Coaches Can Promote Athletes’ Learning To Enhance Their Success

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Written By Monika Schloder

Coach John Wooden’s Famous Pyramid of Success

I was ‘cramming’ through my older Sport Psychology Lecture notes and came across one of my favorite posts for my coaching theory students at the university, along with supplementary notes for the NCCP course Basic Mental Skills.’

The Wooden Pyramid of Success, created by legendary basketball coach John Wooden, is a framework that outlines the principles and behaviors essential for achieving personal and team success. It is a very good tool to post in your locker rooms! I have used it throughout my coaching years, and the athletes I coached in various sports absolutely enjoyed the pyramid as a guiding force and enlightenment.

Overview of the Pyramid

The Pyramid of Success comprises 15 building blocks, organized into five layers.

Each represents key traits and behaviors that contribute to success.

Wooden developed this framework over 15 years, initially to guide his coaching at UCLA, where he led the team to 10 National NCAA championships in 12 years. The pyramid serves as a roadmap for individuals and teams to achieve excellence in various aspects of life, not just in sports.

The 15 Building Blocks

  • Industriousness– Hard work is essential for success.

  • Friendship– Building strong relationships fosters teamwork.

  • Loyalty– A commitment to your team and its values is crucial.

  • Cooperation– Working together enhances collective success.

  • Enthusiasm– A positive attitude motivates and inspires others.

  • Self-Control– Discipline and emotional regulation are vital.

  • Alertness– Being observant and open-minded leads to growth.

  • Initiative– Taking action and being proactive is important.

  • Intentness– Focus and determination drive achievement.

  • Condition– Physical and mental well-being support performance.

  • Skill– Mastery of your craft is necessary for success.

  • Team Spirit– A sense of unity and collaboration is essential.

  • Poise– Maintaining composure under pressure is key.

  • Confidence– Believing in oneself fosters resilience.

  • Competitive Greatness– The pinnacle of success, achieved through the integration of all previous traits.

The Mortar

Wooden also introduced “The Mortar, “ which consists of 10 additional qualities that hold the pyramid together. These qualities are essential for creating a culture of excellence and support the overall framework for success:

  • Faith

  • Patience

  • Ambition

  • Adaptability

  • Resourcefulness

  • Fight

  • Sincerity

  • Honesty

  • Reliability

  • Integrity

The Wooden Effect

Application and Legacy

The Pyramid of Success is not limited to athletics; it has been applied in education, business, and personal development. Wooden's teachings emphasize that true success is about character, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life. His philosophy continues to inspire individuals and organizations to adopt these principles for personal growth and achievement.

Success

By understanding and applying the principles of the Wooden Pyramid of Success, individuals can cultivate the habits and mindset necessary to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

References:

https://www.bing.com/search?pc=MOZI&form=MOZLBR&q=image+of+wodden+Pyramid+of+success

Schloder, M.E. (2022). The Wooden Pyramid for Success is a motivational device for Individual and Team sports. Lctur notes (2022). Mental and Basic skills in sports psychology.

Monika Schloder
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