Here’s an email I send to parents of our YOUTH TEAMS right before our first tournament. Feel free to get ideas or copy pieces of it for your own use. Before getting to the letter, keep in mind I have been coaching various levels for a long time. Things like “unequal playing time” might not be […]
It’s Not Christmas – No gifts for our opponent!
I found this saying in the UC coaching clinic notes that I really like… “It’s not Christmas”. Meaning – No gifts for our opponent. Examples: Layups Free throws Bad fouls Open 3’s for good shooter Turnovers for touchdown This fits my coaching philosophy and seems like a good way to get young athletes playing the right way. […]
Learning About Basketball In Your Car – Listening to Podcasts
When I’m in the car, I like to listen to podcasts and learn about basketball. Not only does it make time go much faster (avoid boredom) but I also get to learn about basketball and improve as a coach. Yesterday I listened to Episode #9 – The Magic Words and Workouts That Took An Unknown […]
How To Get ALL Your Players Sprinting Back In Transition Defense
We all know the FIRST THREE STEPS are critical for getting back into good transition defense. Those first three steps must be a sprint! In most cases, if the first three steps are a sprint, the following steps will follow suit and players will be in a good position to stop the ball. But how do […]
High Fives – Improve Team Chemistry, Energy, and Excitement
A very simple way for you to improve your team’s chemistry, team energy, and just have more fun is to encourage more high fives, chest bumps, fist bumps, and so on. I read somewhere that NBA teams whose players had the most physical contact during games early in the season were the most successful down the […]
New (At Home) Ballhandling & Footwork Workouts and Technology That I Use
I have some new workouts and technology that I’d like to tell you about… The workouts were designed by me — so if you don’t like them you can blame me!! I spent the last 12 months developing ballhandling and footwork workouts that players can do in their driveway, their basement, on the court, or anywhere […]
Yes… I Do Play My Favorites
Photo credit: DSC_1480 via photopin (license) After reading the article I Do Have Favorites, written by an unknown author, I was inspired to write my own version… I’ll bet every coach has been accused of playing their favorites! I have yet to be directly accused of this by a parent. But I’m certain a few […]
Here’s an Excellent Video – Game Based Skill Drills
This is a follow up to the previous post and video… A Games Approach to Teaching Basketball Skills. As I have mentioned, I’m a huge fan of game based learning drills. They’re fun and better simulate what actually happens in a game… The traditional drills (ex: dribbling around cones) have their place in your practices. However […]
A Games Approach to Teaching Basketball Skills – Video & Drills
Below you’ll find an excellent video by Mike MacKay called A Games Approach to Teaching Basketball Skills. I’m a huge fan of game based drills and learning. This videos give you some really good drills and ideas on how to develop your players using “games approach”. You’ll also learn how to create your own drills […]
Another Bo Ryan Article – How to Avoid Fouls
Here’s another Bo Ryan article that gives you interesting insight into how he leads the nation each year in fewest committed fouls. Good read. http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/03/24/wisconsin-ncaa-tournament-fouls