Basketball math

Coaches preach it with great regularity - student is the first word in the term "student-athlete." Coaches are also students, always learning. Read on to learn some math that supports what most coaches already know. The simple question is "when your team has the ball, and the game is tied, should you call a timeout?" Doing so, allows the defense to "set" and takes away the chaotic element of offensive attack. The following article, again thanks to Eamonn Brennan of ESPN.com, uses math to support that an attack WITHOUT a pause produces a score more often as well as higher points per possession. Enjoy the quick read:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/14774/more-late-game-situational-statistics

To foul or not to foul?

Ah, the debate continues. What to do when you are up three, a few seconds left to play, and your opponent has the ball? Foul or not? The debate continues but now has some recent stats to provide context to the answer. Thanks to Eamonn Brennan of ESPN.com for providing the latest info. Click on the story, then you can be the judge:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/14648/foul-when-up-three-you-make-the-call

Hill Training Program

Treat like sprint training:

Allow for some flat approach to the hill in order to develop speed/momentum through acceleration. (ie 10-15m before slope)
Run team in shuttles ie; groups of 5, 1st in line sprints to top of hill/desired distance> 2nd in line goes and so on. This builds in significant rest/work ratio needed for hill training.

Best scenario:

Start with 5-10 sprints Half-way up hill (Walking down slowly and under control)
Water Break (2-5 minutes)
Then 5-10 sprints to Top of hill (Walking down each time)

Training Protocol:

After each sprint complete (all team members have gone), reduce the flat approach to the hill (speed/momentum) so that by the last sprint they are starting on an incline (no speed/momentum to approach).

After each team member has completed roughly 20 sprints each do some team relays for fun/competition, have some sort of reward/punishment built in.

(Thanks to COBA Athletic Development Coach Jay Johnston for this contribution)

Keep on learning

The summer sessions of COBA camp may have ended but the learning continues - for campers and instructors. The last two weeks have been fantastic and intense. Basketball boot camp is challenging, both physically and mentally. The planning for next year has already begun. Bookmark the COBA site and watch for updates and details. In the meantime, amongst many topics, players are reminded to work on the following skills:

• first step footwork
• shot fakes (remember it is "a shot not taken")
• offensive ballscreen reads (have patience)
  
• high post series
• ball handling (get the work done but also be creative)
  
• perimeter attack series
• low post footwork (start from the proper area)
• ball tough stance (varies based on location on the court)
• spacing off of ballscreen and dribble drive action
  

Downscreen into a Ballscreen

Goal of the screener on a ballscreen is to arrive before the hedge arrives - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsWkgsZEfw - Consider distorting the action that leads to the ballscreen - One way is to create two actions (downscreen into a ballscreen) because it is difficult for the defense to stop two things at once.

Less is more

This summer, as basketball camps like COBA make their annual impression on young athletes that want to improve, some camp directors have reported attendance numbers are slightly lower. The main reason seems to be that families are spending more time together as opposed to sending kids to camp for as many weeks. That is a good scenario. Regardless, coaches need to remain positive and provide strong leadership. Some positives of lower attendance:

• economically speaking, it is a good lesson to have to do more with less - forces creativity and deeper thinking
• if staffing maintained, the coach to player ratios improve (good PR)
• easier logistics due to moving fewer groups of people around
• station work becomes more meaningful because of targeted instruction
• fewer potential distractions - better effective management time
• greater enjoyment due to the freshness of coaching a different size of group
• further review of daily practice plans will likely lead to new approaches (energizing)

Get more from camp

Summer and basketball camps go together like lemonade and ice. The COBA player development series of camps is continuing this week. Once again, players are enjoying a high level experience and are being stretched from their comfort zones. In general, coaches owe it to their players to help them get the most out of camp experiences. Some tips regarding camps:

• research camps, near and far, and always have updated camp resources - match the intensity and demands to the goals of the camper
• take two pairs of court shoes (whether indoor or out) in order to alternate and dry
• bring OTHER shoes (i.e. sandals) to give feet a break from basketball footwear (put on asap after sessions)
  
• take more socks than any other item of clothing
• pack a water bottle (proper and regular hydration is essential)
• maximize learning - bring a notebook and pen and, for future development, take notes after each session
  
• be outgoing, make new friends, work smart, and ENJOY the week