Strong coaches do this

Look around the sport of basketball, at many different levels, and you will readily notice several commonalities of the quality programs run by strong coaches. Some features include:

• teaching - they believe that players need to be taught, not simply told, not just sport skills but team culture and life
  
• sharing - personal and program growth develops from sharing, encouraging communication
  
• promoting - through networking and community-building, programs realize great gains (get the message out!)
  
• inclusion - being open, bringing people together, adding talented assistants and people-connectors is invaluable
• passion - when others may have run out, leaders still have plenty left and do what others may not
  
• positives - leading by example, maintaining focus, never being satisfied with average, not allowing letdowns
  

Making a difference

The concept that coaches "get what they accept" is so simple and so true. At the peak of any season, beyond a team sharing the ball and making their shots, coaches often comment that championships come down to aspects such as defense, rebounding, and ball protection.

That said, why are players allowed to come in to the gym and not work with a purpose, even if they are in for extra/leisure time? The small changes will make the big difference. Granted, the sport needs to be fun but consider the following:

• if a player walks in to an empty gym and sees a ball they will likely pick it up and dribble it - they would be more effective going through a short series of dribble moves
• if a player is simply taking shots, get them to move to new spots, move laterally or inside/outside, chart their progress, take a set number, don't just shoot
• emphasize footwork, don't simply shoot close to the rim, self-pass to imitate a post reception and then work on various moves to each shoulder
• throw the ball off the backboard, work on rebounds, catch above the head with two hands, protect the ball at the chin, work on strong wide pivots with a look downcourt
• pass the ball off a wall, practice good pass reception to strong ball protection - applies to post players and perimeter players, vary the body location of the catch (chin, overhead, hip, etc)
• work on slides, digs, loose balls, close-outs - these can be done without a partner
  

New DVD - The Street Stops Here

Much has been written about Coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his teams at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Invariably, the stories revolve around the tremendous success achieved on and off the basketball court. Coach Hurley has developed some outstanding teams and players but, more importantly, some incredible young men and citizens. His graduation rate is excellent, his compassion is unquestionable, and his commitment knows no bounds.

Earlier this week, on many PBS affiliates, the new documentary that chronicles St. Anthony and Coach Hurley was shown in prime time. Given the impact of the film, especially considering how well it was done (Teamworks Media), it fits with the philosophy of this blog to share information on how you can see/obtain the movie. Simply click on the active links to:

• go to the St. Anthony School website to find out more about the school
• contact Kathleen Staudt to order copies of the DVD directly from the school
• watch a terrific interview on Chicago Tonight with Coach Hurley
  
• watch (on Expressvu) the documentary on the PBS East affiliate of WGBH Channel 2 on Sat. April 3rd at 6:30pm or Mon. April 5th at 2:30pm
• watch (again on Expressvu) the replay on PBS West (KCTS 9) on April 5th at 3am
• go to Amazon and order a copy online (for a reduced preview price)
• go to the Teamworks Media site to order a copy from the filmmaker
  

More excellence from Coach K

Take time to find out what makes a person who they are - their passions, dislikes, their views, what is important to them, etc. Coaches need to know their players. Players need to know their coaches. After all, teams are comprised of people and those people will determine team outcomes.

Coach K at Duke, despite how he is sometimes portrayed in the media or by opposing fans, is most definitely a people person that cares about others. Like him or not as a coach of a certain team, as we all are, he is to be respected. When you read the following article from Andy Katz of ESPN.com, you will gain another perspective on an excellent and caring coach along with a likely deeper level of respect.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=4961273

Is it any wonder that the phrase (especially in coaching) "people won't care how much you know until they know how much you care" is used so often? At least now you know just how much a very busy and successful coach from Duke cares.

Motivation for ANY time of year

What follows is applicable all year, forever - not just today or this season. However, if you do need a motivational boost NOW then read on. Finish Strong (a title from Simple Truth's), by author Dan Green, was recently made popular again due to the success of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, led by their determined quarterback Drew Brees, adopted the Finish Strong book, bracelet, and movie as their "battle cry" early in 2009.

After 41 tough seasons, the team was determined to achieve success and win the ultimate football team prize - the Vince Lombardi trophy. One year later, they did it, and are now Super Bowl champs - some say the party has not ended! Looking for similar motivation, watch the 3 minute Finish Strong movie at http://www.finishstrongmovie.com/miami/ - indeed, VERY inspiring. Go to Dan Green's site, www.finishstrong.com, for more information on what he has to offer.

In appreciation of mentors

Once again, as the world joins together for the highest in winter athletic competition, wonderful and positive stories have emerged. Beyond the skill and excellence currently taking place in the arenas and on the slopes, some of the best stories have long been written and are now being shared.

When time allows, do a search using words such as "inspirational coach" and "coach mentor" and you will uncover a host of great examples of coaches that lent a helping hand at an important time in an athlete's development. Go to the following bio for an example - www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=12150.html#hansen+profile+olympic+difference+makers. The stories underscore and reinforce what many coaches already knew - that they can make a difference. If nothing else, the current games should be re-energizing for coaches. Yes, there are many ups and downs in the journey of any coach. However, coaches should never underestimate the positive difference that they can make in the journey of each and every athlete. Many of the stories being shared of late are those of a coach simply offering their time, showing that they care, providing help with no expectation of compensation or reward - good and true values. Be proud to be a coach and remind yourself that you are in a position to make a positive contribution in the life of every young athlete.

Basketball Philosophy

Coaches must think about what is important to them (and why) and develop their philosophies. For most coaches, philosophies develop over time and are not made the instant that they coach their first team. The approach that a coach takes in any given season is usually based upon a mix of what is at the heart of their personal philosophy as well as the type of team that they have. Some components may be deemed essential while others may have some flexibility. For example, pushing the ball, trapping, and full court pressure may be how a coach likes to play but the type of players they have that season may play a role in the decision of how the team will actually play.

Some general suggestions and comments regarding coach philosophies and the management of teams:

• ask your team to meet without the coaches and discuss what will be necessary in order that their team can achieve success
• when coaches add, they must also subtract - it is okay to add new plays and systems but consideration should be given to removing some at the same time
• one of the greatest compliments to a coach is having one of their players coach younger athletes
• the most impressive players I have coached are the ones that are committed to excellence both on and off the court - we encourage and try to teach a commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, socially, and life in general
• you get what you accept (if a C is okay with you then a C is what you will get) - we try and get our players to work towards A's knowing that, while there is no guarantee of achieving an A, at least they will still be improving rather than settling