Our Junior Men’s coach Jim Wright has been juggling his duties at the Club, coaching the Scotland under 18 men and work commitments with studying at University of Central Lancashire. Here is his story so far :
"Nearing the end of the two year journey that is the PG Dip/L4 Elite Coaching Practice, I was part of a cohort that included Rugby League, Hockey, Table Tennis, Squash, RAF and Motor Sport. I have just had news that I have completed my PG Dip (Merit) in Elite Coaching Practice, this has been an engaging, challenging coaching journey which is not yet completed as I am waiting for my Portfolio to go for verification which will complete the qualification, UKCC L4. This journey has not been about badge collecting rather a developmental journey which has allowed me to interact with fellow coaches and experts from other fields, to name just a few John Trower, (my Coach Mentor), John Kiely expert in biomechanics and Adi Stan from GB gymnastics, all of whom had coached athletes to Olympic medals and are renowned in their fields. These individuals led sessions that provoked debate, discussion and often more questions than answers enabling all of the participants to examine their knowledge, understanding and practice, relative not only to their own sport but many others.
I have incorporated a number of the lessons into my own practice, functional variability, performance anxiety, performance planning and developing motivational climates. I have noticed that these different approaches have certainly borne fruit, for example classroom sessions to introduce players to “performance anxiety”, what causes it and how it can be addressed, these sessions were linked to the on the floor sessions to reinforce learning. Stress management techniques were a tool that was useful come game time as players were able to identify themselves which were somatic i.e. out of their control and cognitive which are their own fears leaking. One of Doug’s favourite practices, that of visualisation, further allowed coaches to get players to visualise situations such as “making the shot/taking the charge” and recreating these pressure situations at practice so these feelings were not new, and coping mechanisms were available. This paid dividends when U18 Men played a summer of high intensity basketball, winning 5 of our 11 games against Euro B opposition including wins against Sweden 17s and England 17s and Tournament wins against Ireland and Georgia. These wins would not have been possible without working within a strong and robust unit, I would like to thank Doug Reilly, (Head Coach u18 men) for his support during this process as many of the Nat Squad sessions were observed by John Trower to evaluate myself, Doug and the other members of the Management Team our practice and interaction with the players. John was observing when we played and beat Sweden in the summer, and was able to comment positively on the progress made by the team, John also had input at a number of Basketballscotland development events which was hugely appreciated.
Highlights
- First weekend sitting with the rest of the cohort thinking “I have so much to learn” combination of first day at school and let’s get started.
- Adi Stan describing Long Term Player Development and talent ID!!
- Interacting with a number of high level coaches, who were without exception open to discussion questioning and supportive of each other, a fantastic learning environment that I hope I added to.
- I was also able to interact with other sports and observe their practice, a highlight was spending time with Scottish Women’s Hockey immediately prior to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I was able to observe their practices and talk through ideas with coaches, (thanks to Colin Clarke).
- John Trower delivering at a number of Basketballscotland sessions looking at mobility, movement and motivational climates.
- Bryan Jones and his energy, enthusiasm, support, patience and organisational skills.
I would also like to thank Vicki Clark, Brian Aldred, Bryan Jones, John Trower, Doug Reilly, Mark Lloyd (GB Team Manager), Doug Leichner (GB 20s Head Coach) Basketballscotland and all on Cohort 4 who made it faaaaaaaantastic (c) NBA Entertainment"
