Why you never say 'can't' when training with Coach Ryan...

The word can't is used far too frequently. We tell kids anything is possible, yet when they say 'I can't do that', we fail to even notice.

Over my first year of training individuals I noticed players saying this. It wasn't a 2nd grader commenting on his ability to dunk or a 5th grader commenting on his ability to make a full court shot. Rather, it was players at all ages/ levels, using the phrase 'I can't' when a drill challenged them outside their comfort zone.

Why did I notice this? Why did this phrase bother me so much?

In order to understand the answer to that I must tell a quick story about my 4th grade teacher (The best teacher I ever had).

One day, Mr. Kukla had our entire class write a list of things 'we can't do.' He took each list and put them in a box. He sealed the box and told us, "There is nothing you can't do" and from that point forward we weren't allowed to say 'I can't.'

It didn't end there. As a class we went out to the woods with a shovel and we buried that box. This was a symbolic action that left an impression. I will never forget that lesson.

Now no matter who I am coaching, whether they are a 6 year old, All state player, or 33 year old...even my 62 year old mother at the gym. If you say 'can't', I say 'Five push-ups.'