Bobby Knight was a “philosopher” coach, one of the first of his kind. Contrary to popular belief Knight was one of the most intelligent coaches the game has ever seen. Beyond the intelligence he was as tough as a rattlesnake.
This is Bobby’s Mindset.
Bobby’s Mindset (Personal Philosophy)- Athletics and Business
“The smart, cautious athlete is doing in a split second what an investor may have to do in the split second of watching a stock market tape – consider the risks, calculate the best alternative, and then commit to (the decision) totally.”
“Do what has to be done.
Do it when it has to be done.
Do it as well as you can.
Do it this way all of the time.“
“The toughest offense to guard is one that has 5 players constantly moving.”
The Power of Negative Thinking – Bobby Knight
Mistake avoidance strategy – play hard, smart, and together
• Chose the team captain
• Did not put players names on the back of jerseys – “you play for the name on the front of the jersey”
Knight on Losing
“You are not on scholarship to lose. I did not recruit you to lose. Losing is abnormal; losing is unusual; losing is unacceptable. That’s not what we are here for.”
Resources and a Basketball
- Both are limited
- Neither should be used wastefully – Shooting too quickly in a basketball game
- Avoid waste
- Recognize, address and remove obstacles to winning
- Preparation and the elimination of mistakes
- “Having the will to win is not enough. Everyone has that. What matters is having the will to prepare to win.”
- Victory favors the team that makes the fewest mistakes
Pessismism – a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future.
— PHILOSOPHY – a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that evil will ultimately prevail over good (if they have money / power evil WILL prevail, hard truths).
In basketball, pessimism can refer to a coaching or playing mindset that leans towards negativity, caution, or a focus on potential problems and shortcomings. Here are some positive and negative aspects of pessimism in a basketball context:
Positives of Pessimism:
- Preparation: Pessimistic coaches and players often meticulously prepare for games, scrutinizing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, which can lead to a better understanding of the game.
- Risk Mitigation: Pessimism can lead to a cautious approach that minimizes mistakes and turnovers. Players may make fewer risky passes or shots, which can result in a lower turnover rate.
- Attention to Detail: Pessimists tend to pay close attention to the smallest details, which can lead to a greater focus on fundamentals, precision, and the execution of plays.
- Realistic Expectations: Pessimistic individuals often have a more realistic view of their team’s abilities, helping them set achievable goals and avoid overconfidence.
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