Blog
Build Routines, Then Build Habits
Habits are automatic behaviors initiated with little thought. Good habits can serve a player well by facilitating a rapid response without using mental energy to analyze a situation methodically.
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter – 11.20.25
Most coaches use statistics to track the results of a skill or a team’s performance. Was the pass good or bad? Did the serve take the opponent out of system? Was the attack a kill or an error? Without a doubt, this type of information has value, as it allows players or coaches to provide feedback on skill development or current performance. As important as result information is, it’s important not to ignore “process” information. Process can be defined as “the way” you perform a skill, not the result. For example, did the player work hard and implement good footwork as they transitioned from defense to attack, or did your setter get to the ball and square up to the left front target area? For younger players, I value process evaluation over result evaluation. You won’t find any iPad software to record process. You’ll need to rely on paper and pencil. A component of evaluating process is the way your team plays and attaching metrics to the way they play.
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter 11.11.25
n the early ‘90s, we had some really strong teams at Ohio State—making the Final Four in 1991 and 1994. But no matter how much talent we had, I remember getting frustrated with our defense one day. I was trying to figure out possible remedies and Yao offered this simple suggestion: “If we want to get better defensively, we need to focus on being a stronger attacking team. Better offense will force the defense to improve.” So even though my first instinct was to spend more time on defense, we worked on offense instead—and, sure enough, our defense had to get better just to keep up.
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter – 11.5.25
A lot of clubs are running pre-season clinics for their coaching staff. A big shoutout to the club directors for setting those up—it’s awesome to see more learning opportunities out there. But here’s something to keep in mind: just showing up to a clinic doesn’t automatically mean you’re learning. To really get the most out of it, try embracing the idea of “Empty Your Cup.”
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter – 10/7/25
Hello, everyone! Steve Martin has long been one of my favorite comedians and actors. The range of characters he’s portrayed throughout his career is truly remarkable. In his autobiography, Born Standing Up, Martin shares his journey to success—a path marked by failures, missteps, and rejections. He embodies the idea of “working your way to the top.” This…
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter 9-30-25
Hello, everyone! As I write this, I’m hooked on the Ryder Cup competition taking place at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Long Island. The Europeans hold a lead going into the final round today. Even with the team score being one-sided, the individual matches, combined with the crowd involvement, create a very intense atmosphere. Things…
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter – 8.19.25
The high school and collegiate seasons will get underway soon. I wish all coaches great seasons. Coaching, regardless of the level, can present mental challenges. Coaches must be cognizant of how they evaluate their performance. One of the pitfalls that is always lurking is “recency bias.” We need to avoid the human tendency to evaluate…
Read MoreThree Ideas Newsletter – 8/5/25
One more fond recollection of my Ohio State days. As practices began in 1994, the weather was insufferably hot. I was sitting next to the late Mike Bordner, who was the veteran athletic trainer for all the teams that worked out of St. John. Even though the OSU team would make it to the NCAA National Semi-Finals that year, as the team was warming up for practice, I was fussing to Mike about some aspect of our practice progress. Mike looked at me and said, “Coach, teams like this come along once or twice a career. Enjoy every day because it won’t get any better than this.” Mike was so right! So, that’s my message to coaches. Enjoy the players you’re working with; you’ll never have them again.
Read MoreJim Stone Consulting Newsletter 7.15.25
Quote for the Week: “The fundamentals: Something many people know, but few people practice.” ~James Clear, author
Read MorePlayers Need Challenging Coaches Now More Than Ever
With increased reliance on AI to do the heavy lifting, is there collateral damage in terms of the students’ ability to think critically, perform a thorough analysis of the information, generate their ideas, and develop the capacity to solve problems and accept challenges?
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