Versatility and Adaptability: Keys to Sustainable Excellence

with Dr. Johnny Tauer,
University of St. Thomas Head Men's Coach;
2016 NCAA D-III National Champions;
2x NCAA D-III Champions (2016, 2011);
2016 UPS NABC Division III Coach of the Year;
2013 Basketball Times D-III National Coach of the Year;
5x MIAC Coach of the Year;
has the distinction of having played in, been an assistant coach, and been a head coach in the Division III Final Four

Dr. Johnny Tauer, who, in addition to being one of the most successful coaches at the D-III level today, is also a Professor of Psychology and has authored sports psychology-related columns (in Psychology Today) as well as published a book on sports parenting, fully understands what it takes, on many levels, to have sustained program success year after year. In this video, Coach Tauer discusses his strategies for developing versatile players plus how to be adaptable as a coach - two keys that he believes, and has proven, to be a recipe for enduring success.

Developing Culture and Fundamentals

Coach Tauer discusses the three goals that he uses within his program that have little to do with basketball directly. He believes developing a winning culture will result in winning on the court. Dr. Tauer covers what it means to be great, and how a vision of excellence, coupled with a growth mindset, will help enhance players individually as well as the overall program.

Practice Drills

You'll learn six different drills that Coach Tauer uses daily to develop important fundamentals like passing, catching, and defense. He believes that players can possess various skill sets and be great at different things, but no athletes can be great at anything if they can't pass and catch the ball. These drills are great for increasing and developing competitiveness in practice.

Tauer shows unique ways to teach basic skills in drills like his 3v3 1/2/0 Dribble Offense drill. The drill will help get players in an attacking mindset and teach them how to pick apart a defense. Additionally, the drill is a great way to encourage a "team attack" mentality and creates opportunities for everyone on the court.

Coach Tauer brings an understanding for the game of basketball that goes beyond the court. If players don't understand their "why," they may never reach their full potential as a basketball player or person. Applying the concepts in this video to your program will help increase resilience in your players and give them a better understanding of what it means to be a great person and great teammate, all while helping you build a program primed for sustained success.

85 minutes. 2019.