One of my constant reminders was, "End practice on a happy note." I wanted the boys to want to come out to practice, and I wanted them to get a certain amount of pleasure out of basketball. It's a game. It should be fun. So I always tried to counterbalance any criticism in practice with a bit of praise. I wanted my players to feel that the worst punishment I could give them was to deny them the privilege of practicing. If they did not want to practice, I did not want them there.
John WoodenYou have to apply yourself each day to becoming a little better. By becoming a little better each and every day, over a period of time, you will become a lot better.
John WoodenRemember this your lifetime through: Tomorrow there will be more to do. And failure waits for all who stay With some success made yesterday. Tomorrow you must try once more, And even harder than before.
John WoodenYou can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
John Wooden