Friday, October 28, 2011
Coaching Youth Basketball
There's a different breed of basketball player out there these days. Too often I see talented players who care more about how their crossover buckled the knees of their defender than using it to change direction and get to the cup.
The point is simple, it's winning. That's all anything is about, and if you're teaching something else you're doing yourself and your players a disservice. It's not to say that fair play and fun aren't important, but they are but secondary to the purpose of the game of basketball. Teach the game, keep it pure.
You play to win the game, anything else is unacceptable.
Therefore, when dealing with younger basketball players who are just learning the game, teaching them how to win first precedes fundamentals in my opinion.
Let me explain...
Winning is habitual and a state of mind
Before you teach fundamentals, you must first teach the player how to incorporate the fundamentals into his game. In order to do that, players these days must be taught what goes into being a winner, a winner's disposition.
What are winners? Winners are consistent, they are creatures of good habit, they opportunistic, they are resourceful, they are timely, reliable and cooperative. And it is only through their mastery of the fundamentals of first the art of winning and then the game of basketball (or whatever their craft is) that they can attain these attributes. It should be evident that this concept extends far past the painted lines of a basketball court. These are life skills for success.
In the art of winning, everything is a competition
A good coach makes his players understand that before they pick up the basketball they must be prepared to not only work hard, but to challenge themselves and their teammates to the point where it's a competition as to who can work the hardest. It is then important for players to understand that through teamwork and pushing one another, the individual can elevate the play of the team and a team working together can elevate the play of the individual so that both succeed in the common goal of winning.
Anyone not up to the level of competition must fall in the pecking order and be held accountable by first himself, then his teammates and then the coach. Each player must understand that the second he steps on the court they are competing for everything and in everything. That means you don't run, you sprint, you don't get down on the floor for a loose ball, you dive, it's maximum effort, 100 percent of the time if you want to be a winner.
Because the game requires constant competition, the stronger athlete always has an advantage. As such, players must be taught the value of continually strengthening and improving their bodies on a daily basis. As such, a basketball player must continuously train his body and know his body's capabilities completely. This philosophy must also be applied to individual basketball skills, practice, practice, practice! Then practice some more.
Again the concept of daily improvement extends past the realm of sports.
Each day is an opportunity to be physically stronger, mentally sharper and just flat out better than you were the day before. Players must understand that this is the only way to ensure that winning can become habitual.
And as you become stronger and better it means you must only work harder, for not only are you strengthening yourself so that you CAN work harder, but you must assume that others are doing the same, and as such you must out-work them, again, everything is a competition, nothing can be taken for granted or left to chance if winning is to be habitual.
Additionally, as a side note, I have seen it useful in many instances when players are encouraged to play other sports to understand the concept of winning in various games. Too many times I've seen a play that could have been made if the player had played baseball, soccer or another sport that would have given him the required skill/mind set to have made the play. While a failure to make a play that required a different skill/mind set may not be worthy of blame, the failure nonetheless could cost you the game, and quite simply, losing isn't winning.
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals.
With that in mind, the next step is to outline the fundamentals of good basketball, beginning with footwork, athletic posture, balance and other fundamentals of body positioning.
Next the actual basket-ball skills come into play. First shooting, then ball handling, passing, screening, rebounding, boxing out etc.
Too often coaches fast forward and miss the basic principles of sport and competition. Youth are supposed to learn more than X's and O's from playing sports, that's what is so great about team sports. It is more important for young players to master these concepts than it is for them to be able to run flex to perfection.
As a Coach, you have built a solid foundation if you are able to instill these values into your players as a common way of doing things with anything less being completely unacceptable. If you waiver, so will your players, and ultimately, it may not be the case that you don't win, but it will be the case that you will lose to a team that has hung their hats on a winning philosophy.
The point is simple, it's winning. That's all anything is about, and if you're teaching something else you're doing yourself and your players a disservice. It's not to say that fair play and fun aren't important, but they are but secondary to the purpose of the game of basketball. Teach the game, keep it pure.
You play to win the game, anything else is unacceptable.
Therefore, when dealing with younger basketball players who are just learning the game, teaching them how to win first precedes fundamentals in my opinion.
Let me explain...
Winning is habitual and a state of mind
Before you teach fundamentals, you must first teach the player how to incorporate the fundamentals into his game. In order to do that, players these days must be taught what goes into being a winner, a winner's disposition.
What are winners? Winners are consistent, they are creatures of good habit, they opportunistic, they are resourceful, they are timely, reliable and cooperative. And it is only through their mastery of the fundamentals of first the art of winning and then the game of basketball (or whatever their craft is) that they can attain these attributes. It should be evident that this concept extends far past the painted lines of a basketball court. These are life skills for success.
In the art of winning, everything is a competition
A good coach makes his players understand that before they pick up the basketball they must be prepared to not only work hard, but to challenge themselves and their teammates to the point where it's a competition as to who can work the hardest. It is then important for players to understand that through teamwork and pushing one another, the individual can elevate the play of the team and a team working together can elevate the play of the individual so that both succeed in the common goal of winning.
Anyone not up to the level of competition must fall in the pecking order and be held accountable by first himself, then his teammates and then the coach. Each player must understand that the second he steps on the court they are competing for everything and in everything. That means you don't run, you sprint, you don't get down on the floor for a loose ball, you dive, it's maximum effort, 100 percent of the time if you want to be a winner.
Because the game requires constant competition, the stronger athlete always has an advantage. As such, players must be taught the value of continually strengthening and improving their bodies on a daily basis. As such, a basketball player must continuously train his body and know his body's capabilities completely. This philosophy must also be applied to individual basketball skills, practice, practice, practice! Then practice some more.
Again the concept of daily improvement extends past the realm of sports.
Each day is an opportunity to be physically stronger, mentally sharper and just flat out better than you were the day before. Players must understand that this is the only way to ensure that winning can become habitual.
And as you become stronger and better it means you must only work harder, for not only are you strengthening yourself so that you CAN work harder, but you must assume that others are doing the same, and as such you must out-work them, again, everything is a competition, nothing can be taken for granted or left to chance if winning is to be habitual.
Additionally, as a side note, I have seen it useful in many instances when players are encouraged to play other sports to understand the concept of winning in various games. Too many times I've seen a play that could have been made if the player had played baseball, soccer or another sport that would have given him the required skill/mind set to have made the play. While a failure to make a play that required a different skill/mind set may not be worthy of blame, the failure nonetheless could cost you the game, and quite simply, losing isn't winning.
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals.
With that in mind, the next step is to outline the fundamentals of good basketball, beginning with footwork, athletic posture, balance and other fundamentals of body positioning.
Next the actual basket-ball skills come into play. First shooting, then ball handling, passing, screening, rebounding, boxing out etc.
Too often coaches fast forward and miss the basic principles of sport and competition. Youth are supposed to learn more than X's and O's from playing sports, that's what is so great about team sports. It is more important for young players to master these concepts than it is for them to be able to run flex to perfection.
As a Coach, you have built a solid foundation if you are able to instill these values into your players as a common way of doing things with anything less being completely unacceptable. If you waiver, so will your players, and ultimately, it may not be the case that you don't win, but it will be the case that you will lose to a team that has hung their hats on a winning philosophy.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
It's all about LeBron James
The 2010-2011 NBA season and NBA Playoffs can be summed up with one name, LeBron James.
LeBron James has become the most polarizing figure in professional sports and he didn't even need a mistress or an explicit sexting message to do it.
You either hate Lebron James, or you like him or you just can't figure him out, or you're a combination of all three.
Regardless, you have to feel one way or another about the man, he's forced us all into that. LeBron James forces you to think about him, to watch him, to dissect his every word and his every move so that you might perhaps gain some insight into why he is what he is, and why he does the things that he does.
For example, you may be able to rationalize why the one hour episode of The Decision on ESPN was necessary for him to announce he was taking his talents to South Beach. You may even be able to rationalize why he boasted that the Heat would win 7 championships before they had even played a game together.
But no one can come to a reasonable explanation as to what happened to his game in the NBA Finals, particularly in game 4.
It's too easy to say he shrunk in the moment, while that answer may be good enough for LeBron haters, it doesn't do justice.
The problem with trying to understand LeBron James is that there has never been a man that has worn his shoes, figuratively speaking.
Since he was in HS he was the King. The world was given to him on a platter and since he came into the NBA, the league has been his playground.
But this year the love turned to hate and LeBron became the villain in the NBA. The evil force that his detractors wanted stopped at all cost. The Mavericks played hero in the NBA Finals, and stripped the king of his crown.
But why do so many hate on LeBron James in the first place?
Here's some reason why it's fair and un-fair hate.
Why do people hate on LeBron James?
LeBron James has become the most polarizing figure in professional sports and he didn't even need a mistress or an explicit sexting message to do it.
You either hate Lebron James, or you like him or you just can't figure him out, or you're a combination of all three.
Regardless, you have to feel one way or another about the man, he's forced us all into that. LeBron James forces you to think about him, to watch him, to dissect his every word and his every move so that you might perhaps gain some insight into why he is what he is, and why he does the things that he does.
For example, you may be able to rationalize why the one hour episode of The Decision on ESPN was necessary for him to announce he was taking his talents to South Beach. You may even be able to rationalize why he boasted that the Heat would win 7 championships before they had even played a game together.
But no one can come to a reasonable explanation as to what happened to his game in the NBA Finals, particularly in game 4.
It's too easy to say he shrunk in the moment, while that answer may be good enough for LeBron haters, it doesn't do justice.
The problem with trying to understand LeBron James is that there has never been a man that has worn his shoes, figuratively speaking.
Since he was in HS he was the King. The world was given to him on a platter and since he came into the NBA, the league has been his playground.
But this year the love turned to hate and LeBron became the villain in the NBA. The evil force that his detractors wanted stopped at all cost. The Mavericks played hero in the NBA Finals, and stripped the king of his crown.
But why do so many hate on LeBron James in the first place?
Here's some reason why it's fair and un-fair hate.
Why do people hate on LeBron James?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Building Strength and Endurance
Excellent strength and unbeatable endurance are two characteristics of a high profile athlete. Both of these attributes are often accompanied by explosiveness. These physical qualities can be built and expanded upon, but it requires consistent training, determination and mental toughness. No pain, no gain.
Jason Noel, a successful high profile personal trainer in Vancouver British Columbia emphasizes these qualities in his training philosophy, and he epitomizes them in his own personal life. At roughly 5`10, 180lbs, Mr. Noel is what you call a powerhouse.
Observe The General at work, getting it DONE.
Whether you`re an athlete in training, or you just want to improve your physique or personal fitness level, this guy can help you achieve your personal goals.
Visit Cross Fit Optimum Performance
Contact: Jason Noel (604) 512-0554
Email: jason@crossfitoptimumperformace.com
Jason Noel, a successful high profile personal trainer in Vancouver British Columbia emphasizes these qualities in his training philosophy, and he epitomizes them in his own personal life. At roughly 5`10, 180lbs, Mr. Noel is what you call a powerhouse.
Observe The General at work, getting it DONE.
Jason N 20RM Squat (275lbs) from Crossfit Optimum Performance on Vimeo.
Whether you`re an athlete in training, or you just want to improve your physique or personal fitness level, this guy can help you achieve your personal goals.
Visit Cross Fit Optimum Performance
Contact: Jason Noel (604) 512-0554
Email: jason@crossfitoptimumperformace.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Miami Heat Ice Cold
It must be a tough situation in the Miami Heat locker-room right now. It's almost official at this point that the Big 3 is actually only the Big 2, with Bosh being the odd man out. But to me, the problem isn't that the Heat can't beat the best teams in the league, I don't expect them to be able to do that, they're still a work in progress.
The problem is that no one in the league is scared of the Heat right now. Even with their star power, teams don't appear the least bit intimidated, because of the way they play. Teams expect and can live with James and Wade getting theirs, because it's never a guarantee the Heat will pull it out even if James and Wade light it up.
Orlando proved that when came back after being down by 24 to upset the Heat in what used to be D Wade's house. When is Spoelstra going draw up a play for Wade at the end of the game? Not sure Bosh taking a 30 footer is the best option Coach!
After the Spurs took Miami to the Woodshed tonight in a game that was never close, you have to wonder...What's wrong with the Heat?
The problem is that no one in the league is scared of the Heat right now. Even with their star power, teams don't appear the least bit intimidated, because of the way they play. Teams expect and can live with James and Wade getting theirs, because it's never a guarantee the Heat will pull it out even if James and Wade light it up.
Orlando proved that when came back after being down by 24 to upset the Heat in what used to be D Wade's house. When is Spoelstra going draw up a play for Wade at the end of the game? Not sure Bosh taking a 30 footer is the best option Coach!
After the Spurs took Miami to the Woodshed tonight in a game that was never close, you have to wonder...What's wrong with the Heat?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
ESPN Shattered Dreams Interview
Let me first begin by making a slight correction, I'm not actually 5'10, in fact in my college ball days I was listed at *cough* 6'0...I'm probably closer to 6'1, but my shoulders slope, and I've been told I look as tall as 6'2 on weekends, just to clarify...
So in the span of less than a week, suddenly this video goes viral... why? Was it because I broke the glass on a MISSED dunk while trying to show off/inspire the 14 and 15 year old St Patrick's HS team I coach?
They see me dunk it, and they see I'm not that tall, they think they can do that too, and I NEVER EVER tell them that they can't do or accomplish something/anything.
Maybe it's funny for other reasons...Wait, check that, not only did I break the glass and MISS the dunk, but I landed flat on my back and probably (if not for the grace of God) should have broke my neck...AGAIN! ...It's pretty damn FUNNY!
You know, I've been asked why this whole thing is so popular, and I don't know why. It probably means something different to everyone who watches it. To me, it's hilarious. I get a kick out of everyone's reaction to it. Perhaps one of the funniest reactions I've heard about, was apparently, someone wished that glass landed in my eye. LOL. It didn't, but I appreciate the love. Lol.
In all the inspirational sports screenplays I create and love there's always one theme that is consistent :
People love to watch someone try really, really hard to achieve something and then fall FLAT on their face...or in my case...my back. But you know what people love even more? They love it when you bounce back. Everyone loves the comeback. That's a fundamental part of every sports movie. Maybe people like it because my back bounced when it hit the floor.
Oh and btw, people have been asking me what I was thinking in mid air...Aside from expletives...At around 11 seconds, I was thinking
"I'm the biggest stud and loser all at the same time"
And then I remember I was slightly confused as to how that was possible.
Back Board Breaking Dunk FAIL
When I'm not locked in my home office busting out inspirational sports screenplays, I coach a junior boys (Grades 9-10) basket-ball team at St. Patrick's Secondary school in Vancouver British Columbia. Great school, unbelievably awesome kids. But what happens when the team asks Coach Boateng, AKA Johnny SHOWtang, AKA Johnny Blaze to throw down one dunk for them? Of course he says NO at first..."He doesn't dunk on request"
"Please coach, just one. Please, you promised"
No, not today, sorry guys...Wait a minute...is that a SLOW CLAP y'all just broke out?
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