Washington Player Development Academy

Dick Bennett's Five Biblical Principles

2010-11-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

About 95% of my defensive philosophy comes from Coach Bennett. I believe Coach Bennett ranks as the top defensive coach of all time. Here are his five biblical principles.

1. HUMILITY

Know and be who you are, not what others think you are.
Know the shots you can make and shots you can take.
Know the ability you really have.
Don't let the pressures of the game take you out of your idenity.

2. PASSION

Don't be lukewarm.
Don't try to be cool.
Die Hard...Take losses hard.
It's about concentration.
Lack of passion will keep you from being great.

3. UNITY

Tough team. Team tough.
Unity is the only way you can touch greatness.
The way normal people become great is through unity.

4. SERVANT ATTITUDE

Serve one another.
It is the basis of everything we do.
Go out of your way - on and off the court - to make your teammates better.
Get every charge, every loose ball, every rebound, every save.
Help the helper on defense.
Help get each other open.
Hit the open man on offense.

5. THANKFULNESS

Acknowledge any help from a teammate.
If you can be thankful in all circumstances, it can bring great wisdom.
Take something positive from every situation.

A Half-Hearted Commitment Is Worse Than No Commitment At All

2010-09-12T09:36:00.001-07:00

Another worthwhile passage from Lou Holtz's autobiography:

Every athlete who has ever played for me has heard me preach against the pitfalls of entering anything halfway. In my mind, a half-hearted commitment is worse than no commitment at all.

If you decide to take a class, you should give the professor and yourself the full benefit of your undivided attention., If you don't, you are wasting your time and taking up a valuable seat in the classroom.

If you're on a team, you owe your coaches and your teammates your total commitment. If you don't - - if you're unhappy because the coach doesn't start you, or because you aren't getting as many touches or as much playing time as you think you should - - you are hurting yourself and the entire organization. You and the team would be better off if you played somewhere else.

Commitment is the most critical component in any relationship. In sports, it's become axiomatic: Commitment beats talent every time!!!

THOUGHTS FROM COACH K

2010-09-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Team USA will play Turkey later today for the gold medal at the World Championships. Here are some thoughts from Coach K:

"This is what I do. I determine how good our kids can be by watching them, by getting to know them, by building relationships with them. I constantly try to take a realistic look at our team and try not to let the final outcome of any game spike emotions too high or too low. And then I also work with the guys over the course of the entire season to help raise them to their highest potential."

EVERY SEASON IS A JOURNEY:

During the season, your team should be led with exuberance and excitement.

You should live the journey.

You should live it right.

You should live it shared.

You should try to make one another better.

You should get on one another if somebody's not doing their part.

You should hug one another when they need it.

You should be disappointed in a loss and exhilarated in a win.

It's all about the journey.

It should be honest and it should be real.

It's not about winning games or what other people's expectations of us may be. We're not going to fall into traps that so many people fall into. That's not why we are going to play. We are going to play for innocence.

ON BEING A GREAT TEAM:

"When everyone on our team believes that our own personal signature is on everything our team does - then we have a chance to be as great basketball team. And not until we believe that every ball we play with says "DUKE" on it, will we be proud of our performance."

ON MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:

"Playing hard together, being the best defensive team and players building strong bonds with one another are shared goals that involve working together as a group over the entire year. If a team consistently concentrates on goals like that, major achievements happen."

THE RICHEST MAN IN TOWN

2010-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share this short movie with you!!!!

BUILDING TEAM UNITY

2010-09-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

Coach Smith is one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball. I thought I would share some things he thought were important about TEAM UNITY...

"My philosophy is team unity - Basketball is a team game. We can't succeed unless we do it as a team. Point out to the players that everyone must play defense. It is important to have goals for team unity. Points are not the only thing. You need each other. Team play is built in practice. Our idea is to have an emphasis of the day, and then give credit during a practice to those players that are accomplishing that emphasis. Players must be aware that if they let down at any time they are huting the team."

BUILDING TEAM UNITY:

1. Do not let one teammate yell at another.

2. No one is perfect. Have you ever seen a perfect game by a basketball player?

3. A player needs encouragement when he or she makes a mistake. You must care about the last person as much as you care about the stars.

4. Never substitute on a mistake. If a player is trying, what more can you ask?

5. Respect every player on the team.

6. A life lesson is tolerance for one another. We should go out of our way to respect and satisfy each and every person, even though society evaluates success by the number of wins and losses.

7. Build a respect and rapport between each player and coach.

8. Praise correct performance and effort.

9. Players on the bench should always stand and applaud team plays and players coming to the sidelines following a substitution.

10. Give emphasis to unselfishness among team members and to give credit to the players who do the little things.

11. Acknowledge the passer. Point your finger to the player. (Give both a verbal and physical response).

12. Always have players on the floor let you know when they are tired. (we do it by having them raise a fist). Starters usually come out five to six times in a game.

13. Get players to go as hard on defense as they do on offense.

14. Stress constantly recognizing the need for each other.

15. After a game, try to give recognition to the opposing coach.

16. Why do we run sprints?? For PRIDE. We think we are in better shape than the other players. Sprints help build team morale.

17. Convince your players not to let their teammates down. The best way to build team unity is to teach players the correct way to play the game is to play hard. Secondly, players must understand that every player is important.

18. Emphasize to the seniors that this is their team; they will make the rules and the coaches will enforce them. Do not allow any phony rules - they hurt team unity.

19. A player wants to be disciplined; this helps to develop both team and self-discipline. Give a player a second chance when it is appropriate.

Giving Yourself a Head Start

2010-07-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Received this from Coach Kevin Eastman, assistant coach of the Boston Celtics. If you want to see a great web site go to: www.kevineastmanbasketball.com

Sometimes it is good to take a minute and think about success and how to get there. I can safely say if you commit the following thoughts to your everyday life, they will give you a head start on those you compete against.

The neat thing is that all of us have a choice each day to do with that day what we want. Some choose not to do much; some choose to talk a good game. And some choose to invest in that day. My eyes tell me those who choose to invest usually get that HEAD START we all would like to have. Enjoy and internalize these thoughts......Good Luck!!

1. In an effort to become the best, the best always give their best. Its not a very elaborate formula - just one that separates you from the pack.

2. A LITTLE MORE usually produces a lot more. A little more focus, a little more effort, a little more thought, a little more sacrifice - doing a little more produces a lot more. And a lot more allows you to become more!

3. Indecision is the single biggest thief of our goals, our dreams and often the opportunities we could have had. Don't sabotage your own success; be decisive!

4. Successful people seem to do all the things that unsuccessful people think they're too big for, too cool for, too good for. Nothing is too big or too small for successful people!

5. Simple truth about the best players and coaches in the NBA is that the best always want to get better. They're always trying to learn more; they never want to stay the same!

6. In a 24-hour day, is it important to you to improve? Make it mandatory to find a minimum of an hour to work on yourself. If you become more, you become more valuable! Spend the time you need to do a great job at your job, but don't neglect spending time on your own improvement. It comes back to help your employer in the long! To get more you must become more!

7. Someone is going to be the best at something on your team or in your company, so why don't you be that person? Being the best requires hundreds of sacrifices that the public or even your boss may never see. That's just the price of admission to join the BEST club.

8. Success requires hours and hours of sustained thought, work and passion. Everyone wants the success, but so many want it on their own terms. They don't want the hours and the preparation that goes into it. Take this daily challenge!!

9. Success is not free. There are down payments that must be made - in hard work, in high-quality work, in consistent work, in teamwork. You must be willing to invest in your own success!

10. Opportunities don't always knock on your door; they often sit around and wait until you recognize them. The key is to be prepared for that opportunity when it presents itself. Preparation is what turns opportunity into good fortune!

Who will cry for the little boy?

2010-07-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

Was watching the movie Antwone Fisher last night....I love this poem...

Who will cry for the little boy?
Lost and all alone.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Abandoned with out his own?

Who will cry for the little boy?
He cried himself to sleep.
Who will cry for the little boy?
He never had for keeps.

Who will cry for the little boy?
He walked the burning sand.
Who will cry for the little boy?
The boy inside the man.

Who will cry for the little boy?
Who knows well hurt and pain.
Who will cry for the little boy?
He died again and again.

Who will cry for the little boy?
A good boy he tried to be.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who cries inside of me.

Kevin Eastman: Thoughts on Defense

2010-07-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Five Things in Half-Court Defense:

1. Get back and SET
2. Be a great HELP team
3. Be a NO PAINT team
4. Be a no-corner three team
5. Be an alert & aware team

The best defensive teams can still defend in disadvantage situations.

Six Musts of Defense:

1. Communication:

Talking intimidates
It gives defense head start
It gives man on the ball more confidence
You can wake up a disengaged defender
It catches the mistake before it happens
Energizes the team

2. Trust

Teams that don't trust foul more

3. Position

4. Awareness

5. Alertness

6. Multiple Effort Mindset

Three Must Haves of Communications:

1. Early

2. Loud

3. Continuous

Six Cant Haves of Defense:

1. Lack of the six must haves
2. Personal Defense
3. You cant have gambles - Leads to open shots and fouls
4. Dare shot - Dare offensive player to shoot
5. Close byes - going past offensive player on close outs
6. Helping with outside foot.

Five Areas of Consistency:

1. Focus
2. Effort
3. Positioning
4. Awareness
5. Alertness

You can play any defense and be good if you have four things:

1. Player commitment
2. Habits
3. Focus
4. Passion

Special Teams Mentality in Basketball

2010-07-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State. I love the way his teams play on the defensive end as well as the toughness his team display on the floor.

Another reason for my appreciation of Coach Izzo is his innovations of other sports into his philosophies. Coach Izzo is a big fan of the gridiron. His best friend is Steve Mariucci, longtime NFL and college football coach.

He discusses how SPECIAL TEAMS in football have been emphasized by all the great football coaches. In Michigan State basketball, he firmly believes that the Spartans SPECIAL TEAMS have been a key ingredient in their success.

Knowing that so many games are decided by six points or less, and that the majority of NCAA Tournament games are decided by even less, Izzo, has decided to focus on five areas that would make up their SPECIAL TEAMS. Their goal is to have their SPECIAL TEAMS produce 15-20 points per game. If they achieve their goal, close games become very comfortable wins and, more importantly, devastating losses can be turned into exciting victories.

The Five Areas of MSU SPECIAL TEAMS are:

1. Jump Ball Situations
2. Baseline Out-of-Bounds
3. Sideline Out-of-Bounds
4. Free-Throw Situations
5. After Time-Out Plays

1. Jump Ball Situations:

We want to set the tone and tempo of the game from the opening tip. Our scouting report will cover if we can control the tip or, if we lose the tip, which direction our opponent tends to tip the ball. For example, if we feel that we cannot win the tip and our opponent consistently tips the ball in the back court, then we will set up a play to steal the tip and run a set action in order to get a high percentage shot immediately. Our mindset is to begin every game in the ATTACK mode and score our first basket before the defense has time to set up. You would be surprised at how many times a defense can be caught off guard on the very first possession of the game.

If you can control the tip, I would suggest coming up with two different quick hitters your team can run and feels confident in. We end every game-day shoot around executing our tip play, always concluding the practice on a made basket. Its great for the teams confidence to know that they have a plan to start every game with a quick lead.

2. Baseline Out-of-Bounds - Attack When They Relax:

We take great pride in scoring on what we call our BLOBS (baseline out-of-bounds). You will be pleasantly surprised at how many baskets you will score if your team develops a mentality that they have a great offensive advantage when taking the ball out along the baseline. We work on our BLOBS every day, spending ten minutes of practice time. We execute our BLOBS at game speed, calling out which option we want the shot coming from. We will also scrimmage live on BLOBS, with each team getting five opportunities to score. Again, we constantly emphasize how important this aspect of the game is to our teams success.

In many cases, we will put in special plays for each opponent. If our opponent had a difficult time guarding a BLOB in their previous game, we may steal that play and put it in for that specific game. One thing we will always do in this situation is review that play on game day and inform our players that we will run that BLOB on the first out-of-bounds opportunity.

3. Sideline Out-of-Bounds - Get an Open Three:

Many teams main objective in their sideline out of bounds (we call them SLOBS) is to get the ball into play safely. Again we differ in this philosophy because we want to use every potential scoring opportunity to attack the defense in a situation that they might not spend a lot of practice time on.

At Michigan State, we try to run our variety of SLOBS to get a quick, open three-point shot. Many teams defend SLOBS by flattening their defense and we have found success in screening this defensive set and bringing our shooters to an open area for a high percentage three-point shot. SLOBS are a great time to catch the defense relaxing and reward your offensive execution with a great looking shot from the three-point line.

4. Free Throw Situations - Turning a Miss into Points:

A main emphasis in our championship program has been on dominating our offensive backboards. In many games, our best offense has been the missed shot. Obviously, it would be great if our team never missed a free throw, but since even the best teams only shoot 75% from the free-throw line, we decided to also emphasize attacking the offensive glass during a free-throw situation.

Im sure every coach can recall a game that was won or lost on an offensive put-back off a missed free throw. Although there are many different techniques or actions you could use to attack the glass on free throw situations, the most important point is that you get your players to go to the boards and go hard. Just like the chart we use to determine the percentage of how often we go to the offensive boards in our offensive sets, we also use the same chart for our free throw situations.

5. After Time-Out Plays - Execution and Discipline:

There may be nothing more frustrating for a coach than to call or diagram a play during a time-out only to have it improperly executed on the floor. To combat this problem and to increase the focus and execution of our after-time-out plays, we will periodically call time-out during practice to diagram and set up a play. We will do this at any time during practice, during a drill, after sprints, or even when the team is shooting free throws. The players will grow accustomed to increasing their concentration and executing a play during this important time.

We have had great results because of this practice habit. In our 2001 regional final versus Temple, out players executed and scored on seven of our nine time-out plays. All the credit should go to the players because they conditioned themselves to be successful in those important situations.

There is no doubt that one of the reasons why our team has been so successful in these SPECIAL TEAMS area is because we emphasize them every day in practice. We will work on at least two of our SPECIAL TEAMS every day in practice and also cover all five areas during our game-day shoot-around. Our players are highly motivated and take great pride in turning what some would consider boring aspects of the game.

Player Checklist

2010-07-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

This time of year, we are looking to improve our individual development. Here is a great checklist for players:

ATTITUDE:

____ I am teachable

____ I learn by watching

____ I am enthusiastic

____ I am a good listener

____ I concentrate in practice

____ I am a hard worker

____ I set specific goals

____ I am developing my strength

____ I am team oriented

____ I encourage others

DEFENSE

____ I have a defensive attitude

____ I am aggressive

____ I work from a good defensive stance

____ I have my hands up and active

____ I pressure the ball when it is passed, dribbled or shot

____ I deny my man the ball.

____ I jump to the ball on the pass or dribble

____ I use a pistols stance when I am in help

____ I block out on every shot

____ I look to take charges.

____ I get to loose balls

OFFENSE

____ I move without the ball

____ I catch the ball with my feet in the air

____ I face the basket in triple threat

____ I work low and on balance

____ I dribble well with both hands

____ I use pass fakes and shot fakes

____ I know how to set and use good screens

____ I know and use the steps to the shooting progression

____ I know and use the steps to free throw shooting

____ I know my rebound responsibilities

Wisdom from Rose

2010-07-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture of Rose, so I thought I would use a picture of the greatest woman who has ever lived, Mother Teresa.

I received an e-mail the other day about a lady who got it right....Here is the story!!!!

The first day of school, our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up here entire being...

She said, Hi Handsome. My name is Rose. I am eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug???

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, Of course you may! and she gave me a giant squeeze.

Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age? I asked. She jokingly replied, I am here to meet a rich husband, get married and have a couple of kids...

No seriously, I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

I always dreamed of having a college education and now I am getting one! she told me.

After class, we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.

We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this TIME MACHINE as she shared her wisdom and experience with me...

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I will never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her speech, she dropped her 3 X 5 cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed, she leaned into the microphone and simply said, I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for lent and this whiskey is killing me! Ill never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.

As we laughed, she cleared her throat and began. We do not stop plying because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!

There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.

She concluded her speech by courageously singing...THE ROSE.

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At years end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those moths ago.

One week after graduation, Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it is never too late to be all you can possibly be.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings it to you, He will bring you through it.

Good friends are like the stars........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there!!!!

BIlly Donovans Daily Attitude Plan

2010-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share Coach Donovan's Daily Attitude Plan with you.

1. Always making today my best day.

2. Taking pride in a job well done.

3. Treating others with respect.

4. Isolating my negative thoughts

5. Treating tasks as opportunities.

6. Utilizing my talents every day.

7. Doing the job right the first time.

8. Expecting positive outcomes daily.

9. Speaking well of others every day.

Things I Wish I Would Have Known Earlier As A Player...

2010-05-31T06:10:00.001-07:00

Northern Illinois University Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Sundance Wicks has a great web-site that coaches need to look at: www.sundancewicks.com

Coach Wicks played for Coach Don Meyer at Northern State University. If coaches require their players to take notes in notebooks, Coach Wicks has his notebook for sale. Contact Coach Wicks on his website for more information. His notebook is a must-read!!!

One of Coach Wicks posting on his web-site talks about things you wish you would have known about as a player. Here are some of the things Coach Wicks talks about:

What it feels like to be a senior (The sacrifice for the team)
How much time the coaching staff puts in trying to prepare the team for life, practice and games.
How much time the coaching staff spends thinking about what is best for the team.
Your team is only good as the last player to buy in (weakest link) - you have a true team only when every last player has bought in.
When you win with a team, the victory tastes much sweeter.
Team Chemistry is the most important thing in the game of basketball - without it, championships are hard to come by.
That the TEAM is not the coaches team, its your (PLAYERS) Team.
That it can take an entire season to BUILD a team, and one incident to destroy the chemistry that was built.
How you play in practice ultimately affects your performance in the game.
If you want to be the best player, you have to be the hardest worker.
It doesn't matter how good you are, if you are not mentally tough.
That you win games by preparing properly in practice and not just lacing up the sneakers on game night.
Its hard as a coach to sit a player who makes hustle plays consistently and works hard in practice.
The importance of ball pressure and jumping to the ball and how to play it properly.
Communication is a must to be successful on and off the court.
I have a better chance to play if I am a great defender vs. a good shooter.
The sooner I realize that everything starts with defense the better I will be able to prepare myself for the practices and games.
The key to becoming a great rebounder is putting forth the effort to go to the glass and ability has little to do with it.
A good team defense is built on the foundation of trust.
How much you have mentally for the second night of play in conference; Friday / Saturday Games - After Losses, more so Wins.
Its not who starts games, its who finishes the game - Be a Finisher!
You have to have a great second half warm-up physically to get yourself ready mentally (perceived ability that we are ready to go.)
That you can control two things in life: 1. Attitude 2. Effort - and more often than not, positive words and actions create positive reactions.

Quotes From Coach Meyer

2010-05-08T07:51:00.001-07:00

If you do not know who Coach Don Meyer is, here is a quick bio:

Just retired from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

In 38 years of coaching college basketball, is the all-time leader with 938 wins.

More than the 938 wins, he has helped so many of his players become better human beings.

In 2008, after a car crash, doctors discovered cancer in his liver and intestines, during emergency surgery in which he lost one of his legs.

Coach Meyer is the ultimate ambassador to the game of basketball. He has helped so many coaches become better coaches and people.

I still remember making a call to Coach Meyer. I never thought I would get to talk to him. I thought I would take a chance. His basketball secretary answered the phone and patched me right through to Coach Meyer. We talked for about 15 minutes and I felt like I had won a national championship.

I was sad to hear of the news that Coach Meyer was retiring, but I do understand why he made the decision. Coach will continue to be the great ambassador for the game and he will continue to mentor young coaches and people.

Buster Olney, from ESPN is writing a book titled, HOW LUCKY YOU CAN BE, the story of Don Meyer. It will be out in September of 2010. This will be a must-read!!!!

Here are some great quotes from Coach Meyer:

Successful programs consist of people working hard, working together, while never worrying about who gets the credit.

Shout praise and whisper criticism.

To be a team, you must be a family.

Discipline and demand without being demanding.

Recognize and reward players who put the team first, not just the gifted ones.

Simplify the game as much as possible. When you add, you must subtract.

There is nothing more important than rebounding...don't just give it lip service.

Shared suffering: one guy messes up and everyone runs. One guy does well and everyone benefits.

Players who are late say that their time is more important than the team.

Its not what you teach, but what you emphasize.

Good shooters take the shots; best shooters take most of the shots.

You build your program from the ideas from good coaches.

Play off your great player...great teams have a go-to player and they play off of him.

Prepare for every practice like you loss your last game.

Your program must have an overriding purpose which is clearly visible and which teaches lessons beyond winning.

When you watch the game, be a student of the game.

The team is an extension of the coach.

Players must do what you want them to do in pressure situations.

When the legs go, the heart and head will follow quickly behind.

If it comes down to you or the program, that decision was made a long time ago.

Every day you teach attitude.

The Qualities of Skillful Leadership

2010-05-07T17:33:00.001-07:00

Reading some great stuff by the late-great Jim Rohn. What a great mentor on leadership. Here are some of his thoughts.

If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. I call leadership the great challenge of life.

Whats important in leadership is refining your skills. All great leaders keep working on themselves until they become effective. Here are some specifics:

1. Learn to be strong but not rude. It is an extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of reach. Some people mistake rudeness for strength. It is not even a good substitute.

2. Learn to be kind but not weak. We must not mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is a certain type of strength. We must be kind enough to tell somebody the truth. We must be kind enough and considerate enough to lay it on the line. We must be kind enough to tell it like it is and not deal in delusion.

3. Learn to be bold but not a bully. It takes boldness to win the day. To build your influence, you've got to walk in front of your group. You've got to be willing to take the first arrow, tackle the first problem, discover the first sign of trouble.

4. You've got to learn to be humble, but not timid. You can not get to the high life by being timid. Some people mistake timidity for humility. Humility is almost a God-like word. A sense of awe. A sense of wonder. An awareness of the human soul and spirit. An understanding that there is something unique about the human drama versus the rest of life. Humility is a grasp of the distance between us and the stars, yet having the feeling that we are part of the stars. So humility is a virtue; but timidity is a disease. Timidity is an affliction. It can be cured, but it is a problem.

5. Be proud but not arrogant. It takes pride to win the day. It takes pride to build your ambition. It takes pride in community. It takes pride in cause, in accomplishment. But the key to becoming a good leader is being proud without being arrogant. In fact, I believe the worst kind of arrogance is arrogance from ignorance. It is when you don't know that you don't know. Now that kind of arrogance is intolerable. If someone is smart and arrogant, we can tolerate that. But if someone is ignorant and arrogant, that's just too much too take.

6. Develop humor without folly. That's important for a leader. In leadership, we learn that it is okay to be witty, but not silly. It is okay to have fun, but not foolish.

Lastly, Deal in Realities. Deal in truth. Save yourself the agony. Just accept life like it is. Life is unique. Some people call it tragic, but I would like to think its unique. The whole drama of life is unique. It is fascinating. And I have found that the skills that work well for one leader may not work at all for another. But the fundamental skills of leadership can be adapted to work well for just about everyone; at work, in the community and at home.

The GOLD Standard

2010-05-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am reading for the third time, The Gold Standard by Duke and USA Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. If you haven't read Coach Ks book, you need to do so.

The book is a blue print in how to lead a to put together a team as well as lead a team through all sorts of adversity.

Here are some key points from the book:

Remember that everyone on the team must adapt, including the leader, so that your team benefits from the best of each member. Your team will not be the best that it can be if everyone adapts to a single individual...Remember that the sacrifice is worth the reward because teams can accomplish things that no individual could ever accomplish alone.

The way you practice will determine the way you play...I do believe that strong relationships are the foundation for great teams and that team bonding is essential...Players improve individually when internal competition is created during practice.

The practice plan is a living thing; it is fluid and ever-changing. But writing out the plan beforehand is a step I always take. I cant ask my players to be prepared to improve and to pursue our goal if I am not prepared.

I love practice. It is when a coach exercises the most control over the improvement of his or her team.

I constantly told our team...We are not going to let them run plays. We want to force them to make plays. If we could disrupt their system, we could reduce them to a group of individuals on the court as opposed to a team.

On our team, there were two things that we talked about every single day; the gold medal and defense, our goal and our competitive edge.

I do believe that strong relationships are the foundation for great teams and that team bonding is essential.

Just as a team gets better as a whole in the face of competition, players improve individually when internal competition is created during practice.

My goal was to seek out at least three guys at each practice and try to have a personal interaction with them...a leader wants all members of a team to feel included and invested all the time.

I also try to think about which players I may want to single out for personal interaction, whether it be on the bus, while the players are getting taped and lacing up their shoes, during practice itself, or while they are working on individual shooting at the end.

Part of what makes practices successful is attention to detail and respect for the opponent.

I always tried to explain to the players their roles on the team, roles that were always revolving...when you give time to a person and explain their ever-revolving role, it makes them feel good. It is a reminder to them that their role is important enough to warrant explanation.

12 Simple Yet Significant Daily To Do List For Leaders

2010-05-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

I received a to-do list for leaders from Steve Smiley, Head Men's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director from Sheridan College.

Coach Smiley also played point guard for Coach Don Meyer at Northern State and also wrote a book about playing for Coach Meyer.

1. Be the Hardest Worker at Practice Today: Without fail, one of the quickest ways to impact a team is with your work ethic. Choose to be one of the hardest workers on your team today. Not only does it set the tome for the work ethic of your program, it is also one of the best and quickest ways to enhance your leadership credibility with your teammates and coaches.

2. Be a Spark of Energy and Enthusiasm Today: Let your passion for the sport shine through today. Spread a contagious energy and enthusiasm amongst your teammates. Think about how lucky you are to be able to play and compete. Remember back to when you were a young child and reconnect with the joy you played with back then. Make your sport fun again for yourself and your teammates.

3. Model Mental Toughness Today: Because your teammates will look to you under pressure, adversity and stress, be sure to model mental toughness today. Bounce back quickly after errors to show your teammates how to respond to negative situations. Maintain your poise and optimism despite any mistakes you might make so that your teammates can trust and rely on you to get them through the tough times.

4. Connect With a Teammate Today: Leadership is all about relationships. Invest the time to build and strengthen the relationships you have with each of your teammates. Inquire about their day, challenges and goals. Make a special and ongoing effort to get to know every athlete on your team, not just your friends and classmates. The relationship building you do each day will pay off immeasurably down the road.

5. Compliment a Teammate Today: Be on the lookout for teammates who are contributing to your team. Call out a teammate for making a hustle play, pushing through a weight workout, recovering quickly from a mistake, getting an A on an exam, etc. Praise the actions and attitudes you want to see repeated. As Mother Teresa once said, Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.

6. Challenge a Teammate Today: Challenge at least one of your teammates today. Positively push them and yourself to make the most of your workout. Make a friendly wager to see if they can be successful at least 4 out of 5 times in a drill. See if you both can improve your times in conditioning. Offer to stay after to help if there is anything they want to work on. Good leaders consistently invite, inspire, and sometimes implore others to greatness.

7. Support a Teammate Today: Odds are, at least one of your teammates is struggling with something today - it could be a performance slump, with a coach, an unglamorous role, struggling with a class, or a sick family member. Good leaders are consistently on the lookout for teammates who might be struggling and are ready to offer an ear to listen, an encouraging word, a pat on the back, or a shoulder to cry on.

8. Constructively Confront Negativity, Pessimism, and Laziness Today: As a leader, have the courage to constructively confront the negativity, pessimism, and laziness that will crop up on your team from time to time. Instead of fueling the fire by joining in or silently standing by, be sure to refocus your teammates on solutions rather than dwelling on and complaining about the problems. Left unchecked, these problems can quickly grow to distract, divide and destroy your team.

9. Build and Bond Your Team Today: Team chemistry naturally ebbs and flows throughout the course of the season. Take the time to monitor and maintain your teams chemistry. Let your reserves and support staff know how much you appreciate them. Stay connected and current with each of the natural sub-groups on your team. Douse any brush fires that might be occurring and continually remind team members about your common goal and common bond.

10. Check In With Your Coach Today: Invest the time to check in with your coach today. Ask what you can do to best help the team this week. Find out what your coach wants to accomplish with today's practice. Also discuss if there is anything your coach is concerned about regarding your team. Discuss your collective insights on your teams chemistry, focus and mindset. Work together to effective co-lead your team.

11. Remind Your Team How Today's Work Leads To Tomorrows Dreams: It is easy to get bogged down during your season with monotonous drills, tiring conditioning, and demanding workouts. Remind your teammates how all the quality work you do today gives you a distinct advantage over your opponents. Help them see and even get excited about how today's hard work is a long-term investment in your teams goals, rather than just a short-term hardship or sacrifice.

12. Represent Yourself and Your Team With Class and Pride Today: Leaders have the awesome privilege and responsibility of representing their teams. Take advantage of this opportunity by representing your team with class and pride today. Hold an open door for someone, sit in the front rows of class and actively engage in the discussion, say please and thank you, dress in respectful attire, etc. These tiny pushes represent you and your team with class and distinction. And they ultimately set you up for a lifetime of respect and success.

How Does One Define Toughness In Basketball?

2010-05-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Michigan State Spartans are one of my favorite teams to watch on the college basketball scene. Coach Tom Izzo teaches the game the right way. His teams define the word TOUGHNESS.

You have doubtless heard, countless times about a coach preaching TOUGHNESS to his team. A team or player needs to be tougher, or their TOUGHNESS is being questioned.

Are coaches talking about the Chuck Norris toughness? Do they mean Jack Youngblood playing on a broken leg in the NFL playoffs? Are they referring to Ronnie Lott having his finger amputated so he could play in a football game? Or is it Randall TEX Cobb taking a bloody beating in the ring but never going down on the canvas?

What exactly is TOUGHNESS in the context of basketball? In the Gonzaga - Tennessee game this past year, while the Volunteers are bending over at the waist, Gonzagas 7-foot-5 Will Foster dove on the floor for a loose ball, secured the ball and passed it out. Gonzaga got a lay-up and a foul in transition on the other end. Gonzaga went to overtime and won. Without Fosters TOUGHNESS play, the Zags go home with a loss.

Here are just a few examples of how you can demonstrate true TOUGHNESS in basketball:

Going after rebounds with both hands.
Stepping to the line and knocking down pressure free throws, especially when tired.
Talking on defense and letting your teammates know that you are there in case they get beat.
Bump and stand up a cutter.
Close out to a shooter under control.
Sticking with your teams defensive principles, and doing it under pressure.
Having a sense of urgency to stop the other team from scoring, not just your man.
Getting on the floor for a loose ball.
Taking a charge.
Getting down in a stance and staying there
Finishing plays.
Setting up your man and making hard cuts.
Getting your teammates together and keeping them together on the road.
Not allowing yourself to be screened.
Moving on to the next play, and displaying positive body language to give confidence to your teammates.
Sprinting in transition, both on offense and back on defense.
Filling your tank on the defensive end, and not the offensive end.
Putting a body on someone.
Jumping to the ball and taking away the ball side of the cut.
Catching and facing the defense against pressure, not catching and dribbling.
Blocking out on Free Throw situations every time.
Taking good shots, and having the judgment to pass up challenged ones.

TOUGHNESS isn't just about being physical. It is far more than that. It is mental and physical discipline under pressure, to do the right thing every time!!!

Six Keys to Quality Shooting Work

2010-04-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Working on your game is not an easy thing, but below are tips from Boston Celtics assistant coach Kevin Eastman to help you work on your overall practice habits as well as some shooting drills that can help you become an improved shooter.

The general theme of these drills is to work hard and at game speed, while also maintaining form to your shot. Work on these skills and we have no doubt that you will become a better player.

1. Catch & Shoot: Catch and shoot is the best way to start a good shooting workout. It allows you to get a rhythm and work on form with minimal movement. Simply pick a few spots, usually five going around the horn, and shoot ten shots from each spot. Have a rebounder give you good outlet passes and remember that although you're not moving at a rapid pace around the floor, it is important to shoot shots at game speed.

2. Cut - Catch - Shoot: Now that you have a good sweat and rhythm going, it is time to move to cut-catch-shoot. In this drill you will need a passer at the top of the key to give you the entry pass. Start foul line extended and use a V-cut (running to the low block and cutting back out towards the wing) to get yourself open. Remember to set the defender up when making the V. You want to walk the defender down to the low block, then quickly cut back out. After receiving the entry pass, square up and shoot your shot. Do this drill on both sides of the court at game speed.

3. Shots off the Dribble: This drill is similar to #2, but this time after catching the entry pass, take a few dribbles right and pull up for your shot, then repeat going to the left. As always, make sure you go game speed.

4. Perfect the Form on all Shooting Drills: Another key to a good shooting workout is using proper form on each drill. That's why we want to go game speed, so we are used to using perfect form in game conditions. If you don't go at game speed, when you do get into a game, your form will be off.

5. Contest all Shots: These drills will be much more productive if you can find a partner to contest your shots. In game situations, you most likely will have a hand in your face when you shoot, so practicing that way will allow you to adjust to game situations. If you cant find a partner, use a chair or trashcan to shoot behind.

6. Game Shots From Game Spots At Game Speed: Game speed has been a theme throughout this workout plan. Practicing at game speed is vital to your workout regimen. If you don't work on game situations at the same speed as you would in a game, then your practice will not translate to games, and you are basically wasting your time.

Coach Eastman has a basketball web-site and is full of great information. Check out his clinic called Coaching U Live, that is held in Las Vegas, July 20 & 21. A must for the basketball coaching junkie...

Sean Miller and his 5 Keys to Winning Road Games

2010-04-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article in the Arizona Basketball newsletter that Coach Sean Miller puts out. Coach Miller talks about key to winning games on the road. I think Coach Miller is one of the top coaches in the country.

I started following Coach Miller when he began his head coaching career at Xavier. You might remember he was the young kid doing 2,3 and 4 ball dribbling drills on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

If you are interested in a great basketball newsletter, contact Ryan Reynolds in the basketball office at the U of A and he will get you on the list.

Knowing that they have many tough road games on their schedule, here is what Coach Miller's 5 keys to winning on the road:

1. BE A FAMILY!

Develop trust in each other, the staff and the system. Work together to win as a team.

2. BE A PLAY MAKER!

Always play to win - do not play not to lose. Be aggressive in your approach. What do you have to lose?

3. WORK HARD AND CONCENTRATE!

Be willing to prepare to win. Know the scouting report and your teams game plan. How can you win when you don't know what you are doing?

4. SILENCE THE CROWD!

Enjoy the atmosphere and the challenge of doing it. There is nothing more fun than winning on the road. Have fun doing it.

5. BETTER THAN ANYONE!

To win on the road, you must Defend, Rebound and Communicate at the highest level.

BE ROAD WARRIORS!!!

Lou Holtz - 10 Keys to Excellence

2010-04-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

1. The Power of Attitude:

The attitude you choose to assume toward life and everything it brings you will determine whether you realize your aspirations. What you are capable of achieving is determined by your talent and ability. What you attempt to do is determined by your motivation. How well you do something is determined by your attitude.

2. Tackle Adversity:

You are going to be knocked down. I have been on top and I have been on the bottom. To achieve success, you are going to have to solve problems. If you react positively to them, you will be stronger than ever. If you react to setbacks more quickly and positively, you gain a distinct advantage. I have never encountered a person who achieved anything worthwhile that did not require overcoming obstacles.

3. Have a Sense of Purpose:

Understand what you are trying to do. Stay completely focused on your primary purpose. Do not get sidetracked. Give a first rate performance every day.

4. Make Sacrifices:

You can not be successful without making sacrifices. Most losing organizations are overpopulated with people who constantly complain about life and their difficulties. They will drain your enthusiasm and energy. Take pride in making sacrifices and having self - discipline.

5. Adapt or Die:

Things are always changing, so embrace the fact that your life and career are always in transition. Yes, you will achieve goals, but do not fall into the trap of not thinking you do not need to go further. Even when you reach the top, remember to stay focused on the fundamentals.

6. Chase Your Dreams:

All great accomplishments start with a dream. Dreams fuel your enthusiasm and your vision. They will give you the burning desire to get up and achieve.

7. Nurture Your Self-Image:

A positive self-image grows out of having strong character. To be trustworthy, committed to excellence and to show care for others are the underpinnings of a successful person.

8. Foster Trust:

Relationships are based on trust. Many people have ruined tremendous opportunity because they did not have the discipline and decency to do what is right. Continually ask yourself, Is this the right thing to do? Do what you feel is right regardless of peer pressure or personal desires. Success and confidence will follow close behind.

9. Commit to Excellence:

Do everything to the best of your ability. Everyone wants to be associated with people who set and maintain high standards. When you lower your standards, you only invite mediocrity.

10. Handle With Care:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Five Tips For Playing Great Defense

2009-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have always admired the way former WSU grad Kyle Weaver played at the defensive end. He is going to be in the NBA for a long time for the way he plays at both ends of the floor.

Speaking of defense, here are five tips how players can play great defense.

1. Get in the Offensive Player's "Bubble": The bubble is the private area of an offensive player. You know you are in a player's bubble when you can make his or her shot, pass or dribble difficult.

However, you don't want to be too close to your man. Basically, you shouldn't be so close that the offensive player can beat you with one step. But at the same time, you have to be close enough that if you stretched your arms forward, you can knock the ball away.

Bother him...Irritate him...Make him worry!!!

2. Get Low: A good rule to follow is to make sure your head is lower than the head of the player you're guarding. Staying low allows you to move, much quicker.

3. Dictate Where The Ball Goes: The offensive player can either shoot, pass or dribble. You want to make shooting and passing difficult for him/her by being in their bubble...

If they dribble the ball, it'll be with their weak hand. By overplaying to the weak hand, you force him/her to use the weak hand, forcing them to go only in one direction.

The advantage of playing defense in this way is that you know what the offensive players is going to do next...You'll be prepared. By making passing or shooting difficult for him/her, and by forcing them to use their weak hand, You will know the direction the player is going.

Remember, take away the player's options and dictate where the ball is going.

4. Position Your Hands: If the offensive player is in shooting range, you should have one hand ALWAYS up, ready to bother the shot. Always get a hand in the face and see if you can't bother the shooter.

The other hand should be out and low, ready to poke at the ball if the players dribbles or passes.

So one hand up, one hand low...both hands out towards the player, ready to bother and distract a shot, pass or dribble.

5. If You Get Beat Off The Dribble: If the offensive player gets by you, react QUICKLY!!!

Immediately turn around and get super low, staying right behind your man. By getting super low, you'll be in position to poke the ball away from behind. This is an easy way to get a steal.

Mid-Range Game

2009-07-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Most coaches who have seen our teams play in the past three seasons, know that we have had very talented three-point shooters. We worked very hard to become good three-point shooters.

Though I believe in the three-point game, I still feel that great players need a "Mid-Range Game". The Mid-Range Game is free throw line, in the paint, the wing, and short corner. Twelve to seventeen feet.

I was listening to UCONN women's coach Geno Auriemma the other day on a DVD and he was talking about kids lacking in today's game a "Mid-Range Game". If you want to emulate someone with a great mid-range game, study the habits of Richard Hamilton of the NBA Detroit Pistons.

Here are some thoughts on how to work on your Mid-Range Game.

1. Develop Good Habits: Basketball is a game of habits. The players with the best habits are always the best shooters, best ball handlers and play makers. The players with the worst habits, such as poor footwork, will never reach their potential.

2. Work On Your Dance Steps: You don't even need a basketball hoop to practice your footwork. All you need to do is practice the correct dance steps.

For a right-handed player, it takes one dribble and three steps to get to the right elbow for a quick pull-up jumper. Step with the right, dribble, left, right, shoot.

Going to the weak side, a player needs only one dribble and two steps. Dribble, step with the right, step with the left, shoot. These are called dance steps, and they are a great way for players to focus on the quality of the mid-range footwork.

The key word here is quality. To get something out of this kind of practice, you must get low. Drop your hips, bend your knees to 90 degrees, and keep your back straight. When you are taking your first step, you must not stand up. Stay in your stance and take ling, low steps. Finally, once you have mastered the correct form, you must practice this footwork at game speed. If you're going hard enough, you'll get a workout!!

3. Practice Makes Perfect: So players, if you have a basketball court with no drawn lines, you are out of excuses. At least you can practice your mid-range footwork when you are taking your shots. And if you don't have a basketball hoop, grab your basketball, work on your dance steps and shoot the ball in the air to yourself.

Focus on your form, get quality repetitions, and visualize the ball going thru the net. You'll be surprised at how much better your mid-range game will be the next time you hit the court.

The workout below will give you repetition in the area of pull-up jump shots. 125 shots are taken, going left and right and in different spots on the floor. Get your players comfortable at attacking without becoming out of control.

2 sets of 10 around the horn (8-foot shots)

Kentucky Left side

5 - 15 foot jumpers off the catch
5 hesitate before catch, 1 dribble pull-up
5 hesitate before catch, drive to spin, emphasize control

Kentucky Right Side

5 - 15 foot jumpers off the catch
5 hesitate before catch, 1 dribble pull-up
5 hesitate before catch, drive to spin, emphasize control

Flare off down screen - Right Side

5 sweep left to pull-up
5 counter sweeps to pull-up

Flare off down screen - Left Side

5 sweep left to pull up
5 counter sweeps to pull-up

Half Court drive to Pull-Ups

Left Side, 5 in-outs to pull-up
Middle, 5 cross-over dribble to pull-up
Right Side, 5 thru legs to pull-up

2 sets of 10 full-court (side baskets) continuous pull ups

2 sets of 10 Short Corner vs. zone sweep to pull-up - Right Side
2 sets of 10 Short Corner vs. zone sweep to pull-up - Left Side

Shoot 50 Free Throws

Ball Handling Series

2009-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Pistol Pete Maravich was the master of ball handling. He was "Magic" before there was a "Magic" Johnson. He was the epitome of "A Boy, A Ball A Dream."

Ball Handling Drills should be done daily for at least 10 minutes. The main teaching point when doing ball handling drills is "TO GO SO FAST, THAT YOU MAKE A MISTAKE!" This will ensure that improvement is being made. Any player who can go out there and go comfortably "through the motions." We want players who want to get better!!

Remember to always keep your head up so that in a game situation you do not have to rely on seeing the ball but instead you can see the floor for an open teammate. Your goal is to be consistent and handle the ball at optimum speed.

Remember to stay in an athletic stance (knees bent) & always keep your head up. Practice seeing the floor.

1. Ball Slaps:

Place ball in one hand with fingers spread out
Take ball from one hand and "slap it into the other hand
This is continuous taking the ball from one hand and placing it into the other
This is a hard, intense slap from one hand to the other
Ball slaps will increase fore-arm strength and will also get you hands ready.

2. Step Back

Take ball around both shins
Step back with the right leg and circle left shin
Bring right leg forward and circle both shins
Step straight back with left leg and circle right shin
Bring left leg forward and circle both shins
Keep ball going in same direction

3. Circle Right Shin

Circle ball around right shin
Start ball in one direction
Change direction halfway through

4. Circle Left Shin

Circle ball around left shin
Start ball in one direction
Change direction halfway through

5. Figure 8

Circle ball around left leg once
Circle ball around right leg once
Circle ball around left and right leg continuous
Change direction halfway through

6. Right Hand - Right Leg

Dribble ball with right hand only around right leg
Keep dribble below knee

7. Left Hand - Left Leg

Dribble ball with left hand only around left leg
Keep dribble below knee

8. Figure 8

Dribble ball around right leg once
Dribble ball around left leg once
Dribble ball around right and left leg continuous
Change direction half way through

2 - Ball Series

A. 2-Ball Pound

"Pound" both basketballs at the same height
Keep hands on top of the basketball
Your object is to "put the basketball through the floor"

B. 2-Ball Below The Knees

"Pound" both basketballs at the same height
Keep both basketballs below the knees

C. 2-Ball Alternate

Dribble each ball in an alternating fashion
Each ball should come only as high as your waist

D. 2-Ball (1 High - 1 Low)

Dribble one ball as low as possible (below knee)
Dribble one ball as high as possible (above shoulder)
Change half-way through

E. 2-Ball Side-to-Side

Dribble both basketballs in a side-to-side manner
Both basketballs should be going in the same direction
You should take the inside hand outside the knee (ex: when going to the left, the right hand should come outside the left knee)

F. 2-Ball Front-to-Back

Dribble both basketballs outside the knee
Push basketballs forward and pull basketball backward
Push out as far as possible and pull back as far as possible

G. 2-Ball Around the Chair

Place a chair about 15 feet in front of you
Start with dribbling both basketballs at the same time (below waist)
Dribble around chair and back to baseline (go continuous)
Change to alternate

H. 2-Ball Up & Back to the Chair

Dribble both basketballs at the same height
When you reach the chair pull both back as you back peddle to baseline (go continuous)

10 Essential Rules For Slowing Down & Enjoying Life More

2009-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Reading one of my favorite web-sites zenhabits.org and came across this article and I wanted to share it with you.

It's an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually invented that saves us time, we use that time to do more and more things, and so our lives are more fast-paced and hectic than ever.

Life moves at such a fast pace that it seems to pass us by before we can really enjoy it.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. Let's rebel against a hectic lifestyle and slow down to enjoy life.

A slower paced life means making time to enjoy your mornings, instead of rushing off to work in a frenzy. It means taking time to enjoy whatever you're doing, to appreciate the outdoors, to actually focus on whoever you're talking to or spending time with - instead of always being connected to a Blackberry or iPhone or laptop, instead of always thinking about work tasks or e-mails. It means single-tasking rather than switching between a multitude of tasks and focusing on none of them.

Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.

Here's how to do it.

1. Do less. It's hard to slow down when you are trying to do a million things. Instead, make the conscious choice to do less. Focus on what's important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest. Put space between tasks and appointments, so you can move through your days at a more leisurely pace.

2. Be present. It's not enough to just slow down - you need to actually be mindful of whatever you're doing at the moment. That means, when you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, or something that's already happened, or something that might happen...gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on what's going on right now. On your actions, on your environment, on others around you. This takes practice but is essential.

3. Disconnect. Don't always be connected. If you carry around an iPhone or Blackberry or other mobile device, shut it off. Better yet, learn to leave it behind if possible. If you work on a computer most of the day, have times when you disconnect so you can focus on other things. Being connected all the time means we're subject to interruptions, we're constantly stressed about information coming in, we are at the mercy of the demands of others. It's hard to slow down when you're always checking new messages coming in.

4. Focus on People. Too often we spend time with friends and family, or meet with colleagues, and we're not really there with them. We talk to them but are distracted by devices. We are there, but our minds are on other things we need to do. We listen, but we're really thinking about ourselves and what we want to say. None of us are immune to this, but with conscious effort you can shut off the outside world and just be present with the person you're with. This means that just a little time spent with your family and friends can go a long way - a much more effective use of your time, by the way. It means we really connect with people rather than just meeting with them.

5. Appreciate nature. Many of us are shut in our homes and offices and cars and trains most of the time, and rarely do we get the chance to go outside. And often even when people are outside, they are talking on their cell phones. Instead, take the time to go outside and really observe nature, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of water and greenery. Exercise outdoors when you can, or find other outdoor activities to enjoy such as nature walks, hiking, swimming, etc. Feel the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin. Try to do this daily - by yourself or with loved ones.

6. Eat slower. Instead of cramming food down your throat as quickly as possible - leading to overeating and a lack of enjoyment of our food - learn to eat slowly. Be mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavors and textures. Eating slowly has the double benefit of making you fuller on less food and making the food taste better. I suggest learning to eat more real food as well, with some great spices (instead of fat and salt and sugar and frying for flavor).

7. Drive slower. Speedy driving is a pretty prevalent habit in our fast-paced world, but it's also responsible for a lot of traffic accidents, stress and wasted fuel. Instead, make it a habit to slow down when you drive. Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time to contemplate your life, and the things you're passing. Driving will be more enjoyable, and much safer. You'll use less fuel too.

8. Find pleasure in anything. This is related to being present, but taking it a step farther. Whatever you're doing, be fully present...and also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, when washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring chore to be finished quickly, really feel the sensations of the water, the suds, the dishes. It can really be an enjoyable task if you learn to see it that way. The same applies to other chores - washing the car, sweeping, dusting, laundry - and anything you do, actually. Life can be so much more enjoyable if you learn this simple habit.

9. Single - Task. The opposite of multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time. When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, breathe, and pull yourself back.

10. Breathe. When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, pause, and take a deep breath. Take a couple more. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. By fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present, and slow yourself down. It's also nice to take a deep breath or two - do it now and see what I mean :)

How to Spot a Winner

2009-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Reading a book by Paul Meyer called "Developing Winning Behavior" and wanted to share some excerpts from it.

There are quite a few people who have learned to dress professionally and "talk the talk" of a winner but they haven't chosen to "walk the walk". If you know the signs to look for, you will be able to tell whether you're dealing with a genuine winner or merely spending time with a loser who has learned to "fake" it.

Right out of the gate I'm always looking for THREE signs that indicate whether I'm dealing with someone who has the winner mentality. It doesn't mean they have accomplished all their desires or goals but i can tell rather quickly if they are on their way.

1. Winners are willing to accept responsibility for their life and behavior: Winners admit their mistakes and are willing to learn from them. Losers blame other people or circumstances for whatever happens to them.

2. Winners are willing to play the price to get the job done: Winners get on with whatever needs to be done to accomplish the job at hand or to reach the goals they have set for themselves. Losers talk a great deal about what they are going to do but never get around to doing it.

3. Winners make a personal commitment to themselves and others: Winners mean it when they say, "You can count on me." They do what they say they'll do when they say they'll do it. Losers make idle promises and offer excuses for failing to deliver.

WHAT SEPARATES A WINNER FROM A LOSER?

The two things that control your life are your ATTITUDES and your BEHAVIORS and YOU get to choose both of them. While you may have some negative attitudes and behaviors at the moment, it is YOU who decides whether to keep them or to start the process of change.

When you master both your attitudes and your behaviors, you can pretty much control the destiny of your life. Winners choose to take the necessary steps to re-program themselves to have a positive mindset and to do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. Winners are willing to PAY THE PRICE!

Losers are lazy and choose to keep their negative attitudes and behaviors, accepting anything that happens as fate rather than the result of their own choices while using all their energy to complain about being victimized by other people and circumstances.

WHY YOU MAY NOT BE WINNING.

If you believe your attitudes and behaviors are generally positive but if you are not winning in life, you might want to consider the following:

You may have not set high enough goals. When people are not challenging themselves to be the best they can be, they become bored, disappointed and negative. Winners have a well-written plan that is broken down that can be measured and monitored.

You may be allowing obstacles on the way to your goals to derail and defeat you. There will always be obstacles no matter what you are trying to accomplish. I've learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, as stepping stones to the next level.

You may be concentrating on your problems and not your power. Winners know they have weaknesses, but they appreciate their abilities far more. They keep doing whatever is necessary to learn, grow, and improve their skills.

Winners have an electric, enthusiastic vibration about them. They refuse negative mindsets, concentrate on their strengths; are committed to grow and improve, and never compromise their principles. You can count on them; they keep their word. They take personal responsibility for their choices. They are willing to pay the price.

The bottom line is you just can't fake being a winner, because a winner is easy to spot! SO......

ARE YOU A WINNER?????

Imagination: Your Ticket to a Dream

2009-07-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Reading a book by John Maxwell called "Put Your Dream to the Test". Here is an excerpt from the book.

How do people discover their dreams? By dreaming! That may sound overly simplistic, but that's where it starts. Imagination is the soil that brings a dream to life.

You have to have it in you to dream. Businessman Howard Schultz, who came from a very humble background, used the fertile soil of his imagination to help him cultivate the idea of Starbucks, the company he founded. Schultz says,

"One thing I've noticed about romantics: They try to create a new and better world from the drabness of everyday life. That is Starbuck's aim, too. We try to create, in our stores, an oasis, a little neighborhood spot where you can take a break, listen to some jazz, or ponder universal or personal or even whimsical questions over a cup of coffee."

Who dreams up such a place?

I'd say that the more uninspiring your origins, the more likely you are to use your imagination and invent worlds where everything seems possible.

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. It' never too late to dream.

If you're wondering whether the dreams of you imagination are likely to take root in the soil of reality, then start by asking yourself the following Dream Test Questions:

1. The Ownership Question: Is my dream really my dream?

2. The Clarity Question: Do I clearly see my dream?

3. The Reality Question: Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?

4. The Passion Question: Does my dream compel me to follow it?

5. The Pathway Question: Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?

6. The People Question: Have I included the people I need to reach my dream?

7. The Cost Question: Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?

8. The Tenacity Question: Am I moving closer to my dream?

9. The Fulfillment Question: Does working towards my dream bring satisfaction?

10. The Significance Question: Does my dream benefit others?

I believe that if you really explore each question, examine yourself honestly, and answer "Yes" to all of them, the odds of your achieving your dream are very good. The more yeses you can answer, the more on target you are to fulfill your dreaming. I truly believe that everyone has the potential to imagine a worthwhile dream, and most have the ability to achieve it. And it doesn't matter how big or how seemingly outrageous your dream appears to others if your answers are "Yes" to the Dream Test Questions.

26 Winning Basketball Principles

2009-07-19T08:53:00.001-07:00

Was reading a great basketball newsletter this morning by Sean Miller, the new coach at the University of Arizona, and he has an interesting piece about 26 winning basketball principles.

Success in basketball is dependent upon 26 principles. These winning principles are fundamentally sound, simple to teach, easy to remember and apply to any style of play or age group.

1. Protect the Ball. Bad passes and low-percentage shots are trademarks of a poor team.

2. Be Careful on a Lay-Up. More games are won on lay-up shots than on any other, and more games are lost because of poor lay-up shots than by any other shot.

3. Basketball is a Game of Motion. Motion on the court is vital. Too many players stand still and beg for the ball. Players should always pass and move. This action will take their defenders away from the ball and open up the court for a teammate.

4. Always Fake Direction. Faking is important because it tricks opponents into making mistakes.

5. Move to Meet the Pass. Moving and meeting the pass is the stamp of a good ball player. Players who move and meet passes make it easy for teammates to get them the ball.

6. When in Trouble, make a V-Cut. (i.e., "clear-out"). A player in the wrong position on the floor should make a V-cut. This will open up the floor.

7. Don't think for the Opponents - Be Yourself. Play your game and do not spend time trying to figure out what your opponents are thinking.

8. One Player Cuts at a Time. Always remember - only one cutter at a time. Two players cutting at the same time allows the defense to be in a position to either double-team the ball or stop the play.

9. Grab it - Don't Tap It. Effective rebounder's grab and secure the ball rather than tapping it.

10. Never Force a Shot. Never shoot a shot if closely defended. Before attempting a shot, make sure you have teammates in rebounding positions.

11. Dribbling is an Emergency Measure. 9 out of 10 players dribble or bounce the ball before they do anything else. This is a bad habit because it limits a player's opportunities.

12. Talk to your Teammates. Talking on offense and defense builds team play. Talking encourages teammates. Talking on defense is vital when picking up loose opponents.

13. Never Turn Your Head on Defense. Players should never turn your heads to watch the ball when playing man-to-man defense. When players change from offense to defense, they should backpedal so that they can locate their personal opponent or help in case of a fast break.

14. Don't Cross Your Feet on Defense. Successful defensive players move their feet in short steps when playing defense.

15. Hands Up on Defense. Tight-rope walkers use their hands for defense, and the good defensive player does likewise. Movement of the hands and feet discourages passing and shooting and shows that the defensive player is on the ball.

16. Watch the Opponent's Belly-Button. We like our defensive players to keep their eyes glued to a part of the offensive ball-player that can't fool them - the belly-button.

17. Pick up the First Man. When you are back or coming down the floor ahead of the rest of your teammates, pick up the first offensive player down the court, whether it's your assigned player or not.

18. Don't Leave Your Feet on Defense. Good defensive players keep their head up and their feet on the ground.

19. Get Position for Rebounds. Instinct and sensing direction of the shot and the angle of the rebound enables the players to move into the correct rebounding position.

20. If you can't Rebound, you can't Win. Good rebounding limits the opponent's shots and this is the key to winning basketball games.

21. The First Fast-Break Pass must be Perfect. The fast break must get started with a quick outlet pass. If the first pass is a good one, the fast break is underway. After it's started, it's hard to stop.

22. You must make 70% of your Free-Throws. There is no excuse for being a poor free-throw shooter. Practice, confidence, and the proper technique are the keys.

23. Keep the Defense Busy. If all five offensive players keep moving, their opponents cannot afford to sag or float. Moving with or without the ball forces the defense into making mistakes.

24. Don't Cross the Backboard to Shoot. A player should learn to shoot from both sides of the basket and with both hands.

25. Never Underrate an Opponent. Be ready to play every game. Overconfidence can affect a team's play. It is wise to remember that it is only the underdog who can do the upsetting.

26. Practice does not Always Make Perfect - If you Practice the Wrong Thing. Players often work long and hard and make little progress because they are practicing incorrectly.

Taking Breaks To Get More Done

2009-07-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Reading the book "Reclaim Your Dreams" and saw some interesting points on getting more done by taking breaks and found it very interesting.

By taking a relaxing break at least every 90 minutes, you increase your capacity to do more work. Just like your muscles need to relax after they tense up, you need to relax after short bursts of focused work.

In short, when you don't take breaks and allow yourself to recover, you're less than 50% there. 50% you = 50% work.

It is obvious that taking short, rejuvenating breaks is the more effective way to work. So what are some examples of these type of breaks?

Change Channels. Most of us do a lot of work on the computer, so doing some kind of physical activity for 10 to 15 minutes can be a great way to change our state. Body Weight exercises, a brisk walk, or yoga can be a great way to get your body moving and put yourself in a different state.

Breathe. Do 10 to 15 minutes of meditation, focused on breathing

30 second Head-Stand. Support your feet and legs against a sturdy wall or tree.

Juice it. Stop by your local health food store and get a wheat grass shot or vegetable juice.

Re-fuel. Eating some kind of snack or small meal every 90 minutes is a great way to keep your glucose and energy levels steady. Go for fresh, organic fruit or a salad to get a quick pick-me-up.

Power Nap. A 20-minute nap in the afternoon feels awesome and rejuvenating.

Motivate. Take a time out and listen to a Paraliminal session, guided meditation or personal development video on YouTube.

Flood Your Body with Consciousness. Take 10 minutes to lie on your bed and flood your body with consciousness. Focus your awareness first on your toes and feet, then gradually move your focus up through your body, into your legs, pelvis, torso, chest, back, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. Then back up through your arms into your neck, up your throat and into your face and your head. Really focus on feeling the energy in your body and only move your conscious awareness up your body after you've really felt it in the last part.

Total Relaxation. This is a follow up to flooding your body with consciousness. After you've completely immersed your body in awareness, focus on relaxing each muscle in your body. In the same way previously, start with your toes and work your way upward through your body. Really let go and relax.

These are just a few ideas for ways that you can really relax, recover, and rejuvenate your body. Once you do that, you'll be re-focused, recharged and ready to work at 100% capacity.

Perfecting Perimeter Play

2009-07-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Talking to Coach Kevin Sutton about player development this last week. Coach Sutton does a lot of individual development work for Nike. He talked to me about developing perimeter players and gives us 11 skills needed for success on the perimeter:

1. Understanding the Game: An understanding of the game means a perimeter player knows about spacing on the floor, how to move without the basketball, taking good shots and making the correct decision based on time and score.

2. Ball Handling/Dribbling: Your perimeter players must have a fundamental knowledge of how to execute and effectively use a variety of dribbling techniques, including the crossover, spin, between-the-legs, pound, around-the-back, and below-the-butt. Plus, there is a difference between dribbling in the open, full-court setting and when the defense is closely guarded in the half-court.

3. Passing: Knowledge and proper execution of the following passes are critical to your perimeter players'' success as well: chest, bounce, overhead/outlet, one-hand-push, and around-the-back. Also, guards must realize they aren't the only ones who need the ball, so knowing how and when to feed the post is important.

4. Footwork: Guards must be balanced in their footwork and have the Triple Threat (pass/shoot/dribble) position mastered so they are ready to attack the defense. Pivoting also is key for perimeter players so teach them about front, reverse and jab series pivots.

5. Shooting: Most players want the opportunity to shoot the ball. Be sure your guards are ready for this responsibility by stressing the importance of the shooting game. Guards must understand how to catch and shoot, how to create their own shot, and how to use ball screens.

6. Shooting Part II (Free Throws): More than just getting to the line, guards must knock down their free throw attempts. Made free throws puts pressure on the defense and allows the individual guard to boost his or her point total. Great perimeter players strive to attempt at least 10 free throws a game.

7. Learning: Being a student of the game entails understanding the opponent, as well as knowing the spots on the floor where you have a better chance of successfully knocking down a jumper. Plus, being a student of the game knows how to get to that spot as well.

8. Versatility: Coaches love players who are versatile and have the ability to be plugged into a number of different positions. Instruct your players to be more than a point guard or more than a shooting guard. You want players who can play multiple spots.

9. Physical & Mental Strength: Perimeter players never should tire of moving without the ball. And, they should not fatigue when under heavy pressure, even if that means dealing with tight defense while running the offense. On the mental side, perimeter players must understand every pass is not coming their way, even if they are open. Guards must also possess "clarity of thought", meaning pressure situations do not rattle them.

10. Playing at Different Speeds: By moving from fast to slow and slow to fast, guards place a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense. For example, guards are fast to their spot in the offensive set, then slow as they come off the screen. Playing slow off the screen enables that perimeter player to have more control, allow the play to develop and eventually explode after making the proper decision.

11. Involving Teammates: Teammates work hard to get open for passes, so guards must be ready to reward them, which leads to greater team success. By being a great passer, guards force teammates to move intelligently without the ball as they expect a pass when they are open. Great guards also know how to communicate with everyone on the floor. Their voices provide either positive or negative reinforcement based on what the situation requires to get the maximum performance out of the entire team. Finally, great perimeter players know how to involve teammates by using them properly and timely as screeners.

America Needs More "Teaching" From It's Coaches

2009-07-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Was reading an old article the other day from ESPN College Basketball analysis Jay Bilas who was discussing that he is worried about the game in America.

Pete Newell, the legendary coach & teacher has often said that basketball is "over-coached and under-taught". He is absolutely right, and it is finally catching up with us, as is the rest of the world.

Bilas gives his reasons why American coaches, at all levels, have gotten away from teaching, and have gravitated more to coaching.

Immediate Gratification of Coaches: Coaches, especially at the grassroots level and high school levels, seem more interested than ever in winning rather than developing well-skilled and fundamentally sound players. They are impatient, and too focused on winning games instead of developing players.

High school coaches get less floor time than ever to teach, and less and less access to their players. Players now play an excessive amount of games over the summer in AAU competition, which means that they play many games and have far fewer practices.

While young kids are busy traveling the country to play AAU games, they are spending hour upon hour running up & down the floor in a helter-skelter atomsphere where 95% of the time, they do not have a ball in their hands. What this does is cement bad habits - and habits, good or bad are what players revert to under stress.

If these players were in focused practice environments instead of so many games, they would spend the majority of the time with the ball in their hands, working on their skills and their footwork.

Increased Specialization: Basketball in this country has become over-specialized, and players have become "systematized".

Kids are identified by size and body type into positions way too early in their development and are "coached" differently.

In Europe, players are encouraged to work on the same skills, whether small guard or big forward. European programs approach teaching differently. Players are not limited in how much they can practice, and therefore spend from 60-90 minutes in the morning on footwork, shooting and ball skills. The same players in the afternoon then practice another 60-90 minutes on more team-oriented concepts. There is no seperation of big guys and guards, every player works on the same skills. As a result, European players are generally more well-rounded and more fundamentally sound. And they are more coveted by coaches at all levels.

Bilas then goes on to talk about the necessary skills players need to have such as:

Ballhandling

Shooting

Passing

Footwork

To read the entire article go to:

http://espn.go.com/ncb/columns/bilas_jay/1488688.html

Your Best Player

2009-06-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

The past three years, I've had the opportunity to coach the best girl's basketball player in the Washington State Class 1B's in Lake Quinault's Kellie Sansom. She will be playing next fall for Cheryl Holden at Columbia Basin Community College.

This young lady has really improved her game so much the past three seasons. She is the most competitive player I have coached. She was our best player, but yet she was our hardest worker.

To be a successful team, your best player MUST be your hardest worker.

Every team has a best player. Some of these "best players" understand the responsibilities that goes with that and others don't. We have found that those who do have two things in common:

they have earned this designation (not just been given it)
they understand it's an everyday responsibility.

Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett made a comment when he was talking to a teammate about consistency. He said, "an All-Star has to be a pit-bill; he/she has to bring it every night."

Everyone wants to be a Michael Jordan or Time Duncan or LeBron James or Steve Nash, but they don't want the responsibility that goes with it. What Kevin Garnett was saying is being the best is not a one-time thing. It is an everyday commitment to excel as a player who gives maximum effort every time he/she hits the floor. That means every game, every half, every quarter, every minute, every second, and every possession!!!

And this will be the case for anyone in any field who is - or wants to become - the best! It is a personal commitment that takes incredible daily focus. I encourage you to use Kellie as an example with the player or players on your team who may be taking this for granted. You can tell them that Kellie not only talks the talk but walks the walk. She understands that being the best requires more!

Spacing

2009-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

When I think of the term "Spacing", I think of how Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has structured his offense over the years. Yes, the Pick-n-Roll (Stockton-to-Malone) has been a trademark of Sloan's offenses over the years, but if you really look at their offensive sets, I am amazed by the spacing they have.

Spacing is a concept that many coaches and players talk about, but very few really spend time understanding. We utilize spacing so that we can put the maximum amount of pressure on our opponent's help defense. We feel we not only have to take advantage of defensive mismatches every game, we have to put as much pressure on the "help & recover" part of the opponent's defense as possible. We believe the key to accomplishing this is through our spacing.

Our goal with our Spacing are:

Make it difficult for one man to guard two.
Make them be in constant "close-out" game defensively.
Give the ball room to make a play (do not crowd the ball).
Distort their help, their recoveries, and their rotations.

Some guidelines of Spacing:

Stay 18' - 20' apart.
Stay on a string with the player next to you; be ready to fill an open spacing spot if he/she cuts or rolls.
Be prepared to "drive the close out"; make a "decisive catch & read"
Finish your spacing, e.g. after a cut to the basket and not receiving a pass - continue your cut outside of the tree point line to space the floor back up (good teaching term - "when in doubt...spread out")

Spacing is something that needs to be emphasized every day. Although it is a simple concept to explain, it is a difficult concept to master, even at the NBA level. With defenses today being so good, we feel we have to put them in situations where they have to make an important defensive decision:

Do I help & risk not being able to recover or,
Do I stay & risk us being driven on?

This is the state of hesitation we want the defense in. It allows us just enough time to make a higher percentage play, and put the defense at a distinct disadvantage.

Eight Keys to a Quality Shooting Workout

2009-06-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Whenever I put together a shooting workout for a player, I always make sure I have the following components...

Get these types of shots:

catch-shoot shots: spot up

cut-catch-shoot shots: cutting into the shot

off-the-dribble shots

quick penetration shots: when a player catches the ball and immediately explodes into his/her move, when the defender is running out and out of control.

shot fake penetration shots: when a player shot fakes on the catch to get the defender leaning, then explodes into his/her move.

shots from the players' operational area: As a coach, you must chart every possible shot and area that each position will get in your offense; then make sure to devise drills in these areas.

Finish at the Rim shots: the ability to finish drives is critical to the efficiency of your offense. Have a coach defending at the rim and contesting the shot/fouling the player; players must be able to finish through contact and length.

Get Game Shots - From Game Spots - At Game Speed:

Game Shots: being ready, from proper spot & distance
Game Spots: from the operational areas mentioned above
Game Speed: work with a 2-second rule; ball must be released withing 2 seconds after the catch.

Demand "PERFECT FORM" on all Shots:

Perfect Feet: "10 toes to the rim" will properly square a player up
Perfect Follow-Thru
Constant emphasis on footwork & balance
Remind them that the "quality of the feet will determine the quality of the shot."

Contest All Shots: A coach should contest all practice shots taken. Most shots in a game will have a defender near or running at the shooter.

Chart All Shots Taken: Keeping track of all makes and misses has added a higher level of concentration to our shooting workouts and allows a player to measure his improvement.

Never Miss 2 In A Row: We try to put a little pressure on the shooter by asking him to focus at such a high level that he/she will never miss two in a row. We have found that this keeps a player from "just shooting shots" and creates a higher level of concentration during his/her workout.

Ten Thoughts About Playing Defense

2009-06-27T09:25:00.001-07:00

Was reading some Kevin Eastman stuff last night and came across some defensive stuff to stimulate your thinking about Defensive Basketball:

It's a "shoulders game." Defender should always make sure to keep his/her shoulders lower than the shoulders of the player he/she is guarding.

Do you teach how to foul late in the game? Make sure you wrap both your arms above both arms of the offensive player so that he/she can never get into his/her shooting position.

Do you have rules in regard to late game fouling? Consider only fouling a person who has their back to the basket, making sure it will never be a shooting foul.

Do you teach your players how to talk on defense? Consider teaching them that all talk should be (1) early (as play is developing or even before it develops); (2) loud (make sure your teammates hears your talk); (3) continuous (make sure if they don't hear it the first time that you always repeat it - good rule is 3 times, e.g., LEFT-LEFT-LEFT).

Do you detail how to switch? Consider teaching 3 steps: (1) talk it (2) touch it and (3) switch it.

Defender must make contact with his/her man before the screen makes contact with him/her or he/she will be screened and his/her man will be able to control the cut.

Transition Defense: Do you teach your team that in transition they are guarding the open man on the other team not their man?

Focus on contesting shots early in the game so that you can take some of the shooter's confidence away early in that night's game.

Do you mandate that your players get to their help spots early, making sure that the offensive player sees no open seams as soon as he/she catches it?

Have you gotten your best player to buy into the importance of your defense? When you get that you have a chance to be special defensively...

Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness

2009-06-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading over the weekend, Don Yeager's website and wanted some insights of Don's. Don has compiled these sixteen characteristics that every winner that exhibits greatness has.

If you are interested in Don's work, books or web-site, go to:

www.donyeager.com

HOW THEY THINK:

1. It's Personal
They hate to lose more than they love to win.

2. Rubbing Elbows
They understand the value of association.

3. Believe
They have faith in a higher power.

4. Contagious Enthusiasm
They are positive thinkers...They are enthusiastic...and that enthusiasm rubs off.

HOW THEY PREPARE

5. Hope For The Best, But...
They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the floor.

6. What Off-Season?
They are always working towards the next game...The goal is what's ahead and there's always something ahead.

7. Visualize Victory
They see victory before the game begins.

8. Inner Fire
They use adversity as fuel.

HOW THEY WORK

9. Ice In Their Veins
They are risk-takers and don't fear mistakes.

10. When All Else Fails
They know how - and when - to adjust their game plan.

11. Ultimate Teammate
They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.

12. Not Just About The Benjamins
They don't play just for the money.

HOW THEY LIVE

13. Do Unto Others
They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help themselves.

14. When No One Is Watching
They are comfortable in the mirror...they live their life with integrity.

15. When Everyone Is Watching
They embrace the idea of being a role model.

16. Records Are Made To Be Broken
They know their legacy isn't what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.

A Great Father's Day Tribute

2009-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Saw a very moving Father's Day tribute on Twitter this morning. Coach Eric Musselman's sister Nichole, wrote this tribute to their dad, Coach Bill Musselman.

http://bit.ly/omKHl

To all the dads out there, have a wonderful Father's Day!!!!

10 Keys to Playing Away from the Ball

2009-06-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

Some great thoughts from Coach Randy Brown, Director of the Iowa Player Development Academy as you send your son/daughter to summer basketball camp.

Coach Brown asks the question: Will these 10 skills be taught at the camps you have signed them up for?

10 Keys to learning to play without the ball:

1. After passing, cut hard to a different area of the floor. Avoid standing after passing.

2. Keep your eyes "off the ball." This is a common fault of young players to "ball watch."

3. Get a teammate open with a screen or good spacing.

4. Teach hard, purposeful cuts to open areas of the floor.

5. Form a "window" with your hands, expecting to catch the ball on every cut to the ball.

6. Footwork is everything. Learn proper footwork for posting up, cutting, using screens and getting open.

7. Learn to change speeds and direction to set up your cuts.

8. Be hard to guard by being unpredictable in your movements and cuts.

9. Be in constant motion by setting and using screens.

10. Realize your greatest value to the team is your ability to play without the ball. Rebounding, screening, spacing, cutting and communication can all be done effectively without the ball in your hands.

Coach Brown runs the Iowa Player Development Academy. His goal is to teach players "HOW" to play the game of basketball. He also mentors coaches as well. Coach Brown has helped me develop my basketball academy and has advised me on several occasions on how to be a better coach and person.

Coach Brown also runs a web-site called CoachRB.com I suggest you take a look at his web-site as it has a ton of helpful resources. To contact Coach Brown, you can e-mail him at: rb@coachrb.com

Motivating Teenagers

2009-06-21T06:41:00.001-07:00

I was reading the this morning about Bob Ladouceur, Head Football Coach at De La Salle High School on how he motivates his football players and teenagers in general. He outlines eight things to remember when motivating teenagers:

1. I've discovered as my age increases, my IQ decreases. In other words, the older I get, the more I realize how little I know - But that is OK. This is the first step of self-awareness.

2. Teenagers need trustworthy adults in their lives to guide them - other than their parents. When I was a young coach, I used to have parents come to me and ask if I would talk to their sons about - getting a haircut; taking more time on homework - among other things. They used to say, "They'll listen to you." I used to think "What's wrong with those parents? This is their job, not mine." Then my daughter turn 16 and I realized exactly what they were requesting. Parents need help, so do kids.

3. Remember Father Flanagan from Boys Town? He said, "There's no such thing as a bad kid." I believe he was right. There is no such thing as a bad kid. But there are kids who make bad choices, choose bad behavior, and sometimes are victim of bad parenting.

4. Teenagers are not lazy. When they have no direction, no passion or goals then the symptom is a lack of motivation.

5. Whatever we (as adults) want and need - Teenagers want and need also.

6. Teenagers pay more attention to the messenger than they do the message. So if you're the messenger then live the message.

7. Believe in a higher power. Personally, I am not smart enough or good enough to shepherd myself through life's journey. And what I found out is that the journey is not an outward journey but completely and absolutely an inward journey.

8. Everybody wants to be a success. I've never heard anyone say I want to be a failure. One person may have one idea of success, another person may have another idea of success, but everyone wants to be whatever it is their idea of success may be.

We measure our success by how well we have embraced the spirit and essence of those intangibles.

Success to us is understanding that where preparation meets opportunity - greatness can be achieved. Preparation for us is long, tedious and difficult and the windows of opportunity are brief, short and intense. I know for a fact that nobody - at least our opponents - out work us. We prepare well and when ready, we welcome, not fear our opportunities. Hard work is the cornerstone upon which all achievement emanates.

The Lost Art of the Outlet Pass

2009-06-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

The outlet pass is an unheralded weapon for any basketball team. The ability to control the defensive rebound, chin the ball with elbows held high, pivot or power dribble away from the opposing player and snap off an accurate pass to the proper outlet player, not only starts your fast break, but it allows your other players to read the situation and get into their proper lanes. It all starts with the outlet. Yet this skill remains under-emphasized and under-taught.

I was reading where ESPN's Jay Bilas tells the story about former UCLA star and current Minnesota Timberwolves Kevin Love. Bilas explains how the Bruin coaching staff had Love demonstrate the power of his outlet passing skills to the ESPN crew after practice. The 6-10 sensation stood on the baseline and threw a crisp two-hand chest pass the length of the court and hit the opposite backboard with a dead-on bullseye.

Bilas said that he and his colleagues stood in stunned silence as the UCLA coaches then explained how Love's penchant for strong two-hand chest, two-hand overhead and one-hand baseball outlet passes had given their team fast-break opportunities not seen at the school since the days of Bill Walton. Go to "You Tube" to see some examples of Love's outlet passes.

The story of outlet-passing will immediately remind some old-school coaches of NBA Hall-of-Famer Wes Unseld. Unseld, an undersized center at 6-7, who played for the Washington Bullets, was known as perhaps the game's greatest outlet passer. Surely, no man in basketball history ever began more fast breaks with a 50-foot outlet pass than did Wes Unseld.

Now that Kevin Love brings the Unseld-like production back to the outlet pass, Ohio State women's assistant Pete Gaudet outlines an easy-to-run outlet-pass drill in his book "Practical Post Play".

"Stand a player in front of the backboard with a ball and have him or her pass the ball off the glass and secure the carom to simulate rebounding a miss. The rebounder immediately locates a teammate moving between the foul-line extended to half-court."

"The rebounder must pivot outside and fire an outlet pass to the outlet player. At times, the coach can make a defensive player move toward the passer to stop the outlet. Here, the post player should respond with a power dribble along the baseline, before making the pass."

Put Your Dreams To The Test

2009-06-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Reading a book by John Maxwell called "Put Your Dreams To The Test". John gives us an example from Starbucks founder Howard Schultz.

Businessman Howard Schultz, who came from a very humbled background, used the fertile soil of his imagination to help him cultivate the idea of Starbucks, the company he founded. Schultz says,

"One thing I've noticed about romantics: They try to create a new and better world from the drabness of everyday life. That is Starbuck's aim too. We try to create, in our stores, an oasis, a little neighborhood spot where you can take a break, listen to some jazz, or ponder universal or personal or even whimsical questions over a cup of coffee."
Who dreams up such a place? From my personal experience, I'd say that the more uninspiring your origins, the more likely you are to use your imagination and invent worlds where everything seems possible.

Maxwell goes on in his book to ask 10 questions that are crucial in obtaining your dream:

1. The Ownership Question: Is my dream really my dream?

2. The Clarity Question: Do I clearly see my dream?

3. The Reality Question: Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?

4. The Passion Question: Does my dream compel me to follow it?

5. The Pathway Question: Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?

6. The People Question: Have I included the people to realize my dream?

7. The Cost Question: Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?

8. The Tenacity Question: Am I moving closer to my dream?

9. The Fulfillment Question: Does working towards my dream bring satisfaction?

10. The Significance Question: Does my dream benefit others?

I believe that if you really explore each question, examine yourself honestly, and answer yes to all of them, the odds of achieving your dream are very good. The more yeses you can answer, the more on target you are to fulfill your dreaming. I truly believe that everyone has the potential to imagine a worthwhile dream, and most have the ability to achieve it. And it doesn't matter how big or how seemingly outrageous your dream appears to others if your answers are yes to the "Dream Test" questions.

For more information on John Maxwell, go to: www.johnmaxwell.com

Ralph Miller: The Prophet of Pressure Basketball

2009-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

I was talking a while back to Coach Herb Welling and the discussion turned to Coach Ralph Miller. I believe Coach Miller does not receive enough credit for some of the defensive things we do today. I believe he is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game.

When I was a young coach beginning in the business, I got the opportunity to go to Corvallis and watch a few of Coach Miller's Oregon State teams practice. I was so impressed by the way Coach Miller's operated his practices. Amazing, that he could sit on the end of the basketball court, smoking his "More" cigarettes and practice would flow like a ballet.

Back when Coach Miller was at East High School, he began the idea of pressing after a missed shot. You heard of Former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson's "40 minutes of Hell", Coach Miller was the first to have his players press full-court after every possession.

Coach Miller recruited quick, fast and heady athletes who typically weren't highly touted coming out of high school, then molded them to fit his system. The only other requirement as a love of defense.

Offensively, he ran only two sets and dared opponents to stop either. Few could. We still have images of Beaver Steve Johnson tossing a back-door bounce pass - the one circumstance where it was allowed - to a sharply cutting Ray Blume, Mark Radford or Lester Connor for an easy lay-up.

To read a great article on Coach Miller, go to:
http://alumni.oregonstate.edu/stater/issues/stater0012/feature1.html

Basketball Academy Dates

2009-06-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

We have set our dates for our fall academy. Our dates are as follows:

Tuesday & Thursday Evenings, 6-8 pm @ Centralia Christian School

Sunday Afternoons, 2-4 pm & 4-6 pm @ Oakville High School

For more information, contact Coach Tuengel at (360) 237-4574 or tuengel@comcast.net

Welcome to My Blog

2009-06-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Washington Player Development Academy Blog. My goal with this blog is to share information with players on "HOW" to play the game of basketball. I also will be talking about leadership issues that you can use in your daily lives.

For coaches, I want to share information that you can take back to your programs, or to stimulate your thinking.

I am also going to have coaches as guests to share their ideas on the game as well as their ideas on leadership...

If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call at (360) 237-4574, or by e-mailing me at tuengel@comcast.net