One of the most engaging aspects of the TeachHoops.com community is the ability to connect with coaches throughout the nation and all over the world. In this basketball coach interview, Coach Collins talks with basketball coaching with Liam Flynn in this wide ranging interview.
Basketball Coaching Interview: Liam Flynn
A brief version of Liam’s resume is below:
His International Experience includes NBA Consultant, Coach in the German Bunderliga and New Zealand NZNBL.
He sports six years of Australian NBL Coaching experience. He was an assistant coach with the Townsville Crocodiles from 2010-2012. In addition, he assisted with the Adelaide 36ers from 2008-2010.
Flynn has 15 years of State League/ABA Coaching Experience. With the Sturt Sabres, Townsville Heat, Southern Districts Spartans.
He has 12 years of experience with State Teams. Such as: QLD U/18 Boys, SA Metro U/16 Boys & U/18 Boys; South Australia U/20 Men
Flynn also has 20 years experience at Junior Representative Level, with Sturt (SA), Southern Districts (QLD) – U/12s through to U/20s
He holds a Masters in Sports Coaching from University of Queensland, as well as a NCAS Level 2 Coaching Accreditation.
Year after year, the NBA Playoffs offer us all a front row seat to the game of basketball being played at it’s highest level. However, even the top seeded teams can often fall short of that level when it comes to playing with maximum effort. In any given game, most NBA Teams can be trusted to play their hardest, but in a “best of 7” series, there are far more opportunities for human nature to sink in. Following a loss, the most common NBA Playoff Team adjustment is usually not schematic, but simply to play with more energy and determination.
Coaches have used several different buzz words over the years to describe either how an abundance of effort led to victory, or how a lack of effort led to defeat. In the past, the most frequently used buzz word was “desperation”, which has graced the narrative of many post-game press conferences and off-day interviews. However, in 2018, the new buzz word appears to be “force”, which ironically has been used most by Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Defending Champion Golden State Warriors. Regardless of whether “desperation” or “force” best describes maximum effort. What’s most important is why it alludes a team to begin with, and how to get it back when it does.
Overconfidence is the most common contributing factor, and also the most damaging. Overlooking any opponent brings about consequences that often cannot be reversed. Coaches of all levels can learn a valuable lesson from this years NCAA Tournament, in which a #16 seed beat a #1 seed for the first time ever. The concept of “rest vs rust” is also a major factor, when a team is affected by having either too much rest, or not enough. Lastly, is a lack of 3-dimensional preparation. Most preparation is based on 1-D and 2-D tendencies, such as preparing for an opponent that plays fast, or tries to dominate the paint. An example of 3-D preparation would be discovering that your opponent has a hidden motivation, such as a team member dealing with a tragedy, or perhaps a hidden revenge angle. That hidden motivation could make this game extra emotional for them, causing them to play with maximum effort and increased intensity. That could be huge problem if you as a coach are unaware of it, and your players enter the game at only a standard motivation level. Bottom line, there are infinite reasons why a team can lack effort in any game, at anytime, at any level. These are just a few details to keep an eye on.
First, I want to say thank you to Coach Collins for asking me to do this Blog for Teach Hoops. Two things you need to know about me is that I am not all knowing, and I am always learning how to better myself as a coach.
Right now at the college, we are just kinda at a wait and see period for some recruits with an attempt to find that gem that went under recruited by the 4 year schools. Yes, I am assistant at junior college in Wisconsin, but before that I coached 5 years as a varsity boys coach and I almost coached every level below that since my coaching journey started in 2005. As I sit typing my Blog in the sun over Memorial Day Weekend, I ponder the question….why are coaches so busy in the summer?
First, I think it’s important to know that all coaches are not busy in the off-season. For example, I consider myself as a college coach to have a lot of free time. But, my position is much different from when I coached Varsity Boys Basketball at the high school level. My current summer commitments reside in help running two youth camps and support supervision for open gyms. But, I know how much work consist in the summer for High School coaches in the summer. And in reality without summer, I think it would be impossible for coaches to function without it. Summer is a time for development, trial and error, and logistics. Here is a list of items I have done in one summer as a head coach.
Try and tweak new sets, defenses, offenses with team opportunities
Meet with High School staff weekly
Plan and organize online shoe and apparel stores for upcoming season
Wow! I forget how much I did in the summer for preparation for the upcoming season. The question you really asking is why? Winning is hard work, and frankly my tenure at my previous job had only small moments of success. I worked harder than most of my players. Personally, I saw more growth in the youth program with future players coming up the ranks in next the 5 years. But, building a program takes time and making the right decisions through the journey. The worst decision I made was not facilitating the workload to others to provide more time for my own team. My advice to young coaches is create a pipeline of people to work under you. Build and maintain positive relationships with other coaches, parents, and community members to support building your program. Your support system comes down to finding individuals that believe in your program and our invested in the program not their child. Again, the process takes time to build a program, which you have to be careful about picking the right job. That is something I can address in a later Blog.
Summer is a period of time for coaches to eliminate clutter during the season. It’s impossible to do the items above plus coach your team during the season. It would be overload. I feel the many of items on my list provide clarity and direction for the season to come. You can learn about your players and how they respond to certain offense and defensive schemes. The regular season has not enough for trial and error and building your identity. 10 practices and your competing in your first game.
Finally, coaching isn’t a full-time job that pays the bills unless you make it to the big time. I currently still teach 5th grade and coach other sports as well. Without using summer, I believe no one could function during the regular season, unless your single and retired. Please email with questions regarding my blog at jacobjaysteger@gmail.com.
This is one of many letters I received about the video and podcast I did concerning my son not playing AAU and summer basketball. I thought I would share
Steve,
Appreciate your views on this and agree with much of it. However a few observations:
I train my son and his skill development has exploded in the last few years. But, as you know, there are tons of kids who can “kill a drill” but can’t perform when there’s 10 guys on the court. When you have defensive pressure and lots of decision-making in a game situation, those skills can all of a sudden look a lot different. You just can’t simulate that environment in the quiet of a gym while developing skills. I know every good trainer tries to develop an athlete’s skills while doing “game-like” drills. But it is just not the same. Actual “games” must be played and it’s becoming really hard to find them outside of the AAU tourney scene.
In AAU ball, my son has learned “toughness” that he never had before, and would have never developed, in a training session in any kind of drill. There’s a clock, there’s a scoreboard, there’s fans, there’s referees, and there’s personal “pride” at stake. When he was getting beat up in an AAU game, he either had to fight back or get crushed. He chose to fight back and it has served him so well. He hasn’t turned into an aggressive maniac, but acquired just the right amount of toughness and aggressive mentality that will enable him to play high school basketball. I guarantee he would not be in the same place at this moment without AAU basketball. (He’ll never be a college recruit, but he setting himself up to have a ton of fun playing HS basketball.)
It’s really difficult to supplement skills training with “games” without having a place to actually play games. You and I know there aren’t a lot of parks or gyms that young athletes use to play meaningful “pickup” games that aren’t tied to their schools. We’ve tried playing in the local clubs and the games are mostly garbage for development purposes. Please don’t take this personally, but being a father who is a head coach gives your son access to a gym and I’m only assuming a place where players can get together to play decent pickup games (if WIAA allows, which I believe it does) during the summer. Not everyone has that.
I do agree that AAU travel is ridiculous. I myself coach a boys AAU team and my HS daughter plays AAU and I see that the competition 1 hour away is not substantially different than competition 4+ hours away. I also agree it’s way more games in a weekend than necessary. But of course, the tournaments are making money and they aren’t going to set up tournaments where you only play 2-3 games — which in my opinion would be plenty to supplement skill development.
AAU is ridiculous for kids under 12 years of age (and maybe that’s too young). The most physically mature kids dominate and nothing real productive gets done an AAU format for those young kids. But parents are feeling good that their kid “played AAU”.
I assume the birth of AAU must have been to get the very best players exposure for college. And it probably then trickled down to younger and younger age groups.
Bottom line — I think there’s value in AAU but I think it’s overhyped. At the same time, in order to become a better basketball player, it takes more than reps in the gym. Those skills have to be tested in a game format. I played DI college baseball and there was plenty of guys who hit .300+ in “batting practice” but in a game, for some it was a completely different story. It’s all a “balance” (skills practice + games) which I know is what your message is all about.
Thanks for making your video and providing quality content on Teachoops.com !!!
This Podcast is a sneak look at teachhoops.com . How do you handle halftime? The post game speech? What is your off season practice look like? What type of shooting machine do you use?
From the fifth quarter studios in Madison, Wisconsin, you’re listening to coach unplugged. Here is your host, Steve Collins. Everybody welcome to. This episode is brought to you by the people over at HealthIQ/bcu, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like you, runners, basketball coaches, weightlifters, vegetarians, people that eat well, get lower rates on their life insurance over to healthiq/bcu. See if you qualify and help us support the show. And it’s a good, it’s a good thing for you. It’s a good thing for your family. And it’s a good thing for coach plug. So government check Mount Health Iq.com/. All right, so we’re gonna get started here a couple minutes early, but that’s OK. Um, so a couple questions and then if you’ve got questions, put them over in the chat over on the side and I will, uh, definitely get to them as fast as I can.
First question is from from Janice. She had put it in a little bit earlier, but her question was, and, and when I’m looking to the side over here, it’s because I’m, you know, I don’t have quite the right move it over a little bit. Um, I don’t have quite my, uh, set up the way it normally is. My daughter was in doing work in my office today, so I’ll never been quite set up the way I normally do. But anyway, so the first question was, what do you talk about at half-time and how do you break it? How do you break your halftime up? Um, so how do you, how do you tackle a specific halftime and um, you know, we have in where I coach, um, we have 10 minutes at half time, so, uh, the way it works is usually, you know, obviously the buzzer goes,I have an assistant coach who goes and checks the book to make sure that we’re, we’ve got files and everything situated correctly at that point.
And then I put the, I put the team into the locker room and let them have several minutes by themselves, um, before, before we come in and uh, um, have our discussions. What I do is I get the coaches together and we, um, we basically talk at that point, um, and kind of come up with some solutions or the first half. What are we doing well, what are we not doing well, what can our adjustments beef the second half. Um, so then, uh, yeah, so adjustments. What can we do? We talk about offensive adjustments, we talked about defensive adjustments. I apologize for talking in the background there. Um, and then, uh, so then I go in and we tend to do are we tend to do are a sets, we tend to talk about our offensive or defensive assets and I think it’s really important at halftime specifically that you need to, um, talk about probably those key two or three adjustments just before you leave the locker room.
Speaker 1: 03:15 Um, those are really important as far as heading out to the second half. And I usually try to leave two or three minutes to get them loose, get them moving again after half time. Um, I think teams come out of halftime a little flat sometimes, especially depending on the first half went. Um, so I like to leave a couple minutes. I like to, um, to do those specific things. Um, hi todd. How are you? Um, so you can, I guess I didn’t know him, facebook live, you could also leave comments, but anyway, so we were just talking about halftime, what we do kind of do with halftime. Um, you know, it’s not nuclear physics as far as how we handle half time. But again, we check files, we check any, anybody that’s going off, anybody that’s doing really well the first half we meet as a staff so we can talk about offense on events and stuff.
We we basically come up with a plan as a coaching staff before I go in and talk to them and a half time. I think that that’s really important either that I have less time in the, in the locker room at half time and be able to converse about things that we need. Then me just kind of going right in. Um, and then, uh, I usually start with a defensive parts to be honest with you. And then I talk about the offensive parts and then any motivational, anything we’re not doing, we’re not getting the floor, we’re not taking charges. And then just before we leave the lock room, you know, I hit him with a couple of things. Hey, remember we get back on defense, we got to know where [inaudible] is at all times.
I’m whatever. And then we after that, after that spurred me talking for four or five minutes because most of it they’re going to forget. Then I go into um, like make sure they get out so they have enough time to warm up. So it’s that too much after the game. So Janice also asked about what we do after the game, after the game. It really depends. Um, they don’t hear you as well. Do they hear you? It halftime? Um, but they definitely don’t hear you, first of all, after a tough loss, they don’t hear you after a big when they tend to hear you if it’s a game. Um, so if there’s something really important for me to say, I don’t tend to say it after the game, I will keep it short and there are exceptions to this and I’ve actually broken this exception this year.
Speaker 1: 05:44 Um, after some wins that I didn’t think we played well and I thought, hey, we got to adjust. And that was right and stumbled a couple times because of some of the things I said in those, but they don’t tend to hear it. You need to, if you need to get on kids, if you need to talk about what they did well or what they didn’t do well after the game doesn’t tend to be the time to talk to a group. I will grab a specific kid or a specific group of, hey, you did this. You were really rebounding well and you were doing this exceptionally well. I was so good. I was so proud of you. Um, but as it is an entire group, hey, nice when blah blah, blah blah, two or three minutes and then I try to get out of there and they will hear the words that you have to say better the next day at practice or in your film session or something like that than they will after a big win after a big loss there thinking 20 different things.
Who, how am I getting home, you know, it was my girlfriend man at me, Blah Blah Blah. I’m not kidding. It is. Um, it’s that kind of stuff that goes through their mind. So, um, if again, if you have any, any other questions, you know, put them in the comments down below or over on the side. Um, and I will definitely get to him. I’m just going through ones that I got people sent me before. Um, this [inaudible]. So we talked about half time. We talked about after the game, I’m a, someone sent me, how do you deal with a player who has a bad attitude but as, but as one of my better players. Um, that’s a tough one. I’m going to tell you, that’s it. That’s a difficult one. Um, you can’t teach without discipline. Kids want discipline is my, is my theory with that. Um, you know, if they’re not doing what you expect them to do, then there has to be a consequence.
so it doesn’t matter if it’s your best player, doesn’t matter if it’s number 15 on your bench, everything’s gotta be kind of consistent throughout. And if it’s not, you’re going to lose the control of the ship and bad things are gonna happen. So, um, it doesn’t matter. That doesn’t matter. They have a bad attitude because, you know, one bad apple can spoil a whole bunch, so you got to get that one on or you got to get rid of that one. Um, and then, uh, you can move forward, to be honest with you. I think that’s really a sport. Um, do you, here’s another question. Do you do film review, um, with the team after every game to watch it from start to finish? That’s a great question. So we use crossover. We don’t, we do, we use a lot of film. Um, we have a big game tomorrow, really big game tomorrow, one of the top teams in our state we play tomorrow, um, and I think we have nine or 10 names on them.
, uh, we do, we do different types of film sessions. So that’s a great question for all of the pro, the coaches out there. So the way film sessions worked for us is I’m normally the day after a game, especially if we didn’t play well, we will look at our film and it depends it, there’ll be times where we sit down and watch the entire film, um, and we’ll break it down and we’ll stop it, rewind it, you know, that takes good 45 minutes to an hour at least to do that. Uh, so do that after game. Sometimes we’ll just do clips after game, um, you know, will show us, we’ll show like the three minute mark to the seven minute mark or will show or we’re where our price was really good. So that’s the first thing with film. Um, it really depends on the opponent and really depends on what we’re doing and where we are in the season.
So I hope that helps. That. And then that’s the first thing. So, so the second thing is, um, we spent a lot of time looking at opponents because I think, I think coaching is a lot as much of how am I going to judge, how, how it’s player x going to adjust the player, why, um, how are we going to adjust to, to what they’re doing. I think, you know, especially with junior high, middle school, youth, high school, even the in the collegiate level, um, it’s really important, um, to be able to adjust. OK, so it is really about match ups and it’s really about how are we going to stop player 20 [inaudible], how are we going to stop him or her? Um, what are we gonna do to do that? Um, what adjustments can happen there. So I think those are really important.
Again guys, if you have you have comments over on the side, um, anything else you, uh, you want, um, please leave it over there. You know, we’ll, we’ll, uh, we can, uh, we can definitely ask questions, um, over the chats if you’re watching facebook live, if you’re listening to the podcast because it’s probably become one of my podcasts at some point because I think this is really good stuff. Um, or if you’re, you’re on our, you know, our, our live q and a right now, either any of the places, um, make sure that you go and leave a, leave a comment if you’ve got a question. I’m just going through questions that people have already sent me. Um, so if I go over here on the side, I can, uh, that’s why I’m looking at. I’m looking at the questions that people had free since me.
Speaker 1: 10:56 I’m finishing up with your question todd. Um, I think, uh, I think film is. Film doesn’t lie. I think I said that like four times today in practice. I’m somebody who wasn’t boxing out. Somebody wasn’t, I’m rotating correctly and uh, what did I do? You know, we showed him some film and uh, it doesn’t, you know, you, you weren’t getting there, you weren’t rotating the way you needed to rotate. Um, that’s a problem in the film, doesn’t the, you know, look at it, the film doesn’t lie, we talked about it, we talked about our practice, he didn’t the game we need to fix this problem. So, um, and then we, we, like I’ve told you, I don’t know if I told you todd, but we use crossover. So crossover. I’m a stat. Crossover is great for analytics, is great for breakdowns, you know, we can, we can show John’s everyone at John’s three pointers that we’re playing and then how does he deal with those?
Speaker 1: 11:50 And then here’s, um, here’s a specific thing. Um, do you film practice? I used to film practice. Um, there’s a reason I, you know, the problem is there’s only 168 hours in a week and I don’t have time. So a lot of that film initially when I, when I did it sat unwatched, um, and got washed in like June, which is not of any use to anybody. Um, so there will be times for members of the tubes. I have actually pro. I have actually taped my practice, isn’t shared it with them. Um, that’s something that I actually want to do. And for those of you up above, at or, or, or they’re listening to teachings that calm, um, is my membership site is great as a great todd can vouch. It’s a great community, a lot of resources, blah, blah blah. But anyway, so what I’ve thought about doing, and I talked to the dean about this to have the community that maybe we should get together and have each other’s practices and then that would be great if nothing else for the off season.
It’s like, Ooh, look with Dean doesn’t practice or liquid harmony does in her practice in California, or look what todd does, you know, so it would be. Yeah. Um, it is an awesome community. I agree todd. But um, no, I, that’s something that I’ve thought about. The problem is it’s like, OK, so here’s the issue with, with taping practice, college coaches do it. They also have for assistance. They also have a video coordinator breaking it all down. They also have time to watch it. They don’t have other kids like you and I do side gigs or side hustles. I’m teaching math all day, I don’t have time to sit down and watch my practice. Um, so that’s the issue with taping practice I think. I think it’s a good thing to do. Um, but I think it’s easier said than done to be able to find time to be able to watch it.
Speaker 1: 13:41 So I’m todd, did you get that package I sent? I sent it it school mail, so I may want to make sure he gets it. I’m todd Scott has a special needs kid on his. Uh, yeah, he’s got down syndrome, I believe. Anyway. Um, I sent him a package and I want to make sure he gets it. So if he doesn’t get it, you let me know. It is. School mail went out through the school meal so it could be three weeks from now. Who knows? Um, do I have a shooting machine? Yes, I have a shooting machine. Um, we’re in the process of buying another shooting machine. I use Dr. Dish. Um, I liked Dr. dish better. I’m going, AH, they’re going to give it tomorrow and cnet. All right, so, so Brad, I’m going to get back to your question. Hold on one second.
Speaker 1: 14:31 So like I said, I sent this package, um, I found some stuff for um, you know, some tee shirt. Well, anyway, I’m so happy time that, I mean that’s what I love about the community. I love that. I love the coaches are talking anyway. So soup I want a picture of, of, I want a picture of him giving that um, so I can share it with the boys. I told team my team signed our poster and stuff. We’ll do a poster and stuff and they all signed it, wanted to make sure that he got it and stuff. So I definitely want a picture so I can share it with my guys. And let’s hope we play well tomorrow. I’m going back to you brad. Um, so, uh, we, I believe in the shooting, so I, first of all, there’s a, there’s a 15, almost 16 year old living in my house who has spent a lot of time.
Speaker 1: 15:17 I’m on the shooting machine. He has spent a lot of time. I’ve told them he’s a great shooter. He’s not a score yet. Shooting machine is great for repetition. There’s a couple guys in my team that just need more reps right now. So the shooting machine is good. Every second I can get them another shot. Um, so from that standpoint, I love the shooting machine. I think it’s a great way. We don’t have all the managers, we don’t have the people rebounding for kids. I’m like the opponent we play tomorrow, I think four or five shoe machines. So the haves versus the have-nots, to be honest with you. Um, but anyway, uh, there are great for getting shots up. You have to be creative, a doctor, dish in the gun and all them do really good things with drills and stuff. I know all my teachers community, I’ve got some um, some shooting drills with the machine.
Speaker 1: 16:03 I want to definitely do more with that. Um, just because how often do you get your feet square to get an open shop? I’ll on that. So the shooting machine is good for. I think it’s good for that and I also think it’s good for, uh, you asking questions too fast. I got to make sure I read them all. Um, and I also think, what was my train of thought? This is, I’m having a senior moment, although it’s great for arc to. It’s really good for art. Um, I liked it. It teaches art. Um, you can’t shoot a flat shot and, and, and, uh, and get on the shooting machine. Um, yeah, I would agree.
Speaker 1: 16:49 I would agree that, uh, that the doctor dishes the way to go. I don’t know, I think that gun is fine. I just think that Dr. Dish has more possibilities for you as far as trying to get shots up type of shots, um, locations, those kind of thing. So that’s why I like it. I’m Madelyn really bad. Glared in a, maybe it’s just because it’s the middle of February and I live in Wisconsin and um, uh, I can’t, uh, I can’t literally can’t. Um, can’t see. So everyone who is listening right now is going, what is he talking about? It’s like, well, I’m trying to do. I’m multitasking, which is I guess what a good coach does. He multitasks um, I’m trying to do facebook live. I’m trying to do zoom, I’m trying to tape it all at once and the facebook live literally looks like I’m like, I haven’t seen in a really long time.
Speaker 1: 17:52 But anyway, we’ll move on. Um, I don’t have, you know what, I wish brad asks if by having any coaching clinic setup, I don’t, you know, I’m, I’m, I’m working with Dean in our teach who’s community to try to help me get some of those. I mean, I’ve done them all over the country. I mean I’ve been on the east coast so I mean I’d like to go warm, but I’ve been all over. Um, I haven’t done any for a couple of reasons. First I started coaching volleyball because my sons are playing volleyball, so I started coaching bibles which took the fall away from me a little bit. Um, I’m going to try to do some united basketball clinics maybe this fall. Um, and then it’s like I gotta find time to kind of try to find the people say I’m available that had a um, so dean is going to maybe try to help me do that.
Speaker 1: 18:42 Um, but I don’t have any lined up right now and again, one of the reasons I started the tubes that comp because I want it to be able to give back and wanted to be able to answer questions, that kind of stuff. And I guess I can do that anywhere in the world. We have members from Australia and stuff. So, um, yeah. Um, oh, I love to come to Florida. I know. I love to come to Florida. We’re talking about spring break maybe. Um, and I forgot, todd, tell me where you are in the, in the area. But no, I just, you know, I’m going to be honest and this is going to. My wife’s getting killed. Most of the clinics I do. It’s basically costs, you know, um, my only gig is if I run one, you let me tape it. Um, and you know, you get me there and you get me home and you feed me and you know, I’m, I’m not, I’m not, I don’t do this to make a lot of money.
Speaker 1: 19:34 I just like talking to coaches. Some of the best times I’ve had a clinics to, this is no lie, um, and I’ve met some of, I met some of the best coaches in the world of law and the best one is actually not even at the clinic. It’s like, OK, the clinics over and then we go have dinner or the clinic or we have breakfast or something, and then you get like six, seven coaches. What I’d eventually like to do in, you know, I like to run, I’d like to run a meet and greet kind of thing. I’d like to run like a live event where, you know, I’ve always thought this was something for coaches where everybody, I hope you’re enjoying this show as much as I am. This was a great q and a that we had, um, just talking questions and giving me a little bit of pulling back the curtains from, uh, from coach on plug.
Speaker 1: 20:20 So go over and check it out. Um, and then, uh, this is brought to you by and I can’t talk today. This is brought to you by, um, health iq slash pcu. It’s a term life insurance company that helps health conscious people find good rates and um, go over and check them out, see if you qualify. Help us out over coach unplugged. It’s healthy slash bcu, um, to support the show in and to see if you qualify. Um, everybody should have life insurance. So let’s get back to the Qa something for coaches where it’s like a retreat. We get away for a weekend and you can, you know, we can only do so much here via, by audio. And you know, I, I, I, you know, people have questions I can definitely do that. I have, have, have the capabilities of showing you stuff too, especially for the people that are on zoom.
Speaker 1: 21:11 I don’t know about facebook live, but anyway, um, yeah, so that in my utopian world, um, OK. So Kate, where is that? South of Tampa. I again, I’m, I’m reading todd’s questions here. Um, if it is south of Tampa then you’re in warm, warm. I’m guessing you’re north of Tampa. Um, other questions? Does anybody have any in the chat? Um, or down below and let me know and, uh, we can definitely, we can definitely ask them. Um, there is one thing someone ask, let me just pull this up, especially for the people that are on people that are on the people that are on facebook live. We’re going to have to be patient, um, people that are on registered on a, the thing, um, someone asked about a low screens and how to get good kind of open movements. I think it’s really big, um, as far as getting over movements when you set the screens to get to this hash.
Speaker 1: 22:15 Um, so you really want to make sure that you’re posting up in your setting screens at that Hash. So not the block. You move yourself up. And I think this might have been Janice, again, I don’t know if this is Janice from Mike that asked this question, but anyway, um, when you set these screens, most people are down here at the, at the, at the block. You got to move up to the first hash, to the second hash and do all of your movements in that area. Um, you know, if you’ve got a really good team, you know, Wesley, he’s always told me that the hidden areas as area right down here behind the back worrying kind of get lost, um, depending on the kind of teams you have, but we, uh, we try to do a lot of our posts movements in this region right in here, which is again from the [inaudible] for those of you that are listening from the, from the block, from the first hash, the second half going toward the free throw line. Um, that’s where a lot of good things can happen as far as being able to score is about to be able to attack and giving your guards bigs, whoever’s doing it space. Um, I think that’s really important. They’ll have space bale to do that. Right? Any cool. Let me get out of this. Stop the share. Are there any other questions from people, um, that you want me to go over? Uh, you know, I can, I can basically do anything I’ve gone through all the pre given list here. Um, [inaudible] over here.
Speaker 1: 23:49 Can you give a story as to why you don’t use the whistle during practices? Yes. OK. So Brad ass, why don’t I use a whistle during practice because. All right, so this is a long. This is a long story. You know, every coach basically when they start coaching gets a whistle. That’s the first thing they get. Um, and I was, I was the, a stopwatch how to whistle when I started coaching. Um, and Ah, I quickly learned, um, I quickly learned that I wanted them to be able to. And if I, if I start moving, it’s because I’m reading and I’d in denial about having to have readers at this point. So I’m trying to read this and trying to read that. Anyway. So going back to the whistle thing, I believe that the, I want them to hear my voice. What does a whistle, what does a whistle mean?
Speaker 1: 24:42 And again with so means any game, something’s wrong. OK? So let me travel. Somebody followed somebody of that. OK? Which is fine. If that’s what you want to use. The [inaudible] I blow the whistle that they need to stop. Great. Use the whistle for that, but what I want is I want them to be able to hear my voice. They’re not going to always be able to do that, especially, um, especially in a pack gm, you know, tomorrow we’ve got a big game and places going to, I mean, they’re not going to hear someone two feet from. But if there is a voice I want them to hear, it’s my voice. So if I’m yelling something out or we don’t have any timeouts left or we need to be able to execute something, the only voice they need to hear me, um, and the other four guys on the court.
Speaker 1: 25:27 So that’s why, you know, and it gets them tune into my voice. My, you don’t have a deep voice. Excuse me. It’s a little deeper than normal because I have a cold. Um, but I want them tuned into my voice knowing what I’m doing. Um, that’s important to me. Uh, that’s why I don’t use the whistle. A, the whistle was fine. Like I said, you know, I don’t, I hate to compare him to dogs, but a dog whistle does watts, you know, it trains the dog to do specific things. Same thing with a whistle, tells him to stop, play, blah, blah blah. So if you’re using the whistle to stop, play or move, OK. Um, I have better ways to transition from drill to drill than necessarily a whistle. So what I want to do is I want to, you know, I want them to be tuned into my voice and Brad, that’s the reason I don’t use a whistle as probably the reason when I’m 75, I won’t have a voice, but I have found it to be very successful now using the whistle. So I had a heart. Here’s another question. Oops. From Whitney as I’m losing my mic. All right, hold on one second. Do you can tell this is a live video
Speaker 1: 26:48 I’m going to hold. This will make it easier. I’m trying to fix something when you’re doing a live video or audio is hard, so I’m just going to hold it, will make it do and then I will fix this later. So again, not mapped out. That’s what I love about this. Anyway. Um, I have a hard time getting my players to transition from their long day at school to getting ready to work hard and practice. What drills do you use the energy flow early at? All right. So Whitney, that’s a great question. Um, so I’ve changed on this, you know, I used to come in and um, spent a lot of time early trying to get them moving. So what I do is I give them a 10, 15 minutes of individual workout time at the beginning of practice. Um, I have found that to be good.
Speaker 1: 27:37 Like I had my bigs working with an assistant coach. I have the guys that need to get on the machine doing that. I have someone so it lets them kind of get dressed, get out of the locker room, get into what they need to get into. And then um, we transitioned. So then I then I cue them back, going back to what Brad said, don’t, don’t put any more questions though because I’m not reading fast enough. So then I transitioned back. So then they have there. So what happens is they get to see their girlfriend, they get a little snack, they get changed, they come in the gym and so they get a little bit of downtime before school, after school, which we only downtime. I mean shoot, I take it at lunch and watch parks and rec or something I don’t know. I need downtime to.
Speaker 1: 28:21 So give them a little downtime and then in that 15 minutes will not make the difference between winning and losing the next game. Trust me. And then you cue them back. So the night what I do is I gather them back together and say, all right, here’s what we’re going to do a practice. And I cue it up by saying, hey, we’re going to work on getting trapped. We’re going to work on our transition time to get to work. We’re going to keep this short and sweet in and Whitney. That really helps a lot. It does, um, it took me 20 years to figure that out, you know, why aren’t they, why aren’t they ready to pride? So I’m writing, I got my practice by and Blah, blah blah. Yes, you are, you’re the adults. And sometimes I’m not. Sometimes I need a snickers bar or soda or something to get going, but they need to be able to delete a bill which is different, you know, it is a classroom, but it is different to go to.
Speaker 1: 29:10 All right, now we’re a team, Phil, you know, I think that’s really important, but that’s a great question with me. Um, uh, who do you have lined up for future podcast or would you like to line up as who or who would you like to line up? Uh, you know, you saw who was at Lance? That’s a great question, Lance. Um, I am, you know, the future podcasts, you know, I tend to do my interviewing once the season’s over and then I cue them up for the rest of the year. If you’ve got any ideas, send me an email. I’m always open. I’m looking for people that have, that are motivational, that love basketball, that are coaches that or whatever. So, um, it’s Steve [inaudible], Steve@thewebs.com. So that’s a great question, lance, if, if there’s anybody that you would like me to try and go get, I would. I’m open. I’m, the podcast is really kind of taken off, which is excited me. I love doing it is basically talking hoops. That’s why I decided to do this three days ago. It’s like, ah, let’s do, let’s do a q and a. I got a big game tomorrow. Otherwise I’m gonna be sitting in the living room thinking about what I should have done. A practice where rather than what I did do a practice. Um, we got the. OK, so seniors, I’m reading here, so hold on.
Speaker 1: 30:38 So, but OK, so I added something about, you know, building, so moving on to next season. So Tom, those are all great questions. Um, so how do you build trust? Well here’s, this is the issue and I’m, I’m thoroughly convinced about this. You don’t build trust with your team from November to March. You build trust with your team from March to November. OK? It’s the whole winter basketball players may blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Because I gotta I gotTa be dad during the season. I got to be the hard guy. I gotta be the one that’s saying demanding that they get their time. I’m the one that’s got to say, why are you blocking out? OK, in the off-season it’s a totally different ballgame and I can, you know, I can be more, um, I can be more, you know, that and that same friend, but I can be more conducive to the discussions I can find out about their lives.
Speaker 1: 31:35 I can, I don’t have to be on. There’s a couple of things I don’t have. I literally don’t have time during the season. And then [inaudible], you know, I’m worried about the next opponent, you know, where we’re doing here, blah, blah blah. So that’s the first thing in. The second thing is, um, that’s when relationships are built there. They’re going to trust me, they’re going to run through a wall for me because they know I love them, but they’re going to find that out more in the off season and during the season. I’m todd. We can in our community or our faith in our facebook group itself. We can definitely talk about that and put that up. I’d love to put that up in our private facebook group and I’d love to see what the other coaches in our community say. I would love to see that. Um, my bags have trouble finishing through contact.
Speaker 1: 32:21 Do you have any drills? So, so Robert asked that question. Robert d you use, um, the football dummy things. So they’re big pads, um, that basically they used during football. Um, do you use those? If you don’t, you should. Every day. That’s what we, we do a lot of drill our bigs using those football dumping things and I, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, I can definitely, um, I can definitely find one, but it does show you at some point. Um, but that’s what we do there. The big, they’re like square there, you know, how they, um, they tend to be on those slides but they have individual ones that you hold and I thought, I’m sure you can buy them at like [inaudible] and stuff like that. I’ve just gotten a couple of former football staff and they’re just powering things and I, and I’m old, you know, I’m 50 plus and I’ll get in there and bang with him because I know I got that pad and unless I break a hip or something I’m going to be able to be OK.
Speaker 1: 33:17 Um, but anyway, so, uh, Amazon has those pads, branches set. Amazon is as pens. Yeah. Amazon to be better than tends to be expensive. My personal opinion anyway, I don’t know Dick Stock so I don’t really care. But uh, so yes, they’re really good. And Brad, I don’t know if you use them, but I’m a big fan. I’m all right. Other questions if you can honestly believe so. It’s almost nine isn’t nine something I’ve even eaten dinner yet so I practice it or my kids around blah blah blah. Um, so I, I know we have people on facebook live, we have people on our, our um, I’m going to try to send the people that missed it. I’m this, but, uh, if you have, now I’m going to tell you something in, in todd who’s over here can tell you the teacher whose communities great or growing, um, I’m getting to the point where I’m going to have to hire some help because it’s growing so fast and I can’t respond and get to people. I want to be able to like help todd when he sends me an email or, or bob or harmony. Well, whoever, whoever sends me an email, I want to be able to respond very quickly so I have to give her some room to some of the other stuff. So prices are going to be going up. It’s great. I can’t, I mean, it’s a great community. Um, it, it’s, the prices are going to be going up substantially. Um, what’s your ideal tech technique for catching and shooting?
Speaker 1: 34:55 Yeah, I like that he’s asking. I’ve been doing the attack. The pass. Yeah, I like that. You know, there’s w, W we, w we’d have to do that in another one bread because there’s a whole different, there’s whole step shooter. Are you hop shooter, you know, in which progression do you go? Um, I think it’s super important to be able to have the hands up and to be able to be, to be able to catch in that manner. Um, that would be a great idea for podcasts. Maybe we’ll put that for a lesson. Um, but anyway, so I’m going to the facebook live. People can watch here, just listen for a second. Especially the people that are, are listening here. Um, I’m going to show one thing. I got pull it up.
Speaker 1: 35:41 That’s what I want. This is what I want. Um, so what I was saying before, you know, I don’t remember whose I pulled up, I think I pulled up deans teach hoops.com thing, but there is so much stuff in this. Um, like I said, we’re probably going to be increasing. We’re in 19.99 a month. It’s like 12 or 14 bucks for a month. If you go for a year, I’m telling you right now, you will not find a better deal. It’s not only, it’s not only the stuff like the, the amount of videos we’ve got on here, you know, I’m doing a bunch of stuff on reading react because a bunch of our members have been asking about it. So I’ve been doing a lot with reading react. Um, we have office hours every month, so I put all the old office hours. You can see all the old office hours are loaded in their plays and drills, your practice plans, there’s pratts plans upon practice plans.
Speaker 1: 36:33 Um, you cannot like all, my goodness, look at all these practice plans in here. If you’re watching this, it’s just a great thing. And then the video library alone, it’s worth it. You know, you’re going to spend 29, 39 bucks just for one DVD. There’s hundreds of hours of video on defensive lessons, rebounding, offensive lessons. I can’t imagine how long it would take to get through everything. So, um, and then we have, like I was telling, talking with todd about, we have this private facebook group where, you know, the discussions, then that’s why I told him, come back over and put your stuff in here because this is where we talk, you know, this is where you can kind of see that we can advocate or bouncing ideas off each other. It’s a great community. So go over and check it out. It’s a 14 day free trial.
I think it’s a great deal. It’s, you know, it’s the way I was trying to reach out to more people. Um, I think at the end of this month, prices are going to increase substantially. I’m 25 to 50 percent for a couple reasons. I want to make sure people are really dedicated. They’re in it. Um, people that are already in our grandfather like Tottenham [inaudible] worry about is price going up. Um, so if you’re thinking about it, I would recommend it. Do it now, before, later. I’m in, you know, it’s a great gig. All right. Um, all right, any other questions from any of the other coaches? I’m todd. We’re going to have an office hour next Sunday isn’t my guess. I’m maybe this Sunday. Um, so if you’re listening, um, and again, if you’re thinking of joining the bits that come, I, I think you’ll love it, but again, I’m biased.
Speaker 1: 38:20 So, um, all right everybody have a great admin and uh, thanks for joining me. I’m going to try to send a replay for the people that signed up. I didn’t get everybody’s email address but I’m definitely going to try to sign, send to send a link so you can watch some of this stuff and todd can say we do a lot of x’s and o’s stuff in our, in our, um, in our office hours more than this. So I’m, have a great evening everybody and hopefully stay warm. Talk soon. Bye. Bye everybody. I hope you enjoyed that. Please go over and check out the www.teachhoops.com for coaches who want to get better. I’m, like I said, the prices are going to be increasing. I think it will be a great thing for you and your staff. like I said we are going to be increasing prices so I can, I can hire some people to help me.teachhoops.com is growing, it’s growing that’s a great thing because a lot of coaches out there helping other coaches. have a great week.
Eating For Performance:Training
Fruits & Vegetables
• Eat 2 different colored vegetables AND 2 different colored fruits per day- Have > 5-6 servings from these groups per day.
• Eat a salad at least 4-5x/week. Added bonus – Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to boost healthy fat content
• Try 1 new vegetable or fruit every 2-3 weeks.
• Frozen vegetables/fruits are usually as high of quality as fresh ones & much cheaper
Protein
• Aim for 0.6-lg/lb/day
• Red meat and eggs (yolks) are HEALTHY
• Unless dairy allergies/intolerances are present or you have chosen a vegetarian lifestyle for personal reasons, select a whey protein powder post workout
Dietary Fats
• Aim for 0.3-0.5g/lb/day
• Realize that dietary fats DO NOT cause fat gain on their own
• Healthy sources include avocado, olive oil, peanuts/natural peanut butter, nuts (almonds, etc).
• Use Butter, NOT Margarine
• Avoid the following vegetable oils: Corn, Cottonseed, Soy
Fluids
• Best Bets – Milk, Water
• Be mindful of fruit juices & Sport Drinks They can be sugar bombs. If consumed, try to make sure it’s 100% fruit juice & consume close to the workout time period. Sport Drinks (Gatorade,) often not needed
• Avoid – Soda; Really Avoid —Alcohol (impairs post exercise muscle recovery, dehydration issues, etc)
• Realize energy drinks (Monster, Red Bull, etc) =/= sport beverages (Gatorade, etc). Keep sport beverage consumption only around
Power Granola Bars
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup crushed walnuts
½ cup unpacked raisins (2 oz)
4 tbsp. whole fax seed
4 scoops vanilla whey
2 tbsp. honey
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
¾ cup of maple syrup
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine the oats, walnuts, flax seeds, raisins and whey.
2. Add the honey, syrup, vanilla and salt. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. At first, it will seem too dry, but continue stirring and it will blend.
3. Coat a clean, dry 8×8 inch baking dish with olive oil cooking spray, then press the mixture in the bottom of the dish. The mixture should extend to all corners evenly, and It should be about 1-inch thick. You can also use a smaller baking dish for thicker and chewier bar.
4. Bake at 350 degrees fro 10-12 minutes.
We’ve spent time blogging about our gear (socks, shoes) and once you look good you need to be able to play. Of course, to do that… you need a hoop! Because of affordability I am looking at portable hoops only; you’re more than welcome to search for in-ground hoops ($400+)
Spalding 54” Angled Portable Backboard System w/ Starter Pack.: According to google this is their best seller and can be purchased for around $200 at Wal-Mart. Spalding products are durable, strong, and weather well. This pack is one of the best out there; easy to move as well.
Aosom 10′ Adjustable Height Indoor / Outdoor Portable Basketball Hoop: Much, much more affordable at just $142 or so, but this hoop reflects the price in its durability. The Aosom hoop doesn’t have as big of a backboard; it is also not as durable. It is nice to have wheels to roll easily around. Great hoop to shoot around and play small games on, but not a lot more.
Spalding NBA 68395R Portable Basketball Hoop with 54 Inch Polycarbonate Backboard: One of the more expensive hoops that I’m willing to put on here at $275, but portable and strong. Three poles make this hoop, adjustable from 7.5-10 feet, breakaway rim. Also has a free pole pad. If you know you’re going to be lowering/raising the hoop for dunks or for a youth to shoot.. This is the way to go.
Aosom 10′ Clear Acrylic Adjustable Height Indoor / Outdoor Portable Basketball Hoop B6-000: Another Aosom hoop, a little bit stronger/sturdier than the cheaper version. This one comes in around $170+. As I mentioned it’s sturdier, has a better backboard, and is more stable than the other hoop. Also has wheels to roll around and move when needed.
Spalding Vault 44″ Portable Basketball Hoop Blue/Orange: $200. Not like the other Spalding hoop posted a little above but reliable and strong. Another adjustable hoop from 7.5-10 feet. Features a breakaway rim, easy to adjust the rim and move the hoop. Blue/orange color theme so if you’re worried about looks as well, this could sway or push you away!
Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard: $110! $40 off on amazon right now and an adjustable hoop, sturdy, strong rim. Backboard is cheap but works for the price and especially for younger kids. If you have young kids and are working to get them to play; I would strongly consider this hoop because of the price and benefits!
If you’re anything like most players; you’re a freak about your feet. Shoes and socks have to be perfect; we covered shoes recently, so next is socks. I’ve gone through many different types of socks for different reasons (running marathons requires the right sock and more to fight off blisters). Basketball is the same way!
We will not cover all the types of socks, but I will try to pick a few to focus on from the different sizes.
Ankle/Quarter: NBA Logoman: Most reviews show this sock as extremely comfortable and easy to wear. (Ever tried to put on a sock that sticks to your feet or bunches up? Logoman doesn’t do that!) The best part is how thick the sock is and how that saves your feet from those blisters we all get especially in workouts/practices early in the season.
Jordan Low Quarter: Durable, athletic, wicking, protection for your feet from blisters. Extremely efficient low sock that people seem to love for the reasons above. One drawback: rather expensive as most Jordan brand appears to be.
Crew Socks: Asics Resolution Crew Sock: There seems to be a little bit of blowback on feedback of this sock because people bought sizes that were too small. Know this but do not be turned off to this sock! Buy bigger and enjoy one of the more underrated socks on the basketball market. Asics is primarily a running product and the socks are tighter as such. Basketball players initially aren’t used to how tight these socks can be, so again, BUY BIGGER! Despite this, Asics knows plenty about wicking, blisters, and toe protection. I’ve used these to run and also just grabbed and used them as basketball socks and were pleasantly surprised at the different forces and how they’re able to handle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with Asics and basketball!
Nike Elite Crew Dri-Fit Basketball Sock Review: One of the most popular sport socks on the market and for good reason. Handles sweat easily, thick and durable, good fit. Nike is built off basketball so their products normally are able to handle more than other brands. These socks are no different and seem to be one of Nike’s most trusted and popular brands.
Over the Calf:
Thorlo B-15s: Over the calf socks aren’t dead; they’re probably going to make a major comeback soon, as a matter of fact. (I don’t actually know or anticipate this) A lot of us wore socks like this in the late 90s/early 2000s because they looked cool. The Thorlo doesn’t really look cool at all, but it is extremely solid basketball sock. You will not find a thicker sock than these, so if sweat wicking is your major concern then probably not for you. That being said, if blisters are a concern and don’t mind hiking a bland sock over your calf; then these are for you!
UA Over-The-Calf-Team Sock: Little more flashy than the Thorlo’s and not nearly as thick. These socks are flashy (bright colors) and more wicking protection as well. The socks help evaporation more quickly than other socks. Arch support to help your feet and UA has a special block that protects your feet from those nasty basketball odors. Another great sock to check out.
I know I didn’t cover 10 socks, but several options at each length should be plenty to find a great sock or dig a tad deeper into another sock. Nike, Jordan, UA and Adidas are the most well known brands but don’t forget about Asics and even Thorlo depending on the length of sock you prefer.
There has been much change in High School basketball over the last 30 years and I am old enough to know that change is inevitable and can be good for the game of basketball. The three point line was put into the game to spread the floor, give more scoring opportunities and make it a less physical game. Another example is when Wisconsin basketball changed from quarters to halves to expand opportunities for players at all competition levels. These changes make sense and have been good for the game.
Currently, there is a movement for our state to implement a shot clock at the high school level. I am not sure what the reasoning behind this movement. Here are my concerns:
1. Why are we changing? Do we want the high school game to be more like the college game (in which only 1% of our athletes will participate in) or the NBA game?
2. Is the delay game that evident at the high school level? If so, what is wrong with a team playing at a much slower pace?
3. What is this change doing for the game of basketball?
4. I think high school basketball is a unique sport in which athletes can play different styles and systems. Because of shot clock at the collegiate level, you do not see multiple systems being played. Is the goal for all the games to be the same?
5. Who is going to pay for this state mandated expense, not only for the implementation of the clock, but the hiring of a qualified person to run it at all the games?
6. What is the rush and why haven’t more states added this to their game?
7. How accurate are the surveys that have been sent by the WBCA? As a statistics teacher, I believe an unbiased survey is simple, short and with non-leading and biased questions. Is the WIAA and WBCA now in the habit of getting student input?
8. Is this best for the game at all levels? Will players be able to create and score when the shot clock is winding down?
9. Why and How are we going to implement this for the LOWER LEVELS?
10. How do the officials feel about this at the high school level?
I have heard very few solid arguments for the reason behind implementing a shot clock. People have said that than it is exciting, players want it and it will stop the “boring” games. Is this a reason for change?
I would ask that the Board of Control table the motion and further investigate the “need” for a shot clock
Cut Throat Drill/Defense and Competition
You will need more than one for this drill, coachmarket.net shows a great example here of a nice drill with just four. He also explains that you can do this drill up to 5 on 5, so set it up how you’d like! 2 points for offensive rebounds, 3 points for taking a charge, 1 point for making a shot, 1 point for running the offense, and maybe my favorite (arguing or fouling a point goes to the other team), turnovers and the other team gets 2 points!
The rules alone put a great emphasis and focus on the drill. Defensive rebounds kill teams (watch the NBA Playoffs or any game ever), they extend possessions, give you more chances to score, draw fouls, limit the other team’s possessions and so on. Offensive rebounds are HUGE to get and backbreakers to give up. Coaches always want their teams to play great position and help defense, taking charges is an emphasis here. It creates a turnover and draws a foul elsewhere. Notice you only get one point for making a shot, the same amount you get for running the offense. Again, it shows where the emphasis is, take care of the basketball, rebound misses, and then score!
The drill is called “Cut Throat” because if the whistle doesn’t blow, you keep playing. How often do you think fouls are called? Coach runs the drill based on emphasis and in different situations: offense, quick hitters, out of bounds, zone offense. Think of the possibilities in your own practices! You could even stretch the drill to fast break, secondary break, and so on. The whole key to the drill is to create competition, focus on defense, take care of the basketball, and call it the way you’ve been or anticipate being officiated.
You can also do this drill with a small group of your friends, as a kid. This helps play through fouls, create competition, and more importantly.. Learn there’s more to basketball than scoring! Coaches year after year, play kids that can’t score because they crash the glass and defend. If you’re watching the finals, take a look at Tristan Thompson for the Cavs.. Andrew Bogut and even Draymond Green for the Warriors; these guys would excel at this drill.. And guess what: They all make 10+ million and don’t really score a whole lot!
I didn’t make this list into a top 10 per se, because I’ve used all these sites multiple times. At the same time, I do have favorites on the list depending on what I’m looking for. Most of the time I search, it’s for drills. Occasionally, I’ll search for an area we’ve struggled (a certain zone press, sets off of a certain man-to-man defense). These sites reflect that perspective.
Teachhoops.com: I have to start with my site. I started in 5 years ago to give back to coaches who were looking to win more game, in less time with a fun mentor. It is a full mentoring site that is valuable resource for coaches at any level. Weekly newsletter, mini-lessons. full length coaching videos, online community, office hours and much more…14 day free trial. Check it out today you will not be disappointed
FIBA Coaching Online: Excellent website with drills and plenty of “international” views of the game. Contains videos to drills and plays. We’ve used several of the defensive drills in our practices. I’m a huge fan of the basketball exercises page as well as their “Basketball for Younger Players” free downloadable book.
Coaches Clipboard: Website feels a little clunky, but the information available is almost overwhelming. I’ve used this a ton for different types of drills to give some variety to our workouts. We have our base drills, and we work on other drills as needed based on our team that year. This site is a great resource to find drills that you hadn’t thought of or ways to adapt drills you regularly use.
FunctionalBasketball: This is a site with some pay material, but I’ve used it for the blog posts and maybe the most underrated portion “quotes”. We start every practice with a quote or a Bible verse (I coach at a Lutheran school). That quote is our focus for the day and in part a larger focus for the week or part of the season we’re at. The drills are great, but the quotes are my favorite part of the site.
HoopThoughts: I don’t know if I have ever used this site for drills; I’ve used it a ton for concepts and knowledge, however. The blog is run by A+M coach, Bob Starkey. Starkey blogs about concepts, motivation, and other odds and ends. Truly a great read for coaches and parents alike. Share this blog with your parents to start a season. I encourage you to check out the topics “culture” “leadership” “motivation” and “team building” some of my favorite blogs some from these sections.
Hoopscoop: I linked this to the basketball plays section because it’s my favorite portion of the site (last updated with March Madness plays). There are a lot of great one hitters in here that can be built into your offensive schemes. The site includes stories, drills (hasn’t been updated since 2014) and updated clinic notes.
Teachhoops.com: A full mentoring site that is valuable resource for coaches at any level. Yes I mentioned this earlier in the list but it is the ONE stop shop for every basketball coach
YouTube: Looking for something quick and don’t have time to search or want more than just a diagram? Check YouTube for tons of videos to individual instruction or offensive/defensive concepts with a video. We’ve used YouTube after games or practices to quickly see what we can find; it’s kind of like Wikipedia to me. Find a base of knowledge then explore it further using other websites. Be aware, however, of the flash individual instructional videos with all the and-1 moves that don’t do anything for you on the court. Steer clear!
If looking for Basketball “stuff” make sure to check out HoopsKing
John Wooden was born in Martinsville, IN, one of four sons. He started playing basketball in elementary school. His coach was also his school principal, a man of stern but warm character. Each day before practice (their court was outside, beneath tall maple and oak trees) Wooden and the other players had to pick up sticks and rocks, to clear the court for play. The basketball they used was a large rubber bladder which barely fit inside a leather shell, such that after a few minutes of use the players had to take out the bladder, blow it back up with their own lungs, then squeeze it back inside the leather.
Ironically, this led to the team utilizing an uptempo practice, for the secret was to get the bladder in the ball and use it in as many repetitions as possible, before the ball would empty again. Whoever held it at the time had to blow it up–hence, the need to make quick passes to others.
When Wooden was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (he was the first person to be inducted into the HOF 2-X, first as player, then as coach), Wooden said his remarkable ballhandling skills were in part due to the fact he had a learn how to dribble an oblong-shaped ball that lost air on rocks, sticks and in the holes of his outside court in elementary school.
The first lesson Wooden learned in basketball happened at this same elementary school. He never forgot it; in fact, it became a cornerstone of his own coaching years later, at UCLA, when his teams won an astonishing 10 National Championships.
Wooden was the star of his elementary school basketball team. One day he forgot to bring his uniform to school when he left his farmhouse in the morning. Then, after school, he decided he would not walk home to get it. Instead, he would play dumb when it came time to play that evening’s basketball game. As the game neared, Wooden fessed to his coach that he did not have his uniform. Expecting that the coach would feel some sort of sympathy for him as the star, or at least have a strong desire to win that night’s game with him at the helm, Wooden was pleased when his coach asked the worst kid on the team, “Do you have your uniform for tonight’s game?” When that kid answered yes, Wooden expected his coach to tell him to let Wooden wear his unform that night. Instead, Wooden received the shock of his young life, when the coach said, instead: “Good, because you will play for Johnny tonight.”
Wooden’s face fell. He took off sprinting to his house, and back, arriving in uniform just seconds before the game started. But his teachable moment was not over. His coach said to him, “I am sure you are tired, so sit down.” Wooden sat there, watching his team lose the game, knowing it was his fault.
The 2 lessons he learned that day, are these: 1) The player is not above the team. 2) As a coach, the bench is your friend.
Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317-643-6042
. Spartan Tales ( Madison Memorial 2009 Basketball Season ) Part 1 Part 2 NEXT WEEK
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND of Coach Collins and Madison Memorial
Spartan Tales is a first person account from Head Coach Steve Collins during James Madison Memorial 2009 State Championship Basketball Season Going into the 2003-2004 season Memorial had not won a single Conference championship. Before runner-up finishes in 2002 and 2003, Memorial had not finished higher than fourth in conference since the school opened 1966.
Memorial is now the only school in the 96 year history of the Big Eight to win 14 consecutive Big Eight Conference Championships
With nine consecutive state births Memorial is one of two schools to make that many consecutive state appearances in Wisconsin State History.
Memorial has won the state title in 2005, 2009 and 2011 and where state runner-up in 2004, 2006 and 2008 and 2010.
Coach Collins has been the head coach at Madison Memorial for the last 1 years with a record of 379-94
Re-live the excitement of a state championship run through the eyes of the Head Coach.
Chapter One Like tax day, roster cuts are painful Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 — 8:25 p.m. What comes to mind as I sit here at my kitchen table, working on tomorrow’s practice plan, is the question people ask me as I prepare for another season: Are you excited? The answer is of course yes, but possibly not for the reason one would think. As a high school basketball coach — and for any high school head coach, the season is not defined by the months in which the team participates. Rather, it is defined but the countless hours spent in the offseason. An example of coaching duties that get taken care of in my “off” season: ** Organize summer participation in camps, leagues and tournaments ** Organize and repair all equipment ** Develop a calendar for scouting opponents ** Prepare playbook for upcoming season ** Scouting Reports/DVDs of all opponents ** Supervise lower level coaches/staff meetings ** Follow student academic status/college preparation ** Scheduling of gym time and non-conference opponents ** Arrange transportation for games ** Organize Madison Memorial summer camp ** Get workers for Booster Club events ** Follow players in spring and summer AAU circuit ** Prepare press conferences ** Set up Parent Night, Youth Night, Senior Night, Banquet ** Order equipment ** Talk at various camps and clinics ** Start my own basketball academy for area middle school students ** Plan road trips to Minneapolis and St. Louis (hotel/transportation/chaperones/district approval) ** Work on schedule for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons ** Try to make up for lost time to my family; be a good father to Emma and Drew and a better husband to my beautiful wife, Mya The truth is that I would not trade any of this for a million dollars. There is nothing in the world like walking into the gym the first day of practice and seeing all of those players who are excited about the upcoming season and what it might hold. A new season is like a new school year in my mathematics class, with a different group who has not heard my corny jokes or an interesting way to teach a full-court press. It makes teaching and coaching the best job in the world. As I head off to bed, with thoughts of what this season could possibly hold, I can’t imagine better roles than being a teacher and coach. I am as excited as my 4-year-old and 6-year-old waiting for Santa to come to their house. Tuesday, Nov. 18 — 6:24 p.m. The first two days of tryouts have gone well and the kids are working extremely hard. As we head forward I begin to worry about all of the work on our offense and defense we need to get in before our home opener versus Madison West on Dec. 5. I just finished a staff meeting where we discussed next Monday’s Booster Club dinner, next Tuesday’s Parent Meeting, the practice schedule over Thanksgiving, our upcoming scouting trips, and whether or not the Cubs can win a World Series. Ever. Wednesday, Nov. 19 — 7:30 a.m. Today is the worst day of the year for me; it is the day I have to tell a 16-, 17- or 18-year-old that they cannot be on our team. For me, it’s worse than April 15, because at least that day only hurts for a little while. But both are inevitable; paying taxes and cutting players as a basketball coach. I don’t believe in posting the final roster, so I sit down with every player and discuss his tryout and whether he has made the team. This is the least a coach can do when players worked as hard as they could to try to make the team. As a coach, you have to feel comfortable and confident with the team and be willing to move forward with the team you have chosen. Friday, Nov. 22 — 7:30 p.m. We just finished our second day of practice with our complete roster, consisting of seven seniors (guards Russell Henderson, Fred Ringhand, Erick Blue and Matt Laubmeier, and forwards Ace Davis and Jeronne Maymon); six juniors (guards Alvin Olson, Tre Creamer, Vander Blue, Eric Fruehling and center Ed Kluender); one sophomore (forward Miles Chamberlain) and one freshman (forward Junior Lomomba). This is always a fun time of the year, when the players walk into our locker room, put on their practice gear and we start preparing for the season. It is also a time in which I start to panic and worry about all the things we must get done before the season starts. I also met with my Parent Committee Representative tonight to discuss team dinners, sack lunches for road trips, Parent Night, Youth Night, Senior Night, the season-ending banquet and other administrative issues. Off I go to watch Thursday’s episode of “The Office” and put basketball on the shelf for the evening; however, I do wish I was in the Virgin Islands watching the Badgers and Keaton Nankivil play Iona. Saturday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m. I started my day watching “Playhouse Disney” with my daughter, Emma, followed by coaching my son, Drew’s first grade YMCA basketball team. If anyone ever wants to see the game of basketball played on a different level, and for a true love of the game, they should watch first-graders play. My coaching abilities are really being put to the test, because I have no idea how to get them to stop running with the basketball. I think there were a minimum of 100 traveling violations for the game. The positive part is we can set a goal for next Saturday to have less than 50 traveling violations. I am excited because we are about to drive to Milwaukee with my wife, Mya, and my assistant coaches to watch Marquette and former Memorial athlete Wesley Matthews play UW-Milwaukee. I love Saturdays because it is family time and it tends to be our most productive practice of the week. Today we were able to work extremely well at practice and put in several of our press defenses and our zone offenses. But as I was leaving practice with my 6-year-old, Drew, I asked him how he thought the team looked at practice and he stated, “They sure missed a lot of shots, dad.” Looks like we still have some work to do.
Chapter Two Once again, Thanksgiving leaves me hungry for more.
Monday, Nov. 24 — 7:30 p.m. I just got home and got my sick house settled for the night. It is a guarantee that when snow is upon us and basketball season starts the entire Collins household gets sick (at last count we had four colds, strep throat and a sinus infection). I am getting very frustrated flipping between the UW men’s basketball game against Connecticut and Monday Night Football. We had practice after school today, followed by our all-school winter potluck. It is a great time for all Memorial winter athletes and families to get together and support one another. I love these types of activities because they allow our kids to spend time together off the court and become a more cohesive group. These get-togethers are also extremely entertaining. Have any of you seen a 17-year-old eat half a pizza, a bucket of chicken and half a dozen brownies and still not be full? After watching my team eat, I think first prize goes to Jeronne Maymon, followed closely by our freshman, Junior Lomomba. I don’t know where they put it all, but I do remember being a teenage boy and never feeling full. Oh, how I long for those days … Tuesday, Nov. 25 — 8 p.m. Today we had late practice, starting at 5:45 p.m. and ending at 7:45. Whenever we have late practice, the players have study table in my classroom. It is a good time for the guys to go get some extra help on the classes that are giving them some difficulty. Tuesdays at Memorial are “Tuesday Report” days for all students involved in extracurricular activities. Athletes obtain a weekly progress report from all academic classes and submit it to their coaches for review. This is a wonderful way to start the discussion of academics with my players. Tuesday Reports are a priority for myself and my players throughout the school year; I review them in the offseason as well. Tonight, we had our parent meeting, in which our season functions are planned and parents are invited to watch practice. This is something I started a couple of years ago, and the athletes and parents really enjoy it. Practice was very busy today because we have some former Memorial athletes coming in to scrimmage tomorrow. We were able to implement several of our presses, our man-to-man offense and many out of bounds plays. I had hoped to get in a couple of our zone defenses and our special plays but we ran out of time. Both of my assistant coaches, Cory Moore and Kevin Klagos, were laughing at me because they said I had enough drills in my practice plan to last a week! One lesson I have learned in 20 years of coaching and teaching is not to be bound by your lesson plan. You have to monitor and adjust according to your class or team. Wednesday, Nov. 26 — 9 a.m. I just met with a few of my players about doing a television interview on the Ch. 27 morning show with some of the Harlem Globetrotters next Tuesday morning (Dec. 2) at 6 a.m. It should be an exciting opportunity for the players and our program. They just made an announcement at school that Captains Club — our athlete-driven volunteer program — donated 24 Thanksgiving baskets to the Allied Community Center and the Student Government/Backyards organization donated 42 baskets to the Wexford Neighborhood Center. It makes me proud to be a Spartan when our students and athletes step up to help people in the community. Wednesday, Nov. 26 — noon I just got a text message from former Memorial Spartan and Mr. Basketball Michael Nelson. He is in his senior year playing at North Dakota State and they recently beat Northern Arizona. It is exciting to keep in touch with former players through texting and looking up their Facebook pages. I texted him back and told him to beat Minnesota on Saturday (Nov. 29). Wednesday, Nov. 26 — 10:45 p.m. The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously the worst practice of the year. I tell myself every year that I am not going to practice on that day and every year I try to figure out a way to make it work. You would think I would learn. As soon as the school bell rings, the players seem to be off on vacation and very distracted. So, this year we had some former Madison basketball players come in and practice against our team. The one good thing about going against players other than ourselves is that we could see that we have a lot of work to do. I think the biggest obstacle for any team this time of year is running things smoothly. Thursday, Nov. 27 — 8 a.m. Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for: A loving and healthy family A job in these tough financial times Sushi A team that is coming together A good nap A daughter, 4-year-old Emma, who thinks I am her prince An understanding wife who understands my passion for this game Great friends A son, 6-year-old Drew, who is starting to love the game and can now keep a scorebook when we scout A working snow blower A power forward (Jeronne) who is one of the best players in the state I remember one Thanksgiving when I was in middle school. My brother Mike, who played Division I college basketball at Dartmouth, was the starting point guard at Madison East High School. East ironically played at Memorial the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Those years were referred to as the lean years at Memorial. If I remember the game correctly, East was up at least 18 points at half and eventually lost the game with some missed free throws down the stretch. I would estimate that there were a total of 10 words spoken that entire Thanksgiving in my house. Must be why Memorial basketball never plays over Thanksgiving — bad childhood memories. Friday, Nov. 28 — 1 p.m. We got better today. Today was a cerebral practice. We are already a little banged up and have had some ankle injuries. So we had to take it relatively easy today and work on some individual and team skills. Our goal is have 80 to 90 percent of our defenses and offenses learned by the first game. I would describe what we try to do on the defensive end as controlled chaos. We are going to throw anywhere from 10 to 15 different defenses at an opponent in any particular game. This time of year, it is difficult to get all the things in that we will need for our first game; however, the players are being really good students of the game. Friday, Nov. 28 — 9 p.m. I just saw Jeronne at the movie “Four Christmases.” It is nice to see my players outside of school and good to have a night away from basketball. Saturday, Nov. 29 — 4 p.m. We just got done with practice and I am worried about whether we will be ready for our first game. Are we sharp enough or ready for competition? Without having played a game, I am uncertain about where we stand. To ease my anxiety, I am heading off with Drew to watch our first opponent, Madison West play at Lake Geneva Badger. The one thing about scouting this time of year is that you are at the mercy of the weather. Saturday, Nov. 29 — 11 p.m. I just got home with Drew. I forgot how far Lake Geneva is from Madison. The first scouting venture is always exciting and really gets my basketball juices flowing. It must be the smell of those hot dogs cooking, the pre-game music and the energy of a high school gym that gets me so excited. Once the game is over, my work begins and I start breaking down tape and figure out how we are going to prepare for our first opponent (West). Sunday, Nov. 30 — 11 a.m. I love days like today when I can open the newspaper and follow my former athletes. I know a few of them will not be happy with the results of their games, but it looks from the box score they all played well. All three of our former Mr. Basketballs played yesterday. Michael Nelson, who plays for North Dakota State, played Minnesota and had 22 points in their loss. Wesley Matthews, a senior at Marquette, had a career-high 28 points in their loss to Dayton. Keaton Nankivil had three points in the UW win versus UW-Milwaukee. Kori Vernon, a forward on our state championship team and senior at UW-Whitewater, had 17 points against another former Spartan and current Edgewood player, Derek Nkemnji, who had 14 points. I have spent most of today working on my scouting DVD for Madison West, and paper scout for the players. Each player receives a DVD with scout clips of our next opponent and also a paper scouting report describing the other team’s key components. I think the scout helps my practice preparation and gives the players an idea of what is coming with our next opponent. As I was leaving practice yesterday, I asked Drew what he thought of the team this week. He immediately replied, “They are making a few more shots, but not many, and I love when they went 2 on 1” — which, after five minutes of questioning, I figured out was our double team or traps. Looks like we still have some work ahead of us, but Dec. 5 is quickly approaching and I can’t wait.
Chapter Three Players, coaches anxious for action.
Monday, Dec. 1 — noon
Today has been busy. It must be that we are coming off Thanksgiving vacation and need to do a little bit of catch-up. Monday is always the day for checking in with teachers about my players and seeing what they have to do for the week. Also, I’m trying to get the final preparation and district approval for our trips to Minnesota and southern Illinois, and looking for an interesting way to teach my Statistics classes the binomial distribution and Algebra 3 classes the law of exponents. One of the good things about teaching high school is that your students keep you grounded. We often start class with a discussion about current events, my family and/or our basketball team, which allows me to connect with the students and put real life mathematics into the classroom. In today’s sixth-hour Algebra 3 class, the discussion turned to this blog — where one student, Mallory Woods asked, “Why did they pick you?” Not sure I can answer that, Mallory …
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008 — 5:35 a.m.
This morning we got up early to do a spot with a Harlem Globetrotter on Wake-up Wisconsin on WKOW Channel 27. Five players — Fred Ringhand, Junior Lomomba, Jeronne Maymon, Ace Davis and Vander Blue — were all gracious enough to come into school at such an early hour. For anyone that is around teenagers, you know that most of them have never seen the 5 o’clock hour. As they walked into the gym this morning, they looked like the walking dead. Once I rolled out the basketballs, they started to wake up; it was amazing to see the transformation. It showed me how much they love the game and reinforced why I do this. There is probably no place in the world that they feel more comfortable than on the basketball court playing with their friends. I just hope that by noon they have not hit the wall and are tired the rest of the day.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 — 6 p.m.
We just finished practice and I can see in the players’ eyes that they are tired. The monotony of practice is starting to wear on everyone. We are starting our third week of practice without a game and everyone is ready to play. Just like in a classroom where you need a test to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, our team needs a test.
I just read the article by Rob Hernandez in today’s Wisconsin State Journal about how there has been an over-saturation of postseason awards and how those awards might go the way of the letter jacket. I agree with most of the article because choosing postseason awards is a difficult task and not everyone can be recognized or excel in athletics. Interscholastic sports are a talented and gifted program for athletes. Memorial has an awesome Drama, Debate and Forensics program run by Tom Hardin and just like everyone cannot be the star of the play, not everyone can achieve all-area athletic awards.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 — 9 p.m.
The house is quiet — my wife, Mya, is off at her book club and both children are asleep. I am watching basketball on television and starting to break down tape on Verona, our opponent for Tuesday, Dec. 9. Life is good. Verona has just joined the Big Eight this year, so I do not have much information on their team. The Big Eight Conference, which originated in the early 1920s with teams from as far as Kenosha and Racine, now has a total of 10 teams. I am going to have to rely on some past game tape and the scout I am going to get at the Wildcats’ game on Saturday, Dec. 5, against La Follette.
Today, we had a very short practice and spent the rest of the time in our locker room discussing team goals and what takes to be a “team.” Before the first game, I always discuss with my team the “Disease of Me,” which I have read about in books by NBA coach Pat Riley. The Cliffs Notes version is that when one person considers themselves more important than the entire team, it can tear a team apart. This will not be a problem with this team, but it is a good life lesson to discuss with them.
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 — 7:45 p.m.
Just got the kids off to bed, and we’re hanging out with friends Kate and Todd Young and getting ready to watch “The Office.” During today’s practice, we walked through everything we would want to do in preparation for tomorrow’s game against West. We then discussed our pregame rituals for all the new players — what they should wear to school, the morning shootaround, when and where they have to sit during the sophomore game, how warm-up and the game introductions will occur, etc. It is an exciting time and it looks like from the buzz around school it should be a full house.
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 — 8:10 a.m.
Gameday! We finished our morning shoot around and I got the players headed off to class. This is the hardest day for a coach because you no longer have any control. You can not spend any more time preparing your team for competition.
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 — 11:45 a.m.
Just got done finishing lunch and grading some Statistics quizzes. I am heading off to the coaching office to watch some West tape and worry whether I have prepared my team for its first challenge.
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 — 4 p.m.
I walked by the gym on the way to my office and students are already lining up to get in for the 7:30 p.m. game! The school has been abuzz about the first game and I know that our entire program appreciates all the support we get from our fans at home and on the road. It looks as though we are going to have a full house. It is also Ace Davis’ birthday so I know that he is really excited!
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 — 11 p.m.
We won 74-33. The first game is interesting because even though some of the faces are the same, it is not the same team that lost in the state finals last year. Tonight we did a lot of things well and of course as the coach, I see all of the areas in which we need to improve. If you watch a high school team in early December and then again in late February, they do not look like the same team.
I thought at times we looked sharp and were able to execute our game plan very well. We shot the ball extremely well from the outside. As a team, we hit 10 3-pointers and I believe that Vander Blue hit three or four in about a two-minute span. I am proud of the work the players have put into their shooting in the offseason. It is something they knew they needed to work on for our team to be better. Other times during the game I don’t think we looked very sharp at all. The good thing is that we have a couple of days to correct our mistakes and try to improve for Verona.
I was told that the game was sold out 10 minutes before the end of the sophomore game. What an exciting atmosphere for the first game of the season! I can remember my first season at Memorial when we were 7-14 and we were lucky to have 300 people at the game. When I walked into the gym tonight, it felt like we were playing in a sectional game with the amount of people that were in the gym. I am just like my players in that I get nervous before the game, but what I tell fans is that it is a wonderful thing because I am being an active participant in the game. That’s one of the best part of coaching — being part of the game.
After the game, I helped one of my assistant coaches, Kevin Klagos, call in the scores to various news organizations. In high school athletics, it is the responsibility of the home school to do this task and it is much easier after a win than it is after a loss to make these calls. I just drove home in a small snowstorm, stopping at the grocery store so that we would have milk for tomorrow morning. The funny thing about coaching is even though I did not play, I have a lot of adrenaline running through my body. Guess it is time to start watching some tape on Verona.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 — 6:45 a.m.
Our house is already stirring and I am getting ready to coach a first-grade game at the YMCA and then head off to our varsity practice. There is no time to dwell on last night’s victory; we need to get ready for Verona.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 — 2:30 p.m.
We just finished our varsity practice. We got better today. It is hard mentally and physically to practice 12 hours after a game since the players’ bodies are tired. I am headed off to Milwaukee to watch two of my former players, Keaton Nankivil and Wesley Matthews, go head-to-head in their final collegiate matchup, as Wesley is in his final year at Marquette.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 — 10 a.m.
Marquette 61, Wisconsin 58. What a great battle between two in-state rivals and what a difficult night to watch a game. I care so much about both of these players that it was hard to see them match up against each other. I was probably one of the few people in the stands not wearing Marquette or Wisconsin colors. I am so proud of the way they both played and what classy, young men they are. Both Wisconsin and Marquette should feel as proud as I do to have Keaton and Wesley as part of their programs.
Chapter Four Snow Day and Birthday.
Monday Dec 8th 12:25 p.m.
I just finished doing mid-quarter grades and cannot believe that we are only 5 weeks from the end of first semester. I have spent the morning communicating with my Athletic Director, Tim Ritchie, about the possibility of our game against Verona being called off. Tim does a great job of communicating the behind the scenes work that is going on during the day. It is wonderful that the school district has gone back to a full-time athletic director in each building. It is days like this that you can see how valuable a resource a full-time athletic director is in the building. I am able to focus more on my team and less on the administrative issues. My guess is that the we will not play tomorrow – will have to wait and see.
Tuesday Dec 9th 6:30 a.m.
Snow day! I have already received several text messages from my players wondering if we are going to practice or if our game is canceled. I got a text message from Tim Ritchie at 6:09 a.m. saying that our game has been re-scheduled for Thursday night. I can’t believe how terrible it is outside. I should have put on my thankful list during the Thanksgiving week that I have a functioning snow blower.
Tuesday Dec 9th – afternoon
I spent the afternoon re-connecting with my children on a sledding hill and hoping that I do not break an important limb. My attention soon turned to watching Verona tape and having smores with kids. It is amazing how much work you can get done on a Tuesday afternoon with no distractions and how good a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate will make you feel. When you do not have practice or a game the next day it can be very relaxing for a coach.
Wednesday Dec 10th 7:40 a.m.
Today is my birthday but I have already begun to think and worry about getting ready for Verona. The funny thing about birthdays is as you get older you want the time between them to last longer. I have a theory about time: when you are young the days seem so long, but as you get older time seems to pick up pace. I know this is not the case, but I tell my players on a regular basis that they should enjoy the moment. It is those memories of running out to a full gym with your friends or the funny joke in the locker room that you will remember the rest of your life. I am running around school reminding my players to do their academic progress reports and that practice is after school. Hope we look sharp today.
Wednesday Dec 10th 9:45 p.m.
I just returned home from having a birthday dinner at the Nitty Gritty with my family and watching the Janesville Parker vs Madison East game. Does life get any better? I was able to sit next to Sun Prairie head coach Jeff Boos and head coach Reggie Williams from LaFollette at the game. I have great respect for each of them and what they have done with their respective programs. It is nice to have friendship outside of the competition field and it makes coaching that much more enjoyable. I was able to spend a week with Jeff coaching the state All Stars. What a great experience. As Coach Boos and I were sitting there, one of our former players from that All Star game, Kris Saiberlich came up and said hello; he is now a graduate assistant at Lakeland College and is working on his MBA. What a small world and I always thought that Kris would make a wonderful coach. Through that All Star game, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association has raised over a million dollars to fight childhood cancer – a noble cause which makes me proud to be a member of the WBCA. As I sat there watching the game I began to wonder whatever happened to having high school games on Friday and Saturday nights? I love taking my young children to games but it is not possible to do that when the majority our games are played on school nights.
Thursday Dec 11th 6:35 a.m.
It must be birthday week, because my assistant coach, Cory Moore has a birthday today. I hope we can get him a nice birthday gift – a win. When we showed up for our shoot around this morning we found that a couple of the baskets in the main gym were broken, so during our shoot around we have men working on the baskets. I guess this is a good distraction just like a loud crowd. It is looking like we are getting healthy again and all of those ankle twists and nagging injuries are starting to dissipate (knock on wood).
Thursday Dec 11th 11:55 a.m.
I have spent today working on getting the appropriate roster and picture information to the Timberwolves Shootout and the Highland Shootout. It always seems as though this material is needed on the same day.
Thursday Dec 11th 4:45 p.m.
I just got back to school after running home and seeing the family. They are going to stay home tonight and watch the game on the web at Channel 3000. I am going to run back to school and get a few more minutes of watching Verona tape in before we meet as a team. The managers and my sophomore coach, Jeremy Schlitz does a wonderful job of packing the players bags and picking the things we need for a road trip. It is great because all I have to worry about is preparing for the upcoming opponent. I feel extremely lucky to be part of this basketball program.
Thursday Dec 11th 10:55 p.m.
We won. What another great environment to play a high school game! It was nearly a packed house and I know how much our players enjoy playing in front of a full gymnasium. We arrived at the Verona gym at about 5:20 p.m. and walked in as a coaching staff – myself, and my two assistant coaches Kevin Klagos and Cory Moore. As we walked by the ticket taker, she says “You guys must be the officials”. We all laughed and explained that we are the coaches for Memorial. Several minutes later, I ran into our Athletic Director, Tim Ritchie and asked him where our locker room is located (first time we have played a Big Eight game at Verona). He pointed me toward the Verona athletic director. I politely walked toward him, tapped him on his shoulder and asked “Could you please tell me where the locker room is?” He responded “Sure”. He then walked me toward the Verona and official’s locker rooms, making small talk as we approached the door. I had a feeling that we were not in the right place and again explained that I was not an official, even though at times I act like one. He then walked us to our locker room. Maybe this is an omen that I missed my calling as an official? It is looking like a lot of former players are starting to come home from college. To name just a few I ran into before the game: Jordan Flint, Kyle Nelson (Illinois State Pitcher) Aaron Olson, Derek Nkemnji (Edgewood College Forward), Riley Karrigan (Former Madison Memorial Comedian), Tyler and Justin Dahmen. I was also able to speak with my former high school coach, John Boyle. He is doing the color commentary with Jay Wilson for the web cast of the game. I learned a lot from John as a player. He was great high school coach and I am glad I do not have to go toe to toe with him anymore. The Verona game was very exciting and a big test for our players. I take my hat off to Verona and Coach Buss. We got down eight points early due to Verona’s great execution and our poor ball handling and shot selection. I give my players a lot of credit for not panicking. We were down 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, but were able to take the lead by 2 going into halftime. At halftime we made some adjustments and in the second half executed our game plan more effectively.
Friday Dec 12th 7:15 a.m.
Today is going to be spent figuring out what we did well and what things we need to work on. It is always hard in high school athletics to have such a quick turnaround in games. We have to change gears tonight at practice, prepare for Sun Prairie and go through an entirely new scout with the players. I am off to teach the normal distribution to my statistics classes.
Saturday Dec 13th 3:30 p.m.
I think I am 0-1 in coaching today. My first grade basketball team ran into a red-headed LeBron James from Waunakee this morning in our YMCA game. I am not sure that my game adjustment helped and that my team understands what a rebound is when I am yelling it from the sideline. I will have to put that player from Waunakee on my scout list for the class of 2019. We had our shoot around this afternoon, watched and discussed Sun Prairie’s tendencies and spent about a half an hour watching the Verona game. I think the guys are slowly figuring out what we expect of them on the court. Our team is having When We Were Young Productions follow us throughout the season and is doing a behind the scenes documentary that will be telecast on Fox network sometime next year. That should be exciting.
Sunday Dec 14th 11:00 a.m.
We won and are now 3-0 in the Big Eight. We are slowly coming together as a team as the players figure out their roles. We continue to work on this aspect of team building and we are getting there. Last night two players, Ed Kluender and Eric Fruhling gave us wonderful minutes off the bench. We got in some early foul trouble and they were able to give us quality minutes. I am most impressed that we have held our first three opponents to an average of 41 points per game. With the number of possessions our team plays, that is quite an accomplishment. I am off to prepare for Janesville Craig and the Dean of the Big Eight, Bob Suter (and his 600 high school wins). Playing at Craig is always a fun adventure and will be another great road test. A lot of the things we do in our program are based on the Craig system and things Coach Suter has done. When I first took the Memorial job one of my first goals was to beat a Craig team. It took us a couple of years to accomplish that goal, but that is when I knew our program had arrived.
Chapter Five A snow day, Sweater Night and ‘Downtown Charlie Brown. Monday, Dec. 15 — noon Today we are starting to get ready for a busy week. Not only do we have two games, but winter break is right around the corner. It gets busy for both the players and myself because a lot schoolwork is done this time of year, especially with only two weeks when we return from break until final exams and the end of the semester. I just got a text message from one of my former players, Devonte Maymon, stating that he got a 3.5 grade-point average during his first semester at college. I am so proud of him and I love hearing from my former players. Monday, Dec. 15 — 9 p.m. We had a very short practice today. We worked out some of the cobwebs from the weekend and then sent about half our varsity roster to Sun Prairie to play a varsity reserve game. In the Big Eight conference there are four levels of basketball played at each high school: freshman, sophomore and varsity/varsity reserve level. The varsity reserve level consists of players who do not get a lot of playing time at the varsity level. It is a great place for players who are trying to earn more playing time and/or coming off injuries to work on their games. We had a reporter at practice tonight who is doing a newspaper article on Junior sometime in the next couple of weeks. Tuesday, Dec. 16 — 10 p.m. Today we started to work on our scouting report for Craig. The Craig program is one of the most storied programs in the state. Their boys basketball history and winning tradition over the last 30 years is one of the most respected in the state. The snow is coming down pretty hard tonight, but I was able to brave the storm and take my daughter Emma to the Memorial girls basketball game. Emma had recently told me that only boys play basketball, so I am obviously not spending enough time with her. Must be father guilt. After getting home and putting her to bed, I am now watching the Marquette vs. Tennessee game. Wesley is playing so well right now; he finished with 30 points but the Golden Eagles lost 80-68. Wednesday, Dec. 17 — 7 p.m. We spent a lot of time today at practice working on our core principles. This is always a difficult week for the players to focus in practice. Whether it’s the extra schoolwork that is given out the week before break or the players’ distraction of knowing they are not going to have school for two weeks, our coaching staff works hard to keep practices running smoothly. We also had a guest from Channel 15 come to practice. Those types of distractions used to bother me, but I have found that it makes us focus more on the task at hand. Our sole purpose today was to get the team to focus on basketball for two hours. Thursday, Dec. 18 — noon The administration has decided that the game can go forward. It looks like the storm is going to be hitting later in the night and we should be able to make it to Janesville and back before the storm hits. I have just spent the past half an hour trying to get our bus here early because the game has been moved up an hour. I have had to let the players know that they will be leaving school early (they are so disappointed) and e-mailed parents about the game change. My guess is that there will not be a lot of Memorial fans at this game. Thursday, Dec. 18 — 9:45 p.m. I just got home from Janesville and luckily, we did not hit any snow on the way down or the way back. It looks like it is about to snow anytime now. We again got off to a slow start in the game. Craig was able to hit some big shots and we were too eager to take the first easy shot that was available. We went into the locker room at halftime up two points. In the second half I thought we did a much better job of getting the ball up the court and executing our half-court trap. I think our team is slowly learning that every team we play is going to be bringing their best game to the court. It is a burden and benefit of having been successful in the past and being currently ranked No. 1 in the state. The burden is that if you are not ready to play every time you take the court someone is going to be ready to knock you off. The benefit is that I think it makes you battle tested in the sense that you are given everyone’s ‘A’ game every night. Another television reporter was waiting for us when we got off the bus today. I thought Zavier Jones and Fred Ringhand did a great job with their interviews. As the players got off the bus tonight we discussed tomorrow, what would happen if school was cancelled, curfew on Friday night (each player must call my home phone from their home phone number — caller ID is a wonderful thing) and what time we would practice on Saturday. I figure if I discuss all of this with them then we will not have a snow day. Friday, Dec. 19 — 7:15 a.m. Snow day No. 2! I grew up in Madison and went to Madison schools. Both of my parents were teachers in the district, and I don’t think there have ever been two snow days in December. It did bring back memories of the ice storm that hit Madison in the mid-’70s. I was in elementary school and remembered not having electricity for several days. My brother, Mike, who lives in New Hampshire, has not had electricity in his house for over four days. He said his family has all been sleeping in one room and has been cutting firewood from their backwoods. I guess I will have to start calling him Grizzly Adams. Saturday, Dec. 20 — 3 p.m. I spent the second night this month sleeping on the couch, not because of marital problems, but because my poor wife, Mya, has the stomach flu. The flu in our house happens every basketball season. I am in full Daddy mode: I asked my mother to take Emma to the Nutcracker and Drew is going to be his Dad’s shadow today. Our first stop this morning is Drew’s first-grade basketball game. Our team is really improving and I would have to give this week’s MVP to Joe Clark. Joe hit a couple big shots in the paint. We had team pictures after the game and you can imagine how noisy a hallway is with 10 first graders waiting for their turn! We played the “quiet game” while we waited and that was my best coaching move of the day. Maybe I can implement that with my varsity team? On the way to practice, Drew and I were discussing his game and he made one of the comments of the week: He referred to himself after hitting a couple of long shots as “Downtown Charlie Brown” (Drew has heard me talk about Downtown Freddie Brown — a 13-year NBA player from Milwaukee who could shoot the lights out). Maybe Drew is watching “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” too much. We worked out hard today at our walk-through for the La Follette game. I am hoping that this will help us have a better first half than we have in the last couple of games. The bonus for the day is that I got some Christmas cookies from a friend of the program, Sally Schnarr (I don’t think I will be taking those home). Saturday, Dec. 20 — 11 p.m. Tonight we came out like the team I have seen in practice. We played solid throughout the game and got a 30-point lead on the Lancers going into the fourth quarter. It was probably our best first half of the year. Our student section, which I would put up against any student section in the area, has theme nights for each of our home games. I always love the last home game before winter break because it is Christmas sweater night. All of the students wore “funny” Christmas sweaters. From what I hear, there was an impromptu Christmas sweater contest at halftime. I was able to see two of my former point guards, Rory and Zach McCallum, after the game and talk about what is going on with them and our team. It is exciting, interesting and at times depressing when you see your former players all grown up.
Chapter Six Scouting for a great hot dog, and a late-night Christmas present.
Monday, Dec. 22 — 1 p.m. Today is the first day of winter break and I always try to use this break as a time to condition, teach and implement some new defensive and offensive sets. It was a good practice and I think we got better. I spent the rest of the day finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping. At night, I scouted Waunakee at Sauk Prairie with my son, Drew, and was able to get game tape on two teams in our sectional. It was a great game and an unbelievable atmosphere between two Badger Conference teams. It felt like one of our 2006 sectional games in which we beat a very good Middleton team. It was a long game and felt like there were close to 50 fouls called, but worth the ride to Sauk City. My only complaint would be the hot dogs. I am guy who grew up on good old-fashioned Oscar Mayer hot dogs — they are the best. Tuesday, Dec. 23 — noon Practice today was short but hard. I ran them a lot and we retaught some of our offensive sets. It was nice because we had a several alumni (Kori Vernon, Derek Nkemnji and Jerard Ajami) come in and play with our players. It is both good competition and a small carrot for our players to see alumni who are playing collegiate basketball. Tonight, I am heading to the Wisconsin game with my brother-in-law, Craig, to watch Keaton and the Badgers play Texas. Wednesday, Dec. 24 — noon My, how plans can change. Rather than cheer on UW, I have spent the last 16 hours in bed. I came down with a terrible cold and my daughter, Emma, came down with the stomach flu yesterday evening. I would say that this is typical of basketball season. The entire Collins clan passes around illnesses. Half of our family is eating Christmas Eve dinner elsewhere tonight to avoid getting sick. Wednesday, Dec. 24 — 4 p.m. How do you spend Christmas Eve in the Collins’ household? Watching tape on Henry Sibley High. As both Emma and Drew were circling the Christmas tree figuring out what present from their grandparents they wanted to open, my wife Mya and I were trying to figure out how Henry Sibley, a high school team, could be so tall. They have a starting lineup consisting of a 7-footer, two 6-8 forwards, a 6-4 shooting guard, along with a point guard that is 5-8. They of course bring a 6-8 player off the bench. I think they might start a taller lineup than the Badgers. One of their players is also a UW recruit (Mike Bruesewitz). They are currently ranked No. 2 in Minnesota and have four Division I college recruits on their roster. We are going to have to work on this scouting report. Wednesday, Dec. 24 — 11 p.m. Have any of you ever bought a present, went to wrap it on Christmas Eve and then were unable to find it? That is what happened at our house, so at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Mya and I are at the 24-hour Walgreens buying the missing Pokemon cards. I can thank my brother-in-law, Craig, who is an executive at Walgreens, for pushing us that way. There are not many stores open late on Christmas Eve. Thursday, Dec. 25 — (written on the 26th) This is a non-Blackberry and non-basketball day. It is hard in the Collins household to give up basketball, but today is about giving thanks for my family: ** Two healthy and loving children ** My 4-year-old daughter, who changes her outfit about 20 times per day ** My son’s excitement at making snow with his new chemistry kit (Does he not understand there is a foot of snow outside?) ** Two loving parents (Peg and Larry Collins) and their unconditional support ** A wife who puts up with my love and passion for the game Friday, Dec. 26 — 7 p.m. I gave my players the day off today. In my experience, this day is a tough day to play or practice because the players are still on Christmas time and it can be hard to focus. Without a game for over a week, this seemed like the logical time to allow them to have three days off. I enjoyed the article on Junior Lomomba this morning in the State Journal. He is a great basketball player and an even better person. I am so glad that things have worked out for him and that he is making a better life for himself. I just found out that he is stuck in Baltimore from visiting his mother and will not be home for at least another day. We spent the day at home cleaning off our roof and building huge snow tunnels in grandma’s front yard. A funny story involving one of my first snow memories is climbing through snow tunnels at the house of Rich Cleveland, now the Madison East head coach. Rich’s father and my father have been friends for as long as I can remember. What a small world … Saturday, Dec. 27 — noon I think the players were still on break this morning at our 8 a.m. practice. My estimate would be that they probably ran to Wausau and back during the two-hour practice. The combination of early morning and having three days off did not seem to work. Saturday, Dec. 27 — 9:30 p.m. I just got back from scouting Middleton and Waupun. I did not get a chance to try out the hot dogs at Middleton but have heard they are exceptional. The fun thing about getting out and scouting is seeing different players from around the state. Tonight, I saw an exceptional one from Waupun in junior Austin Armga. I have not yet seen statistics from the game but my guess would be that he had at least 30 points (actually 34) and put on quite a first half shooting clinic.
Chapter Seven Minneapolis trip provides a glimpse of the big time.
Monday, Dec. 29 — 4 p.m. I am getting over the stomach flu like a handful of my players; yet, today was a very focused practice. I think the team has an idea of how big the next couple of games are in our schedule and the stiff competition that awaits them. The WBCA (Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association) holds a holiday tournament at the UW Field House over Christmas break and several teams came to Memorial to hold shootarounds. I am always happy to help out fellow coaches with gym space; plus, it is fun to talk basketball and hear how basketball around the state is going. I talked with Todd Fergot, the head coach at LaCrosse Central; he does a tremendous job and had his team off to an impressive 6-0 start. Pat Hammond and his Eau Claire North varsity team also came to practice at our school. I was disappointed to see Evan Anderson (a UW recruit) in a walking boot and unable to play. Our sophomore team also got to play against Eau Claire North’s sophomore squad (we won). Evan and fellow UW recruit Vander Blue got to talk to each other during the game. Tuesday, Dec. 30 — 3:30 p.m. We got better today. I am not sure that we are 100 percent healthy; however, we continue to improve as a basketball team. As a coach, all you can ever ask for your team is to get better. We did a lot of teaching and adding of new things in the last two days and the players have all responded. We spent a good hour after practice today going over Henry Sibley scout tapes and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. After seeing them on tape, my guys respect Henry Sibley’s athleticism and height and are ready for the challenge. As we left practice, my 6-year-old son Drew turned to me and said “Dad, they did good today.” They sure did, Drew. Tuesday, Dec. 30 — 11 p.m. I just got back from watching Beloit play at Waterford. My companion was Jeremy Schlitz, my sophomore team coach, whom I would rank as the best sophomore coach in the state. Not only has he been with me since the beginning of my head coaching career at Memorial, he also was a player on my varsity reserve team at Wausau East High School. I don’t think anyone spends more time preparing his team and helping with varsity on a daily basis than Jeremy. He is a great friend and an unbelievable basketball coach. The weather was terrible but the hot dogs were a solid 8 on a 1-10 scale. This was a good scout and we are going to have our work cut out for us next Tuesday (Jan. 6) at home versus Beloit. The two remaining undefeated teams in the Big Eight will be going head to head! This is the most balanced, biggest and talented Beloit team I have seen in four years. Wednesday, Dec. 31 — 11:30 p.m. At practice, we tweaked a few things for the weekend in Minneapolis and went over the itinerary with the team. We have the players’ time scripted for the entire weekend. After practice, I collected the practice gear to take home and wash it. I have learned that if I don’t personally wash them a handful of times during the year the jerseys really begin to smell. We just got home from celebrating New Year’s Eve with some great families, the Youngs, Genskows, Cranleys and Goldenbergs. We spent the evening playing Wii, eating fondue and having exceptional conversations. One topic involved answering specific dinner table questions. The question I received under my plate was applicable to my team — “What is the best advice you have ever received?” — and I am going to pass on some of the advice to them. ** Eat dessert first so you will have enough room for it ** Do what you do best and delegate the rest ** It’s not what you know, it’s what you do when you don’t know ** Live in the moment ** Do a job you love ** Don’t be stupid ** Work smarter, not harder Thursday, Jan. 1 — noon No practice today, but here are my New Year’s resolutions: ** Be a better father, husband, teacher and coach ** Have our team play better man-to-man defense and commit fewer turnovers ** Have our team play hard for 32 minutes ** Get in shape (My good friend, Jeff Thompson has completed three Ironmans and my brother-in-law, Craig Lower, is going to compete in Ironman Wisconsin this September in Madison. They inspire an old man like me). ** Register and run the Madison Half Marathon ** Learn a new skill ** Save more money for retirement Friday, Jan. 2 — 6 a.m. We are leaving later this morning for Minnesota to play at the Target Center tomorrow afternoon versus Henry Sibley as part of the Timberwolves Shootout. I am up early packing and making sure that we have everything situated for the weekend. We are going to practice first and then get on the bus. I am excited because I just got a new iPhone from my wife, Mya, for my birthday and will keep track of notes during the entire trip. Friday, Jan. 2 — 11:30 a.m. We just pulled out of the Memorial parking lot with 14 players (one is home sick), six coaches, three managers, Tyler Dahmen (former Memorial player who films for When We Were Young Productions), principal Bruce Dahmen, my beautiful wife who is going to visit college friends, and Jon Wilson, our bus driver. The players just noticed my Wauwatosa East state champions T-shirt, a present from Jeremy Schlitz. The shirt got the trip off to a nice and noisy start! When you have a five-hour trip to the Twin Cities, you have time for a lot of different conversations. One of the most interesting involved Cory Moore, Kevin Klagos and myself and our most interesting scouting and team trips. Here are some of the most interesting scouting trips we came up with: 1. A scouting trip to La Crosse two or three years ago with Kevin and Cory was quite an experience. We got within 10 miles of La Crosse and had to turn around. The roads were so bad that you could barely see through the car windshield; the two-hour trip took us close to five hours and we didn’t even get the scout. The ice was forming so fast that you had to scrape the windshield every five or 10 minutes. As we were driving down the highway, we passed a car that had a female passenger hanging out of the window scraping the windshield as they were driving. Of course, none of us were willing to stick our backside out the window to scrape the windshield! 2. This scouting trip was early in my coaching career with Cory Moore. We were in the Milwaukee scouting either South Milwaukee or Burlington and were close to the airport, Mitchell Field. We were stopped at a stoplight as a small commuter plane was coming in for a landing. I slowly pulled into the intersection and as I was doing that, a piece of ice the size of small car fell from the plane’s landing gear and landed seven feet in front of the car. I guess that life is all about timing. 3. This scouting trip was also with Cory Moore, five or six years ago. We were coming back late from scouting a team in La Crosse and decided to stop at McDonald’s in Tomah. We went through the drive-thru and ordered a couple of Big Mac value meals. As we got on the interstate heading toward Madison and took a bite into the sandwiches, we discovered there was no meat. We realized the next exit was 10 miles down the road, so we laughed out loud, said a couple of choice words, knowing that someone at McDonald’s was having a good laugh on us, and finished our hamburger buns. Friday, Jan. 2 — 1:45 p.m. We just had our first exciting incident of the trip. I had finished eating a lunch that the parents had provided for the team and had fallen asleep on the bus. When I woke up, everyone asked if I had heard the noise. I did not understand what they were talking about. It appeared that while I was sleeping, the bus drove under an overpass and a huge piece of ice fell off and cracked the windshield. Everyone described it as loud as a gunshot. What is it with me and falling ice? At least I slept through it. Friday, Jan. 2 — 2:50 p.m. I just walked through the bus and saw a couple of people reading UW coach Bo Ryan’s book. Looks like sales are going well, Coach! Friday, Jan. 2 — 4:30 p.m. We just got off the bus and got everyone checked into the hotel, the Marriott. As we were getting off the bus, we saw another bus pull up behind us with some very big basketball players. I was hoping that it was not Henry Sibley. As it turned out, it was Ohio State and they were in town to play Minnesota the next day. Buckeyes coach Thad Matta got on the elevator and was very nice and wished us luck the next day. Friday, Jan. 2 — 6:45 p.m. We just finished eating dinner at the hotel and are getting ready to walk over to the Timberwolves’ game (compliments of the Timberwolves Shootout). What is nice about the hotel we are staying at is that we can walk to the Target Center tonight and tomorrow without going outside. Most of the entire Minneapolis downtown is connected by skyways. Friday, Jan. 2 — 8 p.m. We just watched half of the Timberwolves’ game against Golden State. My team thinks many of these NBA players don’t play hard at times. I told them it is an 82-game season and that the second half will be more intense (which it was). Friday, Jan. 2 — 10:45 p.m. The Timberwolves game was a lot of fun, and we were able to see them win, 115-108. Our coaching staff just did the first bed check of the night for our players and gave them a snack before bed. What did people do for entertainment before PlayStation or Xbox? It is amazing to see how messy a hotel room can get in just 5 hours. I was just in the lobby and saw the NBA officials from the Timberwolves game checking into the hotel. This must be the place to stay. Saturday, Jan. 3 — 12:45 a.m. I did the final bed check and everyone is fast asleep. Hopefully they are all dreaming of beating Henry Sibley. Saturday, Jan. 3 — 10 a.m. The team just finished breakfast and we are heading over to the Target Center for a quick walk-through before the game. We will then come back to the hotel, check out, and walk over to the game. Saturday, Jan. 3 — noon We are sitting in the lobby of the hotel waiting to walk over to the Target Center and I just saw the Philadelphia Eagles’ advance man getting rooms for the team for Sunday’s NFL playoff game versus the Vikings. They have the entire 10th and 11th floors booked for the team and I overheard him asking for a master key for all the players’ rooms. Good to know that the NFL worries about bed checks as much as high school coaches. Saturday, Jan. 3 — 4:30 p.m. We won 67-64 in a very close game! The game consisted of two 18-minute halves — as opposed to the 8-minute quarters we usually play — on a larger NBA court. I always worry about how the larger court will affect the flow of the game and our conditioning. I was able to rest some people because we had some early foul trouble and I think that helped us down the stretch. Our bench did a great job of giving us some quality minutes. I was happy with how we handled the close game and made some clutch moves down the stretch. We were down three points with about 4 minutes to go and were still able to pull out the win. We obviously still have a lot of work to do, but this is a quality win against one of the top teams in Minnesota. We are letting the guys get showered and will watch a little of the Hopkins game before jumping on the bus to go home. Sunday, Jan. 4 — 12:45 a.m. It took us about an extra two hours to get home because of the freezing rain and ice. It is nice to be home but now I am worrying about Beloit on Tuesday night. It should be quite an event
Chapter Eight A Return to Fundamentals.
Monday, Jan. 5 — Noon The day after winter break is always an interesting day. It is difficult to get everyone, including myself back into a routine. We have a big game against Beloit on Tuesday, so I hope we can re-focus. I hear that Beloit will be bringing several fan buses to the game. It should be a great atmosphere for a high school basketball game. Monday, Jan. 5 — 8 p.m. We had a short but intense practice. I think the guys know what is at stake tomorrow night with two undefeated Big 8 teams coming together. It has been a long time since there has been this much anticipation about a Memorial/Beloit matchup. I remember back when Kyle Weaver was playing for Beloit (he is now playing for Oklahoma City in the NBA) and we had some great battles with those Coach Bautch teams — let’s not forget the 2004 State quarterfinal matchup, which came down to one or two possessions! I have a feeling we are going to have one of those games tomorrow night. Tuesday, Jan. 6 — 7:45 a.m. We just had our shootaround. I am worried that we are not going to be ready for this big game. One of the hardest things about being a coach is that come game day, there is nothing I can do because it is out of my hands. I can’t run that special drill or out-of-bounds play that will help with the game tonight — it is up to them. Tuesday, Jan. 6 — 9:45 p.m. We beat Beloit 64-50. We were down going into the fourth quarter 35-34 but luckily we had a 30-point fourth quarter. I know that we won, but I’m a little disappointed with our effort for 32 minutes. We failed to finish our shots, rebound well and execute defensively. We must realize that there is a huge target on our back and we need to execute our game plan for an entire game. I take my hat off to Beloit. They did a tremendous job in the game and I have no doubt that it will be a battle when we go down there and play in February. Wednesday, Jan. 7 — 6 a.m. I was not able to sleep last night. We need to take our team and go back to the fundamentals (being strong with the ball, passing, dribbling, rebounding, shooting free throws). I know that we can shoot the ball and get up and down the court. What we have to do now is get better at the little things that make a good basketball team great. Wednesday, Jan. 7 — 6 p.m. I am sitting in the Shorewood Elementary School gym watching my six-year-old son, Drew, run around and play soccer on a tile floor. I could compare it to playing soccer on an ice rink, but it looks like all the kids are having a great time. We got better today in practice; however, sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back. It was one of our better practices of the year and the guys were really focused on the basketball skills we are working on. It always makes a coach or teacher feel proud when he realizes his students are getting the material being taught. I am off with Drew, his best buddy, Joe Clark, and his dad, Randy, to watch the Badger game. Since Mya is at a preschool board meeting, we have the best babysitter in the world looking after Emma tonight (thanks L.M.). Finding good babysitters is like having a good free throw shooter — you are extremely happy but don’t want anyone to know. From a basketball standpoint, you want to keep that a secret so your opponent will foul them. From a babysitter standpoint, you don’t want anyone to steal her for the same night you want to go out. That is why I am protecting her identity — L.M., tell your dad I am willing to help him with his jump shot anytime! Thursday, Jan. 8 — 6:25 p.m. I am trying to finish up my team’s individual goals. I want to sit down with each kid and let him know where he stands on the team. We are one game away from the halfway mark of the season and this is the time that I always try to communicate with my team about their roles. Every player is important and has a role on the team; when players don’t know what is expected of them, they can tear apart a team by not working well together as a cohesive group. The team is off to eat a pasta dinner at the Fruhling house and get ready to play our next door neighbor — Middleton. It is always an interesting week of preparation when we play Middleton and their dribble drive offense. Friday, Jan. 9 — 11:30 p.m. We beat Middleton 74-51 and I was pleased with the effort. We brought the players back to school after the game, fed them, and went through the St. Louis Lafayette scout. I then sent them home and gave them an 11 p.m. curfew. Everyone called in and I am now packing for the trip to St. Louis tomorrow morning. We are leaving school at 7:00 a.m. and have a game at 6:15 p.m. in Highland, Illinois. I am excited because this is the first road trip that Drew will be making with the team — he can’t wait. Saturday, Jan. 10 — 9 a.m. We have been driving for a couple of hours and the roads have some blowing snow and ice, but it looks as though they have begun to clear. We are in the great hands of bus driver, Teddy Lubick, so I have no worries. We just realized that Jeremy Schlitz (sophomore coach) forgot all of his clothes at Memorial in his car. Being the logistical manager of our road trips, I am sure he has some sort of contingency plan built into the schedule! The players have been eating and watching movies on the bus. I think Drew is in heaven spending all of this time with the players — they are really wonderful with him. Saturday, Jan. 10 — 1:30 p.m. We arrived in Highland and checked into the hotel. In about an hour, we are going to have a shootaround at the middle school. Hopefully, I can work the guys out enough to make sure they are ready for the game — that was a long bus trip and their bodies need to be sharp for the game. Saturday, Jan. 10 — 4:30 p.m. The shootaround at the middle school was great. I can’t believe the wonderful facilities they have in their middle school. That gym seemed bigger than Memorial’s gym. The Highland Tournament is a wonderful experience and the host, the Optimist Club, runs a first-class event. Kevin Hemann, head of the Optimist Club, and Bill Kealey, our team host, take such good care of us and make sure that we have everything we need. Drew has a life-threatening peanut/tree nut allergy and we as a family have to deal with it everyday. Everyone at the tournament was more that accommodating to him and our entire team. Today at lunch Drew not only got to eat dinner with us, but also got to sit at the same table with Jeronne and Vander. What more could a 6-year-old boy ask for? Word on the street is that Jeremy found a dollar store and has been able to outfit himself for the game tonight. I can’t wait to see this Saturday, Jan. 10 — 9:30 p.m. We won in another close battle — 65-62. Lafayette has two big players who are both about 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds. One player, Tyler Griffey, has signed with Illinois and the other big has several offers on the table. I thought we did a nice job pressuring their guards and attacking the rim. For the most part we played hard, but the fatigue of the bus ride sure showed in the second half. I take responsibility for one big mistake — having six players on the court at the end of the first half, which earned me a technical foul. As Drew stated, “Geez dad, I thought you were a math teacher.” You would think one of my 18 coaches along on the trip would have caught that error! The Optimists are sending over 15 pizzas for the guys to eat. If they finish all of those I will be really impressed. Sunday, Jan. 11 — 9:30 a.m. It has been a pretty successful trip so far; we finished off the pizzas, beat a really good team, and Drew got to stay up until 10:30 p.m. We are now headed off to the St. Louis Arch, where we will watch a movie about its construction and take a ride to the top. This is always a fun part of the trip because the players will get a little history lesson and spend some time together off the basketball court, creating friendships and team chemistry. Sunday, Jan. 11 — 9:30 p.m. We just got home and put Drew to bed. I am surprised he is able to fall asleep after all of this excitement. I hope that I can fall asleep — too many naps on the bus. I am really proud of how my guys represented Memorial this weekend. The great thing about coaching is that there is always another game to prepare for — time to prepare for Parker.
I pen these words while sitting in 92-degree weather, watching the worst soccer I have seen in my life. Players stand flat-footed, in packs, unmoving, with no position play, passing, cutting, or moving of any planned sort. Instead, kids smash the ball with their feet as hard and wild as they can kick, then run there to do the same thing. “Defense” is piling the team’s worst kids together en masse to stand in front of the goalie box. My wife made a brilliant comment to me (shared below). But, first, to basketball…
Is today’s cry for ‘fun’ in youth sports a cover for weak coaching, and low parental expectations? Is fun today’s Loser’s Limp? where we pretend we COULD have done better, but for the fact that winning doesnt matter? By “fun” do we really mean that we want no pressure placed upon us as parents and coaches, and a guarantee that, above all else, our kid will never lose?
It may come as a shock to some, but EVERY game ever invented has had as it’s very basic, core objective to win. Every board game, every table game, every card game, every video game, and yes, every sports game, is designed to be won. But, it seems, in today’s youth basketball.
AAU is going the way of Rec League. It used to be that “fun” was spoken of in Rec League, where kids do little and are praised for it. “Everyone is a winner,” the banner said. But in the past 5 years travel basketball has gone the way of Rec League, with its same emphasis on casualness, not keeping score, occasional practices, everybody playing, and so on. AAU is now following suit, such that only the so-called “Elite teams” is where the real sport of basketball is found. Many AAU clubs now hold so-called tournaments for their own teams. As a sport, it appears to me we are pushing “competitive” ball upward to only the highest, smallest top-most part the large pyramid of youth basketball.
But, why?
Back to my wife. As we both watched the horrific soccer together, we heard the coach keep yelling out banal cheerleader-esque cliches like, “Good Hustle!” “Keep Trying!” and “Go Hard!” It was silly, even to his own standing, untrained players (who got killed in the game). My wife looked at me, and said, “From now on our daughters will play competitive sports, or nothing. This is teaching them nothing. I dont want to watch this anymore.”
Of the 100s of things required of youth coaches today, let me be among the few to say, publicly, that “making the game fun” is not one of your requirements. It is not the judge’s job to make obeying the law fun; it is not the surgeon’s job to make triple bypass surgery fun, and; it is not my job to somehow make this sport fun for your child. To be sure, none of us want Hitler as our kids’ coach. So let us quit painting this false extreme as a rallying cry for demanding “fun” above all else.
Fun is subjective; one person cannot make something fun for someone else. Consider our teenagers, for example, who define “fun” as sitting in a room with friends, texting friends who are NOT in the room. I dont get it; that is definitely not fun for me. Fun is also fleeting, fickle and impossible to define. The purpose of life is not for others to somehow guarantee your level of fun. This is true of teachers, coaches, principals, officials, and of employers. Instead of seeking fun an end of sport, I believe as coaches we should teach that fun is IN the sport. For example, working hard is fun, mastering a skill of play is fun, trying is fun, learning is fun, being part of a team is fun, practicing is fun, sweating is fun, and, yes, being pushed, made, broken down–then rebuilt better–to WIN–this is really, really fun!
Bob Knight cared nothing about fun. Neither did John Wooden. Both won 13 national championships, and raised up incredibly mature, responsible men. Instead each push incredibly hard, in very different coaching styles, to get at player perfection, high standards, personal responsibility, and above all else, team. Today, what are we about as coaches in terms of our standards of expectations and excellence in youth ball?
I am tired of watching crappy play, allowed in the name of our kids supposedly having fun.
Coaches (parents!), we are fun-ning our sport to death.
Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317-643-6042
Let me ask you a question as fellow-coach: How do we think our defense player is going to move as fast sliding sideways, as his approaching dribbling offense player is going to move sprinting toward him?
I have watched 100+ coaches teach players to shuffle side-to-side on defense. That this is somehow going to “close the door” to the basket for a penetrating offense player on the dribble. I confess, for 25-years I repeated this same mantra to my players. But why? Because I assumed every coach had to say it this way. Not a good reason.
This is now the second thing I no longer teach on Defense–to shuffle-step left and right to stop an offense player from penetrating the ball. To be sure, we should teach our defense player to position his legs wide, and square, in front of the offense player, on the hope this deters him from going around us. But after that, then what? Our human bodies are MADE to sprint forward, not to slide to the side.
Two seasons ago I began to de-emphasize shuffling, and to teach instead an inside-full leg step around method to get in front of an offense player who has gotten around us. It is difficult to explain in words, but easier to see demonstrated on the court. After a couple tries, most players get it, though still some want to revert to their old coaching, and slide.
I call it the Step-Around move.
The player on defense, if beaten to the outside, takes a full step with his inside leg in the direction of the offense player. At the same time he swings his hip and upper body around, planting that foot straight behind him in the direction where the offense player is moving, i.e., toward the basket. Then when he takes his next step, and lands it too on the floor behind him, he immediately pivots on that foot toward the offense player. This results in his body being in a solid defense position between the offense player and the basket. It also happens so quick that I have seen a number of offense players take a charge running into our defensive player.
If the offense player goes to our right, we step around with our left leg; if he goes to our left, we step around with our inside leg. Give it a try, see what you think.
P.S. In this photograph I include, you can tell the green defense player is beaten. She tried to slide her right foot over to get in front of the offense player; it did not work. So now the green player is totally beaten, with no ability to recover.
Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317-643-6042
Coaching is a learning profession. The coach who humbles himself to learn, will grow. The one who fossilizes himself around fixed points, especially of his own imagination, will not.
Here is 1 thing I no longer teach on basketball defense. First, let me say, growing up in Indiana I thought this rule was inviolable, like the 11th Commandment in the Bible. I share this with you, to ask you to think about it yourself (if you still teach this?). Also, to ask you to share something on defense that you no longer teach as a basketball coach. I almost feel like I need to apologize to Coach Bob Knight for saying this,..
Here it is. I no longer teach “Denial” of the pass to the player one-pass away from the player with the ball. I think it fair to say that every coach in America has told his players on defense, I know I have, many times, when coaching the Defense Shell Drill, “WE must do 3 things: We must Stop Penetration, We must Deny the Pass to the player one-pass away, and We must play Helpside Defense.” To paraphrase Meatloaf, “2 outta 3 aint bad,” for the first and last points are true. But the second? I dont think so. Here is why.
As a matter of logic we should never as coaches expect our players to do that which is impossible for them to do. Watch any basketball game, at any level, and you will see it is impossible to deny the pass from the player at top of key to either wing player of his choice, or vice versa. If they want to make the pass, they will make it, even if the player without the ball has to circle high above the 3-pt line to get it, or go way out on the wing for the catch. Truth is, that pass WILL be made 95% of the time. Thus it cannot be “denied.” We are creating frustration and unreasonable expectations in our players’ minds when we scream out to them, “Deny the pass!” when it simply cant be done. To deny means to prevent, stop and render impossible. It is impossible to stop the pass from being made.
More importantly, there are at least TEN (10) times where we WANT the other team to make the pass! In these instances, we should never deny it, but instead, ENCOURAGE it.
We should never Deny these passes–we should ENCOURAGE them. Why?
This is why now I teach “Stop, Steal and Sag” on Defense. The Stop means to stop penetration, while the Sag means to play helpside defense (just like we were always taught). The Steal however means that I place my best, quickest defenders (with best judgment), out on the points of our defense at the high-elbow/3-pt line area on the court (where their best players are positioned). There I teach my players to lay back far enough away from their player to entice a pass (which also helps block penetration lanes), but close enough to steal the ball once it is in the air. I teach players to read the eyes, and body language, of passers. They never lie. I also reinforce to players that as coach I will never blame them if they go for the steal, but come up short. But I will hold them accountable if they go for the ball with less than full intentionality and speed. In other words, the worst thing a player can do is kinda, sorta go for a steal, while still trying to play it “safe.” It is all-in, or nothing. We spend time in practice on how to steal a ball, and how to deflect it. But I also teach, “If you are going for the steal, I better see you flying to get it, at all costs!. For there are no half-steals in basketball.”
Again, my apologies to Coach Knight. But I think “Deny the ball” is impossible to do, is unwise to do in at least 10 instances, and in approximately 4-6 times per game we can steal it–if we read the body language well and truly throw ourselves into it.
So, what do you no longer teach on Defense that you once did as coach?
“Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317.643-6042
ALL great basketball themes are religious themes. And, they are shared in common by nearly all Creeds of the world.
I once attended a leadership program at Harvard, called “Faith & Leadership,” where 40 people from different religions and countries gathered, to share experiences as leaders. Two things struck me: 90% of us were all saying the same thing. We believe in something higher than us, who gives meaning and holds us accountable. Even communists in China believe this. And, all of us believe we are in some sort of transition in life, from one state or place to another, and we believe there is purpose in our effort, and value in our life.
So, take comfort coaches. We have a built-in common language of Faith with our players, and with their parents, and those on our coaching staff. There does not need to be a tension between who we are as a person, and what we do as a coach. We dont have to deny our beliefs, to teach X’s & O’s to others. Instead, there is great common ground between us and our players (not to mention with fans, opposing teams, and referees).
Take comfort, feel comfortable in your skin. The 1st Amendment does not mean we have to shut up about who we are, and what we hold to be true. We dont have to censor-out all the important stuff. The law only provides that we cannot force others to believe the details as we do, and it protects us, and others, for having our religious details in the first place.
I challenge you to to think of any basketball theme that does sound inherently religious. As a coach, you created your team on purpose, with players having different gifts and weaknesses, to play together, according to rules, relying on talent, training and trust in others to win. Together we will collectively celebrate in a humble, thankful spirit, achieving meaningful victory. Nothing worth having comes apart from hard work. Character matters more than point-count. Lest we abuse our power, we need whistles and officials to keep us within the confines of rules. Finally, at the end of this game (be it in AAU, travel, rec-league, school play, or Elite), a whistle is going to blow. We are going to run out of time. Then a victor will be crowned who works best with others.
So, take heart coaches, ALL GREAT BASKETBALL THEMES are religious themes shared in common by all great Creeds of the world. Can I get an Amen?
Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317.643-6042
If you’re anything like me, you’ve logged into YouTube before to search for drills for your team or an individual player. I happen to also search drills for my oldest son (even though he’s only 4). There are a ton of videos out there, how do you know which ones to use or who to follow? Don’t get caught in the flashy videos, the ones that look really cool and allow you to do outstanding things with the basketball, but don’t get you anywhere during the game. Or maybe you can get somewhere.. But you take two extra steps or carry the ball to do it.
One of my favorite drills comes from Coach Collins, and I love it for a variety of reasons. It’s “Balloon Dribbling”. I’m a fan of a tennis ball dribbling set, and we have used them in our program before. Balloon dribbling takes that to another level. It allows a higher number of reps between each “toss”. With a tennis ball, you toss it up and it comes down quickly, potentially eliminating some reps from your sets. The balloon hangs in the air longer and allows you more potential reps. In addition, when hitting the balloon you might knock it to one side or another; this forces you to relocate and square your body or “play” on the move. These are all important factors of ball-handling and the game overall.
The video also lists multiple variations to the drill (balloon size, using a fan to blow the balloon, as well as different dribbles). These variations all add to the drill as well. They put the focus on the balloon to build confidence in that dribble. I think tennis balls are a great drill, but I think balloons are a great starter drill to the tennis ball drills. I believe it’s also a scientific fact that kids LOVE balloons so this set is a great idea to build confidence, to increase ball-handling skill, and to set your players up for more complex skills down the road.
You can see more of Coach Collins’ YouTube videos by click here
All organizational failure begins, and ends, with leadership failure.
Some predict the death of high school basketball in 10-years; I believe this is definitely true in girls BB especially, and most likely true in boys hoops. To save HSB, the most important place to begin is at the top, the Athletic Director (AD). The AD must create and staff a new position, to report direct to AD, called a Development Program Director (DPD). The DPD is also matrixed to the respective girls and boys high school basketball head coaches.
The DPD is a heavy part-time job, set forth on the ECA schedule as is the case with most sports positions within a school corporation. The role of DPD is to be fully funded by the school board. The work of the DPD is 4-fold: First, to bring new kids into the sport, beginning in 3rd grade. Second, to recruit and train volunteer parent-coaches. Third, to create an area league of teams in which student-athletes play competitive, organized team ball. And, fourth, to align the sports teams generally to the style of play of the sitting head coaches. I note “generally” because the key is player development, not running systems or memorized plays. Kids need to be trained as athletes, not programmed as robots.
The greatest weakness of AAU basketball can become the greatest strength of school-based basketball—the development of player skills, which are essential to improvement and advancement in higher levels of competition in this sport. This AAU does not do, or at least, does not do well. Sadly, many school systems are failing also in this crucial piece of basketball. Yet with simple adjustments, schools can reclaim this high ground.
The challenge is to bring players into the sport, then to train them in creative ways to get them to know how to play each position on the court, in defense, in offense, in transition, in full court press situations, and on the free throw line. This starts with the philosophy to build each kid from the court-up, on how to stand, how to pivot, how to dribble, how to screen, how to play helpside defense, etc.
Schools must reclaim the mantle of being basketball development experts. If we in schools do this, we will save our school teams (and jobs). If not, we will soon lose this entire sport to private clubs, and private trainers.
The basketball DPD must continually cast his/her net broad to find, then develop, volunteer parent-coaches. I suggest USA Basketball youth coaching licensure program as a place to start, though the customer service of USAB is among the very worst. Joining Positive Coaching Alliance and National Association of Youth Sports are good ideas, as is joining solid basketball coaching websites like teachhoops.com.
The state of Indiana boasts the largest girls travel basketball program in the country. Called Indy Girls Hoops League, it may serve as an excellent model for forming a similar league in your area of the country. Teams run from 3rd-8th grades, with three levels of competition (A (best), B, C(weakest)) in each grade. All girls on an IGHL team must be from the same school corporation (to keep from recruiting players to your team from outside your school district). Games are officiated by real referees. Teams play every other Sunday, and there is a Fall League, Winter League, and Spring League (a team can play in 1, 2 or all 3 of these if they wish). Almost all teams are coached by parents.
With IGHL there are generally 2 models followed by school systems. Either the school system “owns” its IGHL teams and appoints subordinate coaches, while dishing out gym times at area schools. Or, parents do their own thing, while wearing the name of that school corporation on the kids’ jerseys. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses.
The second major requirement to save HSB is to professionalize and broaden the skill sets of subordinate middle school coaches, many of whom have been coaching the same school grade teams for many, many years. Schools must eliminate family members of coaches from becoming assistant coaches, as this is leading to a death spiral of poor quality in middle school basketball. The DPD can create a basketball curriculum across grades, based on LTAD in Canada or the work of USA Basketball. Practice plans can then be organized from the curriculum. Also, player development and mastery of skills can be recorded each year in a simple, digital format. Statistics can be kept, and videos taken of practice and/or games.
The point is to make HSB (and MSB and ESB—i.e., middle school & elementary schools) the greatest developer of basketball players in the world. If we do this, we will save high school ball. I frankly do not care if our players wish to play AAU after us; I just want them to be able to, should they so decide.
Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317.643-6042
Giving coaches something new to think about each Tuesday
Coaching Faith, w Faith
Nothing makes a public school teacher more nervous than discussions of religion. The same for a basketball coach, by extension.
This article is designed to help you as coach feel comfortable coaching players who hold religious faith. You also should feel comfortable in your own skin of belief. For the First Amendment does not require that we censor-out who we are, or what we believe. It only prohibits those in public positions from requiring others adopt their belief as true. It likewise creates a protective canopy around all of us for our religious faiths, and prevents others from discriminating against us on that basis.
Some years ago I attended a leadership program at Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, called “Faith & Leadership.” Gathered together were 40+ people from every continent and religion of the world. Two things stood out to me: 90% of the world’s 3+ Billion people believe in some sort of faith. Even communists in China believe in something higher than themselves. This means that 90% of your basketball team players possess some sort of religious faith. The same for their parents, and your coaching staff. The second point is that most religions have very much in common that can help us as a basketball coach.
For example, that we are created, according to purpose, and with different gifts, talents & abilities (plus weaknesses). This makes teamwork necessary to achieve our goals. Further, we are to enjoy the world around us, and act justly toward others. Our actions must back our words, and hard work is important toward reaching any endeavor worth obtaining. We all need rules to govern basic actions of life, while higher level principles should pull us all forward, and upward. Finally, some sort of final whistle will blow for each of us someday, at which time we will win, or lose, based on how we have lived.
I ask you: Is this really any different from a player being part of a larger team, playing hoops according to rules, and working hard with teammates to reach a higher objective than any could realize on their own? Is not this game both enjoyable as entertainment, and yet meaningful for what it does inside ourselves as we play it fully with mind, body, (and yes, soul)? Does not the final whistle blow in the end, at which time one is awarded a victor based on their committed effort and practiced skill? The game of basketball does not discriminate; we all stand before it, evenly.
Take comfort coaches, there should be no tension between who you are as a person, and what you do as a coach. There need not be a rift between what you believe and how you coach. Instead, you will find there is great commonality between you and your players, plus their parents, and your entire coaching staff (not to mention with fans, opposing teams, plus referees. Let us not try to deny, or hide, what 90% believe to be true. Instead, let us coach powerfully through it. Let us speak to our players of meaning, purpose, integrity, hard work, common effort, and fairness of play. Speak of destiny, calling, caring and passion. Speak to them of service as a team, and individual uniqueness of each person’s contribution.
ALL GREAT BASKETBALL THEMES are shared by virtually all Creeds of the World. Can I get an Amen? Terry Boesch is a teacher in Martinsville, IN (home of John Wooden), and also coaches girls basketball. Feel free to email him at terryboesch@gmail.com, or call/text at 317.643-6042
