Coach Wooden’s approach succeeded: Setting challenging expectations appropriate to each individual; getting to know each individual well and caring for each as a person; tailoring his instructions and support to individual differences; and treating everyone with respect and fairness. It succeeded for him in the classroom, on the court, and in life.

In Coach Wooden’s case, the term “drill” does indeed refer to making execution automatic, but it also means more. He designed lessons so that players could execute the fundamentals so well that they were able to, as the opportunity presented itself, take initiative and exercise imagination. “Drilling created a foundation,” he likes to say, “on which individual initiative and imagination can flourish.

Coach Wooden preached against comparisons and external rewards, and for focusing on becoming your best.

First, demonstrate what you want. Second, allow the person learning to imitate with the trainer coaching until perfect execution is achieved. Last, build repetition until it becomes second nature.