One of the final elements during the off-season is the coaching staff retreat. Try not to get caught up in the word retreat, it's not likely as luxurious as the connotation. Whereas some may have the budget to find a remote cabin in the mountains; most will embrace a reserved room at their local sports … Continue reading Coaching Staff Retreat
Developing The Next Generation of Basketball Players
Let's try not to get ahead of ourselves here. Coaching the next generation of hoopers doesn't imply dismissing all precedent for what has contributed to the talent level we witness today. Versatile defenders capable of switching multiple matchups3-level scoring: finishing, efficiency between perimeter to paint, and extended rangeIngenuitive footwork (pressuring the refs to study the … Continue reading Developing The Next Generation of Basketball Players
Building A Winning Staff
Any thriving organization is often driven by its employees; however, it is the decision-making from executive leadership that can derail any potential for sustainable competitiveness. There are too many instances to count where a superior product or an enviable team of talent fail to meet expectations because of a lack of direction, discipline, or collective … Continue reading Building A Winning Staff
Be Different
Being different creates transparency. A translucent program mitigates miscommunication. Underclassmen understand expectations earlier because continuity is often consistent. And as a staff, evaluating prospective recruits as a future fit to the program can be more identifiable.
10 Lessons From a Decade of Coaching
From one season to ten years. It becomes tough to slow down the time because our brain operates from moments to months down the road within minutes. At the end of any season, the mind automatically advances to the following year. Multiply that mindset by two with being married to a coach; we're lucky to … Continue reading 10 Lessons From a Decade of Coaching
Concept or Continuity
Here is the hypothetical: Team A is considerably less-skilled. Team B is considerably more-skilled. Every coach goes into any season, and on a micro-level into every game, gauging how their program will fare against the opposition based on their own personnel's ability, aptitude, and capacity to compete. Yet, there seems to be a depreciation of … Continue reading Concept or Continuity
Off-Season Focus
When dealing with off-season focus, there are a number of things that need a coach's attention. These items can range from things that need to be improved on the court as well as things that need to be improved off to court. As a coach approaches the off-season, the goal at the end of the … Continue reading Off-Season Focus
Team Banquets
#FinalFour is a wrap and all the #StateTournaments have crowned champions. There is likely one more opportunity where that particular team can get together as a group for the final time. #TeamBanquets are an opportunity for everyone involved in the program to reflect on the season. Some schools create a mini-awards ceremony on campus to … Continue reading Team Banquets
Alumni Connections
Connecting with the alumni of a basketball program should be one of the top priorities of the athletic administration and head coach. Naturally, over the years, there are athletes that come and go through a program, that in one era or another, has captured the true essence of that school's culture. With this culture sometimes … Continue reading Alumni Connections
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
Coach's Climb 