A team is only as strong as their weakest link. Watching the NBA Playoffs, there has been a trending talking point amongst pundits regarding hunting preferable matchups. The Mavericks are a great example when considering the game within the game on both sides of the floor: How do we hide Luka defensively? "You can always … Continue reading Hunting Matchups
How We Handle Exit Meetings
Similar to style of play, or anything coaching; every program has their own approach to handling exit meetings. Following the last game of the season with time built in between to decompress, the staff will begin scheduling exit meetings in the Spring. For underclassmen, it is an opportunity to identify a progression plan between the … Continue reading How We Handle Exit Meetings
Going From Competing To Coaching
First off, I'm not proud of the title of this topic given that it somehow insinuates coaches stop competing after hanging up their jerseys. There is, however, a different mentality preparing to compete as a coach versus a player, and unfortunately, in my experience harder to forget afterward. It has been ten years removed since … Continue reading Going From Competing To Coaching
My First Year As A Head Coach
I got the most unlikely call from my AD in April 2020 while going through quarantine just like everyone else in the world. The school where I had played HS ball at and been an assistant coach at for the past 2 seasons had just offered me the Head Men’s Coaching position at the age … Continue reading My First Year As A Head Coach
First Four: What To Watch From March Madness
It's the most wonderful time of a year again, and back with fans in the stands! March Madness is a great opportunity for basketball coaches to embrace being a student of the game - observing differing styles of play, potential trends, or concepts that may be worth confiscating. With Selection Sunday complete, here our the … Continue reading First Four: What To Watch From March Madness
Season Off the Sidelines
After ten seasons on the sidelines, wait, take this back to the playing days, and it will be over twenty years since I have spent a season off the court. My wife and I have made the decision to move back home to be closer with family. A little one on the way can shift … Continue reading Season Off the Sidelines
Negotiating 101: Position of Power
Our final #BookClub from Negotiating 101 looks to seal the deal by understanding how energy impacts results and the power in our position as a coach.
Negotiating 101: Body-Language
Each interaction during a negotiation can help uncover true feelings, hidden agendas, or consequently lead to misinterpretations. For this #BookClub post I'll share a story from personal experience to allow coaches to digest and consider what their reactions would be if in a similar situation. This does leave an open interpretation to how coachable I may have been during my playing days.
Negotiating 101: Preparation
The coaches come to the table - or locker room - for a team meeting to negotiate the terms of the off-season. At the scholastic level student-athletes plans are set in place, versus professionals, that may choose to participate in summer leagues or rest. The negotiations aren't necessarily between what the expectations are rather than an alignment of energy invested into the off-season. Therefore it is a matter of what must happen in order for team success to occur versus what each party wants to accomplish.
Negotiating 101: Bartering
Are you a salesman or a negotiator?
This might depend upon the context of the situation. Sales tends to have a negative connotation, while negotiating seems to infer self-advocacy. Regardless of role or level, Negotiating 101 is a lesson all of us could benefit from as coaches.
Coach's Climb 