Kevin Stallings on playing with less talent

Coach Stallings was asked this question at the Vandy coaches clinic this past Saturday.


"What are some things you can do to make up the difference when you are

short on talent?"


Here are a few things he mentioned in his answer:

1. Be more physical (toughness, effort, loose balls, defensive rebounding, etc)
2. Take more time in offensive possessions without losing confidence, rhythm, & flow
3. steal points ex. tip play, baseline o.b. plays

TSU Fist offense

TSU Fist offense.pdf

Xavier Newsletter #5

Xavier Newsletter 5[1].pdf

Florida Coaching Clinic

Florida_Coaches_Clinic_2010[1][1].pdf

LSU Lady Tiger Defensive General Concepts

WE WANT TO TAKE AWAY THE PAINT AT ALL TIMES
◄When the ball gets to the paint it creates easy shot opportunities in the paint
◄When the ball gets to the paint it creates easy perimeter shots (especially 3’s)
◄When the ball gets to the paint it creates help and recover situations
◄When the ball gets to the paint it creates closeout situations
◄When the ball gets to the paint it creates fouling situations
......taking away the paint starts with transition defense
......stance, head, eyes and footwork are critically important
…...team defense — having the ability to help early — is a necessity

WE WANT A HAND ON THE BALL
◄When the ball handler has the ball and has not dribbled…
......we want to have a hand on the ball — constantly mirroring the ball!
◄When the ball handler is dribbling…
......we want the defender to have a hand on the ball as it is dribbled!
◄When the ball handler is attempting to pass…
......we want a hand on the ball as it is passed with the goal of deflecting it!
◄When the ball handler is attempting to shoot…
......we want a hand on the ball to block or alter the shot!

WE WANT TO TAKE AWAY THE OPPONENT’S STRENGTH
◄This will come from scouting and game preparation

WE WANT TO HAVE A COMMUNICATIVE DEFENSE
◄We want to be constantly talking at all times
◄This will increase our concentration and execution

WE WANT TO DO ALL THE ABOVE WITHOUT FOULING
◄Do not give your opponent’s easy scores and free throws are easy scores
◄Don’t bail out bad shots or bad plays
◄Make our opponent’s make plays

WE WANT TO FINISH WITH A BLOCKOUT AND A REBOUND
◄Grabbing the rebound is like picking up your paycheck at the end of the work week.

via Bob Starkey LSU

John Jenkins follow through

I couldn't help but posting this picture from camp last summer. John came and spoke to our campers and demonstrated proper shooting form. I thought this was a great pic of his textbook follow through and just wanted to share.

Tommy Bowden

I had the opportunity to hear Tommy Bowden speak last night at an FCA dinner @ First Baptist Hendersonville. He said that he wanted his teams to learn five things. They were:
1. Responsibility
2. Accountibility
3. Committment
4. Discipline
5. Sacrifice

Niagara Obs

Niagara OB's.pdf

Xavier newsletter 9-14-10

Xavier Newsletter 1[1].pdf

Post up for a forward & 3 for a SG

posting up a forward and three for sg.pdf

Russian National Team set play

CRUNCH_TIME_-_GREECE_V_RUSSIA_[3][1].pdf

Notes from Utah Jazz Assistant, Gordon Chiesa

Notes from Utah Jazz Assistant, Gordon Chiesa
via Greg Brown UCF Women's basketball

While coaching High School I came across this from Mike Shanahan. It really had an impact on our philosophy and success. As a high school coach you are at the mercy of the players at your school. Therefore, you have to go to war with the troops you have, not the ones you wish you had.
One of the best things we did was #3. Really focusing on the two things we did well with that year's team.

Thoughts On Understanding Your Strengths & Weaknesses

1. Do not let other’s expectations set our limitations
2. I more than anyone else, know the powers I possess.
3. Look at your team and figure out the two things they can do really well—as well as anybody n the league, conference, district. Then make sure there’s not a team in your district that does those two things better.
4. Maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
5. You have to define what you want to do.
6. The outside world will try to bring you down.
7. Oliver Wendell Holmes—“What lies behind you and what lies ahead of you is of very little importance when it is compared to what lies within you.”
Posted by Greg Brown at 11:28 AM 0 comments Labels: Preparation
Friday, August 27, 2010
Your Reality Is The Reality You Create

Your Reality Is The Reality You Create

Your reality is the reality you create. If you have positive beliefs or representations, it’s because that’s what you have created. If you have negative ones, you’ve created them.
Belief is the foundation of excellence.
The first step toward excellence is to find the beliefs that guide us toward the outcomes we want.
The path to excellence consists of knowing your outcome, taking action, knowing what results you’re getting, and having the flexibility to change until you’re successful.
To model excellence, we have to start with the belief systems of excellence.

Posted by Greg Brown at 5:22 AM 0 comments Labels: Mental Preparation, Process of Excellence
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Process of Mental Toughness


MENTAL TOUGHNESS A WAY OF LIFE

• Achievement rarely comes without enormous hardships
• Keeping your head, when others are losing theirs
• Goal for mental toughness is a conscious decision a person makes in order to increase their opportunity for success.
• Bob Costas—the anticipation of what “might” happen is almost as important as what actually happens.
• Mental toughness is a skill, not a talent. It is learned and developed.
• It is a process of using your mind to gain the most from your abilities.
Posted by Greg Brown at 11:56 AM 0 comments Labels: Mental toughness
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
..... all he did is beat you

Jackie Robinson on teammate Eddie Stanky:

"He can't throw, he can't hit, he can't field. All he can do is beat you."

Posted by Greg Brown at 10:20 AM 0 comments Labels: Compete
5 Things Team Members Need To Know


5 THINGS TEAM MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW

1. What is expected from each
2. That each will have the opportunity to perform
3. How each one is getting along
4. Guidance will be given to each when needed
5. Each will be rewarded for their contribution
Posted by Greg Brown at 10:01 AM 0 comments Labels: Leadership, Team Attitude
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Process of Excellence--The Mental Approach--"Rightness"


As we work our Process of Excellence--we understand the role of the mental approach. We must eliminate the mental clutter. The following article is a great example:


The Feeling of Rightness—Eliminating Mental Clutter

Some Oriental philosophies have made the state of mind their primary focus. The concept of acting without self-conscious thought was probably first crystallized by the Samurai swordsmen of medieval Japan. Using some of the philosophical concepts of their time, they determined that the best way to beat one’s adversary in a duel was to fight without delay of thinking. Polished technical skill was a prerequisite, but the actual moves were dictated by feeling rather than thought. By refining their intuitive sense through the constant discipline of practice duels they were able to develop a state of mind that minimized the clutter of such thoughts as “oh, no, is he going to try to attack me from the left or the right?” Instead, poised and balanced, the Samurai could respond, as if he were at one with his opponent, as if he “knew” each moment what would happen next.

“The body learns the state of mind.” In other words, when you are learning something it’s worth it to turn off, unplug, or tune out the mind for a little while. Zen archers of the Orient gained their discipline, not by focusing on the target, but by striving for the feeling of “rightness” in the shot. If the shot was “right,” hitting the target comes naturally. Bulls-eyes on tiny targets in darkened rooms are part of what Zen archers do, but not for the sake of hitting targets. Their purpose is a form of meditation, a quest for that feeling of “rightness”.

Article is by Drs. Tom and Randy Read found the in the book, “The University of Success” by Og Mandino
Posted by Greg Brown at 4:32 PM 0 comments Labels: Mental Preparation, Process of Excellence
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Gordon Chiesa Offensive Development Thoughts


Notes from Utah Jazz Assistant, Gordon Chiesa

Back in 1999, I worked Rick Majerus’s camp and took these notes from Coach Chiesa’s clinic to the campers:

1. He was responsible for Hornacek and Stockton
2. Hands and feet are your career.
3. There are All-Stars who can’t catch the ball.
4. Must be in shape
5. Must be able to change speeds
6. Always cut with hands above waist
7. Play the game with hands above the waist
8. Body in motion, tends to stay in motion; body at rest tends to stay at rest.
9. Most cut to be guarded, rather than cut to get free.
10. When you change direction, you must rotate your hips.
11. Must be great with the ball to get the opponent in trouble.
12. The game is about confidence. Real confidence vs. False confidence
13. Establish a permanent pivot foot.
14. Bring the ball back to your body on a catch. “Load your gun”
15. The ball will only do what you teach it to do.
16. Master the skills. Ball quickness is key to being a great offensive player.
17. Always catch the ball with long arm. Explode your hand thru the defenders contesting arm.
18. These things are the building blocks of playing offense.
19. If your shot is blocked, your ball is slow.
20. Read the defense—Jazz spend 25-30 minutes working on this.
21. Long arm coming towards me, tells me to drive. Because his body weight is forward and he’ll come out of his stance—can drive either way—this is how you draw fouls—rotate hips; get up foot past his foot..body to body.
22. Most guys play laterally. Must play forward, body to body.
23. Spin dribble is a sign of weakness, means your ball is slow.
24. “Jump out” of your offensive move. Second dribble you clear the defender.
25. “Short arm” equals a stationary jumper.
26. Most players don’t know when to drive or shoot.
27. Watch great players to learn from their game.
28. Go at their body on drives.
29. Only 10 percent of players in the NBA can guard the ball.
30. Everything in the game is based on “hands and feet”
31. Too many players catch the ball, “lock Kneed”
32. Master the skills, it’s not about talent. Everyone has the talent to work hard and to work smart.
33. It’s fun to try to be great.
34. Mind-Body fusion.
35. Extraordinary work habits and mind.
36. Trying to chase greatness.
37. Make A Difference (MAD)
38. Step up be somebody and be a leader
39. Get your foot to the back foot of the defender.
40. You determine how far you will go.

Greece zone offense vs 2-3

Greece zone offense.pdf

Sean Miller Baseline OB plays

Sean Miller Arizona Blob Plays chalkboard.pdf

Herb Sendek Man set

Herb Sendek Arizona State Chalkboard-1.pdf

Team, Team, Team

BO ON "THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM"
When we hammered home our famous mantra, “The team, the team, the team,” that didn’t leave a lot of room for interpretation. When I came up with that, I wasn’t trying to be clever. It means if you’re late for the team bus, I don’t care if you’re Jim Mandich, Anthony Carter and Desmond Howard rolled into one. That bus is leaving, it’s leaving on time—and it’s leaving without you!

Look, they know Bo is always sitting up at the front of the bus, and when pullout time comes, he just checks his watch and says, “Driver, it’s time to go.” We don’t have anyone checking who’s here and who isn’t. We don’t check! I never took roll. If you’re on the bus, you must be on time, and if you’re not on the bus, you must be late, and it’s your fault. Driver, it’s time to go!

We’ve had guys running up to the bus as we were pulling out—starters, even—and the guys on the bus always started yelling, “Coach! So-and so’s running up to the bus!” I didn’t care who it was. I guarantee you right now I never even turned around to look, because the answer was always the same: Driver, it’s time to go!

Everyone knew Bo’s not mad at you, he’s just leaving you. And I’ll tell you why: Because it’s just not fair to the other guys who took the trouble to get there on time. The bus waits for no man!

Driver, it’s time to go!

And as your big All-American grows smaller in the bus’s rearview mirror, he’ll have time to consider if you really meant what you said about the team, the team, the team. Leave a guy standing in the parking lot just once, and you better believe he’ll be a half-hour early next time. Once everyone knows I’m not holding the bus for anyone, trust me, they get there. They always do.

That bus symbolized the foundation of our values: simple, straightforward, no exceptions. You start cutting corners for this guy or that situation, and before you know it, you’re spending all your time playing judge and jury, deliberating over very little incident, when you should be leading your team. It’s painful sometimes, but you create a lot fewer headaches for everyone, including the players, when you simply stick to your guns.
via Bob Starkey LSU

Rick Pitino's 8 traits that corrupt team chemistry

1. Jealousy:
It’s a surefire way to disrupt the unity of any team. We must instill a belief with all our team members that everyone succeeds when one of us succeeds. There should be a sense of satisfaction from watching someone else excel, knowing that we all had a hand in it. It certainly helps when the stars are humble and remember to recognize their cohorts when receiving awards or honors—but even if they don’t, the mindset should be that what’s good for one is good for all.
•How to prevent jealousy: Work hard to disburse credit equally among your constituents. You should have a well-hones sense of fairness and be sharply attuned to who isn’t feeling the appropriate amount of love. Little ego strokes can make a big difference.

2.Cynicism:
It will infiltrate when the going gets tough. Cynical people believe they are not part of the problem. Cynical people question the plan and doubt the leader. That’s because cynical people don’t understand how to find the proper solutions to the problem. In their minds, the end result will not be positive, so they’re no going to fully commit to the group effort.
• How to prevent cynicism: A one-on-one meeting that confronts the cynical individual with his own behavior is a must. Most negative people don’t realize how they’re tearing apart the fiber of a team unless it’s pointed out to them. Leave no doubt that the cynical behavior must change. There will be consequences for anything that undermines team chemistry.
.....
3. Inflated ego:
It occurs when team members believe the group cannot function or succeed without them, because they’re so far superior to their cohorts. Even the most talented individuals in any endeavor must realize that their value only matters within the framework of the group.
• How to prevent inflated ego: Make sure the egotistical team member is aware of the talents of those around him, and encourage him to recognize those while checking his own ego at the door. Point out to that person that there is room for improvement in his performance; believe it or not, they’re not perfect. Keeping them humble and working to improve every day is vital. In many recovery programs, ego is said to stand for “Edging God Out.” It might be worth reminding the egotistical that only the Almighty is immune to self-improvement.
.....
4. Inflexible personality:
“I know I’m right. You just don’t understand. I can’t believe you don’t see it that way.” Sound familiar? You’ve probably heard some of that in your office. The inflexible personality does far more talking than listening, like one of those TV talk shows that put four pundits in boxes and have them try to outshout each other. The inflexible personality can find fault with others but rarely himself—embellishing points and stories to portray others as unreasonable. The inflexible personality will argue against every criticism of his performance, no matter how small. Unfortunately for that person, there are no guarantees that his way is the only way.
• How to prevent the inflexible personality: Use examples of how teams win with a variety of strategies; how they change and adapt to sustain success. The New England Patriots began their championship run with defense, but their undefeated regular season of 2007 was marked by record-breaking offense. The defensive leaders like Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Rodney Harrison were fine with that, as long as it was good for the group as a whole. Challenge people to create outside their box.

5. Discipline deficiency:
A lack of discipline leads to poor habits, and poor habits become destructive to the will of any business or team. People who are on time will notice those who are late and wonder why that behavior is tolerated. They’ll think you’re playing favorites. Or, the punctual people start running late as well, figuring there is no accountability for it. Suddenly, you’ve got a breakdown in discipline. Morale has eroded, cynicism has crept in, and everyone is looking for shortcuts when shortcuts won’t work.
• How to prevent discipline deficiency: Stay focused on what it takes to succeed, emphasizing daily habits. Only allow deviations from those habits when it cannot be helped.

6. Lack of passion:
If you cannot sense the energy and excitement from people you’re trying to recruit or hire, they might not have it. They should be passionate and driven enough to know what they want—to have goals and expectations and to articulate what they’ll do to meet them. One year I asked one of my players what he wanted to accomplish outside of basketball. This player, at the end of his junior year, responded, “I don’t know.” I dismissed him from my office and told him to come back the next day with something better. I told him I don’t deal with I-don’t-know people. At age 22, young people should have some plans and ideas, or at least be searching for help in creating them. I-don’t-know people wallow in mediocrity. People lacking passion don’t enthusiastically seize every opportunity to improve themselves. They love what success could bring them, but they don’t want to put in the hard work it takes to become successful.
• How to prevent a lack of passion: Make your own passion a beacon for others to follow and emulate. If you’re not boiling with observable enthusiasm, those around you might not, either. Try to surround yourself with high achievers. Celebrate the grind. When hard work yields results, point it out—loudly, if necessary. During the long hours, remind your people that it will pay off in the end—cheerfully, if possible.

7. Excuse making:
When someone goes wrong, it’s never their fault. They’ll point fingers in all directions except at the person in the mirror. College basketball players will blame teachers for shortcomings in the classroom, referees for bad calls, teammates for not getting them the ball. I always tell my guys that failure is OK if they own up to it and use it as fertilizer to make things better. I tell them excuses are a sign of weakness, and weakness won’t be tolerated.
• Channeling Bill Parcells once again: You are your record.

8. Front-running: The front-runners are at their best when everything is going their way. It’s easy to be upbeat and positive when you’re playing well and your team is winning—but how do you respond when times aren’t so good? Sports and business are full of people who can ride a wave of positive momentum, but aren’t so good when they have to generate momentum in the face of opposition or adversity. They tire mentally and physically and are bypassed by their competition. They become self-satisfied too easily.
• How to prevent front-running: Keep the hammer down during good times. My halftime speeches are always more volatile and demanding when we’re ahead—players will take criticism more easily in that setting, and they’ll stay on task. When we’re behind, I try to be more analytical, calm, and upbeat. When we have a double-digit lead late in games, I’ll tell my team during timeouts that the scoreboard doesn’t matter; we’re tied, and I want to win the next four minutes by the next media timeout. I create a game within a game, trying to keep the pressure on them to rely on their fundamentals and do what we’ve coached them to do. Keep your own emotions on an even keel, and maintain your discipline. If you get overly comfortable when things are going well, it’s a signal to others to let their guard down and relax.
via Bob Starkey LSU

Duke set plays

Duke’s “A Set” offense chalkboard.pdf

John Calipari sets

John Calipari Kentucky Late Shot Clock Play chalkboard.pdf

Princeton offense rules

Princeton Rules.doc

Princeton offense

Princeton Back door offense.doc

Rick Majerus Post Play Thoughts

Rick Majerus Post_Play_Thoughts[1].doc

Georgia set plays

CRUNCH-TIME_-GEORGIA_V_MISS.ST_[1].pdf

John Wooden on "Fight"

"Fight is a determined effort to do the very best we can do. On the basketball court, fight is measured by hustle: diving to the floor for loose balls, sprinting to fill a lane on a fast break, taking a charge, picking up a missed defensive assignment or stealing the ball from an opposing player. It's digging in, gritting our teach, standing our ground. When we have fight, we are always ready to respond. We are quick, but we don't hurry. We make fewer mistakes, because we have the level of our intensity under control. A player with fight has a contained fire burning in his or her belly. This emerges as focused passion. Players with fight never lose a game; they just run out of time. Therese days, I hear a lot of talk about getting up for a big game. No game should be bigger than any other. People with fight can't get up any higher for an important game because they get up for every game. When people with fight step onto the floor, they always give everything they have to give, whether it's for practice, a scrimmage or a championship game. There's no such thing as losing when we've made the effort to do the best we can do. If we use our fight and determination to do our best, success will take care of itself."

Pete Carroll's Practice Approach

There is a lot of great information in "Win Forever" by Pete Carroll but my favorite section was - "Our Approach To Practice." I've already written about it briefly: http://bit.ly/dkwn5j. Here is even more on Coach Carroll and his thoughts regarding practice and it's role in his success formula:

“Practice is Everything” is one of the core tenets of the Win Forever philosophy. We want to create an environment that will permit each of our players to reach his maximum potential, and one of the ways we do that is by practicing with great focus. A player who is fully prepared on the practice field will feel ready to meet whatever comes his way on game day and thus, feel more confident and able to minimize distractions of fear or doubt.

At USC, we began each practice day with a team meeting. There, I always attempted to set the focus and tone for the day, always with enthusiasm. I was simply demonstrating the energy I wished to see from the coaches and players as we approached practice that day.

Once practice began, everyone was expected to operate at full throttle. I wanted to practice as game speed. We would never allow for anything but full speed and full effort in games, and I wanted us to practice exactly like we played. I believe when you give athletes a chance to perform at varying levels of intensity, you offer an invitation for varying levels of performance.

We liked to remind our players, “If you’re walking, you’re wrong!”

We would always strive to create continuity and consistency. We were even very careful to be precise with our language and terminology. I don’t like synonyms and varied definitions when it comes to terminology. If you want to communicate effectively, you need to be clear with the words you use.

We also recognized the need for a certain amount of variety. You cannot coach for very long without recognizing that routine, through necessary for success, can sometimes become monotonous.

Routine is enormously helpful in teaching players essential fundamentals. If you practice something consistently enough, when the critical moment comes in a game, the players will be able to perform without tightening up. They will be comfortable with the situation and make the right decisions. But if you believe in the importance of practice, as I do, you also know that you have to always keep your players interested and fully engaged. You can’t just do the same thing practice after practice or the players will lose interest.

All coaches facet this problem in one way or another. Too little routine and the message doesn’t get through; too much, and your players can get worn out. Finding the right balance and emphasis is critical for keeping practices fresh and players focused.

The way we handled it at USC was to have a different theme for each day of the week during the season.

“Tell the Truth Monday” was the day when we got our entire team on the same page in terms of what had occurred in our last game. Who performed well and who didn’t’? Why did the game go as it did and what should we take away from this game experience? It was imperative on this day that we think and speak as one and move ahead in harmony.

“Competition Tuesday” was the day we celebrated the central theme in the program – competition. We emphasized creating a great level of competition for the upcoming practice, with minimal attention paid to our opponent and the upcoming game. We accentuated the competitive matchups between individual players, position groups, and the offense and defense.

“Turnover Wednesday” was completely dedicated to the factor we believed most determines the outcome of football games, turnovers. USC won fifty-three straight games when we had a positive turnover ratio. Simply stated, when we created just one more turnover than our opponent, we were unbeatable. Long before this string was established, the first words out of my mouth when addressing our team each fall and each spring were always, “It’s All About the Ball!”

“No Repeat Thursday” was meant to emphasize the execution and precision of our weekly game plan. Practice was shorter on Thursday, with great focus on doing things right. All kicking game phases were emphasized along with a near-flawless demonstration of the game plan to such a precise level of performance that no plays needed to be repeated. Hence the name “No Repeat Thursday.”

“Review Friday” was our final on-field practice session and the last opportunity for all position groups to clean up issues and perfect their performance for game day. This was our most disciplined and regimented practice, where we paid strict attention to the fine details.

For our staff, Friday was all about proving to our players that they knew they were going to win and that we had earned the right to feel that way. We relied on our practice efforts during the week to lead us to this mentality, and we looked toward Review Friday to finalize the week.
via Bob Starkey LSU

Coach Don Meyer always talks about the fact that "if your best player is also your hardest worker, you have a chance to be a good team."

The following, from Pat William's book, "How To Be Like Mike," lends credibility to his statement.

"The first Bulls practice after Jordan made his comeback to basketball in 1995 ended with Michael walking to the baseline, one his own, and running windsprints. Without a word, all eleven of his teammates joined him."

"With accomplishments
comes confidence
and with confidence
comes belief.
It has to be in that order."
- Mike Krzyzewski -

via Bob Starkey LSU

Kevin Eastman Tips for Shooting

1. Be ready on the catch.

2. Ten toes to the rim.

3. Only change his form if the shot doesn’t go in. Make him the best worst form shooter.

4. Two second rule: As soon as it’s 1 cm into our players fingers I’m counting one two. Players don’t have a great understanding of game speed when working out.

5. The better the shooter you are, the better your shot fake needs to be. Definition of a shot fake is a real shot that you don’t shoot.

6. When you chart your players’ shots give them percentages for free-throws, lay-ups, jump shots and three-point shots.

7. Break it down so they know what to work on.

8. Players can be receptive to stats.

via Bob Starkey LSU Basketball

5 Things that kill a player's potential

5 Things That Kill Player's Potential

1. Low pain threshold.
2. Low Basketball IQ for what we do
3. Selfishness
4. Can the person do the intangibles? (charges, loose balls, pitch aheads, rotations)
5. Drugs and Alcohol

via Greg Brown
http://ucfwbbthoughts.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-things-that-kill-players-potential.html

Illinois Hi-Low set play vs 2-3 zone

via Zak Boisvert

illinois set vs 2-3.pdf

Hawaii Flex Action set play

Hawaii.pdf

via hoopjunkiesonline.blogspot.com

Ernie Kent man offense transition

Ernie Kent Man to Man offense transition.pdf

Bob McKillop's 7 keys to basketball

1. Seeing
See the game
Makes you quicker
See that you are denied and go back door.


2. Talking
Families break down because they do not talk
Talk with your hands and your mouth
Ask for the balls with 10 fingers



3. Flesh on Flesh Contact
Set hard screens body to body
Box out physically



4. Be detailed
Run to the ball as a teammates saves it OOB
Do not dribble a loose ball. Pick it up and chin it
Sacrifice position for possession in the post
Screens
.....A. Crack the opponent
.....B. Point your crack in the direction you want the cutter to come
Catch a ball low and loaded
...........
5. Always be on balance
Defensively
With the ball



6. Finish
Finish every play
Finish every shot you miss in practice
The last part of the play needs to be the strongest
Finish your basket cut to the rim then space out to the 3 pt line



7. Be an actor
Foot fake
Fake the screen away and basket cut
Pass fake/shot fake

Got this list via Darren Hardy of Success.com through one of his great tweets:



1. Make sufficient sleep your highest priority.
After breathing, sleeping is our most fundamental need. It’s also the first thing we’re willing to give up in an effort to get more done. Begin quieting down at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Avoid anything stimulating, such as the Internet, mysteries, and intense conversations. Wind down with mellow music, a bath, or herbal tea.

2. Exercise begins with the First Step.
If you’re struggling to find the time or motivation to start an exercise routine, buy a pedometer and record the number of steps you take every day. Shoot for 10,000—the recommended daily number of steps to ensure you are getting enough movement in your day to be fit.

3. Prioritize your tasks the night before.
The number of potential distractions, interruptions, and fatigue tends to increase throughout the day. Do the most important work of your day first, before checking email, if possible.

4. Become a Type A Eater.
Decide in advance what you’re going to eat, in what portions, and at what intervals. That’s the best way to avoid endless temptations, unconscious cues, and “that-looks-good!” surprises that override our self-discipline and cause us to veer off track.

5. Breathe deep.
If you feel negative emotions coming on, or when you feel frustrated, annoyed, or anxious, simply take a few deep breaths. Extend the exhale to decrease your physiological arousal and quickly restore a sense of calm.

6. Give Thanks.
Write a note of appreciation to someone in your life once a week. We’re far quicker to notice what’s wrong than to celebrate what’s right in others. You might be surprised to discover how energized and inspired people are when they feel recognized and appreciated.

7. Log Off Your Email.
Try turning off your email completely for at least one hour a day. Use that time to devote your full attention to a significant task or larger challenge you’re facing.

8. Daydream for Breakthroughs.
Schedule at least one half-hour a week to brainstorm around some issue at work. You can help access your right hemisphere by doodling, listening to instrumental music, going for a long walk—anything that lets your mind wander.

9. Take a break.
Taking time to renew every 90 minutes keeps your body in alignment with its natural rhythms. Much as we cycle through stages of sleep at night, so we go through a similar cycle every 90 minutes throughout the day, moving from a state of higher energy slowly down into fatigue.

10. Accentuate the Positive.
Make a list of activities that you enjoy most and that make you feel best. Intentionally schedule at least one of these activities into your life each week.

via Bob Starkey LSU
From Matthew E. May at OpenForum.com

Gene Stallings on planning and conducting productive practices

GENE STALLINGS ON PLANNING AND CONDUCTING PRODUCTIVE PRACTICES

1. Every team in the country has good Xs and Os. The difference is in performance, and good performance comes from lots of research, hours of planning, and proper use of time.

2. It is important for everyone to use the same terminology. Both the offense and defense should use the same names for plays, coverages, formations, forces, alignments, stunts, techniques, and personnel. To reduce confusion, the offensive and defensive coaches should use the same name in speaking to any combination of players.

3. Important Points to Remember:
• Football players win games by making plays. A player cannot consistently make good plays if he’s confused.
• Players must use techniques properly. Learning to do this is what practice is all about.
• Being loud does not make you a good coach.
• There is no substitute for knowledge.
• You cannot coach well without some enthusiasm.
• The best-coaches teams usually win.

post via Bob Starkey LSU

UCLA Conditioning and Fundamentals

UCLA CONDITIONING AND FUNDAMENTALS.doc

Winning The Games Within The Game

WINNING THE GAMES WITHIN THE GAME REVISED.doc

Steve Alford Individual workouts

Steve_Alford--Iowa_Individiual_workouts.pdf

Matthew Kelly quote on self discipline

"Successful people are in the habit of being disciplined. Undisciplined people are in the habit of being unsuccessful"

- Matthew Kelly

The Best Things Ive Seen in Coaching: Don Meyer

Best things i've seen in coaching.doc

John Wooden Happiness Keys

John Wooden - happines keys.doc

John Jenkins interview with NBADRAFT.NET

http://www.nbadraft.net/john-jenkins-interview


www.nbadraft.net has John ranked as the #39 overall player on their big board (Top 100 prospects)for the 2011 draft . They have him going in the first round to the Lakers the 2012 draft. Copy and paste the above link to check out his interview or just visit www.nbadraft.net

Trademarks of Northern State & Coach Don Meyer

Trademarks of Northern State.doc

What makes a good basketball team?

What Makes A Good Basketball Team.doc

Meddling Parents Ruin Coaching

This is an article I ran across last week and thought I'd share it. I don't share all the views that are presented in this article. As a parent, teacher, and coach, I have a unique perspective. My father was also a coach, teacher, & administrator. Ive been on about every side of the fence on this one. My dad says, "players have camps, coaches have clinics, but parents have nothing." I plan to start posting parenting articles from time to time.

Meddling_Parents_Ruin_Coaching.doc

Don Meyer Motion Offense Progression

Motion offense progression.doc

Eric Musselman coaching skills

Eric_Musselman_37_essential_skills_notes_kcs.pdf

Billy Donovan transition and conditioning drills

Billy_Donovan_10_aggressive_transition_and_conditioning_drills.pdf

Good Attitude vs Bad Attitude

Players with good attitudes:
1. Listens to his coaches and teammates with respect.
2. Takes responsibility for actions.
3. Shows empathy and humility towards others and the game.
4. Accepts coaching & constructive criticism
5. Is eager to learn
6. Soaks up information like a sponge.
7. Pulls for teammates
8. Builds up and encourages
9. Realizes its not about you.
Players with bad attitudes:
1. Gripes and complaines about teammates and coaches
2. pouts when on the bench
3. makes excues
4. thinks only about himself and his points / playing time
5. embodies a me first attitude in his dress
6. doesnt listen to his coaches
7. thinks only about himself
8. tears others down
9. thinks everything revolves around him

Tom Izzo Zone sets

Tom_Izzo_Zone_Sets.pdf

5 Characteristics of successful players

FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PLAYERS.doc

courtesy of www.coachmeyer.com