"Is coaching players now, different than even 10-12 years ago?" I got asked this question by Matt Best on his podcast a couple months back.

The other day, I was flipping through John Wooden's book when something he wrote reminded me of the above conversation.

In the book (which was published in 1997), he remarks on something he had written 25 years prior to that. His original words were:

"There was a time when the mass majority would follow blindly, even into the shadow of death, but such is not the case now. Young people of today are far more aware, inclined to be more openly critical, and more generally inquisitive than they used to be. So leaders must work with them somewhat differently."

He then states, "I wrote the preceding observation more than a quarter of a century ago. Are people really that different today? Have times changed so much? I wonder about that."

This idea that the next generation is more rebellious and individualistic has been going on for centuries. It's not new.

As coaches it's our job to relate to the kids we coach, earn their respect and trust, and hold them accountable. It's the same as it's ever been.