COACH SUMMITT ON TEAMWORK AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS

In honor of Coach Pat Summitt's birthday, here are a few of our favorite blog posts on Coach:

Great Thoughts On Teamwork from Pat Summitt
This came via Greg Brown's book "The Best Things I've Seen In Coaching."

Ultimate Coaches Clinic: Pat Summitt
A great list of philosophical thoughts from Coach Summitt comprised by Pat Williams.

Coach Summitt on Mental Toughness
An excerpt from her book "Reach for the Summit"

THE ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: BOBBY BOWDEN

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Bobby Bowden:

I think the big thing that I learned in the last 27 years is that when you begin to build a program, you begin to build a reputation. When you talk to kids and say, “Son, this is what I’m going to do,” well, he’s going to determine whether “This guy’s a liar or this guy always does what he says he’s going to do.” And so you establish a reputation.
 

There’s a debate among coaches about what motivates you more, the determination to win or the fear of losing. I say, I’ve got to win because I’m so afraid of losing. I hate that feeling of losing so much I’ll do just about anything to escape it.

 

I tell my coaches when they look at my list of requirements every year, the first thing I’ve got is loyalty. We’re gonna be loyal to each other. I’m gonna defend you. You’re gonna have to defend me. It starts there with loyalty.

 

You can take all the X’s and O’s and the fancy formations and the hidden defenses, but if you don’t block and tackle better than the people you’re playing, you’ll lose.

 

Some coaches are just teachers. Some are mainly motivators. The best coach has a blend of both. It’s hard to find those who are good at both teaching and coaching.

 

I tell my players, “If I have faith, trust, and commitment, then we’re gonna win a heckuva lot of games. I think God is looking for the same ingredients in each of us: faith, trust, and commitment.”

 

I believe in discipline and enthusiasm in everything you do in life, and you coach what you believe. If we can be enthusiastic in the little things we do, it will carry over to a winning season.

 

If you put two teams on the field on any given day, one with great physical ability and the other with less physical ability but great motivation, the team with the greater physical ability will win almost every time. But if you have two teams equally matched in ability, that’s what the hard work, discipline, and motivation can make the difference.

 

Never be too proud to change.

 

You are never any better than your next game.

 

It’s more important to build character in young men than to win the national championship.

 

You’ve got to risk losing to keep on winning. There’s just no way around it. To win constantly, you’ve got to put yourself in a position where you’re liable to lose.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JERRY WEST

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Jerry West:

1. You work with people. You don’t manage them. Different people need to be treated in different ways. Learn all of their personalities. Use a gentle approach.

 

2. Don’t use emails, because they’re too impersonal. Verbal communication is extremely important.

 

3. Read all the time from biographies, self-help books, and books on leadership.

 

4. Get some good mentors who are older then you and are bright, wise, and have been around. Don’t go to people who will tell you what you want to hear.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JOE GIBBS

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Joe Gibbs:

• Once you have a plan, you must sell it to the players. It is not enough to put it on the blackboard and say, “Okay, here it is.” You have to convince the players that the plan is a good one and show them, in specific ways, why it will work. If you do, you send them out to the practice field with more confidence.

• As you are in private, so you will be in public. Given enough time, the public and private persons always merge.

• People will respect you more, not less, when you take a stand for what is good and right and live consistently according to your moral values.

• If you are loyal to your people, they will give you 120 percent effort.

• The best way to bring out the best in people on your team is to lead by example.

• Understand that real success is achieved through a team effort.

• I think having a relationship is important—being able to talk to guys, having a real concern for them and their future. To me, that’s the best approach. Players seem to feel that your job as a coach is to help them to be the best they can be. So, I think having a personal interest in them is crucial, and the way you show that is crucial.

• Look for players with character and ability. But remember, character comes first.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: KAY YOW

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from one of my heroes -- Kay Yow.


• Your attitude is the key. Keep up your enthusiasm and optimism through the tough times.

• Never criticize your players publicly.

• Preparation and hard work are important.

• Deal with your players with love and truth. That is how you win their confidence.

• Help your players believe in themselves. Without confidence, people can’t perform.

• Nobody follows a leader with just words. They hear it, but they must see it too. Then you’re in business. The leader sets the tone. A leader is a role model.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: PAT RILEY

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Pat Riley.

• Impart the difference between belief and trust. Trust transcends belief. Your players must know what you are reliable and can help get them to where they want to go.

• This is what happens whenever people on a team decide not to trust: Everyone will gear down their effort until they’re doing just enough to get by. They want, subconsciously, to enroll everyone else in their cycle of disappointment.

• Complacency is the last hurdle any winner, any team must overcome before attaining potential greatness. Complacency is the success disease; it takes root when you’re feeling good about who you are and what you’ve achieved.

• Coaching is overrated; leadership is not.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: BILLY MARTIN

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Billy Martin.

• Teach the fundamentals of baseball, do the fundamentals right, and everything will fall into place for you.

• Winning is the whole idea, sure; and that’s what I’m trying to do. But the enjoyment comes from the things I put in it, the teaching, the problem solving, and the answer to challenges. The victory at the end is only the proof that you’ve succeeded, and nobody can take that away from you once you’ve won. But the fun and the rewards are in what you do getting there.

• Managing is teaching, first of all. That’s even more important than winning itself. When you get a player whose potential you can see, and show him things that can make him better, and show him the things that can make him win, and then you can see him later realizing those things—it’s like a graduation. It makes you feel satisfied even if he’s no longer your player.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JIM VALVANO

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Jim Valvano:

• Pay attention to every day. Stop worrying about all that other stuff and start paying attention to the stuff that really matters. Live each day to the fullest.

• Nothing has ever been accomplished in any walk of life without enthusiasm, without motivation, and without perseverance.

• I can’t guarantee that if you work hard you’ll be successful, but I can guarantee that if you don’t work hard, you will not be successful.

• It took me 10 years to understand the relationship between work and success. I thought if you work hard, you succeed. That’s wrong. Everyone is working hard. The truth is, if you don’t work hard, you won’t be successful. If you do, you just improve your chances. Understanding this helps you deal with failure. I’m not saying each one of us has the world in his hands. There is going to be a lot of failure. But failure is essential to success.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: TONY LARUSSA

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. It is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Tony LaRussa:

• It is always about the players, not you. Every thought, every day must be about helping them get better.

• There is no problem that you will ever face that does not have a solution. It is your job to keep working until you come up with an answer. Don’t give up.

• Stay ahead of situations, which will help slow the game down. You must stay on top of every issue during the game.

• Take everything personally. You are responsible, so be accountable to yourself. Manage in such a way that you will have no regrets.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JOE TORRE

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Joe Torre:

• I do love the feeling of a big win. But you don’t have to have a World Series ring to be a winner. A winner is somebody who goes out there every day and exhausts himself trying to get something accomplished. Being able to get the most from their ability. That’s what characterizes a winner.

• Every employee must feel useful. In order to build teamwork, you must acknowledge each individual’s worth, letting him know that his role, no matter how seemingly minor, is a vital cog in the team’s efforts. When you grant your stars, your role players, and everyone in between the same level of attention, you lay the groundwork for an unselfish team spirit, one where everyone belongs.

• In any organization, it’s the manager’s responsibility to set a respectful tone from the top. If you treat employees with regard, you’re teaching them, by example, to treat one another with regard. This is crucial, because disrespect breeds divisiveness on any team. Whether you’re in a super-competitive business or in team sports, winning is tough enough when you’re all pulling together. When you’re pulling apart, you have no chance.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: THAD MATTA

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Thad Matta:

• Don’t be afraid to let your players know how much you care about them.

• Your number one goal is to help your players get what they want in life and in athletics.

• Create a family atmosphere with care and trust.

• Players must know that the better the team does, the better the individual does

ULTIMATE COACHES CLINIC: BOB KNIGHT

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Bob Knight:

• The best teachers I have known are intolerant people, because they want to get the students to be better than the students ever thought they could be. I have always said that players will accept and be satisfied with whatever the coach tolerates.

• I have one training rule: If you do anything in any way, whenever or wherever, that I think is detrimental to the good of this basketball team, to the school, or to yourself, I’ll handle it as I see fit.

• I’d like to be respected as a coach, but I’m not concerned about being liked. If you worry about whether people like you or not, you can never make tough decisions correctly.

• Be enthusiastically critical. You can do something wrong enthusiastically and it can turn out right.

• You can’t stay with big wins. You can’t be thinking of the last game when the next game is coming up. Get away from games you win and into the next game right away.

• Winning is basically eliminating why you lose. You can make all kinds of great plays and still get beat if you don’t eliminate the ways you could lose.

• The team that’s willing to prepare to win is going to be the team that wins. Most everybody plans to win, but preparing to win is the most important thing in successful play.

• Basketball is a game that can be played many different ways. There are a wide variety of approached to defense and all kinds of things a coach can choose to do on the offensive end of the floor. However, there are two things that really stand out, in my mind, as essential for a coach to get his team to do if it is going to be successful over the long haul of the season. These two ingredients are getting players to play as hard as they can, each possession of the game at both ends of the floor, and doing it as intelligently as possible. I simply try to tell our players that they have to play hard and they have to play smart if we’re going to win. I also tell them that my definition of playing hard carries with it a much higher standard then their own definitions would have. Getting players to match my definition of playing hard, as a coach, is probably the single most difficult skill there is in teaching the game of basketball. With today’s athlete, I think being able to demand their best in thought and performance is more important than ever.

• There are three phases of the game where playing hard or not doing so is most noticeable. They are rebounding at both ends of the floor, playing defense, and running the floor to the offensive as well as the defensive end. I always felt that, left on their own, players want to play the game as comfortably as they possibly can. That is why, to be successful, a coach must have much higher standards in regard to playing hard than the players may think is possible. Playing hard seems to be a very simple thing, but it is not and that goes back to the comfort level that the players themselves basically want throughout the game.

• Do what’s right and do what you think you have to do, and don’t worry about what somebody says. That would be about as simply put as my philosophy could be.

ULTIMATE COACHES CLINIC: DEAN SMITH

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Dean Smith:

1. Building a team takes patience and planning. There are no shortcuts. Repeat drills until good habits are established.

2. Reward unselfish behavior, and profusely praise those acts you want to see repeated.

3. Play hard; play together; play smart.

4. Spell out the importance of team play. One man who fails to do his job unselfishly can undermine the efforts of the four other players on the court. Team goals supersede individual goals. Team success makes each individual stronger.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Marty Schottenheimer:

Treat your players in a way they can maintain their dignity.

Tell them what you know. Don’t try to fool them because they will sense it.

There are three ingredients to team chemistry:
.......... --Trust in one another.
.......... --Have a common cause.
.......... --Build respect for each other’s role on the team.

Teach them how you want it done. Create an environment where they can learn.

............

Winning is not hard, but the will to prepare to win is hard.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JEFF VAN GUNDY

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Jeff Van Gundy:

• The players don’t care if you are short or tall, black or white, a former player or not, all they care about is whether you can help them.

• When I was 29 and an assistant with the Knicks, Pat Riley told me I could be a head coach in the NBA. Then Pat said, “Remember these four things, and you can lead anyone:”

......Competence—know your stuff.
......Sincerity
......Reliability
......Trustworthiness

• John Wooden and Dean Smith were right. Focus on the process and not the result. That is how you get better. The more you talk about winning, the less winning you do.

• Don’t accept in victory what you won’t accept in defeat. You can’t overlook mistakes when you win a game, because they will come back to haunt you later.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES CLINIC: LARRY BROWN

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Larry Brown:

•Know the difference between coaching and criticism. That is the only way to develop trust with your players.

•Believe strongly in what you think is right and then be relentless about it. Never let them slack off.

•If you ask a player to do something, you’d better make sure he is capable of doing it.

................
•Bobby Jones used to tell me, “Coach, you always think I’m better than I am.” I hate to lower the bar. Set standards that are high and hold to them.

•Don’t focus on what guys can’t do. Focus on what they can do. Don’t be negative.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES CLINIC: TOMMY LASORDA

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Tommy Lasorda (Former Los Angeles Dodgers):

Einstein once said that an ounce of loyalty is worth more than a pound of knowledge. I believe that. Give me loyal people and I’ll beat you. I think loyalty is very, very important in our lives.

A guy asked me one time, what are the number one qualities that a manager or a leader should have? It was very difficult to put it down into a certain category. But I went to church and I heard the priest give a sermon. He talked about Solomon, who was the paragon of truth, and he was pleasing to the Lord. And the Lord said to Solomon, “I want to give you anything you want.” And Solomon said, “The greatest gift that you can give me, Lord, is an understanding heart.” And I think that’s what every manager or coach needs, and understanding heart, because when a player doesn’t do well, the manager or coach has got to understand how that player feels. That player probably feels worse than anybody, and that manager or coach has to understand that.

When we lose, the most important things is that when I walk into the clubhouse the nest day, no matter how dejected or tired or depressed I might be, I have to put on a new face. I have to put on a winning face. I have to put on an enthusiastic face. I’ve got to put on a self-confident face, because if I walk into the clubhouse dejected, tired, and depressed, the attitude and the atmosphere of the clubhouse and the club is going to be that way. But if I go in with enthusiasm and self-confidence, all of those things are contagious, and I can help spread them.

ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: GEORGE HALAS

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from George Halas (Former Chicago Bears Head Coach):

Each player is an individual and must be treated accordingly. Sometimes that turns one man on and will turn another off. You must sense what makes a person go.

The strength and character of the personnel determines the strength and success of the team.

The team that has the greatest desire to win will win if the two teams are evenly matched.

Usually the desire comes from a certain amount of pride in excelling in playing the game.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.

At least 80 percent of the success of the football team is determined by the fight and spirit that they put into their play.

Every player should know every play precisely, exactly, immediately, and without the slightest doubt as to how it should be executed.

Before it is possible to achieve anything, an objective must be set. You need a purpose, an objective toward which to work. You can achieve only that which you will do.

Every organization must have leadership in the area of captains, players, and coaches.What makes a good coach? Complete dedication.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES' CLINIC: JIM LEYLAND

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Detroit Tiger's manager Jim Leyland:

1. Be a dynamic listener. During the casual baseball talk with the veterans, listen and take it all in. Don't say much. Take what you like and use it and discard the rest.

2. If a manager wasn't a good player, he can get a complex and do a lot of big talking. Don't let them know how much you know. Go about your business and do a lot of listening.

3. You will have some prospects, but more suspects. Make all of them feel like a part of the team. Don't give special attention to the prospects only. That's the way you mold a team.

4. Baseball is a basic game of 27 outs and nine innings. Don't get hung up on how smart you are. Don't worry about the other team and managing against the other manager. You have no control over his team. Worry about your own team.

5. Be interested in your players as human beings. Develop a relationship with them and in the process you'll learn a lot about them. Keep one eye and one ear open and eye and one ear closed. You'll find our whatever you want to know that way, but don't go looking for a bunch of garbage either.

6. Be yourself, work hard, keep your nose clean, and don't blow your own horn.

THE ULTIMATE COACHES CLINIC: CLARENCE "BIG HOUSE" GAINES

In 2008, Pat Williams, the GM of the Orlando Magic and a tremendous motivational speaker put out a book, "The Ultimate Coaches' Clinic." It is a fascinating book because of the style Pat utilized. He surveyed over 1000 coaches and administrators for insights to what is important to successfully do their job. From time to time I will share a few but it is a great book to own and I highly recommend it. Here are some thoughts from Hall of Famer Clarence "Big House" Gaines. It is easy to see from his thought below why he was so beloved by his playeers:

1. Your players are not just athletes, but also young men you are training for productive lives. You are their coach, father, counselor, cheerleader and disciplinarian.

2. Keep the emphasis on academics and getting a college degree. Athletic careers will end quickly, but life goes on for a long time. That degree will unlock a lot of doors in the future.

3. Don't isolate the players from the rest of the campus life. Encourage your players to get involved in many different areas of the community.

4. Players can get in trouble all over the place. Never stop warning them about avoiding dangerous areas and making wise personal decisions.