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Beyond Basketball: Coach K's Keywords for Success Hardcover – October 10, 2006
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Top Customer Reviews
Coach Krzyzewski is joined in this easy-to-read and hard-to-apply book by his daughter, Jamie Spatola, who is an example in several of the book's segments.
This book has an unusual concept. Be sure you understand and like that concept before you buy and read the book. Coach Krzyzewski likes to focus his team's attention. Rather than leading into a game with a long speech, he will put one word up and ask the team to keep that word in mind. It will be a word that reflects something needed to keep the team's focus and performance in balance. This book is organized much the same way. There are thirty-nine essays that explore one or two words in 2-3 pages . . . followed by a conclusion that looks at the essence of great team play. Each of the thirty-nine essays begins with explaining what the word means and why it is important, and then goes on to provide an example from Coach Krzyzewski's life. The examples are particularly charming because Coach Krzyzewski seeks to make others look great . . . while he plays the straight man.
As I read this book, I was reminded of a comment Larry Bird made about one of the Celtics coaches who liked to direct everything the team did. Bird noted that it's hard to start a fast break if the whole team is watching the coach to find out what half-court play the coach wants to call.
Coach Krzyzewski obviously tries to stay out of the way of his players' genius and tendencies. I loved the sections where he learned better methods of playing from many of his great players.Read more ›
Coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University is a true believer in the power of words. However, he emphasizes that the concept is not merely using or borrowing words, but owning the words. Making them belong to you, personally.
The book takes powerful words and creates an entire chapter for that particular word, its usage and the reader's ability to own that word. At a glance, the reader can see these words and immediately their mind begins to assimilate them into their individual lives.
Following is a sample of some of the words Krzyzewski uses:
Adaptability, Adversity, Balance, Belief, Care
Challenges, Collective Responsibility, Commitment
Crisis Management, Culture
Dependability, Empathy, Enthusiasm
Family, Fundamentals, Giving Back, Guidance
Integrity, Learning, Motivation
Next Play, Ownership, Passion
Poise, Pressure, Pride, Respect
Talent, Trust, Will, Work
A brief definition is given of each word in a practical manner, using personal touches that makes the words come alive for the reader and gives them the pathway to incorporate that word into their lives.
Coach Krzyzewski concludes his book with a concept he calls 'The Fist.' He states, "the analogy of The Fist is used to describe how five vital words come together and help create teamwork."
Coach Krzyzewski emphasizes five words for his teams: Communication, trust, collective responsibility, care and pride. When they put their fists together, each member of the team is using this combination of words as a symbol to show their unity as a team.Read more ›
Coach Krzyzewski knows that one sentence, beyond any other, can inspire in his players the determination to succeed: "I believe in you." In life--whether it be academics, athleticism, or anything else--knowing that someone believes in you can make the difference between losing and winning. Coach K. knows that, and so do his players.
BEYOND BASKETBALL is broken down into numerous short "chapters," which include the following:
Adaptability, Adversity, Balance, Belief, Care, Challenges, Collective Responsibility, Commitment, Communication, Courage, Crisis Management, Culture, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Excellence, Failure, Family, Friendship, Fundamentals, Giving Back, Guidance, Imagination, Integrity, Learning, Love, Motivation, Next Play, Ownership, Passion, Poise, Pressure, Pride, Respect, Selflessness, Standards, Talent, Trust, Will, and Work.
Whether you're a follower of college basketball or not, BEYOND BASKETBALL is a fitting book that deals with working hard, playing hard, and dedicating yourself to whatever goals you set for yourself.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
Most Recent Customer Reviews
There is a reason year in and year out that Duke can't ever be counted out. Coach K gets it!Published 8 months ago by Adam G. Arcuri
I have post its all around my office of quotes from this book and the lessons are ones I come back to time and again both as a basketball coach and as a young man working my way... Read morePublished 8 months ago by Matt Rogers
Different format to reinforce human interaction qualities. Applicable for youth needing to look beyond self.Published 12 months ago by Mary Jeanne Munroe