The Final Four is one of the best weekends of the year. Unfortunately, there will be no Final Four this year. This, like a lot of other things currently going on, is unprecedented. Ever since I can remember I have been captivated by the Final Four. As a kid I wanted to play in the … Continue reading Final Four
Post-Season Preparation
This will be the second consecutive year where we will not be competing during the postseason. It is not where we want to be, however, it provides polarizing experiences from a coaching standpoint to learn from comparing the first two seasons as a head coach competing on a higher level. The best teams have one … Continue reading Post-Season Preparation
Winning Streak
When you find yourself in the middle of a winning streak, one of the best things that you can do is keep doing what you have been doing. One of the mistakes that can be made when on a winning streak is to change what has been working, to something that you have not been … Continue reading Winning Streak
After. Time. Off
We just finished with #BalancingTheHolidays. Each program handles winter break differently, some coaches make philosophical decisions, while others are at the mercy of their actual game schedule. Either way, it is a unique time during the season where coaches have to consider sports-life balance and the re-activation upon return. https://twitter.com/CoachsClimb/status/1210343084988534787 In our season, there is … Continue reading After. Time. Off
Balancing the Holidays
Holiday Hoops Redefined We are all shaped by our circumstances. This is a commonality present in all communities and cultures. But it wasn’t until 5 years ago that I truly understood the weight of these words. I joined the varsity basketball team of Texas High School in 2000 as a sophomore. Texas High School is … Continue reading Balancing the Holidays
Coaching the Best Player
The best players I have had the opportunity to work with have shared these characteristics: Different Investment Levels - Consistently put in extra time Competitor Hardest critic & biggest fan - Confident, but never satisfied It is their identity - Love being in the gym Different intuitiveness for the game - Game was slower for … Continue reading Coaching the Best Player
Work The Officials
A post that seems like it should come with a preface, something of the sort – if you are an official and you are reading this, disregard the hashtag, as coaches, we intend to 'Work With Officials'. Really, those in stripes have an incredibly challenging job and if you haven’t officiated before – youth levels … Continue reading Work The Officials
In-Game Coaching
There is no better day than game-day! I still get nervous; butterflies are likely the only thing I can guarantee prior to tip-off. Yet, for some reason as soon as the National Anthem finishes a sense of calm briefly takes control. I have this self-prescribed rule where I have to start every quarter sitting down. … Continue reading In-Game Coaching
Gameday Prep
Written by Coach Lewis Shine #GameDayPrep is one of the most important parts of being a coach. #GameDayPrep means that the season has begun, and it's gametime. This is my opportunity to break a team all the way down and find every advantage possible that would give us leverage to win. I enjoy this more … Continue reading Gameday Prep
Leadership
Written by Scott Bauman Simply put, player-lead (preferably the most skilled) programs are the most successful. If polled, I would bet that this would be consistent with the experiences of coaches across the country. I have yet to witness a team win consistently despite having ongoing #Leadership issues throughout the year. Beyond the wins and … Continue reading Leadership
