For those willing to try

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again... So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”--TEDDY ROOSEVELT

Article from Newsweek on text messaging from teenagers

The sexual messages teens are sending each other via text messages

Top ten lists to your marriage and you as a parent

Top ten lists to help your marriage

Top ten lists to help you as a parent

Story on Colt McCoy

This email came to me from  YBL participant Rod Freeman. I wanted to pass it on to you for your encouragement.

Colt McCoy

These are powerful words. If you never read another e-mail.....READ THIS ONE ALL THE WAY THROUGH For the fans of Colt McCoy! I had the opportunity to hear Colt McCoy’s Dad speak this Tuesday   >> morning to the Dallas Christian Leadership Prayer Breakfast.  The   >> breakfast is an annual breakfast that was started by Tom Landry and   >> other Dallas leaders over 40 years ago and the speakers are usually   >> amazing.  Colt McCoy and his Dad, Brad, were supposed to deliver a   >> combined message; however, Colt became sick on Monday and could not   >> join his Dad on Tuesday morning.  In the end, it was a blessing   >> because Brad McCoy delivered a message on raising Colt and his two   >> other boys that was truly amazing!  The cliff notes are below.  I   >> took copious notes because he prefaced his   speech by stating, “I   >> am going to talk about the four principles with which we raised our   >> three boys.”  They are incredibly applicable to us as parents   >> (regardless of the sex of our children) and they made a significant   >> mark on my heart. >> >>   Brad McCoy said that he and his wife raised their children   >> according to the following four principles: > > >> 1. “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.”   >> Brad said this is not just for our kids – it is for us as parents.   >> The road is rough, narrow and hard to find.  We have a book (the   >> Bible), a map vis-à-vis the Bible and God to help us.  We must   >> prepare ourselves and our kids for moments in life when doors open   >> and close.  He cited Proverbs 22:6: “Train a child in the way he   >> should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  He also   >> cited, almost in jest but also in reality, Proverbs 23:13, “Do not   >> withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod,  he >> will not die.”  It was a funny contrast, but a real contrast.   He >> then said, “Dads, fight for your kids, prepare them!” >> 2.       “Prepare to be our best.”  This was one of the four McCoy   >> family mottos.  He cited 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that   >> in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in   >> such a way as to get the prize.”  He stated that every day he would   >> take his kids to school and upon them exited the car, he would say   >> to them, “Do your best and be a leader!”  He said that they  listened >> every time and even as they got older (4th, 5th and 6th  grades) he >> would repeat these words even if they said, “ Yeah,  Yeah, Dad, I >> know, do your best and be a leader!”    He said that  as a coach for >> 27 years, he would always lead his team onto the  field and leave his >> team at every practice with the chant, “Expect  to Win, Play to >> Win.”  And he implored us as parents to instill the  same attitude in >> our homes and in our children.  He cited Jim  Collins book, Good to >> Great, stating that good is the enemy of  Great!  We don’t aim high >> and miss – as we would like to believe.   In fact, most times, we aim >> low and hit the mark!  As parents, he  implored us not to aim low!   >> Aim high!!! >> 3.       “Be a Leader”  He stated that we are surrounded by such a   >> great cloud of witnesses – great leaders that we can draw from and   >> that our kids can draw from.  He said we are all at the mercy of   >> time and money and asked a rhetorical question: How do you spend   >> your time and money.  He then said that how we spend our time and   >> money is a direct reflection on where our true priorities lie.   >> Convicting!  He then said as a leader that he has always loved the   >> quote by Ghandi (even though he didn’t ascribe to all of Ghandi’s   >> beliefs): “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with dirty   >> feet.”  He said that as he taught this principle to his three boys   >> that Colt McCoy turned this phrase into his own words: “Thoughts   >> become things.”  Colt would tell his younger brothers as he  mentored >> them, “ You can’t talk like that or think like that,  because >> thoughts become things that play themselves out in your life.” >> 4.       “Prepare for Open and Closed Doors.”  As a Dad, he said it   >> was painful beyond all of his years on this earth to watch his son   >> get hurt in the first series of play in the National Championship  at >> the Rose Bowl.  A perfect setting.  A setting his son had  dreamed of >> ever since he threw the football with his Dad in the  front yard as a >> kid.  As a Dad, he went over to his son’s hotel  room after the >> Championship loss and the demoralizing fate for such  a NCAA football >> star.  He went to his son’s room to cheer his son  up and was praying >> to God for the right words.  He entered his  son’s hotel room to find >> his son finishing a devotional.  A  devotional that read as follows: >> “My positive energy must be better  than my negative energy.  My >> certainty must be me stronger than my  doubt.  The battle is won >> before I ever start the fight.  I choose  faith over fear.  Leave a >> legacy of excellence, love, dedication  and service.  Jeremiah >> stated, ‘Blessed is the man who’s trust is  in the Lord.’”  He said >> as a Dad, he had to find a corner of Colt’s  hotel room to sit down >> and cry over the maturity of his son.  His  son was prepared for open >> and closed doors!  Wow. >> >>   He then finished his speech by stating that as he consoled his  son >> under the Rose Bowl stadium, after it was readily apparent that  Colt >> would not be able to go back onto the field and play for the   >> Longhorns.  And as he was trying to motivate his son, his son   >> motivated the team and his Dad.  His son stepped into a new mantle   >> of leadership.  Rather than return to the field in pedestrian   >> clothes, Colt insisted on returning to the field to help his team   >> win.  He walked back onto the field in his uniform and helped the   >> second string quarterback read the defense and mentored the second   >> string quarterback over the course of the 3rd and 4th quarters.  He   >> said that his son had been studying “trust” in a Bible Study all   >> year long leading up to the National Championship game.  He said  his >> son had told his mom and dad that he didn’t know why he had  been >> studying that “trust” concept all year, but he   fully knew  why in >> the moments leading up to the National Championship loss.   He told >> his parents that he came to the conclusion that God had  “prepared me >> for years leading up to that game, because He wanted  me to “trust” >> Him!”  As his son, Colt, was approached by news  reporters after the >> Longhorns had lost the National Championship,  the reporters asked >> Colt how he was feeling and Colt replied: “I  always give God the >> glory.  I never question what God does.  God is  in control of my >> life and if nothing else, I am standing on the Rock!” >> >>   Brad McCoy said that his cell phone began lighting up with texts   >> after the game with friends, ministers and family members wildly   >> acclaiming the statement that Colt had made to the reporters.  He   >> said that he received letters from non-believers, Jewish ministers,   >> Muslim ministers and atheists in the days following the game – all   >> pointing to the AMAZING statement that Colt had made after the   >> game.  He said that as he entered Colt’s hotel room that night, he   >> asked his son, “What did you say after game?”  [He had not been  able >> to hear it in the mayhem of the stadium.]  Brad McCoy, Colt’s  Dad, >> asked two to three times, “Son, what did you say after the  game?”   >> Colt said, “Dad, I don’t know.  I really don’t remember  what I >> said.  All I remember is that the reporter asked me a  question and I >> prayed that God would supply me with the right  answer.”  Wow. >> >> Brad McCoy then ended his speech by telling a story about a young   >> football player that he was coaching back in his hometown.  He said   >> the young football player approached Brad McCoy after he returned   >> from Pasadena and said, “Coach, I heard what your son said after  the >> game, but I have one question: What is the rock?”  He said it’s   >> funny son.  We sing about it in church.  He then began singing   >> accapella: “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and   >> righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly   >> trust in Jesus’ Name.  On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other   >> ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.  When   >> darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In   >> every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On   >> Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand;  All >> other ground is sinking sand. His oath, His covenant, His  blood, >> Support me in the whelming flood.  When all around my soul  gives >> way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.  On Christ the solid  Rock I >> stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is  sinking >> sand. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then  in Him be >> found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to  stand before >> the throne.  On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All  other ground is >> sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.”   By the end of his >> singing, the entire room of men and women were  singing in unison >> with Brad McCoy.  It was truly an amazing morning  for the Lord and a >> truly amazing speech for us to learn from as  parents. >> >> Sorry for the long email.  I hope it blesses you as much as it   >> blessed me. >> Paul Jackson >> Principal >> Spyglass Equities Company

How sarcasm hurts

From All Pro Dad here is an articles that talks of the danger of sarcasm: Click here

Character Counts

CHARACTER COUNTS with Michael Josephson:
Cinderella Story: Basketball Coach Proves That Character Counts 665.3
You’ve got to love the Butler University story, the Cinderella team that fell only a few inches short of winning the 2010 NCAA national basketball championship against Duke, a perennial high achiever during March Madness. Maybe David and Goliath is a better metaphor.
Butler’s coach Brad Stevens, 33, was only 3 years old when Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski began his coaching career. Hardly anyone knew Brad Stevens’s name before the tournament while Krzyzewski has been famous for decades. Stevens makes $350,000 per year (still more than the university’s president), but that’s only a fourth of what Coach K earns.
What I really love is that his success is based on intelligence, determination, and good character. Without any credentials to speak of, he left an early corporate job to start a career as a coach.
The son of a physician and a college professor, he was a solid but unspectacular player at DePauw University where he was a three-time Academic All-American nominee. Like Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke team, his players have a graduation rate in excess of 90 percent.
This is significant in lieu of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s recent lambasting of the NCAA for the fact that 25 percent of teams in the 2009 tournament graduated fewer than 40 percent of their players. “If you can’t graduate two out of five of your players,” he declared at the annual NCAA convention, “what are they doing at your university?”
Stevens’s calm, positive coaching style reminds many of another Indiana-born coach, John Wooden.
This season was no flash in the pan, though. In fact, Stevens has begun to accumulate one of the most successful coaching records in college basketball, winning 86 percent of the 104 games he’s coached at Butler.
Kudos to Coach Stevens for proving that character counts. And kudos to the whole Butler team for a great game and a great season.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Question for Leadership team

Three questions to ask your leadership team:
1. What should we stop doing?
2. What should we keep doing?
3. What should we start doing?

from Ray Wilkerson

David Allen, Getting Things Done and GTD :: Free Articles :: FINDING YOUR INSIDE TIME

David Allen, Getting Things Done and GTD :: Free Articles :: FINDING YOUR INSIDE TIME

"THE GOLD STANDARD"

"THE GOLD STANDARD"

BY MIKE KRZYZEWSKI (COACHING THE OLYMPIC TEAM)

COACHING INFORMATION from THE GOLD STANDARD by MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, Published by BUSINESS PLUS, New York, 2009.
* In developing teams, I don't believe in rules. I believe in standards. Rules don't promote teamwork, standards do....A team needs to work together to develop its particular set of standards. This process itself promotes teamwork.
* A major part of becoming a team, then, is the establishment and collective acceptance of your standards, based on your team's makeup and centered on your unique goal.
* Leaders should remember that not all the good ideas have to come from the top, and they should be secure enough to change plans based on the input of the team.
* You share a lot when you are on a team, but the primary thing that you share is your common goal.
* I started by presenting two standards that are vital to the formation of relationships, two concepts that are fundamental to a team dynamic: communication and trust. I said to my guys, "When we talk to each other, we look each other in the eye, we tell each other the truth, and we treat each other like men."

* "Being on time is a sign of respect for your teammates and coaches and for your task."...Jason Kidd.

* "No matter where you play if you can shut somebody down and rebound the basketball, you're going to win no matter who you're playing against."...Kobe Bryant
* The ability to be flexible also needed to manifest itself in the way we related to officials. I asked our team to be strong, to show no weakness, and to never complain about a call. Unselfishness and flexibility became our standards as well.
* I think one of the primary mistakes that leaders make in teambuilding is in believing that they have to be the sole provider of leadership. Great teams have multiple leaders, multiple voices. A major part of building a team is discovering who those voices will be and cultivating them, making sure that their leadership is established within your group. In order to do this, the team leader must first make certain that he or she has a solid relationship with those leaders.

* Attention spans seem to grow shorter and shorter with each generation. It has become increasingly true that no matter who you are...there is only a finite period of time during which you can speak and expect a group to listen.
* You may feel your team has a fifteen minute attention-span window. You can personally talk to that team for 15 good minutes. But when you have established several different voices on your team, you can open that window a little more by utilizing those voices.
* A leader doesn't have an exclusive contract on getting a point across. You have to have enough confidence in your leadership to share it. And really, this will make your team respect you more because they will be able to perceive your level of security. If you can make clear that it doesn't always have to be yours, you can more deeply ingrain the understanding that it is ours.
* You must make the members of your team realize that by being a part of a group, they can become better individually.
* A leader has to realize that he is not always the best, most talented, or smartest one in the room. But that leader must also realize that he or she darn well better have a great relationship with whoever that person is if the team is to be successful--a relationship without jealousy, built on trust and communication, and where you know that you can count on one another.
* From the start, we had a mantra for our team of "No pacing. Play every play."
* At our first meeting in the summer of 2006, Jerry Colangelo told our team, "Check your egos at the door." Jerry was referring to a crucial concept of team building: the sacrifice of the individual ego and the establishment of a stronger, joint ego.
* You cannot simply ask your team to just adapt to you. As a leader, it is part of your responsibility to adapt as well....a leader needs to be a part of a mutual adaptation that forms a combination of the best of everyone.
* A basketball team should check their egos at the door but should also pick them back up on their way onto the court. What I mean is, there is a delicate balance when it comes to asking people to adapt. You never want an individual to be so deferential to the team concept that they lose the part of their individual ego that makes them great.

Greatness

Great perspective from Mike Singletary( Hall of Fame football player and San Francisco 49ers head coach) about greatness...

“Greatness is not about someone who has the ability to be great. Greatness shows up when someone might not have that ability but finds a way to succeed. They outwork their opponents, they outhit their opponents, and they outfight their opponents. They want it more. Don’t give me the guy that is supposed to be all-world and you've got to try to talk him into something. Give me the guy who has maybe just enough talent to be on the field but thinks he's great, who's willing to do whatever he can do to contribute, to make his team better. That’s what I want. Give me all the misfits, the guys no one else wants. Now trust me, I want some talent too. But give me the right type of talent.”

Taken from Sports Illustrated ( September 23)

Your kids and the Social Media Revolution

Your kids and the Social Media Revolution
You might hate Facebook just as much as this guy - but as a parent, ponder these stats for a minute: 
• 96% of Generation Y (18 - 29 year-olds) has joined social networking.
• If Facebook members were a country, it would be the world's 4th largest behind China, India, and United States.
• Celebrities on Twitter have more followers than the population of Norway, Ireland and Panama.
• On YouTube, 13 hours of content are uploaded every minute.
Like it or not, we are raising children in a wired generation.  As fathers, we must have a consistent strategy on what technology our kids are exposed and under what parameters.  Here are  10 Facebook rules to get you started. And also, be sure to Fan All Pro Dad and Tony Dungy on Facebook and follow All Pro Dad and Tony Dungy on Twitter.
Huddle up with your older kids tonight and ask:   What are the good things and the bad things about having a Facebook account?

From All Pro Dad

Check out the Sporting Spirit Website

CHILD CARE PROVIDED TONIGHT! Take a break & listen to Jill Rigby Garner on  ...                    RAISING RESPECTFUL CHILDREN IN                             A DISRESPECTFUL WORLD The Performing Arts Center at Jackson Academy 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS        6:00 - 7:30              FREE Parents' Seminar                       Child-care fees: First to third child are $5 each;                                any child after that is free. Author Jill Rigby Garner Endorsed by: John Rosemond, Focus on the Family, Dr. Laura Schlessinger No one needs to convince you that a disturbing change has occurred in the attitudes of children today.  How did we reach this irritating place, and is it truly possible to counter the culture?  Author Jill Rigby Garner firmly believes that practical measures can turn the tide.  Presenting what she describes as "a real look at real problems with real answers for real parents," she takes a positive, proactive stance to counter the negative influences in media and our society. Her goal is to guide parents in raising children who are respectful, engaged, and grateful.

Jill Rigby Garner is an accomplished speaker, author, family advocate, and founder of Manners of the Heart, a non-profit organization transforming homes, schools, and communities, one heart at a time.  Whether equipping parents to raise responsible children, encouraging the education of the heart or training executives in effective communications skills, Jill's definition of manners remains the same---an attitude of the heart that is self-giving, not self-serving.  Jill's favorite role is wife to husband Nick and mother of grown twin sons who testify to her contagious passion. For further information call 601.362.2521 Question and Answer Opportunity Book-Signing

Every parent needs to read

Great article that every parent and coach needs to read by Mitch Albom author, Tuesdays with of Morrie, http://bit.ly/akDgy2. Tragic story

Article will be controversial, but has a lot of truth. As parents and coaches we have to face the part of having tough love.

added camp dates

We added a camp date the first week in August. Since most schools are not starting until the second week of August this year we have been able to move one of our weeks of camp into the first week of August.

This allows parents and kids another week of summer fun before heading back to school.

Check out our website: www.belhaven.edu click on Men’s basketball. You can also email to: tkelsey@belhaven.edu to get a brochure.

Basketball Camp Dates

“Camp of Future Champions" Week #1 – Monday June28 – Thursday July 1

“Individual Skills” Camp 9:00am to 12 noon “Super Shooter” Camp 12:30pm to 3:30pm

“Camp of Future Champions" Week #2 – Monday July 19 – Thursday July 22

“Individual Skills” Camp 9:00am to 12 noon “Super Shooter” Camp 12:30pm to 3:30pm

“Camp of Future Champions" Week #3 – Monday August 2nd – Thursday August 5th

“Individual Skills” Camp 9:00am to 12 noon “Super Shooter” Camp 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Dealing with people

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

University of Kansas Football coach Turner Gill trying to change the culture

http://tinyurl.com/y4uurah

How to Express Yourself to Others

How to Express Yourself to Others - By Greg S. Baker

One of the hardest things to do when you're communicating with someone is expressing yourself. How many times have you said something that just didn't come out the way you wanted it to? How many times have we said something that we really didn't mean, but we were too frustrated to stop it from being said? What's more, some people have a fear of expressing themselves at all. They're afraid to say something that might cost them a friendship. Or they bottle everything up tight and seize up at the mere thought of sharing their true emotions. This can be a constant struggle for people. However, it is something that can be conquered. If you are struggling to express yourself to others, or you know of someone who struggles, then read on. This article will show you what you can do to open up with others. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION Every being on the planet communicates in some fashion. And the more complex the form of communication is, you will find more complex relationships as well. Human speech is the most complicated form of communication in the world. We have so many ways to express ideas, feelings, dreams, suggestions, thoughts, intents, love, rage, desire, and so forth. Words have meaning to us. Subtle differences in each word will convey a slightly different idea. Huge and gigantic have subtle differences. We think of gigantic as bigger than huge. Thus, the words you use in your relationships are of powerful importance. The person who said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," never had a complex and in-depth relationship. Words can hurt. Words have the power to give life and death...especially in relationships. So it is important that you learn to express yourself. You must learn to convey your thoughts, ideas, dreams, ambitions, hopes and emotions to those that you share a relationship with. Your inability to do so, will damage your relationships. DANGERS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF 1. If you have a fear of people, people will avoid you. It's a vicious cycle. You avoid people because you fear that they will hurt you. People see your aloofness, and either think the worst (that you're stuck up), or grant your desire and leave you alone. Then you wonder why it is that no one likes you. 2. When you can't open up to people, people will feel that you are unapproachable. You'll have a hard time getting close to people when you bottle everything up inside. Your relationships will all be shallow. 3. Your inability to express yourself will haunt you in times of trouble. You'll need help, you'll want help, but you won't seek it. You'll hide. So, no one helps you. Then you grow resentful and angry. 4. Another danger is that of isolation. You build walls around your emotions and people instinctively leave you alone. That might be what you wanted at first, but your life will be barren, and empty. Life is relationships. The stronger your relationships the more joy you'll have in life. No matter if it is with your mate, God, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends, relatives, or even yourself, you must learn to express yourself. TIPS ON EXPRESSING YOURSELF Do A Lot Of Reading Reading will help you learn how other people express themselves. Pay attention to word usage, diction, flow, voice and tone. These will give you ideas on expressing yourself. Look up words that you've never seen before. Use them. They'll provide you with many and myriad ways of expressing your emotions. Often, I've found that a single word does better expressing what I feel than an entire paragraph of sentences. Learning new words will help you express yourself better and reading will help you to learn different ways to do so. A wise man once said, not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader. Do Some Writing On Your Own Do a variety of writing. Start a novel. Write letters. Keep a journal or diary. Often, you'll find that writing helps you to think your thoughts through. In the heat of an argument, you'll often say what you don't mean in a tone that creates more resentment. Writing will help you organize your thoughts. It'll give you focus and direction. Don't Fear People's Judgment Social anxiety is not a disease. You can't catch it from someone who has it. It is a spiritual state of mind that is the direct result of fear. There is really only one type of fear and that is the fear of the unknown. Don't fear what other people think about you. Honestly, your imagination will create far worse scenarios than what most people will ever think. To overcome your fear, try asking for their help. Try this, "I'm having a hard time expressing myself, and I thought maybe you could help me." Saying that will invoke an instinctual need that most everyone has-the desire to help and feel needed. Hardly anyone will be critical of you when you've asked for their help. It also sets the stage to retract what you may say when you say it wrong. Since you've already warned them that you are struggling with expressing yourself, when you actually struggle with it, they'll just shrug it off. It's a great tool to overcoming your fear of other people's judgment. When You're Upset, Write A Letter If you're furious at someone, then go ahead and write them a nasty letter. Just don't give it to them. Sleep on it. The next morning, go back over the letter. You'll find that your attitudes and perspective have shifted. I seriously doubt you'll send the letter under those conditions. But more than that, sending someone a letter that is well thought out is a great idea when you're trying to express yourself. Look, letters can't be argued with, they can't be interrupted, and you can't derail the train of thought. In fact, even if the letter is negative, most people will read it all the way through. Sometimes a well worded letter will allow you to convey your feelings where a conversation would not. Be Mature When You Express Yourself I don't take people seriously when they rant, rave, swear, cuss, insult, deride, mock, or get stubborn. These are immature attitudes that prevent and hinder the expression process. Here is a rule of thumb. If they are willing to talk about others behind their back, they will do it to you too. Let's stay away from the unproductive gossip, the insults, the profanity, and the finger pointing. These accomplish nothing. Think about it, when is the last time you actually made a situation better by swearing at someone? Maturity in conversation is thoughtfulness, consideration, and the willingness to listen. Show respect to others and they will respect you. Ask Questions You'll be amazed at how easy it is to express yourself in the form of a question. But the short of it is this, questions allow you to interact with others. They involve you in their thoughts, feelings, worries, and cares. This provides an opportunity to express yourself better to them. Expression is best done when there is good interaction. Thoughtful questions provide this platform. Remember, people communicate all the time, but either it is misunderstood or it is not listened to. These techniques and methods will help assist in the struggles that you have in communicating. ** To comment on this article or to read comments about this article, go here. About the Author: Please visit Greg's website at http://fitlyspoken.org For more books and resources to build relationships, express yourself, and develop stronger communication and social skills. Check out the book, 'Fitly Spoken', a Christian based book that explores the intricacies of human communication and expression in relationships.

“The Christian’s ultimate goal in life is not to be happy, but to glorify God”. Chuck Swindoll

“The Christian’s ultimate goal in life is not to be happy, but to glorify God”.                                                   Chuck Swindoll

More on Corey Brewer and improving in the NBA

Corey Brewer on improvement

April, 8, 2010

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves' third-year player isn't a bust anymore.

Corey Brewer, as an NBA player, was once widely considered a bust. His first season, he did not play well. He missed all but 15 games his second season because of injuries. He's too skinny, he can't shoot, he can't play in the half-court ... there were a thousand reasons he wasn't going to make it. Not to mention, it's not good for any player to be associated with as much losing as the Timberwolves have done since Brewer arrived.
However, he's no loser. Brewer starred on the Florida Gators team that won back-to-back NCAA championships, and nobody who has ever watched him play can ever call him a quitter. He goes hard at every instant of every game. He also went really hard outside of games, completely overhauling his offensive games. John Hollinger wrote last month that Brewer might be the most improved NBA shooter ever. Even though he tosses up half-court end-of-quarter prayers every chance he gets, Brewer's shooting 35 percent from downtown, compared to 19 percent two seasons ago.
Brewer's now starring in a Timberwolves' campaign promoting him as the NBA's Most Improved Player. We asked him about his bounce-back season and more:
You played for one of the best college teams ever. Then you came to the NBA, where you have had setbacks and challenges, including lots of losing, and a major injury. What was that like?
"It was tough. I was happy when I first got drafted, but then I got here and Kevin Garnett got traded. I had a bad year. I played terribly. I was going from playing up and down to standing in the corner. I struggled.
"The next year we changed things again. We got some players like Mike Miller and Kevin Love. But I only played [20] games, and then I got hurt. So basically, I did a lot of rehab. Then last summer I went and worked out with David Thorpe, and I worked out here with [Timberwolves assistant coach] J.B. Bickerstaff, worked on my jump shot and my game. I just had my mind made up to have a good year, and that was my best year by far, after two bad years."
Having two straight bad years in the NBA ... that's a scary position to be in. Did you ever worry about your NBA future?
"It's a tough position, because everybody's going to ask you if you're a bust. But with what's going on here, I didn't feel like that."
You mentioned standing in the corner on offense. When you first got to the NBA, I don't think anybody thought you'd be suited for that. But now you're an elite 3-point shooter. How'd that happen?
"You've got to work on your weaknesses. And that was my biggest weakness. If you're going to play in the NBA you have to at least be able to hit a standstill 3. I worked my butt off, and it paid off this year."
What are you doing differently?
"I got a lot more shots up than last year. Mechanical-wise, it's all about my balance, but I think a big thing is confidence. If you have your confidence, you can go a long way."

Win McNamee/Getty Images/Getty Images
Corey Brewer (2) says college teammates Joakim Noah (back) and Al Horford (far left) talked him through his tough start in the NBA.

Watching on TV, it's clear that, like those other Florida guys -- Joakim Noah and Al Horford -- you play hard all the time.
"You said it -- that's how we played in college. No matter what, you go 100 miles an hour. That's another thing that hurt me when I first got here. We played slow, and you can't do that when you're playing a 100 miles an hour. It was kind of hard. I just always felt like you have to play hard to the end no matter what. If you want to win, you play hard. Playing hard sometimes out-wills talent."
A lot of players don't like to take end-of-quarter half-court shots because it hurts their 3-point field goal percentage. Holy cow, you are not scared to take that shot.
"I'm a basketball player. If I get a chance to take a shot to help my team, I'm going to do it. If I miss it hurts my percentage, but it doesn't really hurt anything else. I hit three or four this year. You gotta act how you feel. I feel like if I hit those, it helps my team. It's a freebie. And half the time they don't guard you. I feel like if I can get to half-court, I've got a chance to knock it down."
You practice that?
"Sometimes, when you're in the gym by yourself you do."
What are some moments from this season that you'll remember for the rest of your life?
"Probably dunking on Derek Fisher. I'll remember that. The half-court shot I hit to get into overtime against Houston. And the dunk on Robin Lopez, from the Suns."
Kurt Rambis said, when he was hired, that you had a chance to be a special NBA defender. Is that still your calling card?
"I feel like I'm a good defensive player. The way I play, that's a big part of it. But I'm just not going to let my game stay still. That's why I have worked so hard to add things at the other end of the floor.
"I'll always play defense. No matter what. That's what I do. That's what's got me into the league, and that's what's going to keep me here, but I'm not going to stop there."
Are there any defensive performances that stand out from this season?
"I don't know. When you're losing, it's hard to get too excited about your defense. I get so mad at losing. When we lose, even if I have a great defensive performance, I just try to block it out."
What's your defensive philosophy?
"I just want to make sure they know that I'm there all night. I'm going to hit them, scratch them, foul a lot. I just want to make sure they know I'm there all night."
Scratching ... are you one of those players who leaves his fingernails long?
"No, I wouldn't do that. I'm just saying that I'm going to bother people. I'm skinny, so I've got to do whatever I can do."
How much do you weigh?
"Probably about 190. I have my weight up from about 180."
Wow. I think an average American who weighs 180 is probably about 5-6. How tall are you?
"6-8, 6-9."
You're skinny!
"I'm skinny. That's a little thing I've got to work on this summer: Putting on some weight."
Who's your least favorite player to guard?
"That would be Carmelo. He's all about going to that block. He's going to be there all night."
You set a team-record by hitting a 3 in 33 straight games. At what point did you become aware of that, and were you doing anything special?
"No one thought that would ever happen two years ago. I wasn't aware of it until we got to like 25 and everybody started talking about it. I was just playing. I just felt like my game was finally coming together. Everything was just flowing. My defense. My offense ... that was probably my best [stretch]."
When David Kahn took over the team, he said he wanted to lead the league in player development. If you're a strong candidate for Most Improved Player, I guess you're the poster child for that kind of development.
"I guess you could say that. They do a good job around here. A lot of individual work. A lot of coach's time. Development is going to be a big part of this. And we've got a bunch of young guys coming in next year, too, with all them draft picks. It's going to take a few years to come together."
Is that a long time to wait?
"For me, yeah, 'cause I'm in my third year in the league. So if they say one or two years, that's my fifth year in the league! I'm hoping next year we'll turn things around."
You couldn't have had a better situation in college.
"That was the best situation in the whole wide world. I couldn't ask for anything different."
But unlucky in the pros -- all the losing, a new system and then an injury.
"Total 360. Life throws you curves. You've got to deal with them."
What was the low point?
"Probably last year when I got hurt. My rookie year, I couldn't throw it in the ocean. I was shooting about 20 percent my first few months. I was real down. Last year when I got hurt, it was even worse. I felt like I was finally playing defense. I came up with a good game or two. Then I got hurt.
"It's a bit leap to now. A lot of confidence now. People thought I might be a huge bust. Now we're talking about the Most Improved Player."
Who did you talk to when you were down?
"My brother, he helped me a lot. Then my two teammates. Joakim and Al. Last year, I used to talk to them a lot. I used to call them for love. They'd tell me, 'Oh, you know, it's all right. You'll be all right. They'll learn about you. Keep your head up.'"
Funny that the kind-of-family you had in college is still there for you in the pros.
"Yeah, I tell them they're like my hype men. They'll hype you up. They'll have you thinking you're going to score 50. It's really cool to have those guys having my back."
In general, you're feeling optimistic about the Wolves?
"Yeah, I'm feeling optimistic. I hope I'll be here. I've been here for the lows. I hope I'll still be here for the highs."

10 Ways to Help Your Kids With Their Homework

10 Ways to Help Your Kids With Their Homework

From All Pro Dad

1. Set the time
Structure is always important. Designate a specific time frame for homework to be completed. Creating a regular routine will increase productivity.

2. Get involved
It is important to be active in your kid’s education. Most schools offer online services to check on grades, homework assignments and overall progress. Keep yourself up to date on all of these things.

3. The proper setting
Provide a quiet and well lit location. Make sure there is a spacious work area and all necessary items to complete the assignments. Preparation is half the battle.

4. Limit distractions
Our homes are filled with distractions. Televisions, cell phones and video games just to name a few. The use of these items should not be allowed during homework time. The mind should be focused on the task at hand.

5. Organize
Multiple subjects and classes can create confusion. Provide a planner and instruct your child how to organize and prioritize assignments. Create a solid game plan.

6. Be a cheerleader
Always show support and give encouragement. Reward strong effort as well as results. We want our children to always give their best.

7. Provide guidance
We all get stumped sometimes. Make sure help resources are available when needed. These might include yourself, school provided telephone services, or school approved online assistance. A child should always be able to ask a question and get an answer.

8. Work first
Just as their parents, children have busy lives these days. Homework should always come before sports and social activities. Make sure education is the number one priority.

9. Notes
Make sure your child develops an excellent note-taking system. Experts believe an outline form of note-taking is the most efficient method. However, all children are different, so just make sure they have a system that works for them.

10. Study habits
Help instill strong study habits and work ethic. Tests and projects require plenty of planning. Provide tips and techniques that will bring the top-notch results that are desired.

A way to help your shot in the game of basketball

Here is some information off the internet on how to shoot with better balance and form. Like anything else it takes practice, but you can see from the pictures and diagrams the difference in proper form and improper form.
Click below:
How to shoot with better body balance like players in the NBA.