Relax and Win

The following is taken from an interview with legendary basketball coach John Wooden in a book called Relax and Win by Bud Winter:


"No, I never believed in “pep” talks. I believed in preparation. I believe failing to prepare is preparing to fail. No “pep” talk in the world can take care of it if you fail to prepare. The importance of the game itself would cause the players to rise the occasion. As far as players completely psyching themselves out, I believe I was very fortunate in that I seldom had this. I never wanted players to take themselves too seriously. I just wanted them to do the best they could and then they’ll have nothing to feel sorry about. If they are good enough, the score will be to their liking, and if not, it will be exactly as it should be."