We have a lot of ways to communicate with our players at practice, but we can work on improving.
Reading:
Practice Perfect, Doug Lemov et al. (Specific tips to improve your teaching)
Study is Hard Work, William Armstrong (develop reading, vocabulary, study, and outlining skills)
Internet Resources:
Youtube and other videos (best displayed on Chromecast or similar technology). Coaches can share these via email, team resources (e.g. Google Drive), or team websites/blogs. I will publish some of my favorite websites in another post soon.
Google Drive:
Team specific resources (e.g. philosophy, schedules, policies, playbook)...this can be restricted or public domain at your discretion
Player Notebooks:
Don Meyer used to keep three notebooks, one for basketball, one for general knowledge, and one for appreciation toward his wife (that he would give her annually).
I have distributed notebooks to my teams with the suggestion that each player add three things they learned or did well and one thing they need improvement with and how specifically they will work on that.
PowerPoint Sites:
Sites like www.Slideshare.net contain a wealth of PowerPoint type presentations on sports, psychology, and leadership
Laminated Sheets:
I distribute laminated information periodically. "If it's laminated, it's important." I have distributed Coach Wooden's "Pyramid of Success," Jay Bilas' "Toughness" values, and Offensive and Defensive philosophies.
Build Listening Skills:
Use Internet resources like this.
DVD Coaching Information:
Miscellaneous coaching information from CoachingULive.com and other proprietary sources
Regardless of what we're teaching, we need to get feedback from players to show they are learning the material. "What is not learned is not taught."
