Three orange, 20-pound medicine balls are outside a white van, placed on the sandy side of Highway 101, a few hundred yards from the San Francisco Zoo with the Pacific Ocean a few hundred feet below.
They were placed there by stealth trainer Frank Matrisciano. It's late May and he is wearing his usual attire: boots, wraparound shades, a military desert sun hat, a weight jacket and long-sleeved shirt, shorts and, just in case the sand starts swirling, a pullover face-mask hood.
One by one, recent college players Blake and Taylor Griffin of Oklahoma and Jeff Adrien of Connecticut pick up the balls and begin the 20-minute hike into the sand dunes up from North Beach. No one in the party has any idea where he will be training.
Blake Griffin, who has been the consensus No. 1 NBA draft pick for months, is making his second stint with Matrisciano. He chose to come here, as did his brother, to go through a regimen that is enshrouded in secrecy.
The discreet locations around the Bay Area are all part of his methods. He wants not only to surprise the trainees so there is no repetition but also to shock the muscle groups. Matrisciano's training focuses on using nontraditional elements, which can include a discarded railroad tie or the monkey bars at a playground. His objective is to force the muscles to adjust to unstable weights and surfaces.
"We don't do anything on a flat surface, and we don't do anything on a hard surface," Blake Griffin said. "Everything is sand and stairs."
Said Taylor Griffin, "It's definitely one of the hardest things you will ever face. Frank's thing is that if you can run up a 60-degree incline in sand with a 60-pound weight vest on, then running 94 feet down a flat court should be easy."
Matrisciano begins the 50-minute workout (dubbed "chameleon") with the players running up the sand dune with the medicine ball. Up and back, up and back, up and back they go. The medicine balls are left atop the hill after a few runs. So, too, are the sneakers and, for some, the socks.
"Frank is one of a kind. There is nobody on this planet like Frank," Taylor Griffin said. "He is extreme -- the most extreme dude you will ever be around."
There are two 50-minute sessions. What you do in the 50 minutes fluctuates. Maybe one day you can run the hill 20 times in 50 minutes, maybe another you can do it 25, and on and on. The plethora of options Matrisciano can select include running beach stairs or using a harness on the sand to drag him along while both trainer and trainee wear a weight vest.
During the second 50-minute session on this day, the players stand on a sand ledge, ready for squats and push-ups in the sand that only get harder as time keeps moving.
The players are hunched over, their muscles aching, their abdomens stretched and the fatigue evident by their facial expressions.
What muscles hurt at the end of the two-plus-hour chameleon workout?
"Every single one," Blake Griffin said. "I remember the first day we came out here last year, and I remember waking up and thinking, 'Man, I don't know if I can do this for two more months.'"
Said Armstrong, "Everything hurts. There isn't one muscle [that doesn't]. My eyelids hurt, my feet, my back, legs and everything you can think of, Achilles, it's crazy."
Yet these players don't leave. The Griffin brothers are here every day for weeks. Armstrong also is doing it for the second straight summer.
Matrisciano calls it his Law Seven.
"For every 10 guys that come here, the ratio is that three stay," Matrisciano said. "Guys will last 11 minutes, maybe 12 minutes, and they are gone."
Blake Griffin said of last year's regimen: "A guy came for a day of the workout, and then you never saw him again. It's funny because you can always tell which ones aren't coming back because they are like, 'Y'all do this every day?' or something like that, and you are like, 'You get used to it,' and they are like, 'Man, I can't do this.'"
According to Matrisciano, most come to him thinking they can handle the training with ease because they're in shape after doing "illusionary" workouts.
The players attest that there is nothing phony about Matrisciano. He secures furnished apartments in downtown San Francisco for the out-of-town players. He said the college players don't pay a fee. But the NBA players do, though he wouldn't divulge how much.
"I don't have any expenses, no furniture, just a bed and a satellite TV in my place," Matrisciano said. "I eat the same thing every day: sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, chicken. And I have a dog."
The players adhere to his eating habits. Blake Griffin has been stringent about what he inhales, limiting himself to oatmeal and eggs in the morning; a burrito in the afternoon consisting of rice, beans and chicken (no sour cream); and then either salmon or chicken over vegetables in the evening (no sauce or oils on top). He supplements those foods with protein shakes.
"To do this stuff day after day, it wears on you mentally," Matrisciano said. "That's part of it. To go on the basketball court will be nothing for these guys. They will mentally adapt to it.”
"Guys need a challenge, and they'll say, 'My college strength guy or my pro strength guy doesn't do it.' So I say 'OK,' and in 11 minutes they're done, 12 minutes they'll say, '[Bleep] this.' One guy called his agent and said, 'Get me the [bleep] out of here.' I call the other training illusionary. It's good to do it, but it doesn't push you past that."
What makes the outdoor chameleon training even more taxing on the body is that it comes late in the afternoon, after the players have done two-plus hours of work on the basketball court.
Bob Hill the former NBA head coach makes his home in San Antonio but in the summer time he comes to the Bay Area to do the basketball training for Matrisciano’s group of players. He relishes working with the Griffins and players such as Armstrong and Sacramento Kings forward Kenny Thomas. The basketball skill work isn't for the weak, either. The players go at one another, hurling their bodies for boards and crashing to the court on occasion.
"There are no excuses here," Hill said. "What we're building is mental toughness."
If agents were watching this workout, they would have cringed, fearing their clients would get hurt. Griffin nearly did in clashing with Armstrong. The workout would be what the NBA teams strive to do during individual pre-draft sessions, and what the NBA draft combine would love to be but can't because of agents' influence on eliminating contact.
How does Matrisciano fend off the agents? "I don't let them in," he said. Matrisciano's clients during this training session were represented by at least three different agents, proving he doesn't play favorites. "Nobody knows where I am," he said. "I am in San Francisco. Great, then come find me.
"The parents of the guys coming in from high school or college appreciate that. I don't have to tell you it's a harsh world out there. It's a circus -- from AAU to college, it's a circus. The kids are pawned off, pimped off, and I don't need to be involved in that, and I won't be involved in that, and that's my choice."
As for Blake Griffin, Hill said his return to San Francisco this past spring proved his commitment to the program.
Griffin credits his improvement in his game this past season, after which he was named the consensus national player of the year, to last summer's regimen with Matrisciano.
"It helped a lot because I had two knee injuries my freshman year, and it helped me get back to where I never worried about my knees," Griffin said. "I just play, and it helped my vertical. I leaned down a bit, too. Everyone thought I had lost a lot of weight, but when I came back, I had actually gained 10 pounds."
Turns out Matrisciano's Law Seven didn't apply to Griffin.
"Because he is a mental and physical beast, because he wants to be the best, and I guess this where he feels he will achieve that goal," Matrisciano said.
Griffin could have coasted because he is a lock for the No. 1 overall pick. The only workout he did was for the owners of the top slot, the L.A. Clippers.
"There are plenty of guys who could be in his position who would be like, 'I'm set,' and just chill until the draft," Taylor Griffin said. "But Blake's thing is he wants to be an impact player his rookie year."
Blake Griffin's mantra is from a Henry Ford quote that he has tweaked for himself: "The competitor to be feared the most is the one who never worries about others at all and goes on making himself better all the time."
Blake like the workout because "it gives you a base where you can do so much more and last so much longer on the court.
"Let me just put it this way: When I went back to Oklahoma last year when we were done here, the guys were complaining about having to go to the weight room and do our 30-minute workout or our 45-minute workout, and I was like, 'Man, I could do this all day, this is great,'" Griffin recalled. "I don't have to go on a sand hill wearing a 40-pound weight vest and run up it carrying a 20-pound ball or do pull-ups. This has made that easy."
While plenty of other players go another route, Griffin heads west for the Bay. Plenty of others cut short Matrisciano's regimen before seeing the benefit, Griffin just keeps coming back for more.
You get the feeling he wouldn't have it any other way.
Others might worry about agents, signing bonuses and what they'll wear on draft night. Griffin puts his 60-pound weight vest on and starts chugging up the sand hill.
6.24.2009
6.21.2009
LARRY FITZGERALD
Todd Haley: "I told Larry Fitzgerald the first time I met him: ‘I’m not your buddy. I’m your coach; I’m trying to get you to be great."
6.20.2009
Dabo Swinney
The Post and Courier Newspaper sat down with the Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney recently to see what he learned about his team this spring, and to learn some more about the man.
You consistently talked about things like tempo and quality practice reps this spring. It seems one of your goals, if not the No. 1 goal, was to really change the culture this spring. Did you accomplish that?
"We got as much done in 15 days as I think we could have. The other thing we did is had about 1,100 competitive reps which is fantastic, so it was extremely competitive. I can tell you we didn't have near that many competitive reps last year. That's a result of tempo and how we structure practice. It was get better or get exposed. If the attitude is not right we don't have a chance. The main thing is creating an attitude of winning again, an attitude of expectation. An attitude of 'hey, hard work is OK, I have to pay the price.' "
That's interesting that you tracked competitive reps. I guess you are a believer in the 10,000-hour rule: 10,000 hours of good practice, combined with talent, can create greatness.
"If you do something enough, it becomes fundamental. It becomes habit, and when you get in the heat and walk out there in front of millions, your just reacting. Tiger Woods every time we see him hit a big shot. He's hit a thousand times just like that with no one looking … it just becomes a reaction. He probably creates competitive reps as he is practicing, 'OK, down two strokes, got two holes left' … if you are doing things the right way, your fundamentals will hold up under fire. People are so clueless when it comes to doing that.
Greatness is achieved, it is not a given. Yeah, you are born with talent. Take Jerry Rice for example — he is the greatest wideout every to play the position. It is not even close. He was not the most talented. The reason he was great is his work ethic and commitment to little things. He worked on his mind, he took care of his body. He pushed himself further than anyone else was willing to go."
So do you instill that work ethic and drive or must you recruit it?
"I can draw Xs and Os all day on that board; a lot of coaches come in and do great things on the board, but coaching and leadership is really about getting people to do things they don't want to do, getting them to places they can't take themselves. Motivating people to be great. … Coach (Bear) Bryant also talked about there are four kinds of players. You've got those players that have it and give it, like C.J. Spiller. You have players that have it but won't give it — you want to get rid of those guys. Then you have players that don't have it — and this is what the majority of your team is — but don't know they don't have it and give way beyond their ability. And then you have the guys that don't have it, and know they don't have it. You want to be nice to them because they will make great alums. … You've got to be able to motivate all those different guys. … I think that's what separates good coaches from bad coaches."
You consistently talked about things like tempo and quality practice reps this spring. It seems one of your goals, if not the No. 1 goal, was to really change the culture this spring. Did you accomplish that?
"We got as much done in 15 days as I think we could have. The other thing we did is had about 1,100 competitive reps which is fantastic, so it was extremely competitive. I can tell you we didn't have near that many competitive reps last year. That's a result of tempo and how we structure practice. It was get better or get exposed. If the attitude is not right we don't have a chance. The main thing is creating an attitude of winning again, an attitude of expectation. An attitude of 'hey, hard work is OK, I have to pay the price.' "
That's interesting that you tracked competitive reps. I guess you are a believer in the 10,000-hour rule: 10,000 hours of good practice, combined with talent, can create greatness.
"If you do something enough, it becomes fundamental. It becomes habit, and when you get in the heat and walk out there in front of millions, your just reacting. Tiger Woods every time we see him hit a big shot. He's hit a thousand times just like that with no one looking … it just becomes a reaction. He probably creates competitive reps as he is practicing, 'OK, down two strokes, got two holes left' … if you are doing things the right way, your fundamentals will hold up under fire. People are so clueless when it comes to doing that.
Greatness is achieved, it is not a given. Yeah, you are born with talent. Take Jerry Rice for example — he is the greatest wideout every to play the position. It is not even close. He was not the most talented. The reason he was great is his work ethic and commitment to little things. He worked on his mind, he took care of his body. He pushed himself further than anyone else was willing to go."
So do you instill that work ethic and drive or must you recruit it?
"I can draw Xs and Os all day on that board; a lot of coaches come in and do great things on the board, but coaching and leadership is really about getting people to do things they don't want to do, getting them to places they can't take themselves. Motivating people to be great. … Coach (Bear) Bryant also talked about there are four kinds of players. You've got those players that have it and give it, like C.J. Spiller. You have players that have it but won't give it — you want to get rid of those guys. Then you have players that don't have it — and this is what the majority of your team is — but don't know they don't have it and give way beyond their ability. And then you have the guys that don't have it, and know they don't have it. You want to be nice to them because they will make great alums. … You've got to be able to motivate all those different guys. … I think that's what separates good coaches from bad coaches."
6.18.2009
BECOMING GREAT
"The good ones, they put aside everything going on in their lives and focus specifically on basketball. Thats how they become great." Keith Smart (Assistant coach for the Golden St Warriors.)
RICKY RUBIO
"I'm only 18 years old, but on the court age doesn't matter," Rubio said of his leadership skills. "If your teammates don't respect you, you can't be a point guard, so that's very important. When you are a leader, the point guard who leads your team, your team gets better."
PASSION
Trump: "Passion is a key ingredient to success and even more so to bouncing back. If you work hard without passion, you're just wasting energy."
COMPLACENCY
Urban Meyer: "Do I worry about complacency? Sure I do. That's why we're going to have the toughest off-season we've ever had."
6.16.2009
BORING PLAYS
Tony Romo on what he's learned after 39 starts: "Highlight reels don't win championships. They don't. The boring plays win championships."
6.09.2009
SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE
"Dr. Charles Garfield, a psychologist who studied peak performers and highly successful people found that one major difference between them and others less successful was that they concentrated on one main goal while other dissipated their efforts going after many goals."
-William Cohen-
"Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination."
-Major General Karl von Clausewitz-
"The man who tries to have everything ends up by holding nothing."
-Frederick The Great-
"You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose."
-Abraham Lincoln-
"Success demands singleness of purpose."
-Vince Lombardi-
"The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgement, which enable one to recognize the best method as to attain it; the singleness of purpose; and lastly, what is most essential of all, will-stubborn will."
-Marshall Ferdinand Foch-
"Simplicity, clarity, singleness: these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy."
-Richard Holloway-
"Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim."
-John D. Rockefeller-
-William Cohen-
"Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination."
-Major General Karl von Clausewitz-
"The man who tries to have everything ends up by holding nothing."
-Frederick The Great-
"You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose."
-Abraham Lincoln-
"Success demands singleness of purpose."
-Vince Lombardi-
"The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgement, which enable one to recognize the best method as to attain it; the singleness of purpose; and lastly, what is most essential of all, will-stubborn will."
-Marshall Ferdinand Foch-
"Simplicity, clarity, singleness: these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy."
-Richard Holloway-
"Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim."
-John D. Rockefeller-
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
“To be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, you must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestioned integrity. Without it, no real success is possible whether it is in a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
DISCIPLINE
Here are some thoughts on the importance of discipline and a great example on the Yankee great Mickey Mantle.
He may have been the most naturally gifted baseball player of all time. He was clocked rounding the bases in an incredible 13 seconds. Yet, his speed was nothing compared to the power of his hitting. It's been said there were home run hitters, and then there was this man - in a league of his own. The Guinness Book of World Records credits him with hitting the longest home run ever measured, at 643 feet.
The player I'm describing is the great Mickey Mantle. By the age of 19 he had been called up to play for the New York Yankees. He won a World Series his rookie year, and his teams would capture seven championships over the course of his career. By the time he retired, Mantle had played more games as a Yankee than any other player, and had been named MVP of the American League three times. He still holds the all-time World Series records for home runs, runs scored, and runs batted in.
Yet, in spite of his impressive accomplishments, experts believe Mickey Mantle never reached his potential. Most blame Mantle's chronic knee injuries for preventing him from doing more. But injuries weren't the root of the problem. What most people didn't know was that Mantle was a raging alcoholic.
At age 62, with his health and family life a mess, Mantle checked into the Betty Ford Clinic and started the long road to sobriety. Looking back from this vantage point, he assessed his career:
“I never fulfilled what my dad had wanted [to be the greatest player who ever lived], and I should have. God gave me a great body to play with, and I didn't take care of it. And I blame a lot of it on alcohol. Everybody tries to make the excuse that injuries shortened my career. Truth is, after I'd had a knee operation the doctors would give me rehab work to do, but I wouldn't do it. I'd be out drinking... I hurt my knees through the years, and I just thought they'd naturally come back. Everything has always come natural to me. I didn't work hard enough at it.”
Despite his great natural talent, Mickey Mantle never disciplined himself off the field. By the time Mantle was ready to change, it was too late. His liver was ruined from a life of alcoholism, and he died at age 64 from inoperable cancer.
Four Truths about Discipline
What were you born to do? What is your dream? To become the person you have the potential to be, you have to cultivate a life of discipline.
1.) Discipline Comes with a Price Tag
Discipline is costly. It demands a continual investment of time, energy, and commitment at the expense of momentary pleasure and ease. Discipline means paying hours of practice to win the prize of skill. Discipline means giving up short-term benefits for the hope of future gain. Discipline means pressing on to excellence long after everyone else has settled for average.
2.) Discipline Turns Talent to Greatness
When you read about someone like Mickey Mantle, you realize that too much talent can actually work against someone. Super-talented individuals can coast on sheer ability and neglect building the daily habits of success that will sustain them. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow shared much insight when he wrote:
The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
If you want to reach your potential, attach a strong work ethic to your talent.
3.) Discipline Focuses on Choices, Not Conditions
In general, people approach daily discipline in one of two ways. They focus on the external or the internal. Those who focus externally allow conditions to dictate whether or not they remain disciplined. Because conditions are transitory, their discipline level changes like the wind.
In contrast, people with internal discipline focus on choices. You cannot control circumstances, nor can you control others. By focusing on your choices, and making the right ones regularly, will help you stay disciplined.
4.) Discipline Does Not Bow Down to Feelings
As Arthur Gordon said, "Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you."
Becoming great isn’t easy, its built day by day, month by month, and year by year.
He may have been the most naturally gifted baseball player of all time. He was clocked rounding the bases in an incredible 13 seconds. Yet, his speed was nothing compared to the power of his hitting. It's been said there were home run hitters, and then there was this man - in a league of his own. The Guinness Book of World Records credits him with hitting the longest home run ever measured, at 643 feet.
The player I'm describing is the great Mickey Mantle. By the age of 19 he had been called up to play for the New York Yankees. He won a World Series his rookie year, and his teams would capture seven championships over the course of his career. By the time he retired, Mantle had played more games as a Yankee than any other player, and had been named MVP of the American League three times. He still holds the all-time World Series records for home runs, runs scored, and runs batted in.
Yet, in spite of his impressive accomplishments, experts believe Mickey Mantle never reached his potential. Most blame Mantle's chronic knee injuries for preventing him from doing more. But injuries weren't the root of the problem. What most people didn't know was that Mantle was a raging alcoholic.
At age 62, with his health and family life a mess, Mantle checked into the Betty Ford Clinic and started the long road to sobriety. Looking back from this vantage point, he assessed his career:
“I never fulfilled what my dad had wanted [to be the greatest player who ever lived], and I should have. God gave me a great body to play with, and I didn't take care of it. And I blame a lot of it on alcohol. Everybody tries to make the excuse that injuries shortened my career. Truth is, after I'd had a knee operation the doctors would give me rehab work to do, but I wouldn't do it. I'd be out drinking... I hurt my knees through the years, and I just thought they'd naturally come back. Everything has always come natural to me. I didn't work hard enough at it.”
Despite his great natural talent, Mickey Mantle never disciplined himself off the field. By the time Mantle was ready to change, it was too late. His liver was ruined from a life of alcoholism, and he died at age 64 from inoperable cancer.
Four Truths about Discipline
What were you born to do? What is your dream? To become the person you have the potential to be, you have to cultivate a life of discipline.
1.) Discipline Comes with a Price Tag
Discipline is costly. It demands a continual investment of time, energy, and commitment at the expense of momentary pleasure and ease. Discipline means paying hours of practice to win the prize of skill. Discipline means giving up short-term benefits for the hope of future gain. Discipline means pressing on to excellence long after everyone else has settled for average.
2.) Discipline Turns Talent to Greatness
When you read about someone like Mickey Mantle, you realize that too much talent can actually work against someone. Super-talented individuals can coast on sheer ability and neglect building the daily habits of success that will sustain them. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow shared much insight when he wrote:
The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
If you want to reach your potential, attach a strong work ethic to your talent.
3.) Discipline Focuses on Choices, Not Conditions
In general, people approach daily discipline in one of two ways. They focus on the external or the internal. Those who focus externally allow conditions to dictate whether or not they remain disciplined. Because conditions are transitory, their discipline level changes like the wind.
In contrast, people with internal discipline focus on choices. You cannot control circumstances, nor can you control others. By focusing on your choices, and making the right ones regularly, will help you stay disciplined.
4.) Discipline Does Not Bow Down to Feelings
As Arthur Gordon said, "Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you."
Becoming great isn’t easy, its built day by day, month by month, and year by year.
ATTITUDE
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance or skill. It will make or break a team, a company or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day about the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing we can do is control our attitude."
-- Charles Swindoll
-- Charles Swindoll
6.08.2009
TIGER WOODS - SILENCES HIS CRITICS
What did we uncover after Tiger's win at the Memorial? For one, that the world's No. 1 player loves to silence his critics.
Woods hit all 14 fairways, something the world's No. 1 player had not done in six years and now has accomplished just six times in his PGA Tour career. He saw Woods hit 13 of 18 greens. He watched him somehow gouge a flop shot out of the deep rough that trundled into the hole for an eagle.
Woods hit approach shots stiff at the 17th and 18th holes that set up birdies to cap a final-round 65 and a 1-stroke victory over Jim Furyk.
"I tried not to watch him, but it's hard not to," said Letzig, who began the day tied with Woods, 4 shots back, and ended up tied for 14th. "Some of the shots are just unreal. He's a lot better than everybody else. It's tough because it's golf to us. The way he plays, the way he hits his irons ... it's unreal."
Woods made seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys and won for the second time this year since coming back from knee surgery.
"It was just a matter of time," Woods said. "It came together this week."
"My practice sessions started getting longer at home," he said. "Hit more balls, play more golf, all these things. People don't realize you need to do that. You need to have that ability. You can't just think about your swing and how to be great the next day. I needed to do the reps and do some good practice sessions the past couple of weeks.
"I knew I could do this. It's just a matter of give me a little bit of time. I just came off a pretty extended break, and I was close to winning, but the game wasn't quite there when I really needed it on Sunday. I rectified that."
But his indifferent play at all three of those tournaments left him vulnerable to the critics. His game was second-guessed .
"I wish you'd all quit ticking him off," said Furyk, laughing, after a final-hole birdie left him 1 shot short of Woods. "Wish you'd quit chapping him so much and make him come back and keep proving stuff. Tiger Woods is always Tiger Woods. He can't be 100 percent every week, but I'm sure he answered a lot of questions today."
If you're keeping track, that's two victories in seven starts this year for Woods. He now trails tournament host Jack Nicklaus by six for second place on the all-time PGA Tour victory list.
Woods hit all 14 fairways, something the world's No. 1 player had not done in six years and now has accomplished just six times in his PGA Tour career. He saw Woods hit 13 of 18 greens. He watched him somehow gouge a flop shot out of the deep rough that trundled into the hole for an eagle.
Woods hit approach shots stiff at the 17th and 18th holes that set up birdies to cap a final-round 65 and a 1-stroke victory over Jim Furyk.
"I tried not to watch him, but it's hard not to," said Letzig, who began the day tied with Woods, 4 shots back, and ended up tied for 14th. "Some of the shots are just unreal. He's a lot better than everybody else. It's tough because it's golf to us. The way he plays, the way he hits his irons ... it's unreal."
Woods made seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys and won for the second time this year since coming back from knee surgery.
"It was just a matter of time," Woods said. "It came together this week."
"My practice sessions started getting longer at home," he said. "Hit more balls, play more golf, all these things. People don't realize you need to do that. You need to have that ability. You can't just think about your swing and how to be great the next day. I needed to do the reps and do some good practice sessions the past couple of weeks.
"I knew I could do this. It's just a matter of give me a little bit of time. I just came off a pretty extended break, and I was close to winning, but the game wasn't quite there when I really needed it on Sunday. I rectified that."
But his indifferent play at all three of those tournaments left him vulnerable to the critics. His game was second-guessed .
"I wish you'd all quit ticking him off," said Furyk, laughing, after a final-hole birdie left him 1 shot short of Woods. "Wish you'd quit chapping him so much and make him come back and keep proving stuff. Tiger Woods is always Tiger Woods. He can't be 100 percent every week, but I'm sure he answered a lot of questions today."
If you're keeping track, that's two victories in seven starts this year for Woods. He now trails tournament host Jack Nicklaus by six for second place on the all-time PGA Tour victory list.
6.07.2009
KOBE BRYANT - NOT A NICE GUY
Kobe Bryant is not a nice guy.
Rather, he is "a killer, a gunslinger, a guy who will take the weak and have no mercy on them. That's one of the things about Kobe. He's a tough character, but he's got a real nice demeanor and carries himself very well."
Those were the words Saturday of his coach, Phil Jackson, the guy who has sat on the sidelines and guided Bryant through nine of his 13 NBA seasons.
To Jackson, Bryant is nowhere near the same mystery he is to the rest of the world, a player whose mood throughout this postseason has been scrutinized closely.
In Game 1 of this series, it immediately jumped out at colleague J.A. Adande that Kobe brought his game face to the center circle for the opening tip, the first guy out there, "bad man" written all over his focused features. He scored his 40 without yapping, looking as unstoppable as he ever has.
Afterward, he kept up his recent habit of being borderline morose in his news conference -- he said his daughters had been calling him "Grumpy," a reference to one of the Seven Dwarfs in the Snow White fairy tale, because of his mood lately) -- and observers were struck by how it was such a far cry from the loose Kobe we saw during last season's Finals against Boston.
His checkered history, his mood swings, and his successes and failures have all fed into the accurate and inaccurate perceptions of Bryant, but the latter was the topic Jackson was asked about on the eve of Game 2 of the NBA Finals:
"What is the biggest misperception people have of Kobe?"
Jackson's answer actually had two parts, the second being that people have the mistaken impression that Bryant is a selfish player: "All of us have a certain amount of ego in this game. But he understands what the mood and the temperament of the game is a lot of time, reads the game, knows when he has to carry the thrust of our team a lot and then knows a lot of times if he's got to pull back or sit back and let some other people do what they can do best on the team."
Bryant's Olympic teammates undoubtedly developed a new level of respect for Bryant from witnessing his dedication to his craft, and the workout time he put in.
Dwight Howard had this to say about Kobe, “He is a nice guy, a very nice guy. He's a great team player, one of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet.”
"Sometimes he goes crazy. He starts making unbelievable shots, he plays great defense," Howard said. "When he has that killer-instinct look, you probably saw it last game, it is a sight to see."
"Just because you're focused on something doesn't mean you don't enjoy something," Bryant replied when asked whether he was enjoying this, since it appears to the untrained eye that he is not. "That's part of the fun is just figuring out how to focus and how to get ready to play game after game. You can still do your job and still have a good time."
Rather, he is "a killer, a gunslinger, a guy who will take the weak and have no mercy on them. That's one of the things about Kobe. He's a tough character, but he's got a real nice demeanor and carries himself very well."
Those were the words Saturday of his coach, Phil Jackson, the guy who has sat on the sidelines and guided Bryant through nine of his 13 NBA seasons.
To Jackson, Bryant is nowhere near the same mystery he is to the rest of the world, a player whose mood throughout this postseason has been scrutinized closely.
In Game 1 of this series, it immediately jumped out at colleague J.A. Adande that Kobe brought his game face to the center circle for the opening tip, the first guy out there, "bad man" written all over his focused features. He scored his 40 without yapping, looking as unstoppable as he ever has.
Afterward, he kept up his recent habit of being borderline morose in his news conference -- he said his daughters had been calling him "Grumpy," a reference to one of the Seven Dwarfs in the Snow White fairy tale, because of his mood lately) -- and observers were struck by how it was such a far cry from the loose Kobe we saw during last season's Finals against Boston.
His checkered history, his mood swings, and his successes and failures have all fed into the accurate and inaccurate perceptions of Bryant, but the latter was the topic Jackson was asked about on the eve of Game 2 of the NBA Finals:
"What is the biggest misperception people have of Kobe?"
Jackson's answer actually had two parts, the second being that people have the mistaken impression that Bryant is a selfish player: "All of us have a certain amount of ego in this game. But he understands what the mood and the temperament of the game is a lot of time, reads the game, knows when he has to carry the thrust of our team a lot and then knows a lot of times if he's got to pull back or sit back and let some other people do what they can do best on the team."
Bryant's Olympic teammates undoubtedly developed a new level of respect for Bryant from witnessing his dedication to his craft, and the workout time he put in.
Dwight Howard had this to say about Kobe, “He is a nice guy, a very nice guy. He's a great team player, one of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet.”
"Sometimes he goes crazy. He starts making unbelievable shots, he plays great defense," Howard said. "When he has that killer-instinct look, you probably saw it last game, it is a sight to see."
"Just because you're focused on something doesn't mean you don't enjoy something," Bryant replied when asked whether he was enjoying this, since it appears to the untrained eye that he is not. "That's part of the fun is just figuring out how to focus and how to get ready to play game after game. You can still do your job and still have a good time."
6.06.2009
DRE BLY - LEADERSHIP
49ers' Dre Bly: “Championship teams start with a great leader, a great guy at the top. You need somebody great to lead you.”
KOBE BRYANT - ATTACKING & LEADING
Rafer Alston talking about Kobe after Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs: “Kobe just attacks, attacks, attacks. LeBron will dominate, then ease back. Kobe just keeps coming. It’s relentless.”
Rick Fox on Kobe's early career: "He was perceived as the little brother. He wanted to be the big brother. He had the desire to lead."
Rick Fox on Kobe's early career: "He was perceived as the little brother. He wanted to be the big brother. He had the desire to lead."
6.05.2009
KOBE - PRESSURE RELIEVER
Magic Johnson had his magnetic smile. Michael Jordan soared to the basket with his tongue hanging out. Kobe Bryant is baring his teeth and scowling in these NBA finals.
Bryant makes no apologies for his no-fun demeanor.
"I just think it's been building," he said Friday. "I've been pacing myself all year waiting for these playoffs to come around. The table is set."
The Lakers exhaled a day after routing the Orlando Magic 100-75 in Game 1 of the NBA finals.
Much of Bryant's laser focus is the result of the Lakers losing to Detroit and Boston in their previous finals appearances in 2004 and last year. He detests losing, and at 30, he is more conscious that winning championships is the bedrock in building the legacy of a player who wants to be among the greatest.
"I just want it so bad," he said. "This time around we're just really locked in."
Coach Phil Jackson said that behind closed doors Bryant is just as quiet and focused.
"You have to stay driven and motivated, and I think it's really important that he takes that leadership role for this team," he said.
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy has seen Bryant's willful side emerge before.
"When he's playing as well as he did last night, there's really no pressure on anybody else. You shoot the ball freely, you play freely because if you hit a bad stretch, you'll just go back to him and he'll take care of everything," Van Gundy said. "What the great players do to make their teammates better is they take the pressure off of them."
Bryant makes no apologies for his no-fun demeanor.
"I just think it's been building," he said Friday. "I've been pacing myself all year waiting for these playoffs to come around. The table is set."
The Lakers exhaled a day after routing the Orlando Magic 100-75 in Game 1 of the NBA finals.
Much of Bryant's laser focus is the result of the Lakers losing to Detroit and Boston in their previous finals appearances in 2004 and last year. He detests losing, and at 30, he is more conscious that winning championships is the bedrock in building the legacy of a player who wants to be among the greatest.
"I just want it so bad," he said. "This time around we're just really locked in."
Coach Phil Jackson said that behind closed doors Bryant is just as quiet and focused.
"You have to stay driven and motivated, and I think it's really important that he takes that leadership role for this team," he said.
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy has seen Bryant's willful side emerge before.
"When he's playing as well as he did last night, there's really no pressure on anybody else. You shoot the ball freely, you play freely because if you hit a bad stretch, you'll just go back to him and he'll take care of everything," Van Gundy said. "What the great players do to make their teammates better is they take the pressure off of them."
6.04.2009
VINCE LOMBARDI
There was a marvelous book that came out in 2001 titled: What It Take To Be #1. A lot of people write books on the topic of being #1 but this particular book is about Vince Lombardi, one of the great coaches and leaders of our time. It is written by someone who knew Coach Lombardi at a very deep level -- his son, Vince Lombardi, Jr. It is an inside look at the way Vince Lombardi lived his life and coached his teams. One of the better chapters deal with seven elements of success in the Lombardi philosophy.
COURAGE
Courage is the habit of mind that allows us to meet danger, opposition, or hopelessly long odds with poise and resolution. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage means experiencing fear.
"The important thought is that the Packers thrived on
tough competition. We welcomed it; the team had always
welcomed it. The adrenaline flowed a little quicker when
we were player the tougher team."
-Vince Lombardi-
PASSION
Passion and enthusiasm are the seeds of achievement. Enthusiasm is like an ocean tide. There's a certain inevitability about it. Passion sweeps obstacles away. It's tough to be a leader if you can't energize your people and tap into their emotional energy.
"To be successful, a man must exert an effective influence
upon his brothers and upon his associates, and the degree
in which he accomplishes this depends on the personality
of the man. The incandescence of which he is capable.
The flame of the fire that burns inside him. The magnetism
which draws the hearts of men to him."
-Vince Lombardi-
SACRIFICE
Character takes sacrifice: the giving up of one thing for the sake of another.
"I think you've got to pay a price for anything that's
worthwhile, and success is paying the price. You've got to
pay the price to win, you've got to pay the price to stay
on top, and you've got to pay the price to get there."
-Vince Lombardi-
TOTAL COMMITMENT
Closely related to the habit of sacrifice is the habit of total commitment. Total commitment means no loafing, idling, standing around, goofing off or phoning in sick. The essence of commitment is the act of making a decision.
"The quality of each man is the measure of that man's personal
commitment to excellence and to victory -- whether it be football,
whether it be business, whether it be politics or government."
-Vince Lombardi-
HARD WORK
Jim Howell, then head coach of the New York Giants where Lombardi was an assistant would comment: "When other coaches -- the rest of us -- would leave the Giant offices, there was always one light still burning, the one in Vince Lombardi's office."
"If you really want something , you can have it if you're
willing to pay the price. And the price means you have to
work better and harder than the next guy."
-Vince Lombardi-
DISCIPLINE
Hard work is also discipline: the kind of focused training that develops self-control. Discipline helps you make the hard decisions. In leading a team or organization, discipline leads to freedom.
"A good leader must be harder on himself than anyone else.
He must first discipline himself before he can discipline another.
A man should not ask others to do things he would not have
asked himself to do at one time or another in his life."
-Vince Lombardi-
MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Mental toughness was one of my father's favorite topics. He believe it was the single most important skill leaders could develop in themselves and the people around them. Mental toughness is the ability to hold onto your goals in the face of the pressure and stress of current reality. It's the ability to hold on, and hold on , and hold onto what you want in the face of what you're not. Mental toughness is the glue that holds a team together when the heat is on and helps that team persevere just a little bit longer, which in many cases is just enough to outlast the opposition.
"Mental toughness is many things, and rather
difficult to explain. It's qualities are sacrifice and self-denial.
Also, most importantly, it is combined with the perfectly
discipline will, which refuses to give in. It's a state of mind --
you could call it 'character in action.'"
-Vince Lombardi-
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."
-Vince Lombardi-
COURAGE
Courage is the habit of mind that allows us to meet danger, opposition, or hopelessly long odds with poise and resolution. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage means experiencing fear.
"The important thought is that the Packers thrived on
tough competition. We welcomed it; the team had always
welcomed it. The adrenaline flowed a little quicker when
we were player the tougher team."
-Vince Lombardi-
PASSION
Passion and enthusiasm are the seeds of achievement. Enthusiasm is like an ocean tide. There's a certain inevitability about it. Passion sweeps obstacles away. It's tough to be a leader if you can't energize your people and tap into their emotional energy.
"To be successful, a man must exert an effective influence
upon his brothers and upon his associates, and the degree
in which he accomplishes this depends on the personality
of the man. The incandescence of which he is capable.
The flame of the fire that burns inside him. The magnetism
which draws the hearts of men to him."
-Vince Lombardi-
SACRIFICE
Character takes sacrifice: the giving up of one thing for the sake of another.
"I think you've got to pay a price for anything that's
worthwhile, and success is paying the price. You've got to
pay the price to win, you've got to pay the price to stay
on top, and you've got to pay the price to get there."
-Vince Lombardi-
TOTAL COMMITMENT
Closely related to the habit of sacrifice is the habit of total commitment. Total commitment means no loafing, idling, standing around, goofing off or phoning in sick. The essence of commitment is the act of making a decision.
"The quality of each man is the measure of that man's personal
commitment to excellence and to victory -- whether it be football,
whether it be business, whether it be politics or government."
-Vince Lombardi-
HARD WORK
Jim Howell, then head coach of the New York Giants where Lombardi was an assistant would comment: "When other coaches -- the rest of us -- would leave the Giant offices, there was always one light still burning, the one in Vince Lombardi's office."
"If you really want something , you can have it if you're
willing to pay the price. And the price means you have to
work better and harder than the next guy."
-Vince Lombardi-
DISCIPLINE
Hard work is also discipline: the kind of focused training that develops self-control. Discipline helps you make the hard decisions. In leading a team or organization, discipline leads to freedom.
"A good leader must be harder on himself than anyone else.
He must first discipline himself before he can discipline another.
A man should not ask others to do things he would not have
asked himself to do at one time or another in his life."
-Vince Lombardi-
MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Mental toughness was one of my father's favorite topics. He believe it was the single most important skill leaders could develop in themselves and the people around them. Mental toughness is the ability to hold onto your goals in the face of the pressure and stress of current reality. It's the ability to hold on, and hold on , and hold onto what you want in the face of what you're not. Mental toughness is the glue that holds a team together when the heat is on and helps that team persevere just a little bit longer, which in many cases is just enough to outlast the opposition.
"Mental toughness is many things, and rather
difficult to explain. It's qualities are sacrifice and self-denial.
Also, most importantly, it is combined with the perfectly
discipline will, which refuses to give in. It's a state of mind --
you could call it 'character in action.'"
-Vince Lombardi-
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."
-Vince Lombardi-
KOBE BRYANT - OLYMPICS
J.Colangelo speaking on K. Bryant during the Olympics "He raised the bar for everyone. It didn't matter what our schedule was, he was in the workout room by 8am."
6.03.2009
DAILY TO DO'S FOR LEADERS
Below is the list of 12 Simple "Daily To Do's For Leaders"
1. Be the hardest worker at practice today
Without fail, one of the quickest ways to impact a team is with your own work ethic. Choose to be one of the hardest workers on your team. Not only does it set the tone for the work ethic of your program, it is also one of the best and quickest ways to enhance your leadership credibility with your teammates and coaches.
2. Be a spark of energy and enthusiasm
Let your passion for the sport shine through. Spread a contagious energy and enthusiasm amongst your teammates. Think about how lucky you are to be able to play and compete.
3. Model mental toughness today
Because your teammates will look to you under pressure, adversity, and stress, be sure to model mental toughness. Bounce back quickly after errors to show your teammates how to respond to negative situations. Maintain your poise and optimism despite any mistakes you might make so that your teammates can trust and rely on you to get them through the tough times.
4. Connect with a teammate today
Leadership is all about relationships. Invest the time to build and strengthen the relationships you have with each of your teammates. Inquire about their day, challenges, and goals. Make a special and ongoing effort to get to know every athlete on your team, not just your friends. The relationship building you do each day will pay off immeasurably down the road.
5. Compliment a teammate today
Be on the lookout for teammates who are contributing to your team. Call out a teammate for making a hustle play, pushing through a weight workout, recovering quickly from a mistake, etc. Praise the actions and attitudes you want to see repeated. As Mother Teresa once said, "Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."
6. Challenge a teammate today
Challenge at least one of your teammates today. Positively push them and yourself to make the most of your workout. Make a friendly wager. See if you both can improve your times in conditioning. Offer to stay after to help if there is anything they want to work on. Good leaders consistently invite, inspire, and sometimes implore others to greatness.
7. Support a teammate today
Odds are, at least one of your teammates is struggling with something today - it could be a performance slump, a rocky romantic relationship, a disagreement with a coach, an unglamorous role, struggling with a class, or a sick family member. Good leaders are consistently on the lookout for teammates who might be struggling and are ready to offer an ear to listen, an encouraging word, a pat on the back, or a shoulder to cry on.
8. Constructively confront negativity, pessimism, and laziness today
As a leader, have the courage to constructively confront the negativity, pessimism, and laziness that will crop up on your team from time to time. Instead of fueling the fire by joining in or silently standing by, be sure to refocus your teammates on solutions rather than dwelling on and complaining about the problems. Left unchecked, these problems can quickly grow to distract, divide, and destroy your team.
9. Build and bond your team today
Team chemistry naturally ebbs and flows throughout the course of the season. Take the time to monitor and maintain your team's chemistry. Let your reserves and support staff know how much you appreciate them. Stay connected and current with each of the natural sub-groups on your team. Douse any brush fires that might be occurring and continually remind team members about your common goal and common bond.
10. Check in with your coach today
Invest the time to check in with your coach today. Ask what you can do to best help the team this week. Find out what your coach wants to accomplish with today's practice. Also discuss if there is anything your coach is concerned about regarding your team. Discuss your collective insights on your team's chemistry, focus, and mindset. Work together to effectively co-lead your team.
11. Remind your team how today's work leads to tomorrow's dreams
It's easy to get bogged down during your season with monotonous drills, tiring conditioning, and demanding workouts. Remind your teammates how all the quality work you do today gives you a distinct advantage over your opponents. Help them see and even get excited about how today's hard work is a long-term investment in your team's goals, rather than just a short-term hardship or sacrifice.
12. Represent yourself and team with class and pride
Leaders have the awesome privilege and responsibility of representing their teams. Take advantage of this opportunity by representing your team with class and pride. Hold a door open for someone, sit in the front rows of class and actively engage in the discussion, say please and thank you, dress in respectful attire, etc. These tiny pushes represent you and your team with class and distinction. And they ultimately set you up for a lifetime of respect and success.
1. Be the hardest worker at practice today
Without fail, one of the quickest ways to impact a team is with your own work ethic. Choose to be one of the hardest workers on your team. Not only does it set the tone for the work ethic of your program, it is also one of the best and quickest ways to enhance your leadership credibility with your teammates and coaches.
2. Be a spark of energy and enthusiasm
Let your passion for the sport shine through. Spread a contagious energy and enthusiasm amongst your teammates. Think about how lucky you are to be able to play and compete.
3. Model mental toughness today
Because your teammates will look to you under pressure, adversity, and stress, be sure to model mental toughness. Bounce back quickly after errors to show your teammates how to respond to negative situations. Maintain your poise and optimism despite any mistakes you might make so that your teammates can trust and rely on you to get them through the tough times.
4. Connect with a teammate today
Leadership is all about relationships. Invest the time to build and strengthen the relationships you have with each of your teammates. Inquire about their day, challenges, and goals. Make a special and ongoing effort to get to know every athlete on your team, not just your friends. The relationship building you do each day will pay off immeasurably down the road.
5. Compliment a teammate today
Be on the lookout for teammates who are contributing to your team. Call out a teammate for making a hustle play, pushing through a weight workout, recovering quickly from a mistake, etc. Praise the actions and attitudes you want to see repeated. As Mother Teresa once said, "Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."
6. Challenge a teammate today
Challenge at least one of your teammates today. Positively push them and yourself to make the most of your workout. Make a friendly wager. See if you both can improve your times in conditioning. Offer to stay after to help if there is anything they want to work on. Good leaders consistently invite, inspire, and sometimes implore others to greatness.
7. Support a teammate today
Odds are, at least one of your teammates is struggling with something today - it could be a performance slump, a rocky romantic relationship, a disagreement with a coach, an unglamorous role, struggling with a class, or a sick family member. Good leaders are consistently on the lookout for teammates who might be struggling and are ready to offer an ear to listen, an encouraging word, a pat on the back, or a shoulder to cry on.
8. Constructively confront negativity, pessimism, and laziness today
As a leader, have the courage to constructively confront the negativity, pessimism, and laziness that will crop up on your team from time to time. Instead of fueling the fire by joining in or silently standing by, be sure to refocus your teammates on solutions rather than dwelling on and complaining about the problems. Left unchecked, these problems can quickly grow to distract, divide, and destroy your team.
9. Build and bond your team today
Team chemistry naturally ebbs and flows throughout the course of the season. Take the time to monitor and maintain your team's chemistry. Let your reserves and support staff know how much you appreciate them. Stay connected and current with each of the natural sub-groups on your team. Douse any brush fires that might be occurring and continually remind team members about your common goal and common bond.
10. Check in with your coach today
Invest the time to check in with your coach today. Ask what you can do to best help the team this week. Find out what your coach wants to accomplish with today's practice. Also discuss if there is anything your coach is concerned about regarding your team. Discuss your collective insights on your team's chemistry, focus, and mindset. Work together to effectively co-lead your team.
11. Remind your team how today's work leads to tomorrow's dreams
It's easy to get bogged down during your season with monotonous drills, tiring conditioning, and demanding workouts. Remind your teammates how all the quality work you do today gives you a distinct advantage over your opponents. Help them see and even get excited about how today's hard work is a long-term investment in your team's goals, rather than just a short-term hardship or sacrifice.
12. Represent yourself and team with class and pride
Leaders have the awesome privilege and responsibility of representing their teams. Take advantage of this opportunity by representing your team with class and pride. Hold a door open for someone, sit in the front rows of class and actively engage in the discussion, say please and thank you, dress in respectful attire, etc. These tiny pushes represent you and your team with class and distinction. And they ultimately set you up for a lifetime of respect and success.
GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
"To be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, you must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestioned integrity. Without it, no real success is possible whether it is in a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office."
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is the willingness to put oneself at risk.
Leadership is the passion to make a difference with others.
Leadership is being dissatisfied with the current reality.
Leadership is taking responsibility while others are making excuses.
Leadership is seeing the possibilities in a situation while others are seeing the limitations.
Leadership is the readiness to stand out in a crowd.
Leadership is an open mind and an open heart.
Leadership is the ability to submerge your ego for the sake of what is best.
Leadership is inspiring others with a vision of what they can contribute.
Leadership is the power of one harnessing the power of many.
Leadership is your heart speaking to the hearts of others.
Leadership is the integration of heart, head, and soul.
Leadership is the capacity to care, and in caring, to liberate the ideas, energy, and capacities of others.
Leadership is the dream made reality.
Leadership is, above all, courageous.
Leadership is the passion to make a difference with others.
Leadership is being dissatisfied with the current reality.
Leadership is taking responsibility while others are making excuses.
Leadership is seeing the possibilities in a situation while others are seeing the limitations.
Leadership is the readiness to stand out in a crowd.
Leadership is an open mind and an open heart.
Leadership is the ability to submerge your ego for the sake of what is best.
Leadership is inspiring others with a vision of what they can contribute.
Leadership is the power of one harnessing the power of many.
Leadership is your heart speaking to the hearts of others.
Leadership is the integration of heart, head, and soul.
Leadership is the capacity to care, and in caring, to liberate the ideas, energy, and capacities of others.
Leadership is the dream made reality.
Leadership is, above all, courageous.
HOW TO BECOME THE BEST
From the magazine, "Get Motivated," comes an excellent article titled, How to Rebound From Setbacks: Ruben Gonzales, the three-time Olympian tells how he excelled in one of the Olympics’ most perilous sports --the lug.
Principle 1- Go All the Way: When you decide that quitting is not an option, you will soon be in the top 10 percent of your field. Odds are, ninety percent of your competition will simply give up!
Principle 2- Create a “Dream Team”: Ninety percent of success is determined by whom you associate with. So create a Dream Team of people around you who will encourage you through the toughest times.
Principle 3- Give Yourself a Pep Talk: It’s easy to get down when things aren’t going your way. After a bad luge run, sometimes I walk up and down the track for 20 minutes, saying: “I can do it! I will make it, because there’s always a way!” When you get down, pick yourself up and give yourself a pep talk.
Principle 4- Learn from Your Mistakes: High achievers believe that they will either do well at each task they tackle or they will learn something to help them win in future. As funny as it sounds, most successful people “fail their way upwards.” I was no different, crashing all the way to the top!
Principle 5-Recover Quickly: When winners make mistakes, they don’t waste time whining. They do whatever it takes to recover quickly, so they don’t lose their momentum. When a boxer gets knocked down, he has only 10 seconds to get back up. If he gets up in eleven seconds, he loses the fight. SO the next time you get knocked down, decide to act like a winner. Get up, take immediate action and make your dream a reality!
Principle 1- Go All the Way: When you decide that quitting is not an option, you will soon be in the top 10 percent of your field. Odds are, ninety percent of your competition will simply give up!
Principle 2- Create a “Dream Team”: Ninety percent of success is determined by whom you associate with. So create a Dream Team of people around you who will encourage you through the toughest times.
Principle 3- Give Yourself a Pep Talk: It’s easy to get down when things aren’t going your way. After a bad luge run, sometimes I walk up and down the track for 20 minutes, saying: “I can do it! I will make it, because there’s always a way!” When you get down, pick yourself up and give yourself a pep talk.
Principle 4- Learn from Your Mistakes: High achievers believe that they will either do well at each task they tackle or they will learn something to help them win in future. As funny as it sounds, most successful people “fail their way upwards.” I was no different, crashing all the way to the top!
Principle 5-Recover Quickly: When winners make mistakes, they don’t waste time whining. They do whatever it takes to recover quickly, so they don’t lose their momentum. When a boxer gets knocked down, he has only 10 seconds to get back up. If he gets up in eleven seconds, he loses the fight. SO the next time you get knocked down, decide to act like a winner. Get up, take immediate action and make your dream a reality!
MICHAEL JORDAN - PRACTICE HABITS
“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things halfheartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect halfhearted results. That’s why I approached practices the same way I approached games.”
MICHAEL JORDAN - HOW TO BE LIKE MIKE
Below is an excerpt from the book, "How To Be Like Mike."
“I’ve never seen anyone like Michael Jordan who would fight so hard not to lose,” said Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin. “I’ve never seen anything like his drive.”
When Rex Chapman scored forty on him, Jordan responded in their next meeting with fifty. When Jerry Stackhouse scored nineteen points in the first half, Jordan held him scoreless in the second half — and scored forty-five points. “MJ might have a bad game,” said veteran pro Sam Cassell, “but never bad back-to-back games.”
Former NBA player Kenny Smith remembered, “When I played at North Carolina, all the NBA guys would come back to play in the summer. During the scrimmages, Michael wouldn't leave the court because he wanted to get the next game started to compete against them. He would go at them with such intensity. He wouldn't back down."
“I’ve never seen anyone like Michael Jordan who would fight so hard not to lose,” said Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin. “I’ve never seen anything like his drive.”
When Rex Chapman scored forty on him, Jordan responded in their next meeting with fifty. When Jerry Stackhouse scored nineteen points in the first half, Jordan held him scoreless in the second half — and scored forty-five points. “MJ might have a bad game,” said veteran pro Sam Cassell, “but never bad back-to-back games.”
Former NBA player Kenny Smith remembered, “When I played at North Carolina, all the NBA guys would come back to play in the summer. During the scrimmages, Michael wouldn't leave the court because he wanted to get the next game started to compete against them. He would go at them with such intensity. He wouldn't back down."
MICHAEL JORDAN - PLAYING FOR KEEPS
Below is a small excerpt from "Playing For Keeps." There were several passages in the book that outlined the very reason why Michael Jordan was not just a great player but a dominate player.
"In pickup games, he had become unusually purposeful. There was a tendency in games like this, when there were no coaches around for player to resort to what they did best, to reinforce their strengths and avoid going to any part of their game that was essentially weak. But Jordan, Hale believed, was constantly working on the weaker part of his game, trying to bring it up. It was, Hale thought, one more sign of his desire to be the best."
"In pickup games, he had become unusually purposeful. There was a tendency in games like this, when there were no coaches around for player to resort to what they did best, to reinforce their strengths and avoid going to any part of their game that was essentially weak. But Jordan, Hale believed, was constantly working on the weaker part of his game, trying to bring it up. It was, Hale thought, one more sign of his desire to be the best."
JOHN STOCKTON
Step 1: Know what you can and cannot do.
Too many players try to make plays that are beyond their ability. John Stockton always knew what he could and could not do. He made the safe passes. He threw crisp chest passes, bounce passes and wrap around passes. He was not concerned about making high light reels; all he wanted to do was get his teammates in position to make an easy open shot. If you want to play like John Stockton, be unselfish and be a great passer.
Step2: Play for your teammates.
John Stockton could have averaged well over twenty points a game whenever he wanted. He was one of only a handful of point guards who consistently shot over fifty percent from the floor. He never averaged more than 17 points per game. He was dedicated to getting his teammates good shots. Everyone wanted to play with him as their point guard and if you can be a leader and run the show everyone will want to play with you.
Step3: Be tenacious.
One of the toughest players to get around when he set a pick was John Stockton. He was always setting screens on bigger players and drawing fouls because they would become agitated and finally just push him down. He was also tenacious on defense and worked very hard to get the ball back. He took pride in getting stops defensively.
Step4: Master the pick and roll.
The play that John Stockton was known for was running the pick and roll with Karl Malone. Every pick and roll that is run correctly puts the defense at a disadvantage. Once you know how to capitalize on that disadvantage you can play like John Stockton. You can dominate a defense and get your teammates easy shots.
Step5: Shoot accurately.
Stockton was a tremendous shooter. It was a great weapon that prevented defenses from sagging off of him. If you gave him even a little room, he could hit any shot from the three point line and in. In order to play like Stockton you need to be a big time shooter.
Too many players try to make plays that are beyond their ability. John Stockton always knew what he could and could not do. He made the safe passes. He threw crisp chest passes, bounce passes and wrap around passes. He was not concerned about making high light reels; all he wanted to do was get his teammates in position to make an easy open shot. If you want to play like John Stockton, be unselfish and be a great passer.
Step2: Play for your teammates.
John Stockton could have averaged well over twenty points a game whenever he wanted. He was one of only a handful of point guards who consistently shot over fifty percent from the floor. He never averaged more than 17 points per game. He was dedicated to getting his teammates good shots. Everyone wanted to play with him as their point guard and if you can be a leader and run the show everyone will want to play with you.
Step3: Be tenacious.
One of the toughest players to get around when he set a pick was John Stockton. He was always setting screens on bigger players and drawing fouls because they would become agitated and finally just push him down. He was also tenacious on defense and worked very hard to get the ball back. He took pride in getting stops defensively.
Step4: Master the pick and roll.
The play that John Stockton was known for was running the pick and roll with Karl Malone. Every pick and roll that is run correctly puts the defense at a disadvantage. Once you know how to capitalize on that disadvantage you can play like John Stockton. You can dominate a defense and get your teammates easy shots.
Step5: Shoot accurately.
Stockton was a tremendous shooter. It was a great weapon that prevented defenses from sagging off of him. If you gave him even a little room, he could hit any shot from the three point line and in. In order to play like Stockton you need to be a big time shooter.
ALBERT PUJOLS
Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals might be the best young hitter in the history of the game.
But there is something behind his stat sheets, thats not shown on highlight shows, or seen by the fans. "What you don't see is how hard I work, how hard I prepare," he says.
Pujols has just finished one of his daily 2 1/2-hour off-season workouts. He lifts weights, watches videos of pitchers he'll face during the season, and spends serious time in the batting cage.
Despite his star status, he was one of the first position players on the Cardinals to arrive at spring training this season. He spent much of that time polishing his play at first base.
During the season, Pujols arrives early for games, takes cuts in the batting cages to make sure his swing is smooth, and watches more video on the opposing pitcher.
"Albert is so professional in his approach, whether it's the winter, the spring, or the summer," says Cardinal manager Tony La Russa.
All that study and preparation helps explain why Pujols is a fast starter (.385 average last April) and why, unlike other hot starters, he keeps punishing pitchers as the season progresses. In 2003, Pujols hit a hefty .346 after the All-Star break and ended the regular season with the majors' best average: .359.
"God gave me this natural ability," says Pujols. "But it's even better when you work hard and you put those two things together. [Then], it's unbelievable."
But there is something behind his stat sheets, thats not shown on highlight shows, or seen by the fans. "What you don't see is how hard I work, how hard I prepare," he says.
Pujols has just finished one of his daily 2 1/2-hour off-season workouts. He lifts weights, watches videos of pitchers he'll face during the season, and spends serious time in the batting cage.
Despite his star status, he was one of the first position players on the Cardinals to arrive at spring training this season. He spent much of that time polishing his play at first base.
During the season, Pujols arrives early for games, takes cuts in the batting cages to make sure his swing is smooth, and watches more video on the opposing pitcher.
"Albert is so professional in his approach, whether it's the winter, the spring, or the summer," says Cardinal manager Tony La Russa.
All that study and preparation helps explain why Pujols is a fast starter (.385 average last April) and why, unlike other hot starters, he keeps punishing pitchers as the season progresses. In 2003, Pujols hit a hefty .346 after the All-Star break and ended the regular season with the majors' best average: .359.
"God gave me this natural ability," says Pujols. "But it's even better when you work hard and you put those two things together. [Then], it's unbelievable."
KOBE BRYANT
Shaquille O'Neal said that he has never had a teammate that worked as hard as Kobe and that we was borderline possessed about working out each day. He said that the workouts were long and difficult. Not just working on shooting, which Shaq said he did daily and at a rigorous speed, but also on the fundamentals, conditioning and in the weightroom. There is a rumor that Kobe refers to his regiment as the "Devil Workout" because it includes 6 hours a day, 6 days a week, 6 months a year.
Derek Fisher was asked to use one word to describe Kobe Bryant..."Warrior"
Derek Fisher was asked to use one word to describe Kobe Bryant..."Warrior"
LARRY BIRD
While playing for the Celtics, Larry Bird's daily program included a long-distance run, practice games with teammates, multiple sit-ups, and short-distance runs all sandwiched between lengthy shooting drills. No wonder he was such a superb fourth-quarter player -- he was in better shape than anyone else.
More than 15 years later, Bird astounded many of the Pacers players by running a mile in 5:20. That achievement set the tone for the conditioning program the team endured over the summer as they approached training camp.
Veterans and rookies alike knew Bird had been obsessed with practice when he was with the Celtics, often showing up hours early so he could work on every face of his game. Other NBA coaches had used Bird as an example of a superb work ethics. One brought his team to Boston Garden early to see number 33 in action. To his amazement, Larry wasn't on the court. Embarrassed, the coach headed for the sidelines before looking up to see Bird running on the track. He was working on his conditioning that day.
While most players waltzed into the locker room the required 90 minutes before game time, Bird has been on the floor by at least 6:00, more than two hours before tip-off. In the loneliness of Boston Garden, with only attendants and a few Celtics season ticket holders present, Bird shot more than 300 practice shots. He'd start with 6 to 10 free throws, move out on the court a bit, and then start firing away at a comfortable pace. Then he would speed up the routine and by the end of the workout throw up rapid-fire shots. "I really don't count my shots," Bird said. "I just shoot until I feel good."
The shooting practice was reflective of Bird's desire and his love for the game. "That's the number one thing, the desire," he explained. "The ability to do the things you have to do to become a basketball player. I don't think you can teach desire. I don't know why I have it, but I do."
More than 15 years later, Bird astounded many of the Pacers players by running a mile in 5:20. That achievement set the tone for the conditioning program the team endured over the summer as they approached training camp.
Veterans and rookies alike knew Bird had been obsessed with practice when he was with the Celtics, often showing up hours early so he could work on every face of his game. Other NBA coaches had used Bird as an example of a superb work ethics. One brought his team to Boston Garden early to see number 33 in action. To his amazement, Larry wasn't on the court. Embarrassed, the coach headed for the sidelines before looking up to see Bird running on the track. He was working on his conditioning that day.
While most players waltzed into the locker room the required 90 minutes before game time, Bird has been on the floor by at least 6:00, more than two hours before tip-off. In the loneliness of Boston Garden, with only attendants and a few Celtics season ticket holders present, Bird shot more than 300 practice shots. He'd start with 6 to 10 free throws, move out on the court a bit, and then start firing away at a comfortable pace. Then he would speed up the routine and by the end of the workout throw up rapid-fire shots. "I really don't count my shots," Bird said. "I just shoot until I feel good."
The shooting practice was reflective of Bird's desire and his love for the game. "That's the number one thing, the desire," he explained. "The ability to do the things you have to do to become a basketball player. I don't think you can teach desire. I don't know why I have it, but I do."
DEREK FISHER - A STEADYING FORCE
Pick up a stat sheet after a Lakers playoff game and it would be easy to single out Derek Fisher for criticism. Yet, the numbers don't tell the story of his true significance to his team. They never have.
The 6-foot-1 point guard, born and raised in Little Rock, Ark., may be the smallest and oldest (34) player on the Lakers' roster, but he has undoubtedly been the team's steadying force.
"Fisher's the rock of this team," Lakers forward Luke Walton said. "Basketball has a lot of emotions and ups and downs, and there is a lot that happens on and off the court that the average fan doesn't see, but ever since they brought Fish back, he instantly made us a better team. Just his presence made us better. Just having him on the team and on the court is a bonus."
Fisher's statistical impact in the regular season and postseason this year has been the lowest in five years, but his effect on the team's growth and maturation has never been greater.
It was Fisher who gathered the Lakers when they were down by seven points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Nuggets in Denver and implored his teammates to fulfill their potential. "This is a moment in time when you can define yourself," Fisher told them. "This is a moment when you can step into that destiny." It's a speech teammates cite as a turning point in their postseason, as the Lakers rallied to win 103-97 to take a 2-1 series lead.
In the previous round, it was Fisher who uncharacteristically laid out Luis Scola with a forearm shiver -- earning his first career suspension -- in an effort to dispel the notion that the Lakers were "soft" against the Rockets.
And it is Fisher who constantly works with backup point guards Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown after practice, going over situations that they will face on the court.
"Derek is a leader, he's a spokesperson to the team," coach Phil Jackson said. "He knows what's important to us and what the focus should be. A lot of things that a coach can't say all the time with emotions and expressions, he does. He gives a real essence to the game and he has a great way of presenting it to his teammates. He ignites our team."
In his only season in Utah, Fisher played in every game and served as a mentor for Deron Williams as the Jazz made it to the conference finals for the first time in nearly a decade.
"It's no coincidence that he's made every team he's been on better," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. "He's our captain. His leadership qualities are incredible. He's been a champion before and he knows how to win. Derek is a man we look up to on and off the court."
The 6-foot-1 point guard, born and raised in Little Rock, Ark., may be the smallest and oldest (34) player on the Lakers' roster, but he has undoubtedly been the team's steadying force.
"Fisher's the rock of this team," Lakers forward Luke Walton said. "Basketball has a lot of emotions and ups and downs, and there is a lot that happens on and off the court that the average fan doesn't see, but ever since they brought Fish back, he instantly made us a better team. Just his presence made us better. Just having him on the team and on the court is a bonus."
Fisher's statistical impact in the regular season and postseason this year has been the lowest in five years, but his effect on the team's growth and maturation has never been greater.
It was Fisher who gathered the Lakers when they were down by seven points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Nuggets in Denver and implored his teammates to fulfill their potential. "This is a moment in time when you can define yourself," Fisher told them. "This is a moment when you can step into that destiny." It's a speech teammates cite as a turning point in their postseason, as the Lakers rallied to win 103-97 to take a 2-1 series lead.
In the previous round, it was Fisher who uncharacteristically laid out Luis Scola with a forearm shiver -- earning his first career suspension -- in an effort to dispel the notion that the Lakers were "soft" against the Rockets.
And it is Fisher who constantly works with backup point guards Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown after practice, going over situations that they will face on the court.
"Derek is a leader, he's a spokesperson to the team," coach Phil Jackson said. "He knows what's important to us and what the focus should be. A lot of things that a coach can't say all the time with emotions and expressions, he does. He gives a real essence to the game and he has a great way of presenting it to his teammates. He ignites our team."
In his only season in Utah, Fisher played in every game and served as a mentor for Deron Williams as the Jazz made it to the conference finals for the first time in nearly a decade.
"It's no coincidence that he's made every team he's been on better," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. "He's our captain. His leadership qualities are incredible. He's been a champion before and he knows how to win. Derek is a man we look up to on and off the court."
OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
Doug Collins likes to measure scorers' efficiency by dividing points by field goal attempts. A ratio of 1 point per shot is a victory for the defense. A ratio of 1.4 and above is a good night for the shooter. In Bryant's last two games against Denver he was at 1.69 and 1.75.
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