Defense Determines Offense
Every athletic contest boils down to “who is going to force who to play who’s game?” But I think using the word FORCE is misleading. Here’s what I mean: When your opponent is bigger and more physical than you, meaning, if you play that type of game, you’re going to lose, then you need to […]
Train with Purpose
Purpose [pur-puhs] Noun: the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. determination; resoluteness. Verb (used with object) to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself. to intend; design. The above is an abbreviated definition of the word purpose from Dictonary.com. “The reason for which […]
Communicating the Read & React
Here’s the situation. A coaching friend of yours likes what he or she sees in the Read & React. They ask you about it and as you begin to explain, their eyes glass over and you can tell that you’re not connecting. Or, you make an explanation and as soon as they begin to comment […]
Rehearsal: A Different Kind of Practice
I challenge you to try a different mode of practice. I’m assuming that you want your team to play a certain way – let’s assume it’s the Read & React. Then you must PRACTICE playing that way. I know that sounds obvious, but the word “Practice” has taken on a different meaning. It means Player […]
Servicing the Body
A few weeks ago I took my car in for routine service. Well, I thought I was going in for routine service, but found out I needed to have some additional work done. In addition to the standard oil change, I was told I needed new tires, a wheel alignment and new brake pads. I quickly asked […]
Recharge your Batteries with Off-Season Ballhandling
Once the season is over, most players want to take a little time, perhaps a few days at most, to recuperate from the daily practice and game schedule. But once a player has “unwound”, how does he or she recover the love and joy of basketball that will propel them to get better in the […]
Basketball E.S.P.
E.S.P. does not stand for Extra Sensory Perception when you’re talking about basketball. It stands for External Signs of Passivity. Ask a Police Officer and you’ll find that when a person has their palms up, it’s a sign that they are not a threat – it’s an External Sign of Passivity. If their palms are […]
Building the Complete Player
I realize that a small percentage of high school programs across the country are fortunate enough to still be playing… and in the hunt for a conference, district or state championship. For those that are, I wish you a healthy and successful end to your season. I hope you can get that ring and hang […]
6 Areas to Know and Articulate
Why do we spend so much time selling what we want from our players to the players and their parents?! Here is a common conversation many coaches go through on a yearly basis: When I total the number of hours and days of basketball that I’ve played in, coached in, practice planned, conducted practices, it adds […]
April 6 – Bigger Than Basketball
Last year I made a trip to Calgary, Alberta (Canada) for one of my Cutting Edge Clinics. Thanks to host Randy Peron of the Red Jackets, the clinic was a tremendous success… with 60+ kids and 20+ coaches in attendance. As much as I enjoyed my workout with the players and my private Q & A […]
