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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How often does Wooden believe people can do their best?

2. How does Wooden refer to his method of making sure his team is in better physical condition than their opponents?

3. What two things doesn't Wooden suggest a coach use to lead his team?

4. What shape does Wooden use to visually describe "success"?

5. How much of a person's job does Wooden believe a person should be able to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What three blocks are located between the first two blocks that Wooden describes when defining his pyramid of success? What do all five blocks make up?

2. What blocks are at the next-to-the-top location on Wooden's pyramid of success?

3. What are the three priorities (in order of importance) Wooden feels every UCLA player should keep in mind?

4. What are three ways that Wooden shows he cares about his players?

5. Why does Wooden feel that parents shouldn't necessarily be concerned that their children aren't getting high grades?

6. What does Wooden stress about listening to what people say about you? What example does he give?

7. Why doesn't Wooden believe that a leader should motivate with fear of discipline?

8. Wooden is not what he calls a "dictator style coach." In what ways does he differ from that type of coach?

9. How does Wooden describe his tactical knowledge when it comes to basketball?

10. What are the two blocks that Wooden uses to introduce his image of a pyramid to his readers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wooden's father (as well as his father's influence) appears directly and indirectly throughout the course of the book. Write down how Wooden's father influenced Wooden in any three of the following areas:

1. Wooden's philosophy of coaching/teaching.

2. Wooden's pyramid of success.

3. Wooden's relationship with his players.

4. Wooden's relationship with his wife.

5. Wooden's decision to leave UCLA.

Essay Topic 2

"Wooden" is autobiographical as well as instructive. Explain three places in "Wooden" that are autobiographical in nature, then explain three places in "Wooden" that are instructive (i.e., that impart information to the reader).

Essay Topic 3

Poetry is used throughout "Wooden." Explore the ways in which poetry assists the reader in any two of the following areas:

1. Understanding Wooden's father.

2. Understanding Wooden's relationship with his wife, Nellie.

3. Understanding Wooden's coaching/teaching principles.

4. Understanding the way Wooden raises his family.

5. Understanding Wooden's pyramid of success.

(see the answer keys)

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