Amaker teaches his team to always be ready for the next moment by emphasizing the phrase or mantra “next play.” As he explains in this video, and as his fellow National Advisory Board Member Shane Battier mentions in another PCA video, “next play” comes from Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski), who coached both of them at Duke University.
Amaker uses “next play” regardless of trying to move past a mistake on the court or to keep players focused after success. That is critical in a sport like basketball that moves back and forth so quickly.
As he says here, “The team that can move their emotions to the next moment will probably be the team that will be the most successful.” Amaker also remarks that embracing this approach has served him and can serve others as they confront all of life’s ups and downs.
Positive Coaching Alliance develops BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes. In addition to 1,000+ free audio-video and printable tips and tools at PCADevZone.org, PCA has partnered with roughly 3,000 schools and youth sports organizations nationwide to deliver live group workshops, online courses and books that help those involved in youth and high school sports create a positive, character-building youth sports culture.