Side ballscreen teaching points

Some good reinforcement, especially given current popularity, on teaching side ballscreen. Presenters at this past weekend's UDM coach clinic provided solid reminders and instruction:

• angle of the screen is ALWAYS important, think where the ball is going next (get to the paint)
  
• space is required for the screen action, ball needs room to work all directions
• location of the screen is ideally foul line extended, between elbow and 3 point line
• awareness of not screening too far out, don't want ballhandler to step out of bounds with a pivot
• screener needs room to work too, must be able to flare, roll, step back, or pop
• other 3 players need to be spaced (and ready) far enough away that screen has room to execute
  

Quick hits at the UDM clinic

Some brief insights from featured coaches at Saturday's University of Detroit Mercy clinic (thanks again to Coach McCallum and his staff for hosting our coaches, plus allowing our players to work with coaches Sullivan, Sampson, and Coles):

• "on out of bounds plays, Coach Dean Smith taught that action was initiated by the ref handing the ball to our player - slapping the ball was a loss of valuable time" (Pat Sullivan, Detroit Pistons Asst. Coach)
• "bringing energy to practice, and never having an 'off day', three people need to be on the same page - point guard, best player, head coach" (Kelvin Sampson, Milwaukee Bucks Asst. Coach)
• "always have cutters finish their cuts beyond the 3 point line - don't live in 'no man's land', don't clog up middle" (Fran Fraschilla, ESPN analyst)
• "positive body language is essential - show coaches you are ready to play, show teammates you want the ball, give others energy from your energy" (John Kuester, Detroit Pistons Head Coach)
• "do you use assistants to track different stats such as ball touches - not simply a tip or deflection of pass, also a hand on an offensive rebound?" (Kelvin Sampson, Milwaukee Bucks Asst. Coach)
  

Basketball, football alike

Driving back from University of Detroit Mercy coaching clinic (hosted by Coaches Ray McCallum, Jay Smith and staff - thanks again!), the Arkansas vs. Alabama football game was on ESPN radio. Listening to the game, it became crystal clear how much football is like basketball. Some parallels:

• countless hours of scripting and game planning go into the preparation of each game
• especially in an away game in adverse conditions, teams try to maintain calm and give themselves an opportunity to succeed
• on the court or field, body language needs to display confidence and poise
• on the sidelines, show no panic, act like you have been in a difficult game before
• leaders need to prove their worth and "walk their talk" while support players need to find a way to contribute and make plays
• the game will be decided by defense disrupting opposition, creating energy, making stops
• as they have practiced, offense will be required to execute with efficiency
  

Ask questions, make players think

Understanding language and terms is essential. As mentioned before, teach team-specific language, and make sure everyone is "on the same page." All too often, coaches use terms but may not check to ensure that players truly grasp what is meant. So, ask them. Make the wheels turn. Ask questions such as:

• what is meant by the concept of balance? how is your body positioned when you are balanced? (thanks to Coach Renato Pasquali for that one)
• why do we tell you to run wide on the wings? What are four reasons for doing so?
• what are you looking at when you are told to "see the rim" - how many things?
• when coach says "chin the ball", apart from your chin location, what is the rest of your body doing?
• what does "shot fake" actually mean? what mechanics are involved?
  

Traits of good coaches

What makes some coaches better than others? Why are they appreciated more than others? As you'll see in the article that recently appeared in the Sporting News, players commented on aspects such as "work ethic, preparation, disciplined and fair but stern attitude, takes care of his players, etc." Read on:

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/sns-top-nfl-coaches/story/sideline-to-sideline-whos-the-best-nfl-coach

Quotes from Coach Knight

Some quotes from Bob Knight, accomplished coach, current analyst, passionate teacher - they may have been spoken years ago, but they still apply today:

• you build winning teams on character, NOT characters
• victory favours the team that makes the fewest mistakes
• my goal with any player who's ever come here, is to have their parent come up to me after our last game and say "thank you"
• I try to win basketball games and, at the same time, prepare my players for the rest of their lives
• a coach must remember that he is a teacher, and therefore must prepare his team for every possible situation that may develop
• the will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win
  

Set Play for Post Up

ANGLE

Here is a set play to get the ball in the post with simple counters if post feed is not available

http://www.scribd.com/doc/37883083/Angle

Celebrate "Sports Day"

An active lifestyle is vitally important - regardless of age, ability level, or amount of commitment. September 18th is Sports Day. Encourage somebody to get involved, be more active, or volunteer. For more info, go to cbc.ca or click the link:

http://www.participaction.com/en-us/SportsDayinCanada/SportsDayInCanada.aspx

Life Lessons at Marquette

Not much explanation needed with this one. If you want an inside look at how Marquette develops its program and its people, watch the following clip - powerful message, passionate teacher, Head Coach Buzz Williams. Thanks to Marquette Basketball and Authentic Films for the access:

http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/083110aaa.html

Renewal

This time of the year and season, if you are open to it, can be a tremendous source of positive energy for coaches. It can be a time of renewed spirit, enthusiasm, and fresh approaches.

Students have a fresh start built in to every new school year and semester, and therefore have an energy boost - their interest is refreshed. Teachers have a fresh start with a new group of students, new classroom, or new course - their subject gets new energy.

Coaches have the very same opportunity. Use what you've learned over the summer (based on what you've read or watched), use knowledge gained from coaching clinics (such as the Can-Am), and apply a fresh approach to the opportunities presented by the upcoming season. Mix in some new drills. Do something different to build team unity. Breathe in the crisp fall air and embrace the renewal of your passion to coach. Find positives, make this a year that you will look back upon with great fondness. Enjoy the journey.