That makes sense given the dips and valleys not only in production but effort.
Which is why one of the biggest job requirements for a coach is ability to motuvate' especially getting closer to the end of the season.
One thing I’ve observed, especially lately from following the Canes under RBA, is the importance of the coach’s role in establishing discipline in the players’ routines and habits.
Athletes are pulled in so many directions and have such an inconsistent lifestyle. As ordinary people I don’t think we have a good feel for how hard it is to show up with the appropriate level of intensity for everything they’re expected to do. They’re supposed to go balls-out for 18 minutes of ice time, 82 times a year, but also not hurt themselves or play reckless or take dumb penalties. They’re supposed to be amped all the way up during the game, but also sleep on the 3-hour flight to the next city, and then wake up at 4am to go to a hotel, and then sleep some more, and then wake up in a different time zone and make good decisions on their diet and then be amped up again for a game that their body thinks is taking place an hour earlier than the last one. And also be good to the fans and not be short with the media, not respond to anyone’s Twitter bullshit, not be bothered by people harassing their family, handle a multimillionaire’s personal budget, deal with their agent, rehab an injury, stay away from the clubs, drive the speed limit, and be a dad to a newborn. And in game #834 when it’s 6-2 in the second period, they’re supposed to GO GO GO and be INTENSE and when they get their stick a little high along the boards we’re like, “wow what’s with this guy’s lack of discipline?”.
One thing I’ve noticed from Brind’Amour, and it goes to the success the team has experienced under him, is that he smooths those things out. There’s a clear connection between the way the players carry themselves in the weight room during the offseason, and the way they carry themselves in Game 7 OT. It’s not just “be intense”. It’s “you have a role on this team, you have a job to do
right now, so step up
right now, and then move on to the next thing at the appropriate time.” I notice it most after the games are over, how much consistency and routine they show in transitioning from one game to the next. The focus is always on, what’s the next step? You’re tied after regulation going to OT, what’s your role? You just lost in OT and now you’re in the locker room, get dressed and do your post-game. Get home on time, get to sleep on time, get up on time, get back to the arena on time.
First of all, it smoothens out the focus issues. Second, it quickly identifies the guys who can’t hack it. You end up with a group identity, and on the Xs and Os side of the business the Canes have translated that identity into a
lot of wins for a team that lacks top tier talent.
And it all goes back to what you said — motivating people to do the thing they’re supposed to be doing
right now. Starting with investing in themselves in the summer, all the way through that trudge through the regular season and up the playoff ladder till they’re staggering toward the finish line.
