Presentation completed

I have completed my senior presentation and will now be focusing on the evening presentation.

Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Block Presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
I am most proud of the amount of time I was able to talk about my topic. I talked way over the minimum requirement. I was proud because I usually find myself forgetting to mention points in my presentations, but I was able to easily explain to the class everything I wanted to with ease.

(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Block Presentation (self-assessment)?

AE       P          AP       CR       NC

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?

AE       P          AP       CR       NC

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
I think what worked for me was the fact that I had two mentors during the year. Having to mentors was very helpful because it allowed me to see and understand different playing styles, coaching styles, and most importantly, different opinions. Especially with a topic that has many ways of doing things, having two mentors really helped me understand which ways were better and which weren't.
(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would have you done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?
If I could go back, I would have told myself to do more research and interviews than the minimum requirement. Having a lot of information to choose from would have widened my field view and could have possible lead to me choosing different, better answers.
(5) Finding Value
How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.
This project has shown me how to do better, more professional research. I think that's what I got the most out of this project. Finding the three answers took lots of research and interviews for me to decide what my answers would be. But when it came time to present, I was easily able to back up what I was saying with articles, books, interviews, and mentorships. I will use this new skill this project has taught me whenever I have to write papers in college.

Mentorship

IA Response to blog:

    Literal

Jason Parks, WEBB High School (909)560-7272

 

Mike Martinez Upland YMCA (909)996-1909

    Interpretive

     The most important thing I gained from this experience was getting a different point of view from basketball games. I usually play the game and get a view from the inside. But throughout my mentroship I was watching the game from the sidelines through a coach's perspective. I learned the reasons why coaches get mad during games, for example lazy players, and how to address those situations. Also, during practices, I picked up new skills and techniques to improve my game.

   Applied

What I did helped me answer my essential question because it allowed me to see what worked in games and what didn't work. For example, during one of the games, our team was getting beat on the zone defense so we switched it to man defense and they did better. And in another game, our team was getting beat on man defense, so we switched to zone. It helped me understand how to play the game strategically. Also, I had two mentors which gave me two coaching perspectives. I asked a lot of the same questions to both of my mentors and both of them gave me different but good information. Having two mentors actually benefited me. I actually used both of my mentors answers to my essential question as my final answers to my essential question. They were both very helpful in answering my essential question and supporting their answers.

Mentorship Completed

I have completed my mentorship this month. The basketball season at the YMCA where I was doing my mentorship has ended so I will no longer be going. Luckily, I completed more than the fifty hour minimum requirement. I just have to update my mentorship log to be completely finished.

Exit Interview

(1) What is your essential question and answers?  What is your best answer and why?

EQ: How can a basketball player best maximize their team's chances of winning the championship?

Best Answer: A basketball player can best maximize their team's chances of winning the championships by being a good, effective leader. This is my best answer because it takes a whole team to win the championships, not just one player. And leaders establish a clear end goal which  motivates their group, team, or partners to work their hardest to reach it. Relating this back to my essential question, the end goal would be to win the championships.

(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?

I actually asked a lot of coaches, players, and just people in general what they thought was the best answer to my essential question. This gave me a wide view of other individuals' point of view, possible answers and it allowed me to choose or slightly modify my favorite answer.

(3) What problems did you face?  How did you resolve them?

When we were gathering statistics for the ESA, I had a very hard time finding any sort of statistics on my first answer, which was defense. Even after I checked Cal Poly's data base for studies, I still could not find anything useful. So I went to to the NBA's website and looked up the highest ranked defensive teams, and the highest ranked overall teams. As I analyzed the two charts, I found that there was a correlation between defensive rank and overall rank. So I created my own statistic using the information provided by the NBA.

(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?

One of the most significant sources I used to find my answer to my essential question was my mentor. He is the one that actually brought up the topic of leadership and it's effects on a team. He had lot's of experience with team's that had leaders and teams that did not. So he was very helpful with providing examples and comparing teams with and without leaders. And the other significant source is the book, Leadership: Sixth Edition, by Peter G. Northouse. This book had everything that leaders have and do to make their followers succeed. It was essential for me because there weren't many helpful online article's that were out there. This book had everything I needed to support my answer with studies, charts and examples.

Independent Component 2

LITERAL
a.) I, Diego Delgado, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

b.) I was the assistant coach of Coach Mike Martinez who generously allowed me to help out with his teams.

d.) When I was doing my first independent component, I only saw the player side of basketball. But with this component, I got to see and understand both the player part of basketball and the coaching part of basketball. I got to teach my players my knowledge and experiences with basketball to make them better players. Since I have played the sport before, it was very easy to explain and demonstrate how and what to do for each drill or play. I also got to observe the different types of characteristics of each player. This can either be beneficial or harmful for the team. I did my best to get rid of the negative characteristics kids had so they wouldn't spread to the rest of the team. Lastly, I helped the coach keep everyone one track when we played games. Two pairs of eyes are better then one.

APPLIED
How did the component help you answer your EQ? Please include specific examples to illustrate how it helped

While I was helping coach during practice I noticed that when you isolate a player and speak and or work alone with them, they show better performance. For example, I got to work with the entire team as a whole, but sometimes I would work with players individually. I found that when I dedicate all my time and focus into one individual player, they would perform a lot better in the game. This was a potential answer to my essential question because an individual who seeks out help form someone who is more knowledgeable than them tend to progressively do better every game, which maximizes their team's chances of winning the championship. Unfortunately, my team did not win the championships. However, we did get second place.

INTERPRETIVE 
Defend your work and explain how the significant parts of your component and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work.   Provide evidence (photos, transcript, art work, videos, etc) of the 30 hours of work.  

Here is a picture I took of the team I got to help coach for my second independent component. As an assistant coach, I got to experience what it was like having your team look for you for advice. I also got to help the three big players improve their game by giving them personal training, tips, and pointers.

In this picture, I was explaining to the two big players that the defense was leaving the post open during a time out. Coach Mike had me demonstrate how to post up an opponent shortly after. Once the game started, the they were not able to receive the ball from the point guards or the wings.

One important tactic I picked up while doing my independent component was recording games. I have never done this before for any of my games. But this was very helpful for the team. After practices, coach would show short clips of the game he liked and didn't like to the team. This helps the players know where they are doing good and where they need improvement.

Here is just a picture I took of the final score of one of our best games.

Independent Post

I've been continuing to work on my independent component and mentorship. This is a picture of the team that I'm helping coach and my mentor in the green. So far we are undefeated and looks like it'll stay that way. I usually explain the plays and shout from the sidelines when a player is lost.

Third Answer

EQ

How can a basketball player best maximize their team's chances of winning the championships?

Answer #3

A basketball player can maximize their team's chances of winning the championships by perfecting their jump shot in order to take more good shots during a game.

3 Details to support answer

Taking more good, open jump shots will increase the chances of you making it. For example, you are more likely to make a jump shot if it is open than one that is being contested.

After practicing your jump shot for a few weeks or months, you will eventually rely on your muscle memory to execute your shots which is very beneficial during a game. For example, you will no longer hesitate on the shot because you know exactly how much power and arch you need to make it. It will no longer be second nature, which increases your chances of making it.

Taking more successful jump shots will cause the defense to play tighter defense, increasing the chances of getting fouled. For example, if a you as a player continue to constantly make shots, the other team will see you as threat and want to put an end to your constant scoring. And the only way to do that is to play tighter, more aggressive defense.

Sources

"Improve Your Jump Shot and Increase Your Scoring Average." Basketball Tip, Basketball Tips, Basketball Shooting Tips, Free Basketball Tips. Basketball Success, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2013. <http://www.basketballsuccess.com/basketball_jump_shot_improvement.html>.

"How to Take Your Offense to Another Level." Basketball Tip, Basketball Tips, Basketball Shooting Tips, Free Basketball Tips. Basketball Success, n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2013. <http://www.basketballsuccess.com/basketball_offense.html>.

"7 Highly Effective Tips For Improving Your Jump Shot." Basketball Tip, Basketball Tips, Basketball Shooting Tips, Free Basketball Tips. Basketball Success, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2013. <http://www.basketballsuccess.com/basketball_jump_shot_tips.html>

Concluding Sentence

"Defense is just as important as offense. But if you can't score, then that doesn't really do you much good"

-Mentor, Coach Mike Martinez

Fourth Interview Questions

Fourth Interview Questions

1. How can a basketball player best maximize their teams chances of winning the championships?

2. How can a basketball motivate their teammates to perform better?

3. Specifically, what factor do you think wins games?

4. What would you say is more important, offense or defense?

5. Would you agree that good teamwork is essential to winning?

6. What is the best way for a player to prepare for a game?

7. What separates a good player from a great player?

8. How and when do you think pressing should be used in a game?

9. What can a player do to get more good shots up?

10. How can an individual player improve and the attitudes of each player?

11. What are the most important qualities for a player to have?

12. What can a player do to get to the foul line more?

13. Which would you say is more important, playing smart or playing aggressive?

14. What advice would you give a player to improve their game?

15. What are your thoughts on moving without the ball?

16. How does team morale affect the outcome of a game?

17. What do you think makes a leader? What type of qualities do they have?

18. How does having a leader benefit the team?

19. How important would you say free throws are to winning a game?

20. How does a player's level of confidence affect their performance?

New Mentor

In this month I had to find a new mentor because the basketball season where I use to do my mentorship ended. Luckily, one of my old coaches agreed to be my mentor. So now I will be doing my mentorship at the YMCA. I've already completed around thirty hours during my first mentorship so I'm almost done with the fifty hours. Also, my new mentor has agreed to let me be assistant coach for one of his teams which is what I will be doing for my independent component.

Advisory Meeting #2

EQ

How can a basketball player best maximize their team's chances of winning the championships?

Answer #2

A basketball player can best maximize their team's chances of winning the championships by being a leader and demonstrating leadership qualities.

3 details to support the answer (a detail is a fact and an example)

1. Leaders set the example for their team. For example, if your team is down by a lot but you as a leader continue to fight to win and never give up on the game, that will show your team that you are willing to fight to the very end to end. Therefore, you will lead by example and motivate your team to do what you are doing.

2. Leaders increase their team's morale before, during, or after a game. Not just boosting morale but also confidence, which in turn leads to a better game. For example, they leaders can really have a positive effect on their team by giving a speech before an important game. Also, giving positive comments, such as good rebound or nice shot, or quickly discussing areas where other players could use improvement during a game can also have great impact on your team.

3. Leaders have to earn their team's respect. They are also someone the coach can always rely on to execute plays and make sure everyone is doing what they are suppose to be doing. Almost like having another coach playing on the court with you. For example, if the coach calls out a play, the leaders usually make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what they're doing and where they're going. Which creates better, more effective plays.

Sources

My main source is my new mentor Coach Mike. He really helped me come up with this answer by explaining the importance of a leader. I also have one article on leadership qualities by basketballsuccess.com.

Concluding Sentence

Leaders play a big role in making sure their team is giving one hundred percent effort at all times by setting the example, boosting team morale, and executing coach's plans.

Independent Component 2

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
I plan to be a coach or assistants coach of a high school level basketball team.
2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
I will be attending and helping out with practices and games by coaching the team. And hopefully using tactics and my research to lead them to victory.
3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.
This will help explore my topic in more depth because I will now be in control of what a team and it's players do. That means I will be learning to how and what my tan resins to, which is part of my essential question. 

Lesson 2 Reflection

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

I am most proud of how comfortable I was able to present. I'm usually a little bit nervous or uneasy when it comes to long presentations but it was fairly easy for me discuss my answer support it with all the research I've done. 

2. Questions to Consider
       a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation (self-assessment)?

       AE        P          AP       CR       NC

       b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 2 component contract.

I feel I deserve a P- because I did meet all the requirements to receive a P, however, I didn't mention my mentorship until a little close to the end. I feel like my presentation had lots of evidence of research that supported my answer and I was able to convince or rather persuade the audience into thinking that my answer was the best possible answer.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2?

I think what worked in my presentation were the brief demonstrations I did. For example, the low stance that is crucial for defense, the head swivel while playing help defense, and the closing out move. I feel like it gave the audience a little bit more understanding. Also the photos I used helped me get points across quicker and easier.

4.  (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2?

I almost forgot to mention my mentorship and I sort of left it out until the near end. I also mentioned one of my peers presentation more than I should have. And I feel like I could have done a better job explaining the connection between my presentation and activity.

5. Finding Value
What do you think your answer #2 is going to be? 

I don't know exactly what it will be yet but I was thinking something having to do with getting open on the offense. Something close to like moving without the ball and putting yourself in a position where you can succeed.

Independent Component

Literal

(a) I, Diego Delgado, affirm that I have completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

(b) Coach Juan Hernandez, YMCA youth basketball coach

(c) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtPSdf9O4rJOdEF0SDdsU0tJVDNFbWUzRF9lSkRacFE&usp=docslist_api

(d) I completed a whole season of playing and practicing on a YMCA basketball team.

Interpretive

During my independent component, my coach didn't really have us work much on cardio. However, I believe cardio is very important because having endurance means you can continue to work hard while your opponents get tired. The picture above is a picture of me running in the fourth and final quarter. The fourth quarter is where fatigue is the highest. It is important to continue to play hard in the fourth quarter to not let the other team catch up, try your best for your team to catch up, or stay in the lead. At the time, I was in the cross country elective which helped me stay in shape and run fast. This was actually what I presented on for my ten minute presentation.

Free throws are easy points. Like the name says, they are free. Basically when a player gets fouled, they get to shoot with no one blocking them. That's why it is important to practice your free throw shooting. When I started my independent component, I was only making about fifty percent of my free throws.Which is pretty low. By the end of this component, I was making around seventy percent of my free throws. Free throws can determine weather you win or lose a game. That's why it is so important to make all of them. Making free throws might be my next answer to my essential question.

In this picture, you can see me playing offense in the low post. As you can see, there is much contact in the low post. That's why it is important to have good footwork. Good footwork means you are able to trick your opponent by being quick on your feet and making your move before they have a chance to realize what happened. Footwork is very important in basketball. Not just on offense but also on defense. I will actually be going over it's significance during my 30 minute presentation.

Here is a picture of me shooting. This picture is a great example of the importance of elevation during a shot. As you can see, I am at a much higher elevation than my opponent. That means nobody is blocking me and I have a clear shot to the basket. That means the chances of you making it are much higher. Which in turn means your chances of winning are much higher. Elevation could possibly be an answer to my essential question.

Here is just another photo of me shooting some free throws after I got fouled.

And here you can see me trying to get open. This is called moving without the ball and plays a big role in the game. The reason why it's so important is because when you move without the ball and try to get open, you have a much higher chance of getting into an open spot. That means you have created the potential to score without ever holding the ball in your hands. Which means your chances of winning go up. Moving without the ball is another potential answer to my essential question since it is so effective and really the only way to make yourself useful.

Applied

This component helped me understand the foundation of my topic better by creating a real world situation where I can learn from my mistakes and from other individuals to make myself a better player and gain experience and knowledge of my topic. For example, when I first started my independent component, I was really out of shape. This highly affected me because in basketball you can't slack off if you want to win. This helped me get a better understanding of the importance of physical fitness in this sport. Also, my coached focused on defense more than anything else during practice. I started doing research on defense for my research checks and I am now using defense for my first answer. Just actually playing the sport and learning first hand is a lot more helpful than reading alone, I think.

Mentorship

I have finally started on my mentorship. I started about two weeks ago. I've been taking notes and following my mentor around and asking him questions. His teaching methods are unusual to me, like the top photo, but they work. 

Third Interview Questions

1. How can a basketball player best maximize his team's chances of winning the championship?
2. What skills can a person work to improve their ability to work with others on their team and why?
3. What separates a good player from a great player?
4. What factors determine weather you win or lose a game?
5. How can an individual player make their team better or more competitive?
6. Which is more important, offense or defense?
7. What should a good team or coach expect from each of it's players?
8. What is the best way for a player to improve their game?
9. How do you train teams to communicate on the court?  What makes this method most effective?
10. What is most important to win a basketball game?

Mentorship Check

1.   Where are you doing your mentorship?

I am currently doing my mentorship at WEBB high school.

2.   Who is your contact?

Coach Jason Parks. The high school basketball coach for WEBB high school.

3.   How many total hours have you done (total hours should be reflected in your mentorship log located on the right hand side of your blog like your WB)?   

I currently have zero hours of mentorship because the basketball league started in late November and I was not given clearance to enter the private school until a week or so before Winter break. And this past week I was not able to make it. But, they practice every day after school from five to seven and sometimes a little later and they have games I will be attending every weekend so I should be able to acquire hours fairly quickly

4.   Summarize the 10 hours of service you did.

N/A

5.   Email your house teacher the name of your contact and their phone number confirming who they should call to verify it.  

Senior Project, The Holiday

1.  It is important to consistently work on your senior project, whether it is break or we are in school.  What did you over the break with your senior project?
Unfortunately, I was not able to work on my mentorship because the high school where I'm doing it also had two weeks of vacation. However, I did play a lot of basketball for the independent component. I have completed the thirty hours that are required. I also did a few research checks.

2.  What was the most important thing you learned from what you did and why? What was the source of what you learned?
The most important thing I learned from what I did was that encouraging your team even a little can go a long way. For example, if your team mate gets a steal, or a block, or rebound and you go over to congratulate them and get them hyped about what they did, it'll boost their confidence, which leads to an increase in their performance. I noticed this when I was playing in a tournament and my coach told me to do that. I did my best to increase morale, but we still lost. But, the games were always very close even though our opponents had an overall better team. 

3.  If you were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers of your EQ, who would you talk to and why?
I would first like to talk to my mentor because as a coach, he knows what it takes to get the championships and that's basically what my EQ is about. But I would also like to talk to the coaches up at Cal Poly or other high school or colleges. Particularly college coaches since those are the most elite before the NBA.