I get insanely jealous of football every year. They have spring practice, passing leagues, constant team workouts in the summer, a week of preseason camp, a scrimmage game, a bye week, and large coaching staffs to prepare their team for the upcoming season. Basketball coaches on the other hand have three weeks if they are lucky to conduct tryouts, condition, and prepare to play. Granted, high school athletics have become year-round for most sports. We are able to conduct individual workouts, … [Read more...]
The Best Things I Have Done as a Basketball Coach
I recently wrote an article about the 5 biggest mistakes that I have made as a coach. To be fair to myself, I figured I should share the best 5 things that I have done. However, I must admit my best is either from previous failures or stolen from more successful coaches. Established a style of play. Every game, every practice my kids know what we are going to do on offense, defense, and from out of bounds. We have developed a system as a coaching staff and we have asked our players to … [Read more...]
Pre-Season Basketball Coaching Checklist
The job of a high school basketball coach is much more than practice and game strategy. Oftentimes, it also includes being a manager of operations, counselor, and janitor. Use this list to aide in your preparation for the season. It is much better to be busy in the pre-season than on game night. Do the busy work now so you can enjoy game night! Confirm Schedules. This might also be the time when you schedule your JV and middle school contests. Check your schedule with other winter … [Read more...]
Simplified Zone Press Break
I always seem to be changing offenses or defenses based on personnel. However, I have never changed my press break; its simple, effective, and can flow into any game plan. Alignment and duties: Always goes to the left of the basket, looking for the ball. He is our primary ball handler and our first option. Streaks down the floor setting up on the right wing, looking for a transition Breaks right looking for inbound pass. Always goes to the ball after the basket as the inbounder. … [Read more...]
Getting the Most Out of Your Timeouts
Many team's waste timeouts by not being prepared for their timeout. By the time the players get to the bench, get settled, and get water, the horn is blowing for them to get back out on the floor. Here are 5 simple tips to get the most out of your timeouts: Everyone has a place - When the timeout is called, the players first have to get to the bench and the players on the bench must get off the bench. Our players know that the first 5 seats on the bench are where they are to go when … [Read more...]
5 Mistakes of a Beginning Basketball Coach
Recently I have been watching film of my first few years coaching. As I reflected back on the past, I came to the realization that I was not a very good coach. I have grown so much in my craft over the past several years, and I continue to grow. Here are my five biggest blunders. I tried to be somebody else. Coach Knight, Coach K, Coach Wooden, and my father are all coaches that I idolize, and want to be like. My first few years as a head coach I tried to be all of the great coaches in … [Read more...]
Attacking From the Sideline: 2 SLOB Plays to Score
I love to attack on offense and defense and an out of bounds situation is not a reason to slow down. Many teams we play try to pressure the sideline inbound situations. This gives us a chance to attack the basket. We use two different plays in this situation. Line Movement begins when the referee hands the ball to the 4. 5 screens for 3 back cutting to the basket. 2 screens for 1. 4 looks first to 3, then to 1. SLOB Movement begins when the ball is handed to 4 1 … [Read more...]
Practice Planning to Coach Different Talent Levels
In my current coaching situation, I have players with varied levels of talent. I have one or two kids who, no doubt, will play at the college level, another couple of kids who, with the right mind set and development, could play college ball, a couple of great athletes who just play basketball to kill time between football and spring football, and a few kids who are just getting their feet wet. To add to this predicament I only have one assistant. As a coach, if I want to be fair to all … [Read more...]
Expectations of a Basketball Coach
As an Athletic Director, I have the unique responsibility of coaching coaches. I am lucky that I have many wonderful coaches working for me, and I feel that we run a very good athletic department. I have learned that the success of coaches hinges on more than their number of wins and losses; being a successful coach is dependent on being a good communicator. Coaches that are great communicators are the coaches that are successful at all levels. There is an old saying in the coach business; … [Read more...]