This comes from my Icebox Athlete email newsletter today. I'm a really big believer in this concept. Players are very stat conscious so why not create a stat that targets area of important to you system and style of play? Email me at rstarke@lsu.edu if you are interested in our stat package. Here's what Icebox has to say:
Statistics are kept for almost every facet of the game; from metrics on quickness, agility, assist to turnover ratios, points, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, steals, and the list goes on. Many smart coaches also track the mental toughness traits of their team during the pre-season and also in-season. As is commonly said, "mental toughness does not guarantee you a championship, but a lack of mental toughness is guaranteed to lose you a championship."
The Metrics
So what are some of the mental toughness variables that should be tracked? The following four areas of mental toughness are an excellent gauge of the mental makeup of any team:
1) Ability to sustain intensity
2) Commitment to excellence/passion for the game
3) Clutch poise/Clutch confidence
4) Ability to execute game strategy - regardless of opponent.
A great exercise for any team is for the coach to rate each player on each facet of mental toughness on a 1 - 10 scale, and then rate the entire team on the same scale. Players should also rate themselves, and the coach should set some collective goals for improvement. This exercise should be repeated multiple times throughout the season.
Learn more: http://www.iceboxathlete.com/
