Having been fortunate enough to see Kevin Eastman speak last fall I have found myself enamoured by many of the great points that he made, particularly those that had to do with defense and gaining a competitive edge.  The following list (Eastman always has lists) contains a little bit of both, I imagine because teams that have a competitive edge are usually the ones who play great defense.  This list illustrates the four most important characteristics that great teams must have.  You will see that the elements of this list are quite simple but as always it is the simple things that equate to great success.   

1.  Commitment by the players to DEFENSE. 

“To those whom defense is not important they will have the best seat in the house.”  -Rick Majerus

 2.  Habits created in practice.

3.  Focus.

4.  Passion (a competitive motor).