Sharing ideas

In order to gain an edge in any sport today, many coaches are looking outside of their sport for ideas. Football coaches are reading about successful baseball managers, hockey coaches are looking to soccer for different agility drills, and basketball coaches are using lacrosse balls in their dynamic practice warm ups. The sharing of ideas is truly great to see. Go to a coaching clinic, such as the Can-Am On-Court, and observe coaches outside of the structured sessions - they're sharing, and their athletes will soon be improving because of that unselfishness.

Mike MacKay of Canada Basketball is a constant promoter of sharing amongst coaches and certainly leads by example. Any coach that has looked inside Mike's tickle trunk (his basketball tribute to the late Ernie Coombs) is likely a more creative coach today! Mike, with great regularity and humility, willingly sends out ideas to his email broadcast list - coaches can email him at mmackay@basketball.ca. Dave Cross, of Yes I Can Volleyball, is another example of unselfishness in coaching. He recently sent a marvelous reminder of the importance of proper practice planning in volleyball. As you read it, you will quickly discover how much the concepts described by Dave relate to basketball. For many of you, Dave's article is likely a refresher. For some, it may be a very timely reminder. For others, it may be just the help you were looking for. Regardless, the real power is in the sharing by coaches - for the sake of all of us, that needs to continue. Without it, many coaches and athletes would not be enjoying as much success as they do today. The promotion and practice of sharing is at the core of the values of our program and our Coach Development blog.