Friday, December 23, 2022

Explain It to Me Like I’m Five Years Old (Print and Save Edition)

Set expectations that are simple, measurable, repeatable. 

  • Ask players what it takes to win. 
  • Go around the room for answers. 
  • Write them down. 
  • Make these the starting point for a team promise or 'contract'.

Explain it to me like I'm five years old. 

  • Do these to win. 
  • Doing these makes our identity. 
  • "This is who we are." It’s not rocket science.

We do not give games away. 

Play harder (than our opponents). "Win this possession; then win the next one." 

Don’t turn the ball over. We can't score without the ball. "Value the ball" or "take care of the ball." The ball is gold. Counting turnovers and informing our middle school girls reduced giveaways. #Accountability

Don’t take low quality shots. Tell me what that means. "You're 1 for 19 on the season shooting threes." Tell me what that means for the team. "It's not YOUR shot, it's OUR shot." 

"No easy baskets." Don’t allow layups and open 3s. Get stops. Stops make runs. 

Beat the press. Pass and cut and catch under control.  

Share the ball. There is no my turn. "The ball has energy." 

Bother shots without fouling. "Fouls cancel hustle." 

Rebound and talk at both ends of the court. "It's your ball."

Be tough. Never quit. Ask players to share how YOU are going to be tough on the court. "Toughness is a skill."

Summary (Ten Rules)

We do not give games away. 

Play harder (than our opponents)

Don’t turn the ball over

Don’t take low quality shots.  

"No easy baskets."

Beat the press. 

Share the ball. 

Bother shots without fouling. 

Rebound and talk 

Be tough.

Lagniappe (something extra). 


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