old coaching philosophy..

PRINCIPLES

The following coaching principles are derived from the coaching beliefs described in detail below it:

1. Ensure that all players feel valued by the program
2. Plan all training to peak at the end of the year
3. Make decisions with the "quality shot" in mind
4. Get the ball to the paint, and keep the ball out of the paint
5. Measure and share team progress weekly
6. Set time for the development of each pillar: tactical, technical, physical and mental 
7. Give players structure, than encourage them to find freedom and play to their strengths
8. Engage all players in competition, daily. 
9. Primed, Guided, Sided, Live
10. Keep it Simple Stupid

THE SECRET OF BASKETBALL (ITS NOT ABOUT BASKETBALL)

Its not so much the "x and o's" as it is the "jimmys and joes." As described perfectly in the book of basketball. Team chemistry is the most important part of being a basketball team. 

"The relationship game is the game to win."

To put this into action we have a "team cohesion" schedule. This includes our first team meeting, our team retreat and other team activity's. 

Each of our players checks in with a coach every tuesday. This check in gives the player a chance to discuss any issues, discuss ways to improve, or just simply to hang out. 

I set a personal goal each day to "bathe" one player a day in the "R.I.V.E.R." To validate that person. To acknowledge, on a personal level, that they are Relevant, Important, Valued, Empowered and Respected.

OUR GOAL IS TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP 

As opposed to trying to win every game. What this means is that we want to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. We want to peak at the right time. 

This belief effects our program in the following ways...

First, with our tactical instruction, we allow for a grace period before committing to hard and fast tactics. While our principles will remain the same (see: the wheel of winning) we will go about achieving those in different ways from year to year. We are prepared for and embrace adjusting as we learn more about the strengths and weakness of our team. 

Second, we play a larger rotation earlier in the year than we do later in the year. Early in the year, our rotations will be based on the V.P.S scores of individual players. As the year progresses, we will move to a shorter rotation, once our top players have established themselves. 

Third, the volume and load of our training sessions (on court and in weight room) will be tailored so that we are able to peak emotionally, physically and spiritually at the end of the season. We do not want to ware down our team and peak too early. 

WHY WE ARE A "QUALITY SHOT" PROGRAM

The aim of basketball is to score more points than your opponent. This can be achieved in two ways. Taking a higher "quantity" of shots than your opponent or taking a "higher quality" of shots than your opponent. 

Taking more shots is a sound philosophy and works for many programs across the nation. However, we are a "quality shot" program for the following reasons...

First, my background as the head coach, is in coaching a "quality shot" style of play. Just like our players should play to their strengths, so should I. Second, my background is in recruiting "efficient" basketball players. In being honest about my strengths and weakness, I am better at identifying "efficient" talent than the "athletic" talent required for a "quantity shot" program. Finally, it is my belief that you prepare for the hardest game on your schedule. In the biggest game of the season (hopefully the championship game) the teams will likely shoot an even amount of shots. In my assessment, "quantity shots" programs are better built for the regular season and "quality shot" programs are better built for the playoff season. I want us to be prepared to win the championship game. 

ANALYTICS AND GETTING THE BALL TO THE PAINT
Analytics have shown that the highest value shots are the free throw, shots at the rim and the inside out three. To get these shots, we put an emphasis on getting the ball to the paint. 

When the ball is a threat to get to the rim on every possession, whether it be by a rim run, cut or dribble penetration, we will create more of the shots that we want. 

This principle of getting to the paint eliminates low percentage shots, such as transition threes, off the dribble threes and early mid range shots. We have to attempt to get a layup first. 

WHAT GETS MEASURE GETS MANAGED

The old adage in business applies to basketball as well. To truly live our core value of being process oriented, we need a means for tracking our process. 

Since our process involves both effort AND results, we track both. To track effort, we utilize our "Hustle Stats." To track results, we utilize both the V.P.S and our Conference Stats. (Which are derived from Dean Oliver's research on the four factors.)

We meet as a team every Monday to review our three tracking criteria. 

BASKETBALL IS A COMPLEX SYSTEM

There are two things that describe a complex system. First, their is top-down causation between its parts. Second, the system produces emergence. ("Chaos" or "An unpredictable outcome.")

This belief that basketball is a complex system effects us in the following ways. 

First, due to top-down causation, the parts of our system all effect each other. Put more clearly our tactical play, is effected by our players technical skill and our players technical skill is effected by their physical and mental abilities. We must care for each pillar of our system to create the best possible system. If a player is underdeveloped mentally our tactical execution will suffer. If our tactical system is unclear a players mental development will suffer. 

So, put into action, we devote specific training time to all four pillars of training. Tactical, our team practice time, techncial, our individual workouts, physical, in our weight room and mental, in a classroom. 

Second, due to the factor of emergence, created by our complex system, we must be prepared for chaos. We prepare our selves in the following two ways. 

First, the coach must provide structure within the chaos so that possibilities are not infinite. We have a clear system on both ends of the floor that reduces the amount of variability that can occur.

Second, the player must be prepared for chaos and have the freedom to adapt on the fly. This is why we lean more heavily on principles than rules. We want our players to "understand the commanders intent" and than be able to operate with "decentralized command." We want to help players understand their strengths so that they can play to them and leverage them against their weaknesses. We want our players to feel a sense of freedom within our structure, to solve problems as they see fit. 

PLAYERS GET BETTER BY PLAYING AGAINST BETTER PLAYERS

Look at nearly every example across history and you will find that top players developed their game against superior opponents. Michael Jordan against his older brothers. Luca Doncic playing professionally at the age of 15. Better players simply hold you accountable to playing better. They will constrain your game in a way to guides you to an optimal style of play. 

So in our program, our younger and non-rotation players, go head to head against our veteran players as much as possible. Certainly the weight room and extra work with a coach has its merits, but the number one priority is going at it in practice with our top players. 

Our rotation players, of course, get to to go it with all of the teams on our schedule. This teams, will challenge them and provide them the opportunity to grow. (Which is why we respect our opponents!)

old but good culture piece

STANDARDS OF ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS
These are the "standards" that we hold each other to each day. They can be remembered easily by the acronym of W.A.L.T. Work ethic, attitude, leadership and teamwork. They are expressed more clearly as the following

1. Give disciplined effort and focus in everything that we do 
2. Bring a contagious positive energy
3. Mentor each other and care for your teammates
4. Operate as a team, work with each other and for each other

Described in more depth...

WORK ETHIC
To achieve our goals, we must put in work. There are three keys to work ethic. The first is time. Managing it so that you are allocating the amount of necessary time to achieve your goals. Second, is deliberate practice. This means that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and beyond the restrictions of your current capabilities. Not unlike adding weight to a bench press, this is where growth happens. Third is awareness. This refers to the ability to evaluate your work without judgment. See things for what they are so that you can improve upon them. Refrain from the temptation from the ego to judge things as good or bad.

1. Quantity: Manage your time
2. Quality: Practice deliberately
3. Growth: Accept feedback

ATTITUDE
A positive attitude is defined as being an “energy giver” and not an “energy taker.” Always make an effort to “get off your island” and pick up those around you. Whether things appear to be fair or unfair to you, continue to put your best foot forward. Whether you have had success or you have had failure, continue to put your best foot forward. Refrain from the attributes of a negative attitude, blaming, complaining and defending. You will find that negative attitudes, negative beliefs and negative actions send you to a place that is very difficult to return from, negative town. Avoid it at all costs.

1. Bring contagious positive energy
1. Positive Attitude = Energy giver and not an energy taker
2. Fair or unfair, stay positive
3. Success or failure, stay positive
2. Stay away from negative town!
1. Blaming
2. Complaining
3. Defending

LEADERSHIP
Leadership is summarized by the three C’s. The first C stands for credibility and is earned by showing up everyday and being in control of your work ethic and your attitude. The second C stands for caring and is earned by caring for the other individuals in the group and expressing your desire and support in seeing them do well. The third C stands for conflict and is earned by the ability to have an honest confrontation with members of the group, of a nature that leaves both parties feeling better for having the interaction. If you do not work hard and have a great attitude, you are not credible, and thus not a leader. If you do not show that you care about others, your message will carry no meaning, and thus you are not a leader. If you frequently engage in conflict that results in resentment, you are not a leader.

1. Credibility: Through work hard and a positive attitude
2. Caring: Use your voice to actively encourage and acknowledge the value of your teammates
3. Conflict: Speak your truth without creating resentment

TEAMWORK
The Navy S.E.A.L.S define teamwork as “Selfless acts, towards a common goal.” Lets break this down. Selfless, meaning you care more about your teammates than you do yourself. You will do whatever it takes to not let them down. You are willing to drop everything in order to help a teammate because you know they will do the same for you. Acts, meaning you need to actively participate in teamwork. Find concrete actions to take, in practices, in games and in social settings to build teamwork. Towards a common goal; video games with a teammate can be a great bonding experience, but true teamwork happens in times of adversity. When you are on the road, down 5 with 5 minutes to go, what selfless acts will you make towards your teammates.

1. Selfless: “Get off or your own island.” “Out of me, and into we.”
2. Acts: Have your teammates back, and trust that they will have yours
3. Towards a Common Goal: Are you moving the group forwards, or are you moving it backwards? Work with each other and for each other.

CULTURE IN ACTION

Pete Carroll put it perfectly: "Culture is a living and breathing thing. You should feel it when you are around our program." The following will describe our culture in action...

LOCKER ROOM

Our team "rides" together. We don't huddle in groups and find ways to complain. We enjoy "healthy banter" and a tam comradery. 

GYM

Our gym is filled with "vocal energy" "visible sweat" and "healthy banter." We challenge each other, push each other and celebrate each other. 

PLAYER

Ready for disciplined and focused effort. In the moment and aware. Non-judging, open minded and confident. Ready to compete!

COACH

Prepared. Clear and concise instruction. Contributes to positive competitive energy. 

PLAYER TO PLAYER

Holds teammates accountable to standards of attitudes and actions. Encourages each other with external body language and voice. (High fives, chest bumps!) . Gets off of their own island. Pushes teammates with "healthy banter." Solves problems together. Handles conflict without leading to resentment. 

COACH TO PLAYER

Holds team accountable to standards of attitudes and actions. Gives positive feedback. Makes decisions with the greater good of the team in mind. 

PRACTICE PLAN

Guided instruction, small sided play for increase in reps, live competitive play. 

REF

Without a ref, we cant have a game. Let him do his job. Refs "shoot" 90+%. Better than any player. 

OPPONENTS

Always respect the opponent, until proven otherwise. They seek the same struggle that we do. Appreciate their ability to challenge you to be better. 

SKILLS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

(1) PERCEPTION / ACTION COUPLING
Its about performing a skill relative to perception on the floor. This principle can not be forgotten. 

Action: Guide players towards what they should perceive on the floor as a cue to perform the skill. 

(2) EVERY PLAYER IS UNIQUE 
Each "perception" presents a problem to be solved. Each player will have his own unique way to solve that problem. 

Action: Guide players towards two outcomes. 1. That the skill be simple in nature, so that the player can stay balanced and keep his eyes up. 2, That the skill be high percentage. The player projects to be able to perform this skill at a high percentage in the near future

(3) TOOLS OVER RULES
The analogy is a backpacking trip. "Lets say you and I were going on a backpacking trip and you needed me to pack your bag. How would you want me to pack it? Overpacked? Underpacked? Full of my things? 

Probably not. 

What you would want is a bag of versatile tools that could be used for any situation. Not so much that it weighs you down, and not so little that you don't have the answers. But a simple backpack full of versatile options. 

And than, I as the coach, need to let you use your own bag!

Action: Avoid overly rigid, "this, than, that" formats. While it will be a small piece in the teaching progression, it is not the endgame. Build general tools in players. Simple fundamentals that can be stretched and adapted into various game situations. 

Once a player understands the core fundamental. Challenge it with as much variability as can be created. 

TRANSITION DEFENSE

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING

We are a zone rebounding team. On the majority of our shots, we should have a 4-around-1 alignment. Our general goal is to form a "5" on a dice and hunt the ball from there. We want to overload the weakside with an extra rebounder. The responsibilities of each player will be dependent upon their position on the floor and can vary depending on where the shot is taken from. 

PERIMETER SHOTS 
On a perimeter shot, the responsibilities are as follows..

• Dunker Spot = Rotate to the top of the circle
• Weakside Corner = Crash from the weakside
• Strongside Corner = Sprint through the nail
• Trail = Get Back 
• Shooter = Get Back 

INTERIOR SHOTS 

On an interior shot, the responsibilities are as follows..

• Dunker Spot = Get the ball by any means neccesary
• Weakside Corner = Crash from the weakside
• Strongside Corner = Get Back
• Trail = Get Back 
• Shooter = Follow Shot 

We finish every 5v0 rep with zone rebounding position

DEFENSIVE END MENTALITY

Attack the glass like a defensive end in football. Von Miller!

Bull rush 

Swim Moves 

Sharp Cuts 

Spin Moves 

TRANSITION DEFENSE
When the opponent secures the ball after a miss...

We do not worry about matchup's until we are whole. We are essentially in a zone until we get whole. This could result in a two man zone or a three man zone. 

"TANDEM" TWO MAN ZONE
In the two man zone, the top of the "tandem" has to influence the ball to a side. If the ballhandler attacks, the bottom player in the tandem is there to help. If the ballhandler passes, the bottom player takes the first pass and the top player sinks to the rim. 

"TRIANGLE" THREE MAN ZONE
In the triangle zone, the top of the "triangle" influences the ball to a side. This allows the other two players to load to the ball. The strong side player can than play in a gap and the weakside defender can protect the rim. 

FILLING IN THE WEAKSIDE
The remaining players fill to the weakside. The lowest man needs to be the loudest man and direct their teammates to a matchup. Bigger players always kick the smaller players out. Assuming the low man position. 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITES / GOALS

(1) Stop the ball

(2) Form the wall

(3) Load to a side

(4) Bigs kick littles out

FIRST PLAYER BACK = "FULLBACK"

- protect the rim

- Match everybody up

- Verbal and nonverbal communication

  “scramble” or “take yours”

SECOND PLAYER BACK = "HALFBACK" 

- take the ball and influence to a side 

- Can always delegate that responsibility, which will actually be the case the majority of the time

 "Remember halfback in football gets the ball" 

REMAINING PLAYERS = "GET BACKS"

- win the first three steps 

- look to the fullback who will communicate the matchup

- bigs kick littles out

DEFENSIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

5 DEFENSIVE MUSTS 

#1 - Get back and eliminate points in transition

#2 - Protect the Paint

#3 - Close out and Contest all Shots 

#4 - Defend without Fouling 

#5 - Block Out and Rebound 

HOW WE TRACK THIS 

#1 - DFG%

#2 - FTA/FTR

#3 - OR% (Opponent) 

OUR GOALS (Relative to Conference)

#1 - TOP 4 DFG%

#2 - TOP 4 FTA/FTR

#3 - TOP 4 OR%

OUR MENTALITY AND PHILOSOPHY 

Our Overall Goal

To force our opponent into one low percentage shot, while we consistently shoot high percentage shots on offense 

The Hit First Mentality 

- Dictate what is about to happen by hitting first 

- Initiate the contact 

- Proactive, never reactive 

- Anticipate and instigate 

- Do your work early

The Stonecutters Credo 

“When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”

The War of Attrition

- the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure

- This means doing what we do over a sustained period of time

-Consistently and repetitively adhering to the principles of our defense

Eliminate the 3 Highest Percentage Shots in Basketball 

(1) The fastbreak layup 

(2) The offensive putback 

(3) Free Throws 

Force the Offense into Low -Percentage shots 

(1) We want to keep the ball away from the rim and out of the paint

•  The closer the ball gets to the rim, the higher the shot percentage 
• We are at a high risk of fouling these types of shots

(2) We want to discourage inside out 3 point shots

• We acknowledge the analytical value of an inside out 3

(3) We want to influence the offense into taking midrange 2’s

•  This is historically the lowest percentage shot
•  We have a low risk of fouling on these shots 

 Allow the offense one option

-We understand that good offensive basketball involves being a threat to do multiple things

- Each offensive basketball “action” involves multiple options and reads

- We want to reduce all of these “choices” down to one low percentage option 

Extra Possessions and Gambling

- Our rule is that if you gamble for the steal, you have to get it

- We recognize that some players have a knack for steals

- If a player goes for it, he has to get it, as missing the gamble frequently leads to easy shot opportunities and fouls

- We prefer to create steals and blocks from great positioning

POST DEFENSE

FRONTING THE POST
"Do Your Work Early"
"Fight for the Top Foot"

1. DO YOUR WORK EARLY
Fronting the post is all about anticipating where the ball is going to go. Get in position before it is time to throw it in. 

2. FIGHT FOR THE TOP FOOT
Get your top foot over the offensive players top foot. If he gets there first, he will have you sealed. In this event, move to plan B. Stay behind and become a moving target. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Trying to front after the offensive player has established position.
Sitting in a "no mans" front. Leaning on the top side without actually stopping the post player from doing anything. If you get stuck, which happens, become a moving target. 

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1.

DEFENDING THE POST
"No Middle"
"Low Man Wins"
"Win the second bump"

1. NO MIDDLE
The defensive players shoulders should be parallel to the sideline. An offensive player getting to the middle not only has a counter to the baseline, but he can see all of his teammates for passes. 

2. LOW MAN WINS
Maintain leverage. Sink into your hips with a wide stance. Use an arm bar to keep leverage. Extending an arm is a foul. 

3. WIN THE SECOND BUMP 
The offensive player has a right to the first bump. The defensive player has to win the second. Either hold your ground, pull out the chair or take the charge. 

4. OFF BALL PLAYERS
Maintain a ball you man positioning. This will not be the midline! Readjust as to not give up easy kickout three's. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Allowing middle. 
"I surrender!" Defending with legs straight and arms up. 
Getting bumped all the way to the basket. Win the second bump and take a charge!

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 


DIG HELP
"Like a thief in the night"

1. LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
In and out, as to be deceptive. Wait for the offensive player to divert their attention before going for the dig. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Over committing or under committing. You have got to be in and out and time it correctly

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 

DRIVE AND KICK DEFENSE

INTERCHANGES
"Up to the Outside, Down to the Inside"

1. UP TO THE OUTSIDE
Get out of the way of the defender moving INTO the low man position.

2. DOWN TO THE INSIDE
As to assume the low man position

COMMON MISTAKES
When interchanging, players run into each other. 
When interchanging, no player assumes the low man position.

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 

NO SPLITS 
"Show your help"
"On the line and up the line"
"Don't help a ball that doesn't need help"

1. SHOW YOUR HELP
Like a safety in football, we want to discourage the opponent from coming our direction at all. 

2. ON THE LINE AND UP THE LINE
Find the line where you are halfway between your man and the ball. Than take another step higher. 

3. DON'T HELP A BALL THAT DOESN'T NEED HELP 
A ball that is not driven "shoulders to the rim" doesn't need help. Get a feel for which teammates need more help than others. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Arriving to the gap late = This often results in a foul. 
To low in the gap = Kickback 3's. 
Helping a ball that doesn't need help = Needless rotations. 

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 


STUNT HELP MIDDLE 
"Stunt and Recover"

1. STUNT
Cut directly to the offensive player receiving the ball. Be demonstrative with your voice and your hands. "Scare the Bear."

2. RECOVER
Plant your inside foot and recover to your man. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Not being a physical and verbal presence "Scare the Bear!"

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 


X OUT BASELINE  

1. DEFENDER BEAT
Attempt to get whole until your teammate stops the ball. Than, leave your man and seek the help side. Move one pass over unless a teammate has beat you to the spot. "see it and fix it" 

2. LOW MAN
Protect the paint. Meet the driver two feet outside of the circle. you are now switched onto that player. 

3. WEAKSIDE
You are leading the war. Be demonstrative. Be vocal. If you can get to the next pass, go. If not, send somebody else. 

COMMON MISTAKES
Stopping in the paint. Don't get stuck in "no-mans land."

VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. 

PLAY TO W.I.N

COACHING POINTS

We break down what it means to W.I.N in three ways..

WHATS. IMPORTANT. NOW
You are one piece of a giant puzzle. You cant control the outcome of a game. You have to do your part. Win this play. Give full effort in this minute of practice. Have a great attitude in this minute. Win now.  

REVEAL AND CONCEAL
Only trying to appear when its time to look good.

EXTRA

1. Trusting the process 

2. 

PLAY TOGETHER

COACHING POINTS

We break down what it means to play together in three ways. 

TRUST EACH OTHER

GET OFF YOUR ISLAND
We are doing this together. 

CARE FOR EACH OTHER

Verbally pick each other up.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Give contagious verbal energy. 
Healthy banter. 

EXTRA

1. Steve Nash high fives

2. Personal story about how I realized the value of the team
3. Michael Jordan to John Paxson 
4. Navy Seals examples
5. Extreme Ownership boat race example 
6. Cover and Move
7. Decentralized command 

PLAY HARD

PLAY HARD, PLAY TOGETHER, PLAY TO W.I.N!

At the surface level, our team mantra means exactly what it says. Play as hard as you can, play in "concert" with each other other focus on what can be done NOW, in order to win. 

But, not unlike an iceberg, who's earth showing tip, hides an enormous mountain beneath, our core values have much deeper meanings beneath. 

What our mantra is meant to describe is the reason that we play basketball. We play for the joy of competing, we play for the joy of competing with each other, and we play for the joy of winning. 

Our mantra will evolve into many meanings as we go through the journey of a season together. 

But at its core, this is what our program is trying to develop...

I believe that every person has a calling in life. A dream. For some, that may be basketball, for others it may not. 

I always had this sense, and for a long time I didnt even realize it, that I would be a coach. 

It started with having two younger brothers. I was the classic older brother, tricking them into doing the dishes, as part of some elaborate ruse, or getting them to do my yard work as part of some thinly veiled game. 

It found motivation from my high school athletic career, where an un-sureness of who I was and a fear of failure, resulted in an underwhelming playing career that lacked focus, confidence and any sign of a competitive spirit. 

In rekindled in college, when I started to find myself. Started to find that I was pretty good at working with people. Connecting with them and motivating them. A strength in leadership began to reveal itself. 

After a year in the working world, I took the first bold step of my life. I decided to go all in on coaching. A world that made me incredibly vulnerable. 

After 10 years of sticking with it, I learned the most valuable lesson of them all. What sports is really about. Its about competing as a means for growth. Its about being part of a community, a group of like minded people to be a part of. And its about being part of a process. Waking up everyday and wanting to get better at something. It is the thrill of a lifetime. 

And that is what our program is about. Its about competing, its about community and its about the process. 

Its about playing hard, playing together, and playing to W.I.N!

COMPONENTS OF PLAY HARD, PLAY TOGETHER, PLAY TO WIN

AWARENESS

FOCUS

CONFIDENCE

COMPETITIVE SPIRIT  What we mean by "play hard," is to embrace competition as a means for growth. 

Just like we strengthen our bodies as to face greater challenges, so do we strengthen our mind, through competition. 

We need to push ourselves beyond our boundaries, and out of our comfort zones so that we can strengthen our focus, confidence and competitive drive. 

AWARENESS
Know who you are 
Maximize your potential 
Victory to the vulnerable 

FOCUS

CONFIDENCE

COMPETITIVENESS 

We define it as being your best self, in the moment. 

A lot goes into playing hard..

This is going to be hard (:

AWARENESS
Of who you are 

"Solid, firm and rigid. Not easily bent or pierced."

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "PLAY HARD"
Playing hard means being fully present in competition. It means total focus on the task at hand. It means competitive adrenaline pumping through your veins. 

WHAT IS OUR REASON TO "PLAY HARD"
Playing hard, and competing, is a means for growth. We are constantly pushing the limits of what we are capable of doing. How can you every know unless you push it. 

HOW DO WE "PLAY HARD"

AWARENESS 
When a player is asked to run a sprint from baseline to baseline as hard as he can, he usually knows what that means. But, if we asked a player to "stay present" for 40 minutes, they likely will not know what that means.  

FOCUSED

Total awareness. 

Focus and awareness. 

RESILIENT (MENTALLY TOUGH)

Working, in flow, with the moment. Not against it. 

Absence of fear and judgment. Focused and aware.

COMPETITIVE 

As a means for growth. 

Pushing self, to see how far you can go. 

Win/win. Not a zero sum game. Your opponent is there to challenge you. 

EXTRA

1. Pulling Carpet Story 

2. Personal relationship with competition 

3. Dancing to the other side of room metaphor

4. Be where your feet are story