that we've done with our players is to
use motivational quotes and articles. We stress to our
players that everything we share has application beyond
basketball. In fact, we often ask our players to explain
how the quotes and readings can be applied to things
away from the basketball court. A great benefit to this
is that it actively promotes reading and reinforces the
reading comprehension that takes place in the classroom.
What we discovered is that players will open up and
share from their personal experiences when a particular
reading or quote applies to them. Players also have been
able to explain how the message presented can benefit
the team going forward, or how it can be applied to a
situation that we have encountered. For example, we
read a short story titled " Sink or Swim. " While the main
idea was how an individual had to fight for his life in the
ocean, we were able to create a great conversation about
how the notion of " sink or swim " could apply to our
situation in the postseason. We were able to do the same
with their academics.
On another day, we read a story titled " Labor Day. " This
prompted an insightful discussion about why we need to
work to get ahead and surpass the competition, even if that
work comes at times when we may not want to do it. Players
have been able to take keywords or phrases from these
readings, such as " finish " or " always compete. " Players also
volunteer to read aloud during these discussions.
Readings used
While we have used readings from a variety of sources,
Todd Durkin's " The Wow Book " has proven invaluable to
our program. This book is broken down into 52 " wows, "
with each one covering three to four pages. We also have
used " Winning State Girls Basketball, " and the poems
" The Dash " and " Always Compete. " Our team has taken
readings from various John Wooden books and Carli
Lloyd's book, " When Nobody was Watching. " We've also
read Elena Delle Donne's book, " My Shot. "
With each reading, we provide copies for the players to
have and share with others. The readings chosen are based
on what the coaching staff has selected. We make sure that
the readings have practical application to what we might
encounter both on and off the court. If we enjoy a particular
author, and they have additional published work we have not
read, we will try to obtain a copy of the book or article.
Readings typically take place at the end of practice and
last about 10 minutes. We find that doing these readings
at the end of practice can send players home on a positive
note. We also feel like they are given food for thought as
they prepare for an upcoming practice or game.
There were a couple instances when we did short
readings - about two to three minutes - in the locker
room before a game. These were poems that we felt would
provide added motivation as we prepared to take on a
high-quality opponent.
Quotes used
Here are just a few quotes we've used that coaches
might find helpful with their own players.
* " Finish " - Anonymous
* " Excellence is an everyday decision " - Anonymous
* " Fatigue makes cowards of us all " - Vince Lombardi
* " Empty the tank " - Carli Lloyd
* " There is always another level " - Todd Durkin
* " Intensity is to do something with a purpose "
- Lou Holtz
* " Expect nothing and appreciate everything "
- Anonymous
* " Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. Right
is right, even if nobody is doing it " - William Penn
* " Hard work puts you where good luck can find you "
- Anonymous
* " Nothing changes if nothing changes " - Anonymous
We often use these quotes during preseason conditioning,
and they're always written on a dry erase board. When
the quotes are read, players are asked to provide an
interpretation of what they mean and how they can apply it
to the workout. We believe the quotes can provide an added
stimulus to get players ready for the workout, particularly
on days when they may not feel up to the task. By seeing
quotes from famous athletes, they learn that all athletes
must endure rigorous conditioning to be successful.
Our philosophy at Cape Coral High School has been
to teach our players about life as much as possible. We
understand that the season is long, and we all need that
extra push at times to stay motivated and give an extra
effort. Using motivational quotes and readings have helped
us provide an added resource to teach our players both on
and off the court. It's always rewarding to hear players yell
out " finish! " during a drill, because it helps us understand
that they know how to apply these lessons. We hope they
also find these teachings applicable to their studies.
Kevin Weigand is the assistant girls basketball coach at
Cape Coral High School in Florida.
WINNINGHOOPS.COM 15
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July/August 2019

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