Coach Sema

Bath Time for Kori

2008-11-14T21:12:00.002-05:00

World Class Leadership at It's Finest

2008-07-31T09:17:00.019-04:00

I might be an Obama supporter, but my support is always more solidified by Obama's continuous demonstration of great character. Whether we recognize it or not, we are in the midst of "World Class" leadership at it's Finest!!

True leadership is having the ability to have people that want and are willing to be led simply based on one's "ability" to lead. That could be negative or positive.

There have been many leaders in our time, some good and some bad, but the fact that people willingly followed makes them true leaders.

The "World Class" part could take some time breaking down, but I'll give you a few of my points to the effect.

Being world class accomplices many things such as; being spiritually driven; displaying integrity, being able to see mistakes as tools to learn from, not to deny; being a servant; being humble; having vision; thinking in terms of the world rather than one's own back yard ie. (city,state or country).

Other traits include, the premise that revenge is a tool for the weak(ie. staying above negative campaigning), attraction through energy (ie. 200,000+ people and mega "events"), commitment to others through actions (ie. community activist for the poor), commitment to excellence (ie. TOP of the class at Harvard University Law School!!)

I could go on, but the list is so vast, it would last a few blogs.... lol.

Those who believe Obama is all about words and arrogance are very correct.

The words are the first step toward progress. We all must FIRST change our belief system. If you believe that all men have a responsibility for themselves and their future, that life is meant to be lived with dignity and purpose and that Leadership is about serving the people you lead, then you understand Obama.

Arrogance is almost Mandatory!!!! To be blessed with the charisma, intelligence and humbleness of Obama, you almost have to be arrogant to keep it! Otherwise, you might think you did not deserve what you spiritually put together! You don't wake up with that much talent. It is a process of growth and commitment to letting go of one's self to obtain balance and vibration with the higher self.

Arrogance of compassion and integrity is a great thing!

Once we have changed are beliefs, we will see that the power to "do" lies within us. The ability to get the corruption out of our country is "our" responsibility and if being lied to and mislead constantly is how it is supposed to be, that "is a false belief!"

Lastly, having recently traveled through England, Italy, Turkey and Egypt to name a few, the world is watching. Obama effortlessly embraces the challenges the "World" is praying for.

The world is ready to follow. That's World Class LEADERSHIP!

Super Hero Tiger

2008-07-11T13:59:00.009-04:00

While many of us watched the US Open in awe of Tiger, it is still a mystery how he does it. How he shapes destiny right before our eyes!

I am blown away by his commitment. Commitment to "the shot". Commitment to his Team. Commitment to himself.

Is Tiger a calm assasin who just happens to LOVE golf? Does he have the ability to put each shot in perspective as it relates to life? Does he commit to Loving the game like " a fat kid loves cake"?

You can not be scared and consistently whole putt after crucial putt!

ALL I KNOW is......It's wonderful to watch!

Addicted to LOVE!!!!

2008-07-07T02:35:00.001-04:00

Addicted to LOVE!! Now that has such a ring to it!

Normally it has the inclination of being for your significant other, wife/husband or girl/boyfriend, etc, etc. But, maybe it has a deeper meaning! A meaning that to why it's "cliché" for a reason.

If you didn't know by now, I believe in the power of love. I also believe as a coach, you should coach through LOVE rather than FEAR!!!!

Love is a much stronger emotion.

But as our children are over trained and over coached these days; we drill, drill drill,.. technique, technique, everything must be perfect for our young athletes and we forget to teach them how to just have fun and love the sport they play.

My family has a new addition to the Team. Two month old Kori(boy), born 6lbs 7 ozs , 20.5 inches. (LOL) That's for the females, because unless the baby is like 25 inches and/or 11 lbs, who really cares.... ( aside)(LOL)

Just the other night, that two month old after getting a bath and having his after bath feeding interrupted my wife and I from having a romantic evening. Every time he sensed that something might happen, he would wine and grunt and cause his mother to "respond".

So now I have to wait, and wait, and wait.... you get the point.

If your one of those people who's thinking, oh the baby was just fussy, he's spoiled, he was just trying "ta block", or maybe he's just defending his food supply (LOL)?

Well... maybe, just maybe, the fussiness and constant interruption and jumpiness was his way of saying he needs the LOVE and attention from my wife that he ALWAYS gets. And now that the energy is focused elsewhere... his self preservation reflexes kick in(LOL).

He's Addicted to LOVE and he needs it!!!

Maybe he's addicted to that good feeling, that feeling of security, no judgments, no FEAR and it's overwhelming! Complete trust and constant awareness is abundant! Someone to always to his aid and support his needs.

'Cause the wining stops when he's in her arms.

That said, I am of the belief that this habit is one that does not go away.

The reason many coaches don't coach through love is because THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING! And they "FEAR" they'll be spotted as a fraud if they don't scare the children into order!

If you are a competent coach or parent, have faith in your ability to teach. Allow your athletes to experience learning without fear.

That doesn't mean be soft, it just means that when you introduce them to a game through love, they'll be destined to need it to fulfil a part of their life. And that's a good thing.

You'll form a healthy addiction!

Coaching in the "Dark Ages"

2008-07-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

Coaching is an art form which is mastered my very few coaches in comparison to the many who try. Just because you have a soccer team or basketball team doesn't make you a coach.

You would have thought that coaching would have evolved with all the technological advancements, but.... nope.

Now tell me if you've seen this basketball practice routine:

(12 year old girls)

-10 laps around the gym

-Everyone gets on the baseline doing defensive foot fires while each player individually sprints the full length of the court only to return to the baseline foot fires.

3 minutes 2 sets

Can you say lactic acid! Getting Slowwweerrrrrr.

-Full court lay-ups.

10 minutes

They're slackin'. Love that muscle ACID.

-15 minutes working with the guards doing ball handling drills and the big men on the post drills

-20 minutes running through "The Offense." (screens, back screens, shallow cuts)This is done with constant stopping to correct every error he sees in execution. Even editing the offense when it does not meet his desired outcome.

-30 minutes scrimmaging- This is done with constant reference to what "They just went over!"

-5 full court suicides

Now, this coach's typical practice breeds a team that does not perform well on the court. They are not fast. They do not run the offense during the games because of fear to challenge the defense. They lack confidence and often look as if they are not even having fun!

Now I don't know about you but, basketball should be FUN!

He should design his practices specifically to meet the needs of his kids. Separate running alot from speed drills. They are not the same. And infuse some FUN!

He should be teaching his kids the offense in sections and then piece it together so the kids become confident. And stop yelling at his kids for his lack of ability!

Kids learn in environments that are fun, energetic and positive. Kids are not objects, they are people with emotions that need to be met. Meet them with passion and commitment to a Love for Coaching. They will respond from fear for a short time before they say..... HMMM.... I don't like this!

Finally after the season is over, he should turn in his whistle! Enough!