Coaching the Coach

Another Vote For Youth Fundamentals

2007-09-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share a great post on why fundamentals are much more important than winning in youth basketball. This comes from the Yahoo Groups, "coaching basketball" group:

"I am going to have to disagree with him a lot. The ONLY thing that is important at that age is FUNDAMENTALS. .. no one cares if you win...... (maybe the coach and parents) but if they can't play at the next level because of the lack of proper fundamentals. .. what have you gained?

Corey has listed a lot of the things that need to be taught to these kids.... If you lose every game and when these kids go to high school and make the team... that is where you get your thanks. I have seen many "all stars" come into high school only to go into the tank because of poor fundamentals. ..... "

Date Announced for Next "Path to College Coaching" Teleseminar

2007-09-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

The next offering of the popular "Path to College Coaching" Teleseminar will be:

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

8:00-9:30 pm, CST

Class Size is LIMITED......contact me now if you plan to join me!

EMAIL me at ........rb@coachrb.com

Benefits of this Teleseminar:

--This will be your spring board to getting on the right path.

--Notes and valuable resources will be provided.

--Division I coaches will call in and add to the program "Live."

--The 7 Keys to Becoming a College Coach are discussed in detail.

--You will find this special information here and only here. "The Path" is the ONLY program of its kind in the basketball world.

CD's Selling Quickly to Future College Coaches

2007-09-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

The interest in my teleseminar "The Path to College Coaching" has resulted in many CD's of the program flying off the shelves.

I created this CD for those coaches who cannot make our "LIVE" teleseminars on the phone. It is a good way to get the information you need, including the "7 Keys to Becoming a College Coach."

To get your personal copy on CD, email me at rb@coachrb.com!

Why Pressing Hurts Progress of Youth Players

2007-09-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

An issue that must be addressed is pressing full or half court at the youth level. There is no question, regardless of your opinion on the subject, that scrapping basic defensive principles for the sake of pressing is ridiculous!

Are we teaching kids HOW TO PLAY or just HOW TO WIN?

Unfortunately our youth game has become a "how do we win" mentality. This short-sided mindset is killing our game at the most vulnerable level. No wonder we can't beat the world's teams in foreign competitions!

To strengthen this view, I'd adding a comment below made recently in the Yahoo Groups "coachingbasketball" discussion group!

Way to go COREY!

"I'd press those teams too if I only cared about winning and not teaching basketball. The reason pressing works so well at that age is that kids don't have the fundamentals of dribbling or passing to break a press. The chances of those teams actually being any good at pressing is slim to none (just a guess). TO be honest...I'd spend tons of time with my team doing ball handling, dribbling and passing drills. You can teach them all the press breakers you want but none will work if your team can't pass or dribble. To be honest...my varsity girls team spends 10 minutes every day doing dribbling drills (min). But I know when we get in a game everyone of them could dribble or pass out of trouble. But if you want I could give you my press breaker...it works fine against full or half court pressing. For man...clear out and let your best dribbler go against their defender."

Corey

Follow Up Comment on Haluska's Pre-Draft Workouts

2007-09-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of coaches are involved in the Yahoo Groups "coachingbasketball" discussion group. I would encourage any coach to become involved. There are topic from A to Z represented, and the feedback to questions or problems is very good. It is a positive, empowering community of basketball coaches.
I wanted to share a follow up comment made by a coach recently. After reading my previous entry on Adam Haluska's Pre-Draft workouts, one coach said:

This article tells it like it is! At the youth levels we need to be more concerned about the fundamentals than the Ws and Ls. Pretty simple philosophy.

Ken

That comment really hit it on the head! Thanks Ken.

For more basketball coaching resources, visit http://www.coachrb.com/ and join the newsletter list also.

Insight on NBA Pre-Draft Workouts

2007-08-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Adam Haluska, the Big Ten's leading scorer from last season. Drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Hornets, Adam shared with me some insight into what the pre-draft workouts were like.

In hearing him describe the drills and focus of each workout, I reflected on the fundamentals of the game that 6, 8, and 10 years olds are missing out on. If it's good enough for the NBA and the best players in the world, it surely needs to be a staple in youth basketball in every gym in America.

Adam worked out in for clubs such as New Orleans, Phoenix, and Dallas.

The drills revolved around offense and included:

1. One-on-one competition. All positions and sizes competed together, playing from the wings and the top of the key.

2. Moves off the dribble. Moves such as the crossover, hesitation, double crossover, and the step back move were used.

3. 2-on-2. Can you imagine 2 highly prized draft picks joining together for a game of 2-on-2. This is what I would like to see in every school yard across the country. 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 are great ways to play and learn the game correctly. There must be something to it if NBA GM's and coaches stand around and watch four guys play two-on-two for a half hour, huh?

4. Shooting. Tons of shooting drills were part of each workout. Shooting open three's, shooting off the dribble, pull up jumpers, shooting off screens, and shooting with the aid of a dribble move such as the crossover or step back. These drills are competitive, so the pressure is on the player to make shots. That's one big focus for all clubs is to draft guys that can make shots, and make them consistently.

When asked if any of the drills or techniques taught were new or complicated to him, he said no. In fact each drill was very fundamental in nature. When he played in the Los Angeles NBA summer league, the Hornets staff put them through some rigorous drills and conditioning. The drill and teaching segments of practice during this two month period were very simple and fundmentally based.

It was refreshing to know that the basics of the game are being taught to the great players and draft picks in NBA camps. Somehow over the years we got it backwards! Youth basketball, especially those that coach youth basketball need to pay attention to the message in this post and re-examine their philosophy and emphasis or lack of emphasis on the key elements of the game that are still highly treasured at the game's highest level, the NBA.

Visit www.coachrb.com for the latest coaching articles, trends, and news.

Amazing CD Now Available at CoachRB

2007-08-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about the buzz that has been created with my "Path to College Coaching" program. The high demand makes it necessary to make available the CD of the live, interactive teleseminar. This 80 minute presentation will share unvaluable information for those that desire coaching at the college level, but have been unable to join my "Live" teleseminar.

The entire program is much more, but I wanted to offer this to those eager coaches that want to get their foot in the door. There is priceless information on this CD:

--Gives you a direction for forward movement toward your goal........

--The 7 Keys to Becoming a College Coach.

--Live advice from current college coaches.

--Information on networking, the key to gaining a college coaching job.

--The CD comes from the only program like it in the country, and is the culmination of 25 years of experience in the game.

--Learn quickly what others have taken years accumulate. This speeds up YOUR path to College Coaching!

Email me at rb@coachrb.com for more information. It is my passion to help you reach your goal!

POST SOLITAIRE Adds Variety to Your Practices

2007-08-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

The most celebrated camp program in the country is 5-Star Basketball camps. One of it's most popular clinicians is John Pigatti, the head coach at South Suburban College in Chicago. His previous experience of 18 years in Div. I coaching includes positions at St. Francis (PA), Kent State, Akron, Texas A & M, Creighton, and Western Michigan.

Coach Pigatti's famous "Post Solitaire" is a great way to add variety to your practice and individual workouts. This is applicable for youth basketball, high school players, and beyond.

No one can stir up a group of campers like John does at 5-Star. Take and look and consider adding it to your program.

POST SOLITAIRE

Start on the RIGHT WING: Five basic shots. (Roll the ball out to yourself)
1. Lead drive
2. Crossover drive
3. Lead jump shot
4. Crossover jump shot
5. Catch and shoot jump shot
Defend the right wing: Deny, help, recover, root out in the post, hedge the screen and recover for the steal.
Post Moves: Drop step & jump hook (1 time off each shoulder)

TOP OF THE KEY: Five basic shots. (Roll the ball out to yourself)
1 Lead drive
2 Crossover drive
3 Lead jump shot
4 Crossover jump shot
5 Catch and shoot jump shot
Defend the man one-on-one, two slides right and two slides left with a block out at the end of each shot. (do this twice)
Post moves: Turnarounds up, and under (2 times off each shoulder)

LEFT WING: Five-basic shots. (Roll the ball out to yourself)
1 Lead drive
2 Crossover drive
3 Lead jump shot
4 Crossover jump shot
5 Catch and shoot jump shot
Defend the left wing: deny, help, recover, root out in the post, hedge the screen and recover for the steal.
Post moves: Dribble drop step to middle, dribble drop jump hook (twice each)
REBOUNDING: Tap the ball ten times on both the right and left sides of the backboard, and then on the tenth tap put the ball in the basket.
FREE THROWS: Make two free throws at the end of the game.
THEN REPEAT SOLITAIRE (PLAY THE GAME 5 TIMES)

For more information on John Pigatti's coaching, email me at rb@coachrb.com or visit http://www.coachrb.com/.

RESEARCH---Baskets Come From Direct Passes

2007-08-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

One of the common themes in Bob Huggin's philosophy is examining the game. If you have heard him speak at clinics you know that he studies the game constantly for better ways to coach. This is an important trait for coaches because learning is the thread that keeps you progressing as the game evolves.

One conclusion that Coach Huggins has made from his research is that the highest percentage of baskets are scored from a direct pass. Think about your defense and think about how opponents score on you.

Does your opponent score easy baskets in transition, from one-on-one moves, or from direct passes? What do these results say about your defense? Take some time to look at game tape and evaluate this topic. The results may force you to look at your defense and make some positive and productive changes. If it's good enough for Bob Huggins, you can benefit from a little research too!

COACHES---Let's Follow the ABC's of Teaching Basketball

2007-08-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a clinic presentation, Indiana Hoosier coach Kelvin Sampson summed up the philosophy of teaching the game that we are missing today. This simplistic approach to the ABC approach to teaching applies to coaching ALL players at ALL levels. Here's what he had to say:

"Anything that you want your team to be good at….drill it! Understand the ABC method of teaching. Don’t ever, ever go to B, unless you’re really good at A."

Don’t look at your calendar and say, “You know, we’ve got to get moving, we haven’t covered this yet.” Don’t go to C, until you’re really good at A and B.

Focus on being good at something. If you try to be good at a lot of things, you wind up being good at nothing.

GREAT ADVICE TO ALL OF US FROM ONE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL'S BEST COACHES!

Check out http://www.coachrb.com/ for more Free Resources for all coaches.

CoachRB Becomes #1 Basketball Author

2007-08-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Of the 62,815 writers on the massive http://www.ezinearticles.com/ web site, CoachRB has become its #1 Basketball author.

With 68 basketball-specific articles listed, CoachRB ranks first out of the 149 basketball writers on this site.

Go to http://www.coachrb.com/ and check out all of these articles and other free resources.

CoachRB is for you, the basketball coach!

Let me know how I can help enhance your coaching, your staff, and your program.

Our Game Going the Way of the Bengal Tiger

2007-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I heard that in 1900 there were over 40,000 Bengal Tigers in existence. The awesome power and beauty of the king of the food chain is now in danger of extinction, with only 2,500 left.

When I heard these stats it reminded me of the direction of youth basketball, especially within the last 15 years. The game used to be taught by men of great love for the game, commited to a strict menu of fundamentals and knowledge that was the standard. Over the years, the deterioration of the integrity of the game has landed us where we are today; SAD SHAPE.

Will youth basketball go the way of the Bengal Tiger?

You say no way, huh...........tell me why not?

What specific changes will take place over the next 5 years that will stop the downward slide of mediocrity?

When will we stand up as a profession and take ownership of this massive problem. A problem that has infiltrated the youth and those representing the US in world competition.

Please send me your views on how we can bring the game back to the health of its former day.

Send your comments to me at rb@coachrb.com

Please visit my website for tons of free resources for basketball coaches at http://www.coachrb.com/.

Pistol Pete's Act Will Never Be Repeated

2007-07-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Every era has a small group of players that take the country by storm. Their style, skill, or passion for championships mark these special players. Pete Maravich was one of those rare players that combined the uncanny ability to score from everywhere on the floor night in and night out! There will never be another Pistol Pete!

Read the rest of the story at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Pistol-Petes-Act-Will-Never-Be-Repeated&id=659550

The Perks of Writing for Championship Productions

2007-07-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

One of my ongoing projects puts me in front of the latest basketball DVD's. My job is to review each presentation and write an ad for the product that highlights the key elements of the DVD. What a job for a hoop junkie, huh?

Today I'm watching a bunch of new, upcoming products. DVD's by Ben Braun, Billy Gillespie, John Brady, Seth Greenberg, Steve Smith, and Lorenzo Romar sit on my desk. These will soon be available for purchase through Championship Productions, the world leader in sports instructional books, video and DVD's.

This is worthy of mention for this reason. I'm constantly amazed at how consistently I hear these great coaches say, "This is an easy game that coaches tend to make complicated."

The game of basketball has an endless supply of philosophy, drills, schemes, and plays. Like music where no two songs are ever the same, the game can be presented in a million different ways. This is what makes it a great game!

I challenge you to look at your system and ask yourself these questions:

--Do I teach a simple game or a complicated game, from a coaching standpoint?

--Do I teach a simple game or a complicated game, from my players standpoint?

--Is my philosophy written down in detail, down to the last reverse pivot? If not, why not?

--How many drills do I teach and do I teach too many or not enough?

--Can I teach a skill with two drills instead of 11 different ones?

--Can you explain the game of basketball so simply that a foreigner, having never seen a game, could clearly understand?

--Could your assistant coaches verbally mirror your philosophy, terminology and X and O catalog?

--Is it really a simple game or not?

--Are you organized in terms of basketball information? In other words, could you find those great baseline out of bounds plays you wrote down at a clinic four years ago? (More on this later.....I'm a huge believer in being an "organized coach.")

--Do you have a mentor or someone who will directly challange your thinking in terms of the game and your lifestyle? If the answer is no, how do you spot your weaknesses, insecurities, and flawed thinking?

That is a lot to think about, but each question represents key components to you becoming the best coach you can be.

If you would like to answer some of these questions and send them to me, I would love it. I promise that I will read each one and return my feedback to you. If you can honestly answer each of these questions, you are on your way to becoming a GREAT coach.

The ultimate goal is to present a solid philosophy in a way that young players can "see it"and "understand it". More importantly, by understanding what you are teaching, they will be able to "execute it" in practice and later in the game! That's what coaching is all about!

Why the USA has Fallen Behind in Basketball Supremacy

2007-07-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

The comment I hear all of the time is "what happened to the USA in basketball." Even the uninterested basketball fan knows that America has slipped quickly in the world basketball race.

Why is a good question because most people just don't get it.

The answer is simple, yet I could write about this topic for days. The plain truth is that the European coaches are doing a better job than our coaches. When I say our coaches, I include myself in that group. We have been out-coached in a vital area of the game.

Fundamentals! These fundamental skills of passing, catching, shooting, rebounding and playing together as a team came from the early days of James Naismith and the peach basket. Ok, so what's the problem, you say.

The problem is that the Europeans NEVER got ahead of themselves and NEVER put an individual above the team. They stayed committed to fundamental skills and drills. They call it training sessions while we call it practice. Our misfortune is that we often "practice" parts of the game that require mastery of the games' fundamentals. We go too fast and attempt to teach "the whole game", as we fail to adequately develop player skill and knowledge along the way.

When 4th graders cannot pass from point A to point B successfully, the needed skills of timing, passing, and catching have not yet developed. This is natural for 4th graders. The mistake lies in coaches that do not spend the needed time to develop these simple skills. The inpatient coach spends time on fundamental skills BUT does not commit to the mastery of each skill. What happens next is a simple check next to passing and catching on the practice plan. "Well let's see, we've been in this drill for 5 minutes, let's move on to something else. Let's work on our diamond press or amoeba defense." Too often the coach is anxious to put in plays, schemes, and presses. Are you kidding me?

During the 1990-91 season, I saw the Detroit Pistons practice under the direction of Chuck Daly. What I witnessed the day amazed me, but left me with a powerful lesson. This championship caliber team spent an hour on pass, catching and layups! Can you imagine Joe Dumars, Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman, Vinnie Johnson and Bill Laimbeer passing and catching for an hour straight. "Ok guys, now work on the bounce pass!" Well they did and I was there to witness it. I wrote down on a piece of paper, "Never sacrifice the fundamentals of the game," as I visited briefly with the legendary coach after practice. By the way, that team was 50-32 during the regular season and lost to the Chigao Bulls in the Eastern conference finals.

Here's the ULTIMATE test:

Would you turn your teenage son or daughter loose on the open highway before learning the "fundamentals" of driving?

Would you sacrifice knowledge and application of vision, pedal control, steering, speed, familiarity with the road for some fancy 2-wheel turns or a Starsky/Hutch power brake move?

The answer to both questions is no! Then tell me why we disregard the necessary fundamentals in our game of basketball for the sake of advanced skills and tactics. Coaches, we are slowly ruining the game we know and love as the European coaches have a lock on teaching the game.

I'm not sure about you, but this makes me furious. How about you?

We can talk about the Olympics and the USA head coach or player selection all we want. These things won't make the difference. The difference maker is a no-brainer. A serious, renewed commitment to teaching the game the right way, one skill at a time.

I commit to do my part from this moment forward and I hope you'll join me.

Any comments would be appreciated!

Rare "World Stage" Opportunity for University of Northern Iowa

2007-07-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team has accepted a rare opportunity to represent the United States of America at the World University Games, Aug. 7-18, in Bangkok , Thailand. In the past, college coaches have coached loaded college all-stars and had their way with the foreign competition. The USA's record in this tournament is 125-7.

"This is a tremendous honor for our men's basketball team and our university," said UNI director of athletics Rick Hartzell. "I know the organizers wanted a team of young men and coaches who would represent the USA with the greatest integrity and class. I think that is the greatest compliment that a team and its leadership can get, and for these young men to have this experience is fabulous. I have been a part of two World University Games myself, and this will be a once in a lifetime experience for our team and coaches."

At this year’s World University Games, the men’s basketball competition will begin with four games of pool play from Aug. 7-10. The championship round begins Aug. 12, with the medal games held Aug. 17-18.

UNI returns three starters from last year’s squad which finished 18-13, 9-9 in the rugged Missouri Valley Conference. Leading the way is second-team all-MVC selection Coleman, who led the team in scoring (13.1 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg).

This experience will help Ben Jacobson size up his Panther squad as they head into another competitive year in the rugged Missouri Valley Conference. All eyes will be on the USA team from Cedar Falls as they attempt to continue the USA dominance of this basketball event.

Small Things WIN Big Games

2007-07-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today I witnessed an excellent high school game between two of the state's finest programs. They played as part of the competitive Iowa State team camp. The game was close throughout as 5 points defined a huge lead. Baskets were exchanged often in the second half.

A good lesson for all of us made the difference in this game.

Twice in the last 21 seconds, the winning teams post player escaped his foe to tip in two missed free throws. Those four points were easily enough to seal the victory.

This is so important because for 31 minutes and 39 seconds, both teams poured out energy, emotion, and hard play. Both teams wanted to win. In the end, the team that made the effort won the game. Conversely, the team that did not do the little things lost in the end.

No matter how many plays we run, how many clinics we go to, or how many games we have won...........the ultimate test of endurance and success continues to be consistency in doing the little, fundamentals parts of the game. WE need each other to keep on top of our own coaching and command of the fundamentals.

Coaching friendships based on honesty and challenging conversations are needed if we are going to give our players what they deserve......our best!

Find articles, Q & A Vault, drills, and free resources for all basketball coaches at www.coachrb.com

"Coaching Plan" to improve your practices

2007-06-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Experienced coaches will tell you that games are WON in practice.

Your approach to practice will dictate the overall success and amount of enjoyment that your players experience. Like any big task, it needs to be broken down one piece at a time. In this article I will offer advice on topic areas, but will not detail each of them.

Your Coaching Plan will require some time and thought. Ask advice from others who have done some coaching. Ask them to help with ideas on how to create a plan. Just as with your job or family, a philosophy is needed as a base to everything you do. All activities, drills, and instruction should be directly related to your Coaching Plan. For example, if you choose to let all players gain the same amount of experience, you will split the playing time equally. By letting three players play the entire game would be directly against your Coaching Plan, and is a recipe for unhappy players, parents and coaches!

Check out the 5 Components of the Coaching Plan at http://www.coachrb.com/.

Or click on this link to the article, http://ezinearticles.com/?Practice-101-A-Guide-for-First-Time-Youth-Coaches&id=576493

Young Coaches Could Learn a Lot By Picking Up the Phone

2007-06-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

The question I'm asked most often is, "How do I get my foot in the door in coaching."

Most questions come from those wanting to reach the college coaching ranks.

One piece of advice come from Bob Knight, legendary Texas Tech coach.

When the "General" first got the job at West Point in 1965, he called three people.

One was his coach at Ohio State, Fred Taylor. The other two were Hall of Famers Clair Bee of long Island University and Joe Lapchick of St. John's. Once established, Pete Newell became a close personal advisor to Coach Knight.

As a young coach, my challenge to you is this: Would you pick up the phone and call Bob Knight for advice?

In my popular Teleseminar, "The Path to College Coaching," I talk about how high school coaches are often afraid to call their collegiate counterparts for advice. The excuses cover a range of topics, but I don't buy it!

Coaches need to follow the lead of top businessmen, politicians, pastors, and educators. If you want to learn, ask those who you respect that have great experiences. Chances are there is no question you could ask that they did not face at some point in their own career!

Young coaches: Get over it.......pick up the phone and call Bob Knight, Lute Olson, Jim Calhoun, Tim Floyd, Jim Boeheim, and Rick Pitino.......Bob Knight DID!

Go to www.coachrb.com to join the next Teleseminar, "The Path To College Coaching."

Sign Up For Our NEWSLETTER

2007-06-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Our Newsletter has been a huge success in a short period of time.
Don't miss out! It's free.........Pass the Word!

Features include:
*Coaching Tips
*Guest Articles
*Popular Links
*Interviews
*Statistics
*More

http://coachrb.com/resources/newletter.php

One of the Best Post Drills EVER!

2007-06-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

In my most recent Newsletter, I introduced the first of 5 drills I call "Combination Drills." The first drill, The Ultimate Post Drill, is a multi-faceted drills that combines 7 main skills needed for post defense.

Click on this link to go to the drill on my website, http://www.coachrb.com/.

http://coachrb.com/resources/xando.php

The Words Coaches Use

2007-05-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Basketball is full of terminology that sounds fancy and seems to qualify the person verbalizing these terms as a coach. This is a point worth examining if you are a coach to take inventory on the words you do use and what they really mean. Communication is probably the number one attribute that all successful coaches have making our words worth gold. Take a look at your own words as a coach and you'll be surprised at what you see.

During a drill as a high school coach I stopped the action to point out a mistake being made in screening. As I made my point, this young man became visibly frustrated. I continued on when suddenly he burst out, "I don't get it, one time you call it a pick and other times you call it a screen. Which one is it?" This became a moment of clarity for me and was a major learning success in my coaching.

One of the problems with our use of terminology as coaches is our perspective. We get so used to "knowing what we know" that we expect our players to think, talk , and act as we do. This is the #1 mistake made by young coaches in our game. When you assume your players know exactly what you are talking about, you are half beaten.

Here are a few guidelines to be challenged on in regards to using terminology:

1. Use words as if you are the player, not the coach. Come at it from the players perspective.

2. Write down your system of terminology and be consistent with their usage. Define each and apply them to an exact coaching example. For example, do you call it a pick or a screen? Is it a block out or a box out? Is it the post or the pivot?

Coach, do you have your terminology written down and described?

3. Only use terms that you know exactly what their meaning is and how it applies to teaching basketball.

4. Teach your players the terms and how they are properly used on the floor. This will enhance your communication with players immensely.

5. Let players come up with their own terminology. It will foster ownership by the players and they will respond better to a made up term like "Gonzo" than the terms you have used for years.

6. Share your terminology and the importance of it with your entire coaching staff and feeder system staff. Encourage they to know it as well as their own name!

Proper terminology and its use are the conduit to healthy communication in team sports. If nothing else, I hope this article helps you take a serious look at your own terminology and ways you can improve it for next year and the years to come.

Big Lessons Learned from Game 5, Mavs vs. Warriors

2007-05-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

One of most spirited and highly contested game in recent NBA history was played last night. In this crucial game 5, the Mavericks overcame a major threat by the Warriors to win an emotional contest. Down 3-1, the Mavs had their back to the wall in their own building and were tested to the hilt.

Maybe Charles Barkley was right and maybe he will be wrong. Only time will tell in this incredibly popular Western NBA series between the Mavs and Warriors. The end of the game produced 3 major lessons that all coaches can learn from.

Down by 21 in the first half, the Don Nelson-led Warriors, an 8th seed in the West, charged back and took the lead in the forth quarter. The comeback was fueled by great play from Baron Davis and Matt Barnes. Barnes jumped off the bench in the second half and played like a man on a mission. Davis was an offensive machine and was virtually unstoppable. The Mavs had no defensive answers for the San Franciscans. What happened late in the game when the Warriors held a 6 point lead?

Lesson #1-The Warriors beat themselves on the offensive end in the last 2:30 minutes of the game. They not only missed the last shots, but 5 of them were threes!! With a 6 point lead with a very short clock left, a team must defend and get fouled by going to the basket. Three's are great in the midst of a comeback but offensive common sense and execution must take over late in the game. Win by the three and die by the three. The Warriors Died!

Lesson #2-Dirk Nowitzki is a great offensive player, period. Though he had taken only three shots in the second half prior to the dramatic end, wouldn't you think the Mavs might go to him for big shots? He hit to major three's to cut the lead to three and eventually take the lead. What could the Warriors have done in that position? One strategy would be to put your best defender on Nowitzki and make him bounce it every time he caught the ball. This would eliminate any three's by the All-Star. Isn't this the time of the game where stars like Dirk want to take the shot? I hate bag on the former University of Iowa All-American and Basketball Hall of Fame coach, but that adjustment could have won it for the Warriors.

Lesson #3-A major lesson can be learned from the defensive adjustment on Baron Davis late in the game. The strategy, which worked perfectly by the Mavs, force the ball away from Davis. When he did catch the ball late in the game, they double teamed him making him give it up.
Essentially, the victorious Mavs took the best offensive Warrior out to the game, while Nowitzki on the other end was allowed to get good looks at the basket and make it count. Great game, great coaches, great players. I can't wait to see game 6!

Recent Consulting Trip--Augustana College, SD

2007-04-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

There are benefits to being on the sideline for me now. Instead of being directly in the line of fire, I can observe and objectively offer program inprovements in many areas. On Tuesday I made a trip to Sioux Falls, SD to visit the Viking men's basketball program at Augustana College. Tom Billeter and I broke into the college game together at the University of Arizona in 1985. He is now leading the Augie program into uncharted territory; winning seasons and overall program improvement.

Last years 16-13 season was a huge step forward and in many ways and opens the door for a program that will be pushing the top of the heap in the competitive Div. II Northern Sun conference.

Here is an itinerary of my 11 hour evaluation:

9-10 am Arrive, Visit with Tom Billeter and assistants. Tour facilities.

10-11 am Observe 50 minute post workout in the new Augie practice facility.

11-12:30 pm On floor X & O session discussing individual & team defense.

12:30-1:30 pm Lunch

1:30-3:00 pm Overview of program improvements. Strength training, camp, clinics, staff.

3:00-5:00 pm Head Coach self-improvement strategies and planning

5:00-6:30 pm Camp, marketing, structure, income potential, alternative camps/options.

6:30-8:00 pm Review of top program priorities, goals, summer projects, vision for program.

8:00 pm Return to Ames, Iowa

My follow up will be in the form of a written report of observations from the day.

It will be broken down into these categories:

1. Current program assessment

2. Areas of improvement/concern

3. Areas of strength

4. Overall program direction and focus

5. Strategies for improvement in 7 program areas.

An outside, objective observer has an easier time spotting irregularities in team or program than do those on site. The objective of these evaluations is to add awareness to important program areas to assist the staff in building a strategic plan for success.

Overall this program is under excellent leadership but will need to bolster its assistant staff to improve in key areas such as recruiting, on floor coaching, and camp development.

Things look bright at Augustana College!

What's Wrong With This Math?

2007-04-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

It is unbelievable how little leverage college basketball coaches have over their jobs.Rob Judson won 7 games this year as the head coach at Northern Illinois. As usual, the NIU Athletic Director went on a "nationwide search" and found a new coach for the Huskies. A coach was fired because he won 7 games this year.

A new coach, Ricardo Patton, was hired. His University of Colorado team won 7 games this year at Colorado.

Hey.................. Athletic Director Jim Phillips, what am I missing?

From the Chicago Tribune:New NIU hoops coach says recruiting key to program's turnaround.

Jim Phillips sifted through some 500 applications before the Northern Illinois athletic director decided on Ricardo Patton as the school's basketball coach.After whittling down the number of applicants, Phillips wound up interviewing eight candidates, each of whom had Division I head-coaching experience and had taken his respective team to the NCAA or NIT tournament.Patton, 48, who replaces Rob Judson as the Huskies' coach, spent 11 seasons as the head coach at Colorado, where he averaged nearly 17 wins per season and took the Buffaloes to six postseason berths.Upset that he did not receive a contract extension over the summer, Patton announced in October that he was leaving Colorado. This season's 7-20 record was his worst as a coach.Patton and Phillips agree the key to restoring the NIU program from the depths of its 7-23 record in 2006-07 is recruiting better talent.

Late Game Strategy -- Flow or Blow?

2007-04-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

One of my most memorable trips as the head coach at Stetson University was a flight from Orlando to San Francisco. My assistant, Jeff Rutter, and I used the lengthy trip to talk late game strategy. Surely the people sitting close to us on the plane thought we were nuts. Armed with 3-ring binders weighing about 12 pounds each, we laid out our material and went to work.
Our topic was late game strategy which has dozens of components to it. We did our best to dissect one topic after another. The problem breaking down a topic like late game is that the possibilities are endless, meaning the monster grows instead of becoming smaller. We did our best, making it a quick and enjoyable trip.

One of topics that day dealt with an end of the game scenario when one team takes possession of the ball with limited time left. This could come after a made or missed shot or free throw as well as from a turnover. We call this situation, "flow or blow". In other words, when your team takes possession of the ball with limited time left, will you call a timeout or let your team flow down the floor to get a shot on their own? Like all late game situations, this scenario must be thought out and practiced.

If you decide to blow, or call a time out, you will be able to set your strategy for a final shot. You may need to get your players settled down or give them a quick rest. Another benefit of stopping play is that you can substitute to get your best offensive players on the floor. By stopping play you will also have to successfully in-bound the ball which could result in a turnover. If the opponent is in a full court press it could take valuable time off the clock and limit your chances to score.

Some coaches like to flow in a situation like this, which also has its merits. The defense is not allowed to set up their strategy since you are bringing the ball on the fly. By being aggressive with the ball, the offense is usually in control. Many times an aggressive offensive attack will result in a foul. Unfortunately, many times the offense will take a bad shot or turn the ball over because a lack of organization.

This is one of many late game elements you should practice with your team to give them confidence. Players execute better when they know they can score in these situations due to repetitions in practice. The decision is yours, coach. Will you flow or blow?

Job Preservation - How to Keep the Coaching Job You Have

2007-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

With the increase in coaches salaries, the shelf life of their existence has shrunk. The demand for any head or assistant coaching job is high. Getting one of these jobs takes experience, timing, and a well-placed network of helpers. Once the job is secured though, the real work begins; keeping it! Learn from experienced college coaches what it takes to enhance and keep the job you have.

When Tubby Smith recently left Kentucky for Minnesota it opened the eyes of many, especially coaches. These days no coach is safe and secure in college and in many high school situations.
What can you do as a coach to strengthen your position and security as a coach? The following suggests a few ideas for you to use and incorporate into your coaching career.

1. Coaches must understand the ground rules of the job that they hold.
Too many times a coach and parents or the administration have different ideas about expectations. A coaches first task is to develop a philosophy and share it with his superiors to put both parties on the same page. A coach who is not in line with his administration is treading in deep water.

2. Define the terms success, progress, and direction of the program.
The next time a coach is fired, look for these words as they almost always are thrown out. It is imperative that these words are defined and agreed upon by all parties before moving ahead.

3. Develop a long range and short term plan for your program.
Why? People want to win and win now! Fans, alumni, and administrators are very impatient when it comes to winning. Many of them do not understand the difference between present progress and long term vision for the program. Everyone wants to win in today's sports arena and this has made a coach's job much more difficult.

4. Self-Improvement Program for coaches.
As a coach, you must be on a consistent self-improvement track. You cannot afford to stand still in terms of new trends in the game and changing player personalities. This cannot be done by just going to clinics. This is where coaches miss the boat. I recommend that you take courses in communication and player-coach relational skills. Coaching is teaching, and teaching is about relating to players in terms of what you want them to execute on the floor.

5. Develop excitement in your program so players buy in.
I believe that another mistake by coaches is assuming that everyone will fall in line with the program without effort. This is short sighted thinking. You coach a dozen different people and personalities. The art of coaching and teaching is to reach all of your players as you build a team concept. Look at your program and philosophy from the outside/in and you may discover some interesting things. Be flexible, willing to change, listen to players, and help them get excited about playing basketball.

6. Coaches need a "Plan B".
Forever I have been amazed at how coaches think they can coach forever. This firm belief is to the point where they have no idea what other kind of job they would do. This is a scary thought! Do you think this way too? You must prepare for the future to protect you and your family. In today's climate, a person will have eight different jobs in a lifetime. Based on a changing world, you will not coach "forever" as coaches once thought. You must develop a Plan B and a tool for an additional income stream.

Coach, do you have a Mentor?...........you should!

2007-04-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Professionals from every segment of the work force have utilized mentors as a way to enhance their work. Productivity, energy, clarity, creativity, success, and income are just a few of the benefits of having your own mentor. The term "coach" previously was linked only to the athletic arena. Now, the hottest trend is partnering with a coach to reach impressive levels of achievement and success. Sports coaches are just beginning to realize the power behind having their own coach.

For years the coaching profession was made up of guys who were just "Ball Coaches". The game was simple, based on repetition and fundamentals. Very few bells and whistles were allowed into the gym. Kids were respectful and enjoyable to coach. I respected and somewhat feared the coaches and teachers in my education experience. By 2007 that has all changed.

Technology has shrunk the world as Michael Jordan has changed the game. Many things are different today including the game, the money, and the players. Junior high and high school players have changed a great deal physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is a different game, played by different players, by coaches just trying to stay ahead of the game.

When advances are made rapidly and the teaching load is stifling, many coaches run near empty. So focused on their job, they do not find a healthy balance between work, home and family. This has happened in education and business, as CEO's scramble to meet the bottom line just as basketball coaches sell their soul just to give their team a chance to win. What is the coach to do with all of these challenges and stresses.

Coaching, the off-court kind, has become one of the new powerful trends in the world of self- development. Coaching is a one-on-one mentoring environment that has produced great results for business leaders and CEO's.

Over the past few years, coaches have begun to access this partnership as a way to increase results, gain a vision of their career, and plan for the future. The time is here for basketball coaches. In the past, coaches would use their staff or other coaches to gain the balance and vision needed for productive coaching. The "Coaches Coach" is not a valuable asset that many coaches around the country are leaning on and the results have been amazing.

Stay tuned to future articles that will deal with exactly what coaching looks like, the benefits, and how you can access this powerful tool in the world today. With an open mind, any coach can benefit from the guidance of a personal coach because we all need feedback, direction, and direction. Coaches are simply amazed at the results they are gaining by using a coach. Join the newest trend in basketball and the field of coaching.

Hey Coach, Why Can't I Shoot?

2007-04-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Youth sports are organized for all kids to play an equal amount of time. This innocent period is represented by the "winning isn't important" motto. All kids participate and learn as they play. Little thought is given to who shoots, who rebounds, or who gets to play the point guard position. Unfortunately this period of time is short lived.

Read the entire article, http://ezinearticles.com/?Hey-Coach,-Why-Cant-I-Shoot?&id=521821

Dana Altman's Humility

2007-04-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Humility is a great characteristic for any coach to have. Knowing who you are at a true, gut level will help you make a lot of good decisions in your life. Coaching decisions are no different.
Altman recently accepted the Head Coaching position at the University of Arkansas, only to change his mind and return to a place that loves him, Creighton University. Altman now says that he will finish his career at the Omaha school.

This comes from today's Des Moines Register:
A contrite Dana Altman, who left Arkansas after one day, vowed to finish his career at Creighton.
"This is home," Altman, 48, said. "My ego and money affected my decision."
He said family, friends and relationships were more important.

Just Another Guy Who Never Called a Timeout................

2007-04-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

This comes from today's Amico Report, an NBA newsletter.
It caught my eye.

According to this, Thad Matta and Billy Donovan call time outs because they are egomaniacs.

Interesting spin on things, isn't it?

I wonder if the reason for the time outs that Tim Floyd, Jim Calhoun, Lute Olson, Tom Billeter, John Pigatti, Mark Few, Orv Salmon, Tom Izzo, and Bo Ryan don't have to do with maybe:

Settle their team down

To stop the bleeding of another run by the opponent

To make a point to an individual or the team as a whole

Set up a quick hitter to allow a two-for-one offensive situation at the end of the half.

Make defensive adjustments

Make a key substitution due to fouls, poor play, or match-ups

Amico Report--April 5, 2007
TIMEOUT FOR COLLEGE FRUSTRATIONS

Why is it that every time I watch college basketball I feel like kicking in the television set?
Could it be because every time the game gets good -- TIMEOUT!
Could it be because every time a coach sees something he doesn’t like, he refuses to let his team play through it. Instead -- TIMEOUT!
There are TIMEOUTS for commercials, TIMEOUTS so referees can watch replays, TIMEOUTS so coaches can show how much they know.
Sometimes, the game will return from a television TIMEOUT for ONE play, and then -- TIMEOUT!
How are players expected to ever get into a rhythm? How are fans supposed to actually enjoy the game? How can anyone think big-time college basketball is about anything more than the bottom dollar and egomaniacs pacing the sidelines?

Sets vs. Motion? What is YOUR Offensive Philosophy?

2007-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how many coaches I talk with that cannot answer this question. They want to feel like they are proficient at both and do a masterful job at mixing motion concepts with set plays.
Coaches, REMEMBER, you are good at what you EMPHASIZE.
What you practice and what you emphasize are worlds apart and this discussion about your offensive style and preferences is worth delving into.

Personally, I've always felt that motion was the purest, most unpredictable, way to score baskets. This is due to the quality of my mentors in the game also. When you see Lute Olson, Gary Garner, Joby Wright, Kevin O'Neill, and Dan Hipsher teach true motion there is no turning back. Though I see both sides of the coin, I will always prefer motion offense. I hired an assistant once, Scott Schreffler, because I had coached against him and loved the fact that he was so hard to guard. His development as a player for Jim Crews at Evansville was a huge benefit to our staff and my continued motion "learning curve".

I have many motion resources and am always glad to share them with other interested coaches. Contact me through my web site at www.coachrb.com if you would like to learn more about the game's purest offensive approach.

Recently I wrote two articles that may provide insight into the Sets vs. Motion debate. Check them both out at http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Brown.

By the way, as of this writing, the Motion article has been hit 82 times as compared to 78 hits on the Sets article. Remember Mac, you can only vote once!

A Coaches Question---Penetration and Finishing at the Rim

2007-03-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I received an email from a coach asking this question: Can you tell me what my guards should do before and during penetration and how they should finish at the rim? As I prepared to answer the question it made sense to me what this coach really wanted to know. Like any other skill in basketball there are a series of skills that proceed the end result. Let's take a look at the secrets to scoring at the rim. In this article we will analyze what happens before and during penetration to the rim.
There are a lot of elements to consider as you break down this skill. There is an art to scoring off the dribble, as opposed to the coach who tells his players to simply "get to the rim".

Before
1. The number one thing is to clear your defender. Of course, there are a multitude of ways to do this. 2. Knowing that you are on a clear or open side plays into the players thinking also. He SEES that the drive to the basket is possible.

During
1. Once by the defender, the ball handler needs to quickly survey the floor. Good teams will not let you just go by and get to the trim. They will have levels of help in place. By survey, I mean visually check out the floor for a path the basket OR passing opportunities.
2. I have always taught the Stride Stop as a way for the dribbler to be in control but strong with the ball at the same time. This is where a lot of kids miss out. They are convinced they are driving it all the way to the hoop, eliminating any assist possibilities. Many players, at this time, jump in the air to make a play. The stride stop is a controlled jump stop & pivot at the deepest point of penetration. It allows for control, balance, good decision making, a shot possibility and a pass opportunity.
3. If there is a clear path to the rim, the ball should be taken to the rim in the strongest method possible. Some players can take it up strong off one foot. Others need to jump stop then go up and finish.

Finishing at the Rim

1. Strength is the key. Protecting the ball as they go up with the ball. Use the term, "Take the defender up with you." In other words, they key is to not let the defenders contact to STOP your momentum to the rim.
2. Concentration is crucial. Most players concentrate on the impending contact rather than the rim. When this happens, the contact becomes the focus, not making the shot.
3. Use of a blocking dummy and mock defenders is good because it simulates contact at the rim.
4. Terms I have used over the years:
a. Finish at the rim--meaning they should release the ball as close to the rim as possible. Makes sense that the less the ball has to travel, the better chance you have to make it.
b. Play THROUGH the contact.
c. Take the defender up with you.
d. Expect contact--how many times have you seen a player get fouled or hit hard and act like they had NO IDEA there was going to be any contact around the basket. This is a mindset you can help your players develop. I use the term, "Take on the contact".

A key in all of this is the ability for players to make DECISIONS---why? Because getting by the defender is not a licence to get all the way to the basket. It just means they beat the first line of defense. A lay up or power shot is possible, but so is a pass or pull up jumper (the mid-range game). This gives players three options after beating a defender, not just one.

I Love to Coach

2007-03-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

In my initial entry I want to express my love for coaching. Yes, I’ve coached hundreds of people throughtout my career, though basketball has been my specialty. A recent revelation has been that I have the ability to impact others just by caring for them. Life is traveling a Path to a way of life you truly desire. Are you content with the journey down your personal path?
Off Court coaching is the title of this blog for a reason. After stepping away from college basketball coaching after 23 years, I now roam the “off court” areas of life. My passion for the game has not dissapated once ounce, though it’s a different lifestyle that my family and I desire. As I view the game removed from the hardwood I yearn to share my experiences and gifts with others.
No matter where you are in life or what you do for work, I am here to share my life perspective with you. If I’m lucky, you will gain something here that can help you in your journey through life…………………..come along for the ride.