I came across an interesting video on TikTok and Twitter.

It featured a mindset coach talking about what it takes to become an elite learner.

And although it had nothing to do with basketball, my wheels began to turn. Because I knew that there were ways to make that information relevant to the sport.

So, I reached out to a colleague of mine and asked him for his assessment of the information and how it related to basketball in his mind.

The following article was born from his thoughts.

Enjoy!



Here were the thoughts shared in the video...

"Elite learners use mistakes as feedback.

They take these mistakes seriously but never personally.

An elite basketball player also approaches skill building with a certain attitude.

He or she realizes that building skills take time and effort. Therefore, they stay tenaciously persistent when it comes to their personal development.

When it comes to mistakes...

They embrace discomfort as a natural part of the process because mistakes aren't failures. They are a necessary part of the learning process.

They also seek feedback from coaches, because the outside opinion of a knowledgeable expert can help them correct issues that they might not see on their own.

That's the mindset of a baller who's looking to get better every day."

Some of you may know our lead camp instructor Charlie Miller. Charlie is a former All-American who played for Bobby Knight at Indiana University.

Here's Coach Charlie's take on the topic...

Yes, I agree, Joe.

A mistake is a "miss-take."

The objective of learning, especially complex concepts and skills, is to first learn how to embrace the adversity that will come with the difficult learning curves to keep players engaged and excited about their desired development.

In my humble opinion, that's a learning lesson all to itself, first.

Teaching Method - 3 Steps To Develop Athletes and How To Use Mistakes Properly

Here's an example of the teaching method I (Charlie Miller) use daily.

The Spot System is a simple, 3-step corrective action system that can be implemented by coaches.

1. Blind Spots: Help players identify their weaknesses.
   
   A mistake happens (repeatedly and usually unconsciously) and the coach brings it to the player's attention.
2. Sweet Spots: Help players embrace and overcome adversity through deliberate and focused practice and concentration, instilling confidence.
   
   Player performs the skill with mistakes (pushing boundaries on purpose). Player continues to perform the skill incorrectly (on purpose) until the player has improved the skill or mastered a new skill. This is the epitome of redirecting the player's behavior and creating a new habit.
3. Bright Spots: Allow players to maximize their creativity and discovery through practice and game performance.
   
   Player independently does skill correctly with newfound confidence and courage earned through Sweet Spots practice.

This system was created to help players recognize and embrace their mistakes and then stay engaged through their growth struggles. The name of the game is meaningful progress in measurable time, which can then be applied to everything they do.

"How we do anything is how we do everything." - Anonymous

Regards,

Charlie Miller

Now that you've seen a few perspectives on the subject, you no longer have to guess what it takes to develop an elite basketball player's mindset.

You just have to commit to embracing the mindset and making it a part of your approach.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on mindset and how to coach mistakes.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Todd Bigelow says: 9/6/2022 at 5:14:29 PM I especially like the thoughts on forced mistakes. When I introduce a new drill or skill my young players ALMOST ALL say "oh I know how to do this", then proceed to demonstrate it poorly, if at all. Some even complain about having to do something they "already know". I've come to believe most young players equate having done something with knowing how to do it well. It's often black and white. While the players that grow to be really good see every drill as an opportunity to learn something and get better at something. They view it as an ever present progression. It's almost startling to see the best players practice as if they are the ones who know the least. We should train our players to try to fail, to push past the limit of their ability, to remind themselves there is constant growth possible. Like     login   register Amin Ba-Ahmad says: 9/6/2022 at 3:25:24 PM To me, this article hits all points. I myself tell myself I want to be the best, making mistakes is apart of that. Whenever you are working harder than everyone else you are going to make mistakes, that’s just apart of the amazing journey of improving your skills in the sport we all love. Like     login   register

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