John Wooden

John Wooden coaching (http://adelineyenmah.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/wooden.jpg)

A Coaching Phenomenon

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” (John Wooden) Back in the day, most coaches only cared about winning, but John Wooden changed a light in the world of coaching. He inspired coaches to care a little less about the results of the game, and a little more about how it was played. Wooden was born on October 14th, 1910 in Hall, IN. He attended Purdue University, where he was involved with the basketball program. At Purdue, he won three All American Player awards, won two Big 10 Championships, and the National Championship in 1932. Not only did he dominate in basketball, but also in the classroom. He majored in English and was on Purdue’s honor roll every year. John Wooden was one of the greatest coaches in history, not just because of his four undefeated seasons, or his 12 NCAA championships, but because of the respect and care he had for the game, and the motivational actions that would push his players to do the best they could.

John Wooden at Purdue Universtiy (http://www.achievement.org/achievers/woo0/large/woo0-006.jpg)

Many coaches only care about winning, but John Wooden was one coach who cared about how his players presented themselves, and how they represented the team. Wooden was a man of character, he coached every game as if it where his last, and he taught young athletes a new way to play basketball. “In all his years as a coach, John Wooden prohibited his players from any use of profanity, and consistently avoided it himself.” (Logan, Bob.) Wooden felt that being a good team had to do with more than just having the best record, but having the best character and sportsmanship. He wanted his players to learn that if they wanted to become a solid all around player, they had to stay away from any profanity or nonsense. Not only did he want success for himself, but also for all the children and adults who looked up to him. “John Wooden didn’t only want to be involved with the game; he wanted the youth to have the charisma and love for the game, just as he did as a child.” (Logan, Bob.) He helped kids all over the world join the game, to make it more enjoyable and tolerant for anyone to play. By doing this, he not only made the kids involved with sports, but he encouraged kids who were not considered as athletes to go out for sport teams. He wanted kids to know that everyone was going to lose, and if you never fail, than you are not living.

John Wooden and his trophies (http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/4/49/Wooden_trophies.jpg)

Wooden had the dedication and determination to succeed as a coach, a player, and a person. His determination shows off by all of his out-comes. “John Wooden won player of the year in 1932 and coach of the year in 1964-67-70-72-73.”(UCLA coaching history.) He wasn’t just a solid player, but he also was a great coach. Just because you are competitive doesn’t mean that you don’t play honestly or with good respect, and Wooden made a point of that by dominating in every way. Reaching out to kids to let them know that winning was not everything, probably was not the easiest thing to do; but it just challenged Wooden that much more, to send out that message. “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” (John Wooden) One of the biggest things Wooden was known for was his pyramid of success. This pyramid included the main details of the way he believed all sports should be played. Competitive-greatness, poise, confidence, condition, skill, team spirit, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, and enthusiasm are all the things you must do to succeed. He understood that not everyone can win the game, so by making the pyramid he made kids understand that if you played with as much character as you could, you will always succeed.

pyramid of success (http://www.mrsupportfriend.com/JohnWoodenPyramid.jpg)

Wooden was the greatest basketball coach in history not just because all of his wins, but because of the respect and care for the game and his motivational actions that pushed his players to play their hardest. He inspired millions of athletes because of the way he carried himself as a coach and player, and how he changed the game to be more enjoyable. John Wooden is a legend, an inspiration, and a hero.

John Wooden's Works Consulted Page

“A coaching legend.” 2010. Web. http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-basketaball/spec-rel/ucla-wooden-page.html.

“College Basketball in the 1960s.” 2003. Web. < “College Basketball in the 1960s.” DISCovering U.S History. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center-Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL

Logan, Bob. Web http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar609340&st=john+wooden

Last Thompson, John. 2010. Web. .