Lessons from the Driveway
This is not any old basketball hoop on a random driveway. This is the hoop at my childhood home. The driveway where I spent hours practicing my shot and my ball handling skills and running wind sprints to stay in shape. In those hours of dribbling and shooting, I learned about myself and about life.
I started “shooting around” with my brothers when I was eleven or twelve…
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50 Years in the Bleachers
Be one of the first to see my book cover—and get a sneak peek of my story!
Are the children in your life benefiting from the true purpose of sport?
We all know the goal of sport is to win. But that doesn’t mean all is lost when we lose a game. What really matters is the reasons for playing in the first place and the benefits gained that last a lifetime.
Two essential mantras for motivation
It feels like I am in the middle of a tough semester with no end in sight. These two bits of wisdom will keep me going till my book is published and beyond.
How would you react if your child’s team won by a score of 106-11?
It’s not the first time a game has gotten out of control, and it won’t be the last. But what if your child is on the court the next time it happens?
I’ll share! It’s the secret to reaching your goal
The 18th century poet Goethe knew the superpowers of keeping a promise to ourselves.
What would James Naismith say today about the game he invented?
We’ll never know, but he was certainly excited about the game he invented at Springfield College 130 years ago. Listen to a radio interview from the 1930s!
11 things this writer is grateful for
Publishing my book next year will be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I am thankful for the reasons, big and small, I was able to accomplish it.
How coaches can set the stage for the kind of teammates, people—and future leaders—their players can become
Before they introduce skills and strategy, many coaches establish key values to guide their team’s purpose.
Not all injuries are physical
Mental health is as important as physical health for athletes. For all of us.
I like your style. I like your approach. (I like your money.)
When people tell us what we hope to hear, it is on us to be sure what they offer is in our—or our child’s—best interest.
Why everyone needs an editor
It isn’t always easy to hear, but sometimes an impartial opinion is exactly what we need.
What is success?
Most of the time success is defined for us. In school or on the job, expectations are set by others. But when it comes to the activities we choose for ourselves, we can set our own bar.
Lessons learned on my way to a birthday
Having a game plan is important. But there’s an even more important secret of life.
What we can learn from a world-class gymnast with the “twisties”
It takes self-knowledge to recognize we need help. It takes courage to speak up. But every time someone does, it makes it easier for the next person.
Why all kids need to know how to rebound
Of all the life skills strengthened by playing sports, resilience may be the most important.
Why Title IX is important to me
It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to play. And it’s a great responsibility to decide when and how kids should play.
Happy Father’s Day
Kudos to the dads who play games with their kids, who help with homework and especially the ones who tell dad jokes.
Playing to win or playing not to lose (what’s the difference?)
Playing to win takes commitment, preparation, perseverance—and sometimes, getting out of our comfort zone.
Desire | Discipline | Structure
Tomorrow would have been my father’s 89th birthday. Though he passed three years ago, I am encouraged every morning at my writing desk by his words: “If you do not have Desire, Discipline and Structure, you will fail.”