Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Thought of the Day: July 31, 2007

"Well Begun is Half Done"

The following is an article written by former Memphis Assistant coach, Ed Schilling Jr. The artilce talks about an interesting phrase that he often uses regarding player development and fundamentals of basketball called "well begun is half done". This is a great phrase to reference to when talking about how important those "little things" are to a player's and team's fundamental improvement. The article was taken from Ed Schilling's Champions Academy website.

It’s that time of year, when summer “vacation” has come to an end. You’ve played in summer leagues, open gyms, gone to camps and AAU Tournaments as well. Summer offers a great opportunity for development. We are grateful for the opportunity we’ve had to train you and play a role in your development.
a teaching point called, “Well begun is half done.” The purpose of this teaching point is to help you understand that how you begin, most often, has a big effect on how you finish. For instance, if you start low and on balance you have a greater chance of being strong and explosive at the finish.
The same concept is true on your teams. Most great practices begin with high energy, sharp focus and team spirit. How about in games? Can you win a game after being down 20 at half time? Certainly! But, it’s a lot easier to win if you’re up 20 at half time and shooting free throws in the fourth quarter.
For most, the 2006-2007 school year has begun; the beginning of a new academic year is here. “Well begun is half done.” We want to encourage you to do every thing in your power to get off to the best start possible. Here are some tips to help:
1. Set academic goals:
a. Make them challenging, yet attainable.
b. Make short term, intermediate, and ultimate. (ie: “My first grade in this class will be…my mid-term grade will be…my final grade will be…”
c. Write your goals down in a visible place (like the front of your note book.)
d. Share your goals with someone like a parent, counselor or perhaps a teacher.
2. Be prepared for each class. Hand every thing in on time. Be neat and organized.
3. Get to know your teachers. Speak to them each day. Stay alert and maintain eye contact. Ask them at least three questions about their subject each day.
4. Study, study, study. Read, read, read. Write down questions as you study and read.
5. Dare to stand alone. Not all your friends will share your goals or your desire to achieve.

Thank you again for the opportunity to share in your development. Make the 2007-2008 year a great one, on the court and in the classroom. “Well begun is half done!”

Monday, July 30, 2007

North Carolina Secondary Break

Below is a link to Roy Williams' secondary break offense that is so highly spoken about and used at the University of North Carolina. Please click on the link to view the information (must have Adobe software to view).

http://www.fiba.com/asp_includes/download.asp?file_id=547

Thursday, July 26, 2007

URBAN MEYER ON MOTIVATION & TEAM BUILDING

Florida football coach Urban Meyer has quickly ascended up the coaching ranks after stops at Utah, Bowling Green, Notre Dame, Illinois State, Colorado State, and Ohio State.
Why has Coach Meyer been so successful? Perhaps because Meyer uses a variety of cutting edge ideas to help keep his team motivated, committed, and unified.
Here are some of the motivational methods that Meyer uses that you might be able to adapt to your team:

Leadership Committee
Because Coach Meyer ultimately wants his players to be accountable to each other and not just the coaching staff, he created the Leadership Committee. The Leadership Committee consists of six seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen - and is voted on by the team.
The Leadership Committee is in charge of representing the team, establishing team policies, being a liaison with the coaching staff, and policing academic and social issues. The committee meets regularly throughout the year with Coach Meyer and the coaching staff.
Coach Meyer says, "We are looking for the Leadership Committee to enhance team chemistry, police the team from within and exemplify what it means to be leaders, both on and off the field."

Champion's Club
The Champion's Club is an incentive program designed to reward players who excel in the classroom, offseason conditioning, and in their personal lives.
Four times a year, the Champion's Club members are treated to a steak dinner served on fine china with linen tablecloths. The players who are not in the Champion's Club get paper plates and eat potato salad and hot dogs with soggy buns. They are also in charge of cleaning up.
Meyer says, "We are not fair in our program. We reward achievement."
Player Profiles
Because effective leadership is all about building solid relationships, Coach Meyer creates Player Profiles for each of his athletes. He wants his coaching staff to know as much about the players as possible including names of girlfriends, friends, parents, majors, grade point averages, projected graduation dates, and important phone numbers.
Associate head coach Doc Holliday says, "You get so tight with your players that they can't let you down. They don't want to let you down. They're going to play for you. That's why we do all we do."

Thought of the Day: Thursday, July 26, 2007

Little Eyes Upon You

Here's a great reminder that your attitudes and actions set an example for many. You are more than just a varsity basketball player in our program, you are a role model. You are all looked upon by siblings, younger students, teammates and other members of our community. Take pride in that you are looked upon by so many and conduct yourself accordingly. Your actions have an impact on the future of our program, school district and community.

Your thoughts become your words, and your words become your actions, and your actions become habits, and habits determine your character. Always remember that CHARACTER COUNTS!

There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;

And a little boy who's dreaming
of the day he'll be like you.

You're the little fellow's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;

He will say and do, in your way
when he's grown up just like you.

There's a wide-eyed little fellow
who believes you're always right;
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example
every day in all you do;

For the little boy who's waiting
to grow up to be just like you.

- Author Unknown

Monday, July 23, 2007

Thought of the Day: Monday, July 23, 2007

Bruce Pearl on 'Pressing and Roles of Players':

"We'll press you from the minute you step off the bus! We are committed to full-court pressure. I don't need 13 guys that can shoot, I don't need 13 great ball-handlers or great rebounders or great defenders. But, put those pieces of the puzzle together and I think that's how you have a great team."

"GAME-LONG, season-long, our team is going to run a press. That's the identity of our team. Everyone knows that we run a press, and our whole program believes in the system. We've found, as have several other championship teams, that you can extend the floor defensively with full-court pressure and still get back in time to protect the basket.
Few things in this game can be controlled by a coach, but tempo is one of them."


WHY PRESS?:
-Exhausting Your Opponent
-Aggressive Play
-Disruption Of Offense
-Different Style
-Come-Back Ability
-Score In Bunches
-Creates Turnovers "In The Red Zone"
-Builds Chemistry

Friday, July 20, 2007

Thought of the Day - Friday, July 20, 2007



"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot...and missed! I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And, that is why I succeed! -Michael Jordan #23

Wednesday, July 18, 2007


Enthusiasm

“Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do.”

Enthusiasm cannot be learned, coached or taught. You don’t get enthusiasm from reading about it in a book or by listening to people talk about it.

Enthusiasm comes from somewhere that is much deeper than the surface. It comes from your heart. It comes from having a passion and desire for something. That “something” can be a job, a profession, a person, an object, a goal or commitment, an objective. You can have enthusiasm for anything…education, sports, religion, or love. It’s having the passion and drive to achieve at a higher level of success, wanting something more and not settling for ordinary. Enthusiasm is the fuel that ignites people to achieve greatness.

Enthusiasm is shared through passion. A passion for what we are doing. A passion for each other, and a passion for success.

Enthusiasm is not just shared through actions. It can be shared through laughter or communication. It can be shared by leading. It can be shared through wanting to achieve a common goal.

Enthusiasm can be contagious, and when it is shared with others collectively, it builds toghetherness and unity.

Enthusiasm is having fun!

- Coach Manippo
The Comfort Zone - Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

Tips for the Point Guard

A. Mental Attitude and Approach, Communication
Be a leader.
Be an intelligent player.
Be a communicator.
Be a floor coach; the team will follow your example
Be confident.
Be unselfish, bring out the best of your teammates.
Be a promoter; promote team spirit and unity.
Support and commit to the goals and philosophies of the team
“Play hard, Play smart and Play together.”

B. Defensive Attitude and Approach
Set the intensity level on defense.
Be aggressive - avoid fouling.
Commit to pressure on ball.
Commit to denying every pass - 1 pass away.
Keep the ball out of the middle of the floor.

C. Offensive Attitude and Approach
Set the tempo on offense- know when to break and when to pull it out.
Know every position on offense.
Court balance.
Be an offensive threat- always catch the ball in Triple-threat position.
Handle the ball with confidence- keep your head up.
Make the easy pass- don’t telegraph your passes.
Read the defense- see the mismatches or openings in the defense.
Outlet Pass - call for the ball quickly - yell "OUTLET" - above foul line extended.
Always get back on Defense to prevent fast breaks.

D. Making the Entry Pass
Pass to the low post from below the foul line extended. Above this line, creates a bad
passing angle.
Make quick, sharp passes. No floaters- Fake a pass and make another.
Bounce passes to the low-post.

H. Know the game situation
Know the game, score, clock.
Know how many time-outs your team has.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game!

Shooting Workout for Perimeter and Post Players

Shooting Program for Guards

Length of time: Apporx. 90 minutes

Form Shooting: use only one hand and focus on technique (elbow straight, release, follow-thru…); stand approx 2-3 ft. under the rim.
10 from each spot (right side, center, left side) = 30 total

“Mikan Drill”: Rotate side to side, while keeping the ball above your eyes = 40 total
Regular Mikan – 20 shots
Reverse Mikan – 20 shots

“Spin & Catch” Jumpers: spin, catch and shoot (no dribbles); approx. 10-15 ft. range
*** Be sure to square your shoulders and feet to the basket before shooting, this should be done by using a jump stop.
10 from each spot (short corners, left elbow, right elbow) = 40 total
Free Throws: 15 total

“One Bounce” Jumpers: spin & catch with one dribble; 5 shots from left and right wings; 10-15 ft. range = 30 total
Spin, catch & shot fake – body stays low, ball comes above the eyes
Spin, catch, Jab & Go
Spin, catch & rip thru
Free Throws: 15 total

“Around the World” Jumpers: shoot 5 shots from each of the 5 spots (left corner, left wing, top of key, right wing, right corner) = 25 total
Optional – shoot 3-pt. shot instead of mid-range jumpers
Free Throws: 10 total

“Around the World” Pull-up Jumpers: same as above, but with one dribble pull-up from each of the five spots = 25 total

“1 on 1 Dribble Moves”: execute each dribble move and finish with a jump stop and lay-up at the rim; execute each move from left and right wings = 30 total
“Hesitation” dribble – sell it with your shoulders
“In & Out” dribble –hand must stay on top of the ball
“Cross-over” dribble (between legs is optional) – ball must stay below your knees

Reverse lay-ups: drive baseline and shoot 5 from each side = 10 total
Free Throws: 10 total




Shooting Program for Post Players

Length of time: Apporx. 90 minutes

Form Shooting: use only one hand and focus on technique (elbow straight, release, follow-thru…); stand approx 2-3 ft. under the rim.
10 from each spot (right side, center, left side) = 30 total

“Mikan Drill”: Rotate side to side, while keeping the ball above your eyes = 40 total
Regular Mikan – 20 shots
Reverse Mikan – 20 shots

Free Throws: 15 total
Drop Step Moves: 5 shots with ea. move from left and right low blocks = 40 total
Out-side drop step with power dribble & shot fake
In-side drop step with power dribble & jump hook
Inside fake with outside drop step
Outside fake with inside jump hook
Free Throws: 15 total
“Catch & Face” Moves: 5 shots with ea. move from left and right short corners = 40 total
Spin, catch & face (reverse pivot), jumper
Spin, catch & face (reverse pivot), shot fake and drive (one dribble)
Spin, catch & face (reverse pivot), shot fake and reverse lay-up
Spin, catch & face (reverse pivot), jab and jumper
*** always use a jump stop when finishing at the rim
*** when finishing with a lay-up, you want to finish with the opposite hand. For example, if you drive from the right elbow, you should finish with the left hand. If you drive from the left elbow, you should finish with the right hand.

Free Throws: 10 total
“Flash Cut” Jumpers: 5 shots with ea. move from left and right elbows = 40 total
Spin, flash (from opposite low block), catch & face, jumper
Spin, flash (from opposite low block), catch & face, lay-up
*** always use a jump stop when finishing at the rim
*** when finishing with a lay-up, you want to finish with the opposite hand. For example, if you drive from the right elbow, you should finish with the left hand. If you drive from the left elbow, you should finish with the right hand.

“Mikan” Drill: 20 regular; 20 reversed = 40 total
Free Throws: 10 total