"Put up or shut up." I'll never say my way is the best way or the only way. I'm always seeking a better way. I expect to have about four evaluators 'scoring' players.
Tryouts happen for our middle school program next week. These are 11 to 13 year-old girls. In recent years, a professional (former Final Four player) coach has 'run' tryouts (two one-hour sessions) with team coaches observing and making selections. This year, it's on me...create an environment that allows players to separate themselves, compete, and have fun.
Diamonds in the Rough. Think out of the box. Some players tryout with no basketball experience. We never know when an excellent athlete presents a golden opportunity. As an assistant, I had the 'last pick' and chose a raw girl with excellent athleticism. She ultimately became our best player. Today, she's a teacher with a Master's Degree.
Measure differences. We see size but evaluate athleticism, skill, and intangibles - attitude, intensity, effort. What differentiates Janie from Joanne?
Steal great ideas. Here are a few:
Give every player a fair chance to show their stuff. -Alan Stein
If you only have 12 roster spots and have to cut a few players, that you know love the game, offer them positions as team managers that will practice with the team and sit on the bench during games.- Augie Johnston
Play games. I’ll never understand how coaches make decisions about players based on drills. - Brian McCormick
Keep it simple and come with a practice plan. - Bryan Burrell
Look for potential. - Darrell Johnson
Teach players how to play instead of trying to teach them plays. - Dave Hopla
The tryout should be a mix of individual and team skill sessions with a good portion of the tryout 3 on 3 and 5 on 5. - Ganon Baker
Remember these are just kids; they are not yet as good as they will be if they get good coaching and are allowed to enjoy the game while developing skills and learning character lessons. See past the flash, and look for the potential. - Janis Meredith
Be aware of parents’ feelings and don’t overreact when they love their kid more than they love you. - Jim Burson
Remember that you are coaching a program, not just a team for 1 year. - John Leonzo
Be efficient. -Jordan Delp
Do your best to make try-outs a positive experience for everyone involved. - Matt Monroe
Allow the ones ‘on the fence’ and others more reps and scrimmage/playing time so you can better evaluate. - Mark Adams (It's harder to pick the vegetables than the entree).
Incorporate drills that allow you to evaluate ball handling, passing, shooting and finishing at the basket. - Koran Godwin
Have a good coaching staff that can help you evaluate talent and determine what is needed for your basketball team to succeed. - Lamar Hull
Final thoughts:
My plan examines mostly fundamentals the first hour but with some competition included. The second hour will split fundamentals at higher intensity and have some scrimmaging.
Here's a preliminary spreadsheet:
Speed layups for warm-up via the Lithuania team at the #JonesCup. I like it because most of warm-up IMO is about getting shots as we shoot more than we get layups in games...the other part is a short burst of energy & enthusiasm so this would take care of that. pic.twitter.com/UQXy7w1Ozg— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) July 29, 2018
Quarterback layups (snatch and chase)...the best players compete, explode to the basket, and finish.