Brad Strand

"I haven't flinched. I'm playing the same exact style [...] and I'm doubling down on it. I'm not worried about trends." 🗣️ Tommy Lloyd staying ten toes down as he spoke after Arizona's Sweet 16 win. #MarchMadness

Why didn't Isaiah Evans transfer from Duke after last season after averaging only 6.8 ppg while only playing 13.7 mpg? It's a mindset he was taught from his mother Marieke Lémon back in 9th grade. Here's a look into what Evans was taught about adversity & accountability. @WRAL

Please share this with every youth athlete you know! This is my son Jack in the picture, but I've encouraged all 3 of my kids to read these 28 mindsets, approaches, and affirmations as often as possible: 1. I strive to play well, not to avoid mistakes. 2. I focus on the process (footwork & form), not the outcome (makes & misses). 3. I work on my game during The Unseen Hours. 4. I Play Present and focus on the play right in front me (the one that just happened). 5. I display confident body language, even when I don’t feel confident. 6. I quickly move to the Next Play after a turnover, missed shot, or a bad call. 7. I use encouraging self-talk to coach myself through challenging situations. 8. I focus on what I can control and let everything else go. 9. I trust my abilities, talents, and preparation. 10. I embrace adverse conditions. 11. I am not afraid to fail… it’s part of the process. 12. I acknowledge that how I think affects how I feel and how I perform. 13. I visualize myself playing well before every practice and game. 14. I listen to (and trust) my coaches. 15. I am the teammate I want to play with. 16. I welcome pressure situations because I know I am prepared. 17. I practice (and work out) with the intensity and focus of a game. 18. I am calm when things feel chaotic. 19. I don’t let physical fatigue cause mental fatigue. 20. I am comfortable being uncomfortable. 21. I think like a champion daily. A consistent mind creates consistent performance. 22. I visualize success: I see it, I feel it, and I believe it. 23. I have a consistent pre-practice and pre-game routine. 24. I embrace challenges and obstacles as opportunities. 25. I compete every play and I compete every day. 26. I learn from every mistake and every loss. 27. I work on my mental and physical skills every day. 28. I love hard work and I take pride in doing difficult things well. NOTE: nearly every one of these mindsets, approaches, and affirmations can be used by adults as well!

This is what TEAM sports are all about. Your role is not what you “think” you can do. Your role is what is best for the TEAM. It is not about you, it is about US. It is a mindset shift for many.

Why do some sports parents sit alone? - No Drama - No Complaining - They do not like Hearing Ignorance. - No Badmouthing Coaches & Officials. - They often just want to relax & Enjoy the Game! Be a part of the solution. Not the problem.

Do you ever feel "Spent" as a coach? I know I have. Legendary Coach Don Meyer wrote about the 5 stages of coaching, with "Spent" being the final one. Coaching is a Journey. A wonderful journey! What stage are you in?

Yes, coaches have favorites. But not the favorites that many parents think. Coaches want to win. They want players that do the things that help teams win. What are these things? What are the favorites that coaches look for? Here are the 7 Favorites that Coaches Play: #1 Favorite: Players they can TRUST Can we trust you? Can we count on you? These are the top questions that coaches and teammates demand. If you are not dependable or trustworthy, I don’t care how talented you are; you will struggle to play. Be trusted and be a “favorite.” #2 Favorite: Players who make the RIGHT PLAYS Coaches want playmakers. Do you make winning plays? You don’t have to score. There are many pieces to make a good team. If you make the right play at the right time, you will find playing time and be a “favorite.” #3 Favorite: Players who fill a ROLE The most talented players don’t always make the best team. Teams are like puzzles. The pieces have to fit. If you can fill a role that the team needs and be a “favorite.” #4 Favorite: Players who help the TEAM WIN Coaches want to WIN. If you can make plays that help the team WIN, you will play. What are winning plays in basketball? Getting Loose balls, rebounds, setting screens, drawing charges, playing defense, and more. Help the team WIN and be a “favorite." #5 Favorite: Players who WORK HARD Want to get noticed? Work harder than everyone. Coaches will reward consistent hard work. Hard work is contagious and can impact a team in winning ways. #6 Favorite: Players who are COMMITTED No Deposit - No Return. Coaches want commitment from their players. Do the work. Do the extra work. Show Up. Commit. Committed players = Committed teams. Committed teams = Winning teams. Be committed and be a “favorite.” #7 Favorite: Players who have TALENT Finally, talent matters. You have to have some level of talent to play. But talent is not everything. Many talented players don’t get playing time. Develop your talent. Use your talent. Be a “favorite.” ____ Are you looking for more? Join 12,000+ others who read my free weekly newsletter each week. 🏆 Great Teams Better Leaders Check my profile for more.

Keep Your Personal Life Private.

Mathematics and life. (Image circulating widely on the Web.)

What a fun weekend!! We got to meet our 2nd granddaughter!! Our second granddaughter arrived on Thursday, March 28. Everyone is healthy and doing well. 🤗🩷🩷 Eden Sol Hillestad 8.2lbs 19.75 inches

Must-see holiday commercial from Chevrolet. This will be the best five minutes you spend today. Warning: Be prepared to cry.

Golden 👇🏼

Great stuff. @JayBilas never misses "There's a difference between playing and competing" (Via @DukeMBB 🎥)

"It costs $0 to say please and thank you. It costs $0 to treat people with respect. It costs $0 to choose to do what's right. It costs $0 to check in with a friend. It costs $0 to listen to understand. It costs $0 to lend a helping hand. It costs $0 to be a positive light"

PSA: 📣 🌐 teachergoals.com

👇🏼powerful message! #truth

A 12-year-old in @MiddleboroughPS was allegedly sent home from school and told he’s making people feel unsafe for wearing a shirt that said “there are only 2 genders.” Watch him destroy the school board 🔥

Snow Day!

4 C’s to improve any relationship: Communicate: Where there’s a void in communication negativity fills it. Connect: Develop trust that leads to emotional safety. Commit: Serve and sacrifice for each other. Care: Don’t just go through the motions. Invest in the relationship.

Patience does not mean standing still…it means working hard, pushing forward, taking action — knowing that in time success will arrive. ~ from @CoachBobStarkey