Why JJ Redick Rejected the NBA to Coach 9-Year-Olds Instead
Jan 11, 2024
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JJ Redick, a professional basketball player turned middle-school basketball coach, discusses his passion for the game and why he rejected the NBA to coach a fourth-grade travel team in Brooklyn. He shares insights on coaching youth basketball and balancing competitiveness and discipline. He also talks about a controversial call in a basketball game and the importance of playing for each other and building confidence in players.
JJ Redick finds joy in coaching fourth-grade basketball, emphasizing the importance of teaching basketball concepts and developing a player's understanding of the game.
Redick reflects on his role as a coach and parent, balancing the desire for development and competitiveness while ensuring a positive experience for the young athletes.
Deep dives
Coaching a Fourth Grade Travel Team
JJ Redick discusses his experience coaching a fourth-grade travel basketball team. He talks about the joy of coaching kids and the challenges of finding the right balance between making it fun and competitive. Redick emphasizes the importance of teaching basketball concepts and developing a player's understanding of the game. He shares his coaching philosophy and how he strives to instill qualities like teamwork, competitiveness, and growth mindset in his players.
The Mindset and Competitiveness of Young Players
Redick highlights the intense competitiveness and passion he observes in young basketball players, noting the deep emotional investment they have in the game. He shares anecdotes about his son Knox and other kids in his team, showcasing their dedication and obsession with basketball. Redick reflects on his role as a coach and parent, balancing the desire for development and competitiveness while ensuring a positive experience for the young athletes.
Strategies and Approach to Coaching
Redick shares his strategies and approach to coaching, including implementing structured plays and focusing on concepts like spacing, teamwork, and offensive efficiency. He discusses his efforts to create a competitive and positive environment, emphasizing accountability, body language, and understanding basketball concepts. Redick also acknowledges the challenges of coaching and learning to adapt his coaching style for different age groups and skill levels.
Removal of Bias as a Coach and Parent
Redick acknowledges the challenge of removing bias while coaching his own son and striving to treat him the same as any other player on the team. He talks about teaching his son Knox about body language and managing emotions during games. Redick also discusses the importance of respecting referees, maintaining positive relationship dynamics within the team, and creating an environment where every player feels involved, valued, and motivated to grow.
He could be drawing up plays for superstars, after interviewing with the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and more. But the ESPN commentator and "Old Man & the Three" podcaster has been leading a group of middle-schoolers in Brooklyn, with the same passion and perfectionism that he brought to Duke and then 15 seasons in the pros. If you thought you hated JJ Redick, just wait 'til you get inside the greatest mind in the history of fourth-grade basketball.