Coaching articles – Pyramid of success

John Wooden – Pyramid of Success

From Terry, Active Hastings Youth Development Officer

As an aspiring coach or simply someone who enjoys the combination of sport and TV, you may have seen or heard of Ted Lasso. Ted Lasso is an American Football coach who is hired to coach football in the Premier League.

Ted Lasso provides numerous quotes and inspiration throughout the series and no doubt you will have seen some on social media. A lot of the inspiration around the Ted Lasso character is inspired by John Wooden, a real coach with an incredible success record in college basketball and still to this day regarded as an inspiration to many. 

John Wooden had a pyramid of success and if you look closely in the first episode of Ted Lasso, you will see the pyramid behind Coach Beards desk.

The pyramid represents Coach Wooden’s philosophy, and I wanted to share my favourite lessons from the pyramid, which are a still relevant to current coaching.

1. Success is doing your best

‘The peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable’

There is much discussion about winning at all costs and winning being everything, but ultimately you can only control what you can control. You can control your intent, attitude, effort and application and this applies to both being coached and coaching. You can want to win and this is healthy, but giving your best is all that you can do and should be your focus as a coach and if being coached.

2. Mistakes are a feature and not a bug

‘If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything’

Making mistakes isn’t a bug in the system, an error or a glitch, it is part of the process and part of our development. It is an incredibly valuable learning tool that helps us to refine our skills, experience and build resilience.

The quote above simply implies if we aren’t challenging or trying new things, then it is hard to develop and progress. If we try something and it doesn’t quite go to plan, then through this learning we get closer to it becoming right and becoming successful. What adjustments to a drill, play or execution can I make next time to make it successful.

Recognise - Take Ownership - Learn and Move On

3. Create a coaching environment where enthusiasm and togetherness are a priority

The very foundation of John Wooden’s pyramid of success isn’t about coaching drills or tactics but includes enthusiasm and friendship. Even one of the most successful coaches in history understood that the court, the pitch and the overall coaching and training environment needs to be a place where enthusiasm arrives at every session. Enthusiasm comes from fun, enjoyment and engagement. Belonging comes from a welcoming and inclusive space, togetherness, team spirit, individual character and shared values. Before we create fantastic drills, discuss formations and compete against other coaches with tactics, we need to work to make our coaching environment fun, enjoyable and enthusiasm is everywhere.