Wooden's Seven Point Creed

John Wooden's Seven Point Creed, given to him by his father Joshua upon his graduation from grammar school.

1-Be true to yourself.
2-Make each day your masterpiece.
3-Help others.
4-Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5-Make friendship a fine art.
6-Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7-Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

Application of these principals will lead to success in any aspect of leadership. As Wooden put it:
"Good leaders are positive.....and young people need positive models not critics"

Thanks Coach.

John Wooden's Leadership Quotes

1)"Good coaching is based purely in leadership... a positive example... and instilling respect in your players."
2)"Knowledge is not enough to get desired results. You must have the more elusive ability to teach and to motivate. This defines a leader; if you can't teach and you can't motivate, you can't lead."
3)"You must have respect, which is a part of love, for those under your supervision. Then they will do what you ask and more."
4)"Motivating through fear may work in the short term to get people to do something, but over the long run I believe personal pride is a much greater motivator. It produces far better results that last for a much longer time."
5)"Young people need models, not critics."
6)"Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
7)"Ability will get you to the top, character will keep you there."

2009 National Coaches Clinic

The 10th Annual Southern California All-Sports Clinic will be held January 23-25, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, 18800 Jamboree Road, Irvine, California. Over 75 exhibitors along with an outstanding collection of speakers from the Professional, College and High School ranks presenting valuable information to help improve your programs.
For more information or to register for the clinic call Bob Gaughran at 1-949-646-4241 or go on line at
http://www.NationalCoachesClinic.com

Chase Utley

Former standout UCLA infielder Chase Utley helped the Philadelphia Phillies win the 2008 World Series on Wednesday evening at Citizens Bank Park, as the Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3, to capture their second title in franchise history and first since 1980.
Utley, who starred at UCLA from 1998-2000, played a major role in the Phillies' success during the regular season and through postseason play. The former UCLA infielder keyed Philadelphia's World Series triumph in Game 1, belting a two-run homer to hand the Phillies a 2-0 lead in an eventual 3-2 victory. Utley finished the five-game, best-of-seven series with two home runs and four RBI. Utley's defense was exceptional the entire series especially in game 5 on the play at home plate.

Utley becomes the 12th former UCLA baseball player to have led his major league ball club to the World Series title. Prior to Utley, Dave Roberts was the most recent former UCLA ball player to have led his ball club to the World Series title. In October 2004, Roberts guided the Boston Red Sox to the championship, snapping Boston's 86-year drought without a World Series title.

Only two other former UCLA ballplayers - Chris Chambliss and Jeff Conine - have been a part of multiple World Series championship teams. Chambliss led the Yankees to the 1977 and 1978 World Series titles after having appeared in the 1976 World Series. Conine helped carry the Florida Marlins to the World Series titles in the franchise's only two Fall Classic appearances (1997, 2003).

Off Season Baseball

With so many opportunities for a High School Baseball Team to play in the off season, coaches should count the cost carefully. Some fall leagues have multiple sites, with numerous teams, that play a 25 game schedule. Now, add a short winter league schedule of 10 to 12 games to that and the off season schedule totalls 35 to 37 games.

Additionally, some individual players also play Club Ball in the fall and winter which could add any number of games to an already taxing off season. By the time the spring season of 20 to 25 games is completed, a high school baseball player could have played 55-60 games rolling into the summer league schedule of an additional 15 to 20 games.

This may explain why Orthopedic Doctors and Rehab Centers are so busy during a recession. The prevailing philosophy of some coaches, that more is better, seems to fit well with the medical profession but not well with High School Baseball. More is not better, it's just more. More opportunity to wear down, get hurt, loose excitement for the game, get behind in school work and less time for fundamental development, strength, endurance and rehab.

Most high school kids are still growing and developing into their man bodies. To place the demands, of what amounts to a short season of minor league baseball (70-75 games) on them is not healthy nor profitable. In fact, it often pays deminishing returns. Yes I am an old school guy, but I am also someone who understands the value of moderation and development.

What Makes a Model Coach?

The CIF believes a model coach is someone who consciously Teaches, Enforces, Advocates and Models the Six Pillars of Character ideals found in, "Pursuing Victory with Honor."

The six ways to be a model coach are:

1)Remembering everything you say or do makes an impression on kids. What they don’t see they often sense. Kids are sharp they pick up on truth.
2)Remembering your measure of character is how you act when you think no one’s looking. You would be surprised what kids know, hear about, and discover by accident. Behavior speaks louder and more persuasively than anything you can say.
3)Keep in mind only a fraction of young people will play sports beyond high school, but most will become parents, employees, and citizens. By building their character, you’ll give them and the rest of society a permanent gift.
4)Enforce the rules on everyone. Treat everyone the same because young people are especially vigilant for unfairness and hypocrisy.
5)Remember, when the game is on the line, so is integrity.
6)If your are not sure how to handle a situation, ask yourself: Do I want my character judged on this decision?

For more information you can visit http://www.charactercounts.org .

CIF Coaching Education Program

All Coaches, paid or unpaid, must be certified in Coaches Education by December 31, 2008. Coaches can now become certified online for $52 or in a classroom setting by one of California's Instructors.

Click the links below for more information.
About CIF Coaching Education Program
CIF/NFHS Online Coaching Education Course ($52 PER COACH)
CIF/NFHS Instructor Training Fall 2008 Northern and Southern California Dates

CIF-SS ASSOCIATION RULE ELIMINATED

For the first time in 32 years the CIF Southern Section eliminated the out-of-season restrictions on coaches working with their student-athletes. In a 41-37 vote of the CIF Southern Section Council, Rule 313 of the CIF Southern Section Constitution and By-Laws (otherwise known as the “Bluebook”) was eliminated from the by-laws July 1, 2008.

Rule 313, otherwise referred to as the “Association Rule” read:
During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual’s or team’s last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a CIF Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport. (Note: Before and after-school practice is authorized in all sports from May 12, 2008 until the close of school, maximum 15 days.)

The rule, in effect, eliminated any type of contact between an individual sports coach and a student-athlete in that sport during the school year and outside of the season of sport except for one hour. The responsibility will now rest with," individual schools," on how much contact a coach and student-athlete can have during the school year.

How much contact is healthy? When should a school say, "You program is too demanding in the off season. You need to cut it back." Is burn out a possibility? Only time will tell.

California Rehab and Sports Therapy

California Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy specializes in:
1) Post injury/surgical rehabilitation (return to activity)
2) Plyometric and power development,
3) Injury prevention and
4) Performance enhancement (sport specific training)

The performance enhancement program known as, The Next Level, focuses on sport performance and overall fitness. This training is designed to meet specific demands and movement patterns, that athletes use in their sport, to improve performance and confidence.
Training involves both inside / outside activities - Free Weights - Swiss Balls - Medicine Balls - Cardio Machines - Ladders - Sport Cords - Parachutes - Jumping mats - BOSU Trainer and more.

Their staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, with facilities located in Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Help is one click away at: http://www.calrehab.com/.

Baseball's Stages of Development

Stage 1
Tee Ball -Coach Pitch - Kid Pitch - Minor/Majors
Stage 2
Pony League - High School - American Legion - Scout Ball
Stage 3
Connie Mack - Jr. College - NAIA - NCAA
Stage 4
Independent Ball - Minor Leagues - Major Leagues

In Baseball, as in life, there are many stages of development. Maturity in either one takes time, patience, guidance and support. Just as adults understand that stages of maturity are not always reached at the same time, so youth coaches should also understand that skill development follows a similar pattern. Yet - put a 10 year old, in a uniform, on the field and keep score, it is unbelievable how both coaches and adults will react. It ranges from bragging to cursing, especially at the club level.

The ‘Big Picture” in baseball, as in life, should be viewed as following a natural progression based on the interest and drive of the individual athlete. Some players will progress early and struggle later, once others catch up maturity wise. While some will start out slow, struggle and then, (if they stay with it and are not run off) bloom into a tough, skilled athlete. However, patience, guidance and support, are needed in both scenarios along the way.

As parents, coaches and adult role models, the best example one can give any young person is the freedom to progress at their own rate. Remember, the shoe that fits one person, pinches another. There is no recipe for development that suits all cases. So relax and enjoy the game. There will be plenty of time for development along the way.

College Players taking over Draft

Changes in draft-and-follow rules are altering clubs' strategies. Tim Beckham became the top selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft on Thursday, giving all high school players in the country the hope, that someday, they might be selected with the first pick. However, if those future high school stars looked past Beckham at the two-day Draft as a whole, they might not be as hopeful. Each of the 30 clubs went," college heavy", in the 50-round affair that ended Friday evening at The Milk House. This produced a record-tying 21 collegiate players chosen in the first round on Thursday, a better indication of what was to come over the final 44 rounds on Friday.

Conversely, only 485 prep players were selected out of the 1,504 names that were called. While the 485 prep players drafted represents an increase of nine over last year, it's the second-lowest total in 21 years. High school players represented 32.2 percent of the players drafted this year, the lowest since 1987 when 32.8 percent came from the prep ranks.

These numbers are a direct result of the changes in the rules regarding, the draft-and-follows. Clubs are drafting more college players, because they are more advanced and mature. Clubs today are less willing to have patience with the younger players while they are more willing to draft the college players and take their chances with them. Also, the later-round high school players are deciding to go to college more.

Only 19 players have gone directly to the Majors without stopping in the Minor Leagues, the last being outfielder Xavier Nady, whom the Padres selected with the 49th pick in the 2000 Draft. All scouting reports indicate that there are no players in this year's Draft that will be able to make that leap.

On a final note, Major League Baseball's Urban Youth Academy also made its presence felt and is becoming a familiar part of the Draft process. The Academy had two players selected in the first round (Kyle Skipworth, sixth to the Marlins) and Aaron Hicks (14th to the Twins) and two more in the compensation round.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is the network of four muscles and several tendons that form a covering around the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff holds the humerus in place in the shoulder joint and enables the arm to rotate.

A tear can occur within the muscle. The rotator cuff can be torn from a single traumatic injury. Most tears, however, are the result of overuse of these muscles and tendons over a period of years. People who are especially at risk for overuse are those who engage in repetitive overhead motions. These include participants in sports such as baseball, tennis, weight lifting, and rowing.

The most common repair is arthroscopic. During this procedure a fiber optic scope and small, pencil-sized instruments are inserted through small incisions instead of a large incision. The arthroscope is connected to a television monitor and the surgeon can perform the repair under video control.

An animation of the surgery can be viewed at: http://kurzweilmd.com/animation1.html.

Balk

Mission Viejo, Calif. - Balk Costs Kinder a medal.
A balk was called against Sara Kinder on her third dive at the State Diving Championships Thursday, at Saddleback College. The Balk, by rule a 2 pt penalty per judge, cost 20.4 pts in her total score. Sara finished with 129.7 pts and in 11th place with the balk - without it - a score of 150.1 and a medal with All American Honors. The Balk was caused by a person yelling her name just as she began her motion. This ill timed outburst did cause a moment of hesitation and distraction which cost her 20.4 pts. Time for ear plugs.


April 19th, 2008Torrance, Calif. - Cypress sent one female diver to the Southern California Dive competition Saturday. Freshman Sara Kinder represented the Chargers and ended the day with an invitation to the State Championships. Kinder competed in the 1 Meter dive and finished with a score of 137.25. Her score was good enough for third in the Orange Empire Conference and fifth overall in Southern California. Her fifth place finish qualifies her for the State Championships. Kinder has a couple weeks to prepare for the State Championships which begin Thursday May 1st at Saddleback.

Playoff Time

Amateur baseball at every level is winding down throughout the nation. High Schools, Community Colleges, NAIA and NCAA Colleges are all coming to the end of their regular seasons. The top end teams are in a tough battle for league or conference championships; the middle teams are scrambling to get into the playoffs and the bottom end teams are already looking toward next year.

The “Playoffs”, are commonly referred to as, “The Second Season“. A chance to play the game a little longer and compete for a more prestigious championship. However, the prevailing attitude that, no matter what the season has been like - that somehow, “now” a team can turn it around in the playoffs, is usually wishful thinking.

Teams, like individuals, have identities, strengths and weaknesses which have been revealed during the regular season of competition. The playoffs will magnify those characteristics and reveal a teams true leadership, resolve and character. Being successful in the playoffs will always come down to: 1) good pitching, 2) solid defense, 3) timely hitting and 4) coaching that understands the moment. If this truly sounds like your club then good things will happen.

Good luck to all and “May the force be with you“.

The Ump

The difference between victory and defeat in the game of Baseball can be inches. Off the glove, off the plate, off the wall, just fair, called third…These are just a few examples of how the game can be decided.

While baseball fans usually forgive a player for striking out, they seldom excuse an ump that appears to blow a call. A missed third strike, a foul ball that looked like it might have been fair or a close play at the plate are just a few of the ways the men in blue can elicit jeers, boos, or the familiar comment, "Are you blind?" While instant replay usually reveals the wisdom of a call, it can add fuel to the fire. The only consolation that today’s umps have is that for every close call they make, only half the fans will be irate. The rest will be elated.

On July 24, 1983, the Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead over the Yankees. New York protested, claiming that the pine tar on Brett's bat extended up the handle more than the legal 18 inches. The men in blue agreed; home plate umpire Tim McClelland after conferring with Joe Brinkman, found that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the allowed limit of 18 inches, and Brett was called out, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. It was the correct call, but American League President Lee MacPhail, thinking the pine tar rule silly, overturned Brinkman's decision four days later. The two teams assembled in New York on August 18 to finish the ninth inning and the yanks failed to score. So 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes after it began, the Royals won the game for good - proving sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong.

A Matter of Prespective

Delivering in the clutch is something all spectators root for during the struggle of an athletic contest. Witnessing a two out - two strike - RBI single, in the bottom of the ninth to win, is electrifying. However, what exactly happened? Did the pitcher make a great/bad pitch? - Did the hitter make a great/poor swing? There are two sides to every event. Most people, including some coaches, tend to evaluate the outcome rather than the effort. This usually results in praise for success and criticism for failure.

Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.

Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.

Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.

Quicksand in Athletics

In the film, "The Replacements", Gene Hackman asked his team of replacement players what they feared the most about playing professional football. One of the responses was "quicksand." Quicksand, as described by Keanu Reeves in the film, is what every athlete fears most - that helpless feeling of compounding one mistake after another, sinking deeper and deeper until you’re in over your head - like quicksand.

In the recent NCAA Final Four Basketball Playoffs, both UCLA and North Carolina experienced that feeling of being in quicksand. The teams played hard, each battled to within striking distance only to be pushed back at every turn. Neither team shot well nor seemed to catch a break but continued to fight. Both Memphis and Kansas played fearless for the entire game creating a feeling of concern and even panic in the minds of their opponents. As a result, opposing players began to try too hard, do too much, take the game on themselves, while others silently disappeared or became ineffective to the point where they added to their own demise.

Everyone makes mistakes, anyone can have a bad day or a bad game. The true test of being in quicksand, is how one handles it. UCLA and North Carolina displayed courage and class both during and after their games.(more than can be said for the sports writers who carved them up the next day to sell paper.) Both programs will learn from this experience and this setback will only make them stronger.

Quicksand can be experienced at every level and in every sport. The secret to overcoming it is to relax, stay within yourself, believe in your abilities and your teammates. The more one struggles the deeper one will sink. Remember, one game (good or bad) does not define a team or a player but one game can reveal, as well as build, character.

Winning Championships

Why do some schools win more than others? Why are some programs always winning championships while others win once in their history? The answer is pure and simple: talent, hard work, execution and coaching. Can any team win on any given day without all these factors? Yes. Can any team win a championship without them? Absolutely not! Talent alone is not enough. During the recent NCAA tournament many talented teams were defeated early while others rose to prominence. What happened? Hard work, execution and excellent coaching sent those teams home.

Execution and hard work are crucial to winning a championship. Whether it is breaking a press in basketball, hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field or throwing the baseball across the diamond, one must be able to execute or lose. Remember, there are two ways of overcoming difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to overcome them. Teams that win consistently, find a way to execute a plan to overcome the difficulties, while others, find themselves watching those who do. Darren Collison, UCLA point guard puts it this way. “My job is to help my team win,” Collison said. “Regardless of what anybody else says, I’ve still got to go out and prove that we’re the best team. It’s not about individual performance or me trying to show someone up, it’s about the team.”

Finally, consistency in winning always comes down to coaching. The elite coaches have an instinct of always putting their teams and players in a position to be successful. The preparation is done ahead of time so there is no second thought come crunch time. Players believe they will win because they have been prepared for success and not set up for failure due to lack of anticipation or preparation. Ben Howland said of his teams win over Xavier, "That's a real credit to how good our players are and how well they perform under pressure. I think this is, by far, the best team in the last three years."

UCLA is only the third team to reach three consecutive Final Fours since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Xavier coach Sean Miller said of Ben Howland's team, “They really had a way about them, as if they had been there before. Very patient on offense, they don’t crack easily, or flinch."

Winning does take talent but winning Championships takes execution, hard work and good coaching!

Raising Concerns

All too often, parents become emotionally upset at a perceived injustice toward their son or daughter by, "the coach." As a high school athletic director, I have seen and heard my share of this primal instinct. All parents have a natural drive to protect their kids from any injustice, but when it comes to athletics most go about it all wrong or not at all. Before I offer a direction to proceed, let’s look at what one can and can not control.

Parents can not control: 1) who the school has chosen as the coach 2) how an athlete is developed 3) the coach’s evaluations 4) how playing time is relegated 5) who comes off the bench 6) the after game talk or any thing related to coaching. COACHES COACH.

Parents can control: 1) their attitude 2) tongue 3) support of their athlete and 4) the method/timing of raising concerns. If the first three are done in a positive and uplifting way, then the concerns should be received positively as well. Like most everything in life, timing is crucial. Therefore, never approach a coach after a loss and never out of the blue, as you may find those concerns falling on deaf ears.

Most parents tend to view circumstances involving their athletes through colored glasses. Coaches, in most cases, have no parental connection to the team and therefore should be more objective. However, if this is not the case and intervention seems necessary, I have always advised parents to seek resolution through the following chain of command: 1) parent to coach, 2) parent to athletic director and lastly 3) parent to principal.

Benjamin Franklin wrote, "The doors of wisdom are never shut." As members of a small community like a team, adults should be able to communicate with each other to resolve issues. If you find the doors closed to your concerns, then wisdom may not be present.

Team Chemistry

"United we stand, divided we fall." "All for one and one for all!" These are age old expressions of team unity. This dynamic process, which occurs when a team sticks together in pursuit of its goals, is an extremely important variable in the quest for athletic success. Success, especially in tough situations, is directly related to the type of chemistry that exists within the team. Just as important, when evaluating team chemistry, is the level of satisfaction and personal well-being that each member feels as a result of inclusion to his/her role on the team. Also, players need to feel that others on the team (including coaches) trust them or "have their back." This trust will cease to develop if one does not work to provide consistent feedback to each athlete.

John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored coaches in our nations history. Although he won many Championships, it wasn't winning games that drove him. It was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities, together. He also had a personal connection to each player's value, worth and role on his teams. Wooden's famous "Pyrimad of Success" was not just a formula for winning, but for character and chemistry as well. Great team chemistry, more often than not, has been the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. Dean Smith stated, "I think a very underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry."

Coaches need to make an undying commitment to helping their players grow as students and as individuals, in addition to helping them improve on the field. They should coach with a vision for success for each athlete and for the team, but always keep each game in the proper perspective. With that in mind, what’s more important: team goals, individual improvement or team chemistry?
The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Player Development

Coaching involves many different aspects related to the team, its players and the game. Without a doubt the most valuable legacy any coach can give to each of his players is their development. Developing a players confidence, skill level, knowledge and performance, is the trade mark of a good coach.

The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.

Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who
are committed to their development. The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.

A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,

The Slump

“I’ve had slumps last all winter” Bob Uecker

Every ballplayer at some point in his career goes through a slump. Vance Law described it as, “The field looking like one big glove and everything I hit goes right into it”. The slump is often referred to as being, “Snake Bit”. For this reason, some ball players have been known to carry anti venom in their travel bags to cure the dreaded curse. Still others, like Yogi Berra, refused to admit their bad luck: “Slump? I ain’t in no slump….I’m just not hitting”. Even the great Mickey Mantle dealt with it. Mickey stated, “During my 18 years I came to bat 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. Figuring a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball”. That should put it in perspective. Thanks Mick.

The slump is not always related to a flaw in your technique. One’s troubles may have something to do with the guy on the mound. Making adjustments to what he is doing is important to your success as well. The best way to handle a slump is to: 1) realize everyone goes through it, 2) keep faith in your ability, even when others may want to reinvent your swing and 3) go back to the basics. Hitting is an art, but it is not an exact science. Timing, feel, confidence and hard work are the intangibles that every good hitter needs to put his technique into action and break out of the slump. Consider this basic thought.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." Tommy Lasorda

Making the Routine Play

The game of Baseball is a game of outs. Therefore, limiting your opponent’s number of outs is an absolute must, if you expect to win the close games. The difference between a good team and an average team is the ability to make the routine play. Good teams, at all levels, are tough to score on, while average teams generally find a way to give up more outs than they should.

Example: When your opponent turns to,” sacrifice bunt”, an out must be made. Many big innings have come form committing the cardinal sin of, not getting an out on the bunt.

A good rule of thumb for bunt defenses is the “KISS” rule (Keep It Simple Stupid). Keeping your bunt defenses simple, while being in one set defense 90% of the time, can go a long way to ensure an out on the play. This limits confusion, gives consistency and will make the play routine. Remember, Baseball is one place in life where a sacrifice is really appreciated, so take the out and get back to the business of being tough to score on.

Leadership and Character

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character, give him power.” All leadership positions come with a certain degree of power, but character, is displayed through the use of that power. Character, is the firm foundation upon which one must build to win respect. The respect that leaders must have requires that one’s ethics be without question. Therefore, no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on anything less. In the final analysis, how we are perceived communicates far more than what we say.

As parents, coaches and professionals, we are constantly being watched and evaluated. To provide the right example, we must stay above the line between right and wrong and stay well clear of the gray areas. By taking the higher road, and demonstrating the courage to do the right thing, people will follow. This will build others up, challenge, inspire and bring out the best in one’s athletes or employees, because no one will follow a hypocrite. So, look over your shoulder now and then to be sure someone’s following you. If they are, then you are leading in the right direction.

As Andrew Carnegie once said, “the older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”

Sub or Specialist? A Matter of Preparation

In every sport and at every level, the role of specialization is taking on more significance. Players coming in at various points in a game invariably contribute to a team’s success as much as anyone. Consider the following roles in Baseball: Middle Relief, Setup Man, Closer, Pinch Hitter, Defensive Specialist, etc. Each of these roles is vital to a team’s success during the course of a long season. Therefore, having a strong bench, made up of skilled individuals who know their roles and are secure in them, is a must.

How does a player keep himself ready? By staying focused on the game and seeing every pitch. This will keep him connected and give him a feel for when he may be needed. Also, stretching, jogging or taking a few swings will help keep the body from tightening up and sends a positive message to the coach. Anyone can come off the bench as a sub, but it takes a disciplined person to accept that role while having the proper attitude of preparation.

Remember, “Great moments are born, from great opportunity”, but one must be ready to grasp it. The USA Olympic Hockey Team in 1980 defeated the Soviet Team in the first round of medal competition, not because they were more talented, but because they were prepared to pull off, “The Miracle”.

Advice on Playing Time

In most cases playing time is earned, long before the season officially begins. The making of those decisions, involves many early player evaluations. These evaluations usually continue throughout the season of sport to guard against: complacency, discontent and to provide competition. Just as the right to start has been earned over time, it is not likely to be lost in a moment. However, there usually comes a time when every coach begins to consider a lineup change, so be ready.

The keys to dealing with the lack of playing time are patience, hard work and a positive attitude. It also helps to set high goals and be the hardest worker on the team. While it is never easy to deal with a negative assessment of one’s ability, turn it to a positive by using that assessment as motivation. Do not mope or go through the motions. Prove you belong out there. Remember, people play their way both in and out of the lineup. Following this discipline on the field, will carry over into life and one day you will find yourself a successful leader whose work ethic will be rewarded and emulated. Hang in there and play the game you love.

Play Ball

As High School Baseball gets ready to begin across the country, many young athletes will begin to see visions and dream dreams. They will envision themselves in many different scenarios being productive and saving the day. I can remember playing “whiffle ball” in the front yard - pretending to be in the World Series with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 9th. Of course I delivered, and in our dreams we always do. So, dare to dream because every day someone accomplishes the impossible.

To accomplish those dreams athletes must be willing to set high standards and not be satisfied with anything other than their best effort. Remember, nothing worth while ever comes easy. Be focused, set goals, know what you want and act on it. Legendary Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz in his book “Winning Every Day” states: “you don’t have to be the most talented person to be successful, but you do need to get the most out of your talent”. Coach Holtz understood this from personal experience and is an example of overcoming obstacles in the highly competitive field of Division I Football.

The obstacles to accomplishing our dreams Holtz states are: complacency, lack of confidence, listening to negative assessments and pressure. Preparation dispels these obstacles and builds confidence. Only those who do not prepare feel pressure. Therefore, make a commitment to excellence, give 100% effort 100% of the time and you will see your dreams come true. Have a great year.

The Student Athlete

Being successful both in the classroom and on the field requires: discipline, sacrifice and hard work. These qualities are very familiar to athletes, who compete for their positions every day. However, athletes must also perform in the classroom, to be eligible on the field. All too often I've seen kids become over scheduled and over loaded to the point that it affects their academic standing and their opportunity to compete.

There is a reason why the word "student", comes first in the phrase, "student athlete". The discipline of being a student comes before the opportunity to play. Therefore, we (parents, teachers and coaches) have a concurrent responsibility to provide an environment where our student athletes can be successful in the classroom, so they can compete on the field.
Remember, both athletic and academic demands will intensify at the next level.

Here are a few suggestions.
1) Develop a time management schedule
2) Set Priorties, Goals and Rewards
3) Do regular grade checks
4) Provide extra help/time
5) Provide encouragment/confidence
6) Maintain a balance in all activities

The Ideal Athlete

What makes the, “Ideal Athlete”? Most people would say a combination of speed, strength, agility and power. These physical attributes do go a long way in determining the success one may have in competition. However, there are other characteristics that go into the making of the ideal athlete: Humility, Loyalty, Dependability and Respect. These character traits, or the lack of them, will go a long way in determining one’s success in life. Both must be taught, developed, modeled and nurtured.

When I think of someone who has all the physical and character traits of the ideal athlete, Tiger Woods comes to mind immediately. His recent handling of Kelley Tilghman’s remark, speaks volumes of his character. Tiger had many people, groups and organizations pressuring him into speaking out about race. However, he chose to remain true to his character and forgive a friend. Thank you Tiger.

Marketing Yourself

I have often been asked the question, What can I do to increase my opportunity to play somewhere after High School? The answer is, to employ some simple marketing techniques.
As marketing has become a major influence in athletics at every level, it only makes sense to become an active part of that process. Today, only 10% of student athletes receive a full athletic scholarship. Therefore, to insure college coaches notice your talents and achievements, you may need to market yourself. Here are a few suggestions to start with.
1) Choose your market: Select colleges from multiple divisions. Not everyone will play Div.1
2) Advertise yourself: Draft a letter of introduction and send it out. You can find contact information for colleges on the web. Include a copy of your schedule with your letter.
3) Provide product visibility: Attend games to show your interest. College coaches are very busy people and can't always get out to your game.
Finally, as a helpful guide, I would suggest Robert L. Scotts book, "How to Market Your Student Athlete". This book has easy-to-follow guidlines that will get you the results you are looking for.
Go get'em.

College Admission Tests

Any student applying to California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), the honors program at a community college, certain merit-based scholarships, or private universities and colleges, should take either the SAT Reasoning Test (which tests verbal, math, and writing abilities) or the ACT, which tests verbal, math, social studies, and science reasoning. An overwhelming number of colleges and universities will recognize either test. If you have the money and the time, take both. Additionally, for the UC and top private universities, applicants must take two Subject Tests in two different subject areas: history/social science, English Literature, mathematics, laboratory science, or language other than English. Registration can be done online.
Reminder:
Tests must be taken by December of the senior year. Private colleges have other deadlines and test dates.

Community College Information

Requirements:
1) Be a high school graduate (diploma, satisfactory GED)
2) A person 18 years of age or older
3) File an Application which is usually available from the college online.
4) Take Placement Tests: Most require English and Math placement tests prior to enrolling.
5) Provide Transcripts: -Take a copy of your final transcript to the community college counselor.

NCAA Clearinghouse information

Students who enroll as college freshmen and wish to participate in NCAA Division I, II or III athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The academic standards include high school graduation, a qualifying GPA and test scores, successful completion of approved courses and all other college minimum admissions requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to register with NCAA Clearinghouse by the beginning of the senior year. To register, prospective students-athletes should access the registration materials by visiting the Clearinghouse web-site at http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/. At the home page, click on “Prospective Student-Athletes”.

The Stolen Base

The higher one goes, "up the ladder" in Baseball, the more difficult it becomes to, "steal " a base. Pitchers: get better at holding runners, Catchers: footwork, pop time, arm accuracy and strength improves. This translates into the need for base runners to work at improving their skills as well. While there is no substitute for speed, a player does not have to be blessed with great speed to be a good base stealer. Daily instruction with guided practice in game situations, will translate into a greater percentage of stolen bases. Remember, in order to experience success, one must be willing to risk failure.

The Bunt

In this era of emphasis on strength and power in the game of baseball, bunting has become a lost art. Getting on base and moving runners into scoring position can ultimately determine the outcome of a game more often than the home run. Incorporating an emphasis on bunting in your daily practices with guided instruction in: the drag, push, sacrifice and squeeze, will translate into greater production.