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“Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It’s a state of mind – you could call it character in action.”–Vince Lombardi
Character is a word that is sometimes hard to find when you watch the NBA players of today. Selfish, attitudes, and drama are more familiar words that sell more tickets. Well, this has caused a generation of children that believe that’s how we are suppose to behave during athletic events. You can watch YouTube of teams fighting at games, or yelling at coaches, parents acting out towards referees and etc. This behavior is entertaining to our children? Players believe this is okay, but why?
As a coach of female athletes we have several other aspects to handle than just basketball plays. Some coaches hate all the “other” duties but not me, I love coaching females. I want to teach more than basketball plays and defenses. I want to teach these players how to get tougher mentally. To be down in a game and learn to fight back, not with your fist but with your skill. I want them to understand the best way to win is to not have an eye for an eye attitude, but a rise above win/lose with dignity and honor. At the end of day are you proud of your effort? Did you give it your all? Were you selfish, have an attitude or blame others? The answers to these questions determine what kind of character you have.
Character is defined as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual”. My players at Hunt have had their character challenged this season in a few games. Some we came out victorious and some we did not. But know that I am aware and I am working diligently to change this “NBA” mindset. But I need your help as fans, parents or players to help me by modeling strong positive character. Here are a few things I would like to share that I am always telling myself, my athletes, my students, and sometimes my own child:
Celebrate the good, not dwell on the bad.
Always support the team by positive encouragement.
Take ownership of your actions do not blame others.
Learn to “Let it Go”
Everything said aloud is heard by someone.
Basketball is a team sport. Statistics are more than points.
Defense wins championships.
Just because someone else does it, does not mean it is okay.
No one is perfect. People make mistakes.
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