If you are new to coaching basketball, or you've never worked as an assistant for a championship basketball coach, then this article might be educational. Going into my 10th year as a basketball coach I consider myself blessed in the profession. I have had the fortunate opportunity to learn many lessons from two of the best boys' basketball coaches in the state of Illinois. As a 22 year old rookie, in 2001-2002, I worked as the JV boys' basketball coach at Midland High School. The head coach at the time was Chris Gibson, and I had no idea what was in store for me. During that season the Midland Timberwolves won a school record 20 basketball games, won the Seneca Regional Championship, beat Herscher (at Herscher) in the sectional, before finally losing to Chicago Hales Franciscan in the sectional championship.
Coach Gibson left Midland after that season to work for Coach Hodge at Olivet Nazarene University. It wasn't until 2009-2010 that Coach Gibson returned to high school boys basketball. This past year he led the Dwight Trojans to a record of 28-4, the regional championship, and another sectional final appearance. In 2006-2007, I moved on to a new coaching adventure at Dee-Mack High School with head basketball coach Mitch Holmgren. Mitch spent eight years working as an assistant coach for IHSA Hall of Famer Ron Oloffson at Herscher High School. During the past two years Mitch's Dee-Mack teams have accumulated 39 wins, won the 2008-2009 regional championship, and advanced to the sectional finals after defeating Warrensburg-Latham in the Ridgeview Sectional.
For me, 2001-2002 and 2006-2007, were "eyes wide open" experiences, as I got an insider's view on two very different, yet very successful basketball programs. One program was built on trapping half court zone defenses, quick transition offense, set plays and continuities. The other program; a tough and gritty sagging man to man defense, and a deliberate ball control motion offense, that seemingly opposed its will on opponents to their demise. Sure, I played in a great high school program at Maroa-Forsyth, but until you've worked beside and seen things from the perspective of a great coach, you may as well be diagramming with crayons. Here are some of the lessons I have learned from my mentors that I have carried with me to this day.
1.) Plan your practice. This is the backbone of your program. Write out in detail your practice schedules and file them for future use. Be detailed and picky in practice. Stay on schedule and work quickly from drill to drill. If they don't get it after 6 minutes, they won't get it after 26 minutes. Just move on and revisit the concept the next day. (See other articles on this blog about practice planning)
2.) Have a play card on game day. Organize your offenses, defenses, and possible game adjustments on a notecard, etc. I always have a card that looks something like this:
POST
Illinois, Kansas, Zipper, Chase, Marquette, 2-Game, 3-Game, Baseline
PERIMETER
Tiger, Horns, Twist, 4-Up, Quick, Memphis, Minnesota
ZONE
2-Out; 3-Out; 4-Out, Temple, Stack, Blue, High, Wake, Top
PRESSURE
Trailer Zone Press Offense, Arrow, Basic, Call #, Cardinal, Diamond, Fresno, Flash
BLOBS
MAN - "43", "42", "41", "35", "34", "33", "32", "31"
ZONE - #2, #4, #6, #10, "Amboy Paige Play"
SLOBS
Sideline, UCLA, Duke, Irish, Spartan, Zip Down
HALF-COURT
Match, Staple, Sack-It, Minus 1, Minus 2, Paint, Sand
TRAPS/SCRAMBLES
Cross, Fist, Amoeba
FULL-COURT
"10", Hawk, Smother, "22", "34"
3.) Always meet with your players in a pre-game meeting to review game plans and keys for success. An example pre-game meeting might look like the following:
STARTERS
Megs (#4-Morrison)
Madi (#5-Smith)
Mo (#3-Sobol)
Hannah (#34-Jackson)
Brook (#10-Mandrell)
OFFENSE:
First Possession - Illinois
DEFENSE:
"22" Back to "Match"
KEYS
1. Early Offense - Sprint to spots, push tempo.
2. Rebound the ball! Find a jersey, leave the lane, block out.
3. Sprint Back - No layups.
4. Be a great help defender - Talk your job!
5. Head hunt on screens, seek contact.
4.) Work hard for your players. Show them you care and tell them you care. Always believe in them and stay as positive as your personality allows!
5.) Show your passion and enthusiasm for basketball and for practice. You must do this every single day. The season is long, but make each day like your first day!
6.) Teach them the game and encourage them to be student's of the game. Tell them why you are playing a certain way. Help them understand the game so they can take more pride in their achievements and the team's philosophy.
7.) Teach them lessons that go beyond basketball. Relate the game to life, and show them the importance of teamwork and giving your best effort. Help them become outstanding people; not just outstanding players.
8.) Be a professional. Be a role model for your players. Dress the part and speak the part. Give them your best; give them life; no matter the wins and losses.
9.) Never be satisfied with your knowledge about the game. Strive to learn as much as you can. The game is always changing and we need to adapt as coaches. Go to clinics, watch dvd's, read books, and talk with as many coaches who will speak to you!
10.) Promote your basketball program and your kids. Create as much excitement in your community as you can. You want to create the best atmosphere possible for your kids on game night. If you work hard for them, they will work hard for you.
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