John Wooden's Unexpected Advice on Feet Endures for Fox News Anchor

Years after attending a John Wooden basketball camp, Fox News anchor Trace Gallagher reflects on the legendary coach's simple yet profound advice about preventing blisters. Gallagher recounts his experience at age 14, paying $500 for a week at the camp held at California Lutheran University, hoping to learn from the "Wizard of Westwood."

Upon arrival, Gallagher and other aspiring young players were instructed to take off their shoes and socks. Wooden then shared his primary piece of advice: wear two pairs of socks, with the inner pair turned inside out, to prevent blisters. He emphasized that "you cannot play good basketball with blisters."

After this singular instruction, Wooden left the gymnasium, and Gallagher never saw him again during the camp. Initially feeling disappointed by the lack of traditional basketball instruction, Gallagher has since come to appreciate the enduring value of Wooden's lesson. He notes that he has never developed blisters and still employs the two-sock method when playing racquetball.

Wooden, who coached UCLA to 10 national championships in 12 years, retired in 1975. The camp took place a year later. Gallagher believes that while Wooden couldn't transform teenagers into stars in a week, he provided fundamental lessons that build a physical foundation for improvement.

Beyond the practical advice on foot care, Gallagher has also reflected on other teachings attributed to Wooden, such as being true to oneself, making each day a masterpiece, and the importance of books and friendship. He concludes that the $500 spent on the camp was well worth the lifelong lesson, highlighting that the wisdom gained transcended the initial focus on socks.