Warming up - practices and games

Taking time to evaluate your program is essential. The obvious time for most coaches to do so is in the off-season. The spring and summer months are great for attending clinics (such as Can-Am), going to camps (like COBA), as well as for reflection. However, in-season evaluation should be an ongoing process. Ask yourself if you are happy with each and every aspect of your team. What can be improved? It is never too late to mix in some changes.

One example is your team's warm up routine. Are you happy with it? Are they getting ready to perform at their expected level and demonstrating great energy, or are they simply going through their usual routine? Why not freshen it up? When Coach Dave Arseneault of Grinnell College shared with attending coaches at a recent Can-Am coaching clinic, he outlined his warm up expectations. Every practice, his team must impress him with a warm up routine when they sprint in to the gym - it needs to be fresh, loud, creative, and show plenty of energy. If it does not have the right spirit then his team must head back out the door and try again - obviously, they begin every practice awake and ready to get to work.

How about games? Is your team ready to play? Are they properly warmed up and energized? With thanks to Alan Stein of StrongerTeam.com, if you watch the clips that follow, you may see a few moves that you want your team to coordinate into it's warm ups (games and practices). Alan is an excellent teacher, shares willingly, and has posted great clips of both Maryland and Duke warming up for games. Enjoy:

Duke - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwSUEvm1Bk&feature=related

Maryland -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UosNG9aVMXk&feature=youtu.be&a

Coaches toolbox - what do you use?

When coaches meet, whether at a clinic or tournament or game, there is usually some tremendous sharing that takes place. Invariably, beyond the discussion of offense and defense (that sometimes involves the old school salt and pepper shakers moving around the table!), the talk turns to recent dvd's, books, or coaching tools/aids purchased. In terms of aids for teaching in practices, some good tools for your equipment bag follow:

• heavy (usually yellow) basketball to make passing and dribbling tougher
• reaction balls (have knobs at odd angles) to help with quick footwork
• agility ladders or hurdles, again to improve footwork
• dribble glasses that remove the ability to see down to the ball (promotes a good heads up dribble and better feel for the ball)
  
• lacrosse balls for footwork drills in warm up (more reaction work)
• football or rugby blocking pads for physical play and intense work in the post
• tennis balls for tossing while dribbling to promote looking up and ahead
• ropes to show help lines for defenders (between the ball and their match up) as well as the physical distance of offensive player away from the ball
• soft foam ball (from a dollar store) to use when mixing in a fun game (provide a change from usual routine)
  

Coaching Clinic in early June

In just over three months, the University of Windsor Lancers men's basketball program and the COBA player development camp will have the great pleasure of hosting Don Casey and Dave Odom at their annual Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic. Once again, the clinic is being held in Windsor, Ontario over the first weekend in June (4th-5th), with a special third guest coach to be announced very soon.

For coaches that would like to watch Coach Casey and Odom in action prior to attending the Can-Am clinic, they can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emZxQHcQmkU&feature=player_embedded# for Coach Casey and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVlz7GTEtvM for Coach Odom. Both are strong, entertaining presenters that provide excellent value for time and money invested by attending coaches. Simply go to www.cobacamp.com/New/2010_Basketball_Clinic_Brochure.pdf to print a form and register for the upcoming clinic. Coaches, especially groups, can realize significant savings by sending in their form and payment early.

Random thoughts for this time of year

At this point in the season, more than ever, some components of play are crucial to team success. In no particular order, attention should be paid to the following:

• with a fastbreak emphasis, guards MUST get rebounds - first steps after a missed shot (or a score) are very important
• on a transition wing pass ahead on the break, emphasize an attack to the middle to put basket pressure on the defense
• on penetration, the emphasis must be placed on sprinting cuts, making the proper read, and shooters spaced in positions where the ball can see them (don't get three in a row with ball and defender)
• every practice, an assistant should meet with each point guard and review their checklist - turnovers, rebounds, effectiveness, leadership
• reinforce the use of concentration cues in timeouts in order to gain focus - allow players 15 seconds for water and settling, then cue them for priorities with a "listen up"
• as the late Jim Valvano said, "never give up" - no matter how the quarter or half is going, the next one can always be better (if your team is willing to work and play to it's strengths)
  

Offence - overload cross screen

The action commences out of a traditional 3-2 set with the ball high. The next movement is based on the post match-up that we want and where that match-up is located (5 or 4). 1 dribbles off the top at the wing that is opposite our desired post (in this example, we have 5). The push by 1 sets 2 and 3 in motion, with 2 using the screen set by 4 and then screening in to the lane for 5. The opposite wing, 3, does not space for 1 up top (that will be saved for 2) but sprints to the ballside corner (spaced for a kick out corner catch and shoot). After screening for 2, our 4 then sprints up the lane to reset a high screen for 2.

5 uses the screen set by 2 in the lane. 2 uses the second (now high) screen set by 4. The responsibility now falls to 1 to make the proper read of the defensive help and then make the right pass. Options are to 5 establishing inside, to 2 shooting behind the screen of 4, to 4 on a weakside roll/slip, and to 3 for an open shot. If 1 hits 5 inside then they need to remember to space for a kick out pass from the post.

Defense - defending the post

As with any aspect of basketball, there are several ways to execute a move and there's always plenty to consider. That thinking applies to defending a ballscreen, attacking from the wing, making a pass, defending the post, etc. Today's topic, defending the post, gives rise to the following:

• where to defend the offensive post player - need to know where they are a threat (4, 7, 10 feet away) to score
• what are the post player's dominant and counter moves - know their routine (i.e. hard dribble before move), know their favourite shoulder, know their usual counter
• how do you defend the post player - based on coach's decision and your personnel, will you front, play behind, or double (if so, with whom and from where)
• post D need to know where they have team help, then force their offensive post match up into that help
• defenders need to gap the catch
• must be positioned in balance and be strong, lower and wider than offensive player
  
• post D must have high hands, and box out on rebounds (catch the ball high with two hands)
  

Individual work with a coach - why?

So much of a coach's responsibility is team-oriented. However, there is much to be gained (toward team goals) by working individually with players. When coaches work one-on-one with a player, they:

• develop a deeper trust
• strengthen that relationship
• show an interest and make an investment in them (as a person)
• can then push them harder in team practices
• generate goodwill that can (hopefully) be counted upon later in the season
• promote the individual responsibility aspect of improvement
  

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.

Offence - loop flare screen plus movement

Here's a look that offers some simple yet effective movement off the top. Great for teams that understand and incorporate good spacing principles, as well as for teams that have an intelligent 2 that reads defenses well.

The action begins with four out and the post above the ballside block. 1 dribbles at 2 which causes 2 to move - in this case, a loop exchange with 1. Knowing that the action is coming their way, 3 clears to the opposite side of the floor and spaces to the corner. The movement of 3 means that 4 moves in space to a wing spot. While that is taking place, 5 has sprinted up and positioned for a location screen that enables 2 to use that screen (after looping). 2 must read the defense and, depending on how they are handled, either curl hard off the screen or flare. If you can't get the ball to 2 then look to enter to 5 who can then run a deep handoff exchange with 2 and look to play off that action. 5, depending on the defensive reaction up top, may have open shooters in 3 or especially 4 on the weakside, and may also have the look for 1 diving off the top.

Enjoy a brief glimpse of Coach Dave Odom

For those coaches that are interested in the Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic and/or Coach Dave Odom, please link to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVlz7GTEtvM. This clip shows Coach Odom hard at work, doing something he does best - teaching zones with great passion.

Coaches that have enjoyed Coach Odom's sharing at previous clinics report that he not only provides plenty of technical knowledge, but also brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. The brief clip, with thanks to http://www.sportsnationvideo.com/, clearly illustrates Coach Odom's skills.

As a reminder, the Can-Am clinic runs June 4th-5th in Windsor, and features respected coaches Don Casey and Dave Odom. Simply go to www.cobacamp.com/New/2010 Basketball Clinic Brochure.pdf to print a form and register for the upcoming clinic.

2 minutes with Coach Don Casey

As mentioned, the upcoming Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic is happening June 4th-5th at the University of Windsor, Ontario. We are delighted that two presenters, Dave Odom and Don Casey, have confirmed their desire to share with the attending coaches.

For a quick two minutes on court with Coach Casey, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emZxQHcQmkU&feature=player_embedded# and enjoy his enthusiasm for zones. The clip is courtesy of a recent clinic that took place at The Ohio State University. The clip even offers a script to make it easier for coaches to follow along with Coach Casey's teaching.

We are very pleased that two successful coaches will be sharing their knowledge, and will let you know as soon as the third coach has confirmed their commitment. To register for the upcoming clinic, please link to cobacamp.com and locate the form through the "Coaches Clinic" banner. The direct link to the clinic is www.cobacamp.com/New/2010 Basketball Clinic Brochure.pdf. Coaches, especially groups, can realize significant savings by sending in their form and payment early.

Offence - high ball screen

For coaches that like to run a high ball screen action, this is a good set based on a five out formation. Instead of being at the rim, 5 is a trail post (like 4) at the wing. Perimeter players are spaced to the corners. 5 sets a high ballscreen for ballhandler 1 (another great opportunity to teach offensive and defensive reads based on ballscreen). 1 uses the ballscreen, reads appropriately, and attacks. 4 fills for 1, and for high low. 5 rolls in space to the rim (based on action of 1). If 4 does receive the ball up top, they can attack or run ballscreen/handoff with the corner 3 player at the wing. Keep it simple - teach good spacing, screens, and proper reads.

Philosophy - tools for a coach

In the ongoing development of their program's philosophy, many coaches are looking for tools that will help them emphasize certain aspects - both during the season as well as in the quieter times. With that in mind, give some thought to:

• in practice, if there are two consecutive turnovers then there should be some sort of consequence for that poor action
• no matter your style of play, and no matter how many players you want to play, the season reaches a point when you must know your top eight players and not be afraid to shorten your bench
• TEAM IS EVERYTHING - anybody that complains about another person behind their back is NOT on board (they are a drain when they need to be a fountain)
• support each other - we ALL need help
• when running scrimmages in practice, remove one ball from the available pile after every turnover - when all of the balls are gone, there should be a consequence
• recognize that not everyone is coached the same way - players need to earn the right to make mistakes (hence, each will play with a shorter or longer leash) - overall, this will help with team success both on and off the court
  

Thoughts from the book "Destination Basketball"

In their recent book, Destination Basketball, authors Andrew Hemminger and Dave Bensch provide coaching insight from 29 successful NCAA coaches. Essentially, the two college students from Ohio traveled thousands of miles to personally sit down and interview some of the best male coaches that have ever walked the sidelines. By way of example, a few interesting answers follow:

• when John Beilein of Michigan was asked what he tries to improve as a coach, he responded with "communication." He then went on to say that it's not WHAT a coach knows but rather what a coach can get his players to know. As a result, he looks to hire assistants that are excellent communicators.
• Bruce Weber of Illinois mentioned, when developing and executing his program philosophy, an underlying rule is that "no job is beneath you." This is very similar to what Coach Don Meyer at NSU has always promoted - "everybody picks up garbage."
• when Bo Ryan of Wisconsin was asked what he hopes his players will take away after being in their program, he commented that he hopes "they will be good neighbors" after they leave him. First, they will need to look after the needs of their own families and then be considerate citizens, help in the community, give back, and be good neighbors. Again, this is the "servant attitude" that many coaches promote - unselfishness, thinking of others.
• Tom Izzo of Michigan State wants to be remembered as a coach that told his players what they needed to hear, NOT what they wanted to hear. He firmly believes that physical and mental toughness are keys to every type of success in life. He feels that part of his role is to combine his players' individual goals (recognizes that all people are partially selfish) with Spartan team goals. Asking for individual goals shows that he cares about his players - they then care about what Coach Izzo wants for the team.

Overall, a good read - quick and easy too. Consider it when looking for a gift for a coach, or even treat yourself to a well-deserved book. For those of you that prefer to order online, good options are amazon.com and chaptersindigo.ca.