Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Basketball Practice: Themes for Tangible Improvement


After people, practice is our most valuable resource. We can't waste a minute...

During our first six weeks (twelve possible practices) we've lost two practices to holidays and one to a snowstorm. As Bill Belichick says, "you can't win a war digging a hole, you've got to attack." 

Time constraints challenge skill growth and game play in a 90 minute practice...

Get organized. 



Review your drill book to refine team needs. 



Vary drills to keep practice fresh

What words and concepts never grow stale? 

Energy. The coaches and point guards need energy every practice. Energize. Jon Gordon's The Energy Bus shares ten rules. 



Remember that although we're the driver, we don't have the right to throw people under the bus. 

Collaboration. Work together, always on the same page. Remember Nassim Taleb's Silver Rule, "Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you.

Sacrifice. Early in his career, President Lyndon Baines Johnson served as principal at an impoverished school near the Mexican border in Catulla, Texas. He taught, coached sports and debate, and spent half his salary on equipment for students. He recognized the inequality facing the students and made a difference. Share something great. 

Curiosity. How does the game work? What does our team need? Franklin Roosevelt pored over his stamp collection, which took him to faraway places and people. Be a learn-it-all. 

Positivity. Pat Riley says, "catch people in the act of doing something right." Find ways to celebrate good play. Make players know they are valued. "I believe in you." 

Lagniappe: Learn to play at different speeds. Separation follows change of direction and change of pace
Lagniappe 2: Read.