As we prepare for 2019 NBA Draft, the buzz and excitement of an expected busy off-season ignited by player selections to make up NBA sides rosters next year shall reach new heights in a few hours. However, with the the media attention and public anticipation, how do these fresh-faced superstars stay grounded, focused and motivated as they shall prepare for their newest and biggest challenge of entering into the premier basketball competition and where do the role of coaches fit into these scenarios?

A focus on empathy and close, meaningful relationships between coaches, players and all stakeholders involved offers meaningful impact and actions by the players. Players drive their own development and reflect on personal and collective performance to allow the coach to offer closeness and desired commitment to their relationships through autonomy supportive practices. This article looks at how Klopp and Pochettino’s focus on relationships, empathy and player-centred approaches led them to the final this year but has set behaviours which shall strengthen and develop their squads for years to come.

Current piece of writing looking at how introducing ideas such as Vygotsky’s ZPD and Wood, Bruner and Ross’ scaffolding techniques can motivate modern day athletes by offering autonomy supportive practices and offering engagement and drive through understanding and supporting individual’s intrinsic motivations.

Ideas and discussion looking at breaking the drill based, linear forms of coaching methodologies while allowing for and embracing collaborative exploration of talents and interests within sports or practice designs. The development and growth of compassionate and democratic environments through autonomy supportive behaviours, athlete centred practices and more organic view towards development and methods of skill acquisition shall allow athletes to maintain engagement and collectively develop diverse talents, according to their interests and current skill levels.

A review and discussion of 10,000 hour rule, looking at some of the biggest issues I perceive from the 10,000 hour rule within sporting context, including my ideas towards quality over quantity in training scenarios or environments. This includes single sport specialisation, third party push for early selection to elite sporting programmes, “unimaginative” or repetitive coaching environments or learning scenarios and players or athletes lacking intrinsic drive and creativity, solely searching for greater efficiency.

Why the focus on quality over quantity in training scenarios or environments, such as athlete-led, games based or non-linear approaches by myself as personal preference? I believe this style of approach shall develop greater levels of participation, performance and personal development at both age grade through to elite levels, sustainable throughout specialising and investment stages.

For me, it is not the time, but what you do with it that counts…..