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Trying or Training: Predicting your own progress and potential

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Trying or Training: Predicting your own progress and potential
Written and contributed by Dr. Chris Hobbs ( Follow him on Twitter @Dr_ChrisHobbs)

Imagine if a friend invited you to play in a dodgeball tournament at the local gym this weekend. For those of you that love the rush of competition and the thrill of whipping an object at total strangers, you’d be all in. You’d show up this weekend, stretch out a little bit, shake hands with your temporary teammates, and go at it. There’s not a doubt in my mind that you would try very hard to destroy others and avoid getting destroyed.

Now image with me if a member of the U.S. Olympic committee showed up at your front door and identified you as the most likely candidate to win the gold medal at the Olympics in the triathlon but in order to tap into your hidden potential, you must start 7-day per week training immediately!

In the dodgeball tournament, you would try very hard and in the triathlon story you would train very hard. Trying and training are two very different things that if we take a moment and think about, I think we’d be more successful in accomplishing important things in our lives.

Try: a short term event requiring maximum effort. The results of trying are usually short-lived and have very little return on your investment.
Train: a preparation for a pre-determined goal that requires regular and sustainable effort. The results usually have a lot of redeeming value and there is a plan in place for how to handle frustration. You simply return to your frustration.

There are lots of things in life that require a good ‘ol fashioned try. You give it your best. However, there are really important things in life that we try too hard and don’t train enough for. What are some of those things? I would put important roles you hold in your life at the top of this list. What would it look like to train to be a better parent, spouse, value-adder at work, or a Christ-follower? Here’s my suggestions…

Reserve a short period of time everyday for your training. For me, this is in the quiet hours of the morning. For night owls, it may be after everyone in your house has gone to bed. For others, they may have flexibility during their lunch break. Early in your training, make it short so that it is sustainable. 10 minutes, added up over 30 days, is a lot of time spent training. As your commitment grows and results begin to show up, adding time will take place naturally.

Track your training. I’ve heard it said that if you aren’t tracking progress, you aren’t making progress. Find a way to track what you’ve done. Journaling, notes on your smart phone, crossing off days on a calendar. Seeing the compilation of your training efforts can inspire you to keep going.

Pick a source for your training. Books, podcasts, websites, blogs, or scheduled phone calls with someone that has made progress in the area you are training for are all sources of training. My son is an avid championship level distance runner. He has recently discovered that reading books about running is a great source of training for him.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 10 MORE EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES FROM DR. CORY DOBBS


Share your training experiences with others. I have found that talking about what I’m training for with others creates a lot of energy. Often, it’s because I find that the person I’m talking to has had or is having a similar experience and that inspires me to keep going.

At different points in my life, I have been frustrated with the outcome of a situation in which I was trying very hard. However, I have found that I deal with frustration in a lot healthier way when it is in an area that I’m training for. I simply return to my training and keep moving forward.

Trying is great for dodging a ball thrown at your head. Training is much more valuable when trying to unlock your potential…even if you’ll never be an Olympic triathlete.

‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read about it more here.

Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader and Director of Athletics at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. He’s earned a few degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school sweetheart and they have three teenage children. Life is messy and complicated most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.


Filed Under: Personal Development, Program Building, Uncategorized

Best Gifts for Coaches

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Best Gifts for CoachesWhat are the best gift ideas for your  coach or coaching staff?  We have compiled a list of gift ideas below for some of the following occasions:

  • Christmas Gifts For Coaches
  • End of Season Gifts for Coaches
  • Gifts for  Coaches from Booster Clubs (These can be greater gifts with pooling of $)
  • Birthday Gifts for Coaches
  • Hanukkah Gifts for Coaches
  • Gifts For the Coach in Your Family

 

Football Coach Tshirt giftHead Coach, The Man, the Myth, The Legend T-Shirt

The perfect t-shirt for the new head coach or for the coach that needs that boost for his ego.   He works hard, sleeps little and his coaching brain never shuts down whether he wins or loses.  Constant improvement is his game and this shirt captures that.

 

Tshirt Gift for Football CoachBecause I’m The Coach That’s Why Funny Vintage Coaching Gift T-Shirt

Any Questions?   It can be tempting to wear this one around the house too, but know from personal experience it does not carry quite as much clout.   Can be great to wear for that team that has a lot of questions but struggles to follow the answers.   Just smile and point at the shirt when asked “Why?”

 

coffee maker for football coach giftHamilton Beach Single Serve and 12 Pot Coffeemaker

We mentioned coffee as the lifeblood of many coaches.   This can go perfect in the office, near the court (but away from those bricklayers who seem to hit everything but the net.)  It can also be great in the bedroom to help a coach wake in a luxury touch.   Enough for single serve or a whole pot.

COACH Hoodie – Hoodie For Men & Women CoachesFootball Coach Hoodie Gift

The perfect gift for the basketball coach who loves people and wants to help them grow.  This word means so much to them.   It is who made their lives better and who they aspire to be each day.

 

Gift Tshirt For Football Coach With DefinitionCoach Definition Tshirt 

This coach Tshirt reads passionate, dedicated individual who unlocks an individual’s potential and maximizes a team’s performances by believing, encouraging and developing.  The shirt  can be a great reminder when Coach is looking in the mirror.

 

Classy Gift For Football CoachWhiskey Stones Gift Set, 8 Chilling Stones, 2 Whisky Glasses, 1 Flask, Tongs, and 2 Coasters with Gift Box, Set in Pine Wood Box

For the whiskey and bourbon drinker who likes to not dillute their cocktail.   It will give your coach a sense of pride as they relax… perhaps with a cigar that their team cared enough to think of this gift.

 

Best Coach Ever Insulated Tumbler and Keychain

“Best Coach Ever” Coach Tumbler and Key-chain Gift-set 

This Tumbler and keychain gift set comes with a plastic straw and straw cleaner for the environmentally friendly coach.

 

Foorball Coaches Gift Barbecue RubRub Your Butt Championship BBQ Seasoning Gift Pack

Many coaches love to spend time in front of their barbecue and smoker creating their next masterpiece.  These championship rubs will make any masterpiece even tastier.   They make a perfect gift for any coach who loves to grill.

 

Prank Gift for Football CoachWorld’s Okayest Coach Funny Sports T-Shirt

For the Coach who has a great sense of humor in gifts… this one can help keep them humble and make them laugh at the same time.  The Coach’s family will also get a kick out of the shirt so everyone wins… assuming the coach has a great sense of humor.

 

dress socks for coach giftWeciBor Men’s Cotton Crew Socks, 12-Pack

Have a coach who has a sense of style for the arts?   These make a perfect gift set and will help you smile as you see their socks while they jump around the sidelines during games.

 

 

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebookdigital notebook for basketball coaches

Your coach love to keep track of ideas in a handwritten notebook, but never can find them later?  This notebook is perfect as it allows notes to transfer digitally.  Lightweight and good videos to help you learn the system.

 

 

Bagsmart Electronic Organizer $14.99phone charger cord bag gift for coaches

Are you or your coach constantly struggling to find a phone charger?   There is a simple reason for that… they are constantly on their phone dealing with player and family needs, other coaches, logistics and their own family.   Help make their life easier by putting together this bag with some chargers and also cords.

 

Breakfast Sandwich Maker Gift For CoachesHamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Imagine how great a mood your coach will arrive to morning practice after he has had a great simple breakfast sandwich made painless with this awesome contraption.

 

Coach Gifts From The Team

Montblanc Blue Signature Penmontblanc pen gift for basketball coach

I knew a coach who would never lend us his pen.   He told us a team got him this Montblanc and it was very special to him because he knew each player chipped in and he felt like it kept that team with him forever.   Again, a coach does not typically treat themselves to such a luxury item but if the team parents pass the hat, this can be an affordable luxury that tells the coach they are special.

 

headphones for basketball coachBeats by Dr. Dre – Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – (Black)  

These are great if a coach needs to block out all the noise and get some quiet time with their own headspace.  I have a pair of these and love them on plane rides and more!!  If you think your coach would prefer the Air Pods… get them here.

Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones – Apple H1 Headphone Chip

I love these.  I see so many kids trying to work out with AirPods and my kids do love those.  I personally feel the bass on these is far superior and they don’t fall out of my ear when I exercise.  Perfect for listening to Old School Hip Hop without having your players make fun of you.  Also good for Zoom calls and your favorite podcast from Jason Hahnstadt.  (That one time last year.)

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Quartz Titanium Strap, Silver, 25.5 Casual Watch (Model: BM7431-51E)  

Some coaches prefer a more dressy watch and this watch hits the compromise between form and function.  I love Citizen watches because of the titanium bracelet that is both light and durable.  My last Citizen watch lasted over 20 years and I have not found a better watch at this price range or higher (I have not exactly been wearing Rolexes.)  Their Eco-Drive system requires no battery replacement due to solar power and it is a highly reliable timepiece with a second hand coaches require.  It is waterproof and looks good with either a suit or a t-shirt.  That versatility is valued by  coaches and his/her loved ones who like them looking sharp.  It is currently on sale and if 12 players chip in it can be as little as $15 per player.  Citizen makes great watches for women and we also see many women wearing mens watches now so glance around the options.

bluetooth speaker for basketballJBL Boombox – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Black 

I have found these JBL portable speakers to be top quality and have a good bass end.   I recently ran over their JBL Extreme speaker with my Honda while we prepared for an outdoor bodyweight strength for basketballfootba bootcamp.  The Extreme series seems to be discontinued, but this looks like most comparable as gift .  These are awesome to bring to practice or on the team bus.  Great for lunch outside during the retreat, tournament or in the weight room.

tv for basketball coaches

SAMSUNG 50-inch Class Crystal UHD TU-8000 Series – 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (UN50TU8000FXZA, 2020 Model)

Coaches watch a lot of video and a big screen TV can help them pick up things on the scouting duties a laptop will not.   This would go great on the wall in their office or if they have life outside of  in their own home.  She will appreciate this gift that helps her help her team.   This Smart TV has Alexa built in and many next gen apps available to it all for a low price and a reliable brand.

 

apple watch for basketball coach giftNew Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 44mm) – Blue Aluminum Case with Deep Navy Sport Band

Managing time is often the most challenging aspect of a coach’s job.  This watch helps me to receive texts from late or sick players without checking my phone during practice.  It allows me to not carry a stopwatch so I can time players.  The vibrate feature allows me to set a timer to keep me focused on the task and the agenda. It allows me to dictate a note for future consideration during a practice without running to a notebook.   The truth is many coaches consider this an expensive luxury item for their kids… but not themselves.   Coaches can really make their practices more productive and less stressful with this watch and I love mine.

 

yeti cooler for basketball coach

YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler 

This is a great luxury item that a coach is unlikely to splurge on themselves.   They can use it for their family or for their team, or perhaps for the girls night out (yes female coaches like a Yeti too.)

 

Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit – Large 19.5 Inch Stainless Steel Outdoor Smokeless

gift for basketball coach solo fireplace

Help your coach relax and unwind after your team has 30 plus turnovers and you see their blood pressure rise on the sidelines.   This smokeless fireplace is portable and looks sharp and will allow your coach to sit down with their favorite beverage and just chill as they watch the flames dance.  Also can be a nice way to help Coach connect with their family in a circle.   Innovative twist on a time honored classic.

 

Basketball Trainer Chris CorbettThis article has been contributed by Chris Corbett.  It was first written with basketball coaches in mind... but we have amended here for all kinds of coaches.  Chris serves as the founder of Austin Youth Basketball.  His new project BasketballTrainer.com launches January where he hopes to connect ambitious basketball families to great trainers, camps, select teams and products.   He is also a partner in BasketballHQ.com, and Coachtube.com.   Chris looks forward to being a speaker for USA Basketball in 2021 and helping his own two daughters Ellie and Charlee achieve their basketball goals without driving his wife nuts.  Chris also looks forward to playing with his Vintage Team led by Tim Rice in the 2021 Galway Masters.

 

 

 

 

 


Filed Under: Personal Development

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