I've been asked to run Middle School tryouts this month. Each class of girls and boys (grade 6-8) has a 90 minute session. What belongs? I I'm just another guy trying to share opportunity and equity. Here are some ideas.
Players, separate yourself with enthusiasm, energy, or even crazy luminescent socks. Be memorable.
Times are always approximate but keep it moving.
(1m) Introduction (1 minute): "Brevity is the soul of wit."
- Thanks for interest. Have fun.
- Show your stuff (use four baskets as much as possible).
- Be your best self with attitude and effort.
- Be a great teammate.
- 2 half speed laps (don't cut corners)
- Dribble the lines (outside of three point lines) - out right, back left, crossover every third, hesitation dribble every third
- Speed Layups (4 baskets)
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
(29) Skills assessment (groups of 6 each half-court)
Dribbling combined (multipurpose drill) (5 minutes)
Layups 2 (4 minutes, 2 dribbles from 3 point line)
Rollouts (4 minutes, 4 baskets)
Arc 1 on 1 - 4 minutes (assess offense and defense 1 v 1)
(20m) Shooting (3 on 3 groups)
UCONN 4 minute shooting (5 minutes)
30 buckets (3 minutes each group for shooters/rebounders)
3 x 3 (half court shooting on the move) (4 minutes)
Competition (elbows) two lines each basket...game to 11 (5 mins, switch sides every time a team 'wins')
(29m) Playing. 60-89 minutes (3 on 3) global assessment of ability to play, make decisions. The coaches will relocate players to different groups to assess skills and need areas. Usually a top group separates itself and more focus goes to the intermediate groups.
(1m) Wrap up (procedural...thanks...email individually selection)
Lagniappe. Toughness.
"Toughness is doing what it takes to make a difference. It is not thinking or accepting that you have a ceiling, but you have another notch, another gear. Players play, but tough players win." -Tom Izzo pic.twitter.com/sH5m6LHPUw
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) October 3, 2022
Lagniappe 2. Horns handback PnR clearout.
Creighton 19-20: Horns ES Shallow
— Connor Harr (@HarrConnor) October 2, 2022
Great high single tag set here playing off the threat of an elite shooter pic.twitter.com/ForTGR4vpn
Lagniappe 3. Biggest lesson from over fifty years around basketball? There is always something to learn...and always something to share.