PLAY PRESENT

If you want to be the best player (or coach) you can be, you have to learn how to PLAY PRESENT. You have to learn how to focus on the 2 things you have complete control over (your attitude and your effort). You have to learn now to focus on the process, not the outcome. And you have to learn how to focus on the next play. The ability to 'play present' is the definition of mental toughness.

This poem was posted by Alan Stein on his Stronger Team Blog.

Here is what he had to say about getting the importance of one possession across to your players. One of the key concepts of ‘Playing Present’ is the ability to focus on the next play,  the play right in front of you. On defense that means that this stop is the only stop that matters. This stop is the most important stop of the entire game. The same is true on offense. This possession is crucial. We need to get a great shot on this possession. Players and teams who master ‘Playing Present’ will maximize their basketball ability.

This poem below sums up the ‘Playing Present’ concept perfectly:
One Possession poem:

It was only one possession,
Why does my coach scream?
My poor ‘D’ allowed a basket,
But what does one hoop mean?
As the pass comes my direction,
I fumble it into the stands,
My coach’s voice rings loud and clear,
“Always use both hands!”

C’mon coach, its one possession,
Our team will be OK,
It’s just the first two minutes,
I mean damn, we’ve got all day!
In the beginning of the 2nd quarter,
Their center is strong and stout,
He scores an easy two, quite simply due,
From my failure to block out.

It was only one possession,
I didn’t commit a crime,
My team is ahead and I’m playing well,
And there’s still plenty of time!

As the halftime buzzer sounds,
I watch the ball bank in,
I know I will hear it from my coach,
Asking why I don’t defend.
But it was only one possession,
Coach – don’t have a heart attack,
We’re only down one and we’re having fun,
I know we’ll get it back!

The 2nd half is much the same,
So it is really no big deal,
That my lazy and careless pass,
Results in an easy steal.
I quickly sink a jumper,
I’m greeted by high fives and slaps,
But the next time down, I give up a lay-up,
While suffering a mental lapse.
   
It’s only one possession,
C’mon coach just chill out!
It’s crazy to see you so mad,
As you consistently scream and shout:
“Victory favors the team,
Making the fewest mistakes.
Singles possessions are the key,
And will cut down their fast breaks.”

I step to the line for a one and one,
The game is in my hands.
I can’t believe I missed it short,
And hear cheers from their fans.

After the game I pouted,
Knowing what I could have done,
Realizing the value of each possession,
Damn, we lost by one.

Play hard. Play smart. Play Together every possession. - Alan Stein