Basketball: The Don Meyer Way

Got to give a shout out to Terry Fowler Head Womens Basketball Coach at the University of North Alabama.  I borrowed this DVD for him and gained more knowledge into the mind of Coach Don Meyer.  Coach Meyer did a unbelievable job building programs and developing great young men.  If you havent seen this DVD its worth taking the time to watch.  The following comes from the very end after a win Coach Meyer gave this handout to his team:

When victory is achieved, that feeling can be overwhelming.  Keep your common sense about you and be gracious.  Silence is often the best tactic after you win.  If you must talk, praise your opponent and praise your teammates.  Never praise yourself.

Why do so many athletes feel the need to tell everyone what happened-how they won, how well they performed?  If you win, if you are good, people will see it.  They will know without you telling them.  Your job is to perform, not report.

Self praise is for losers.  Be a winner.  Stand for something.  Always have class and be humble.

The most important thing to do after winning is to get right back to work.  Winning can actually become a negative if you become satisfied with yourself.  Even in victory be critical.  Look for mistakes you might have made.  Never be completely satisfied always search for ways to improve.

My biggest guard is against becoming to satisfied when we win.  There are many times when you have to put the joy of winning behind you and look ahead to what really is uncertainty.

John Madden