COACHING PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy of coaching incorporates many of the characteristics needed to successful in life. The characteristics and personality traits that help make a successful basketball team are paramount in helping an individual be a productive successful member of society. I believe that the game of basketball, in many ways, is an extension of life. Some these qualities are honest, dependability, trust, dedication, loyalty, respect, citizenship, enthusiasm, leadership, and confidence. These qualities are important and should be evident in your lifestyle as well as your play.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
A. Develop the total athlete
1. Provide players with the opportunity
to improve their skill level and
experience social and emotional
growth of the game.
2. Emphasis the educational value of basketball
B. Promote good Sportsmanship and a Positive attitude
1. Emphasis competition within the framework of established basketball rules.
2. A positive attitude is the highest quality of needed to play basketball and to be
successful in life. Attitudes are contagious, be sure to have a positive one.
C. Success
1. A major goal of the varsity program is to develop a highly competitive, effective
team.
2. The Varsity player’s role and playing time is determined by the nature of the
sport, the situation, and the coach’s judgment. It must be recognized that
situations may prevent every team member from playing in every contest.
D. Teamwork
1. A team is a small group of people with complimentary skills committed to a
common purpose and specific set of performance goals. Its members are
committed to working with each other to achieve the team’s purpose and hold
each other fully and jointly accountable for the team’s results.
2. No player can win a single handily. Cooperation with the team personal and
coaching staff must be developed and practiced like every other talent. Each
person has a responsibility and a job to do.
3. Always remember that you win as a team and you lose as a team. It is a big
challenge for a group of young men to blend their skills and attitudes and make a
successful team. However, when you do it, it is an accomplishment you should be
proud of and one that is a lot of fun.
“Coming together is a beginning- keeping together is progress -
working together is success.”
E. Work Hard.
1. We may face team that more talented then us but we should never be out hustled!
2. Always strive to give 100%. Push yourself everyday and you will improve the
quality of your play, your physical condition and mental toughness.
3. Winning does not come without a price. The price is sacrifice and sweat.
F. Enthusiasm
1. “Nothing great was every accomplished without enthusiasm”- Emerson
2. There is no replacement for enthusiasm. Understand what fun is- have fun, be
proud of your school, the program, your accomplishments, and especially of
yourself.
DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
Our defense will be based on pressure. We are looking to put constant pressure on the ball and the offensive. There are three things we are looking at from our defense. First, force turnovers so we can covert into easy baskets. Secondly, we want our opponent to rush with their on offense thus not allowing them get comfortable. Third, wear out our opponent.
There are very important things to be remembered. Everyone involved must be totally committed to our approach, and you must be in great condition. Even if your opponent has some success breaking your pressure, if your team is in better condition you will wear them down by the end of the game.
Points of Emphasis:
• Ball pressure
• Know when/if we are trapping.
• All 5 guys see the ball at all times
• Sprint out of a trap
• Know yourself and your opponent
• Communicate at all times- Talk to the ball
• Jump to the ball-in both the full court and half court
Goals:
Hold opponent to 38% or under field goal percentage
Force 20 or more turnovers
Score 60 points or higher
Defense in the half court: Goals:
1. Stop penetration
2. Restrict easy entry into offense.
3. Take away easy reversal
4. Challenge every shot
5. Rebound the ball
6. Vary pick-up point
“Do what has to be done, when is has to be done, and as well as it can be done.”
REBOUNDING PHILOSOPHY
Rebounding we feel is the most controllable, it keys our fast break, makes up for poor shooting game, limits the number of shots a good shooting team will take, demoralizes and intimidates an opponent, changes an opponents game, etc.
The single most important factor in rebounding is “wanting the basketball.” You must acquire a rebounding attitude. This pride and courage in rebounding is developed by drills which are repetitions, emphasis in practice (all practice long) and statistical and personal coverage of it during all games and practice. Techniques and a rebounding attitude will become a sources of pride for the entire team, and if maintained will make any team at minimal a good rebounding team
Good rebounding starts with right mentality. When a shot goes up, great offensive rebounders see it as an opportunity for two points, great defensive rebounders see it as the end of the opponent’s possession. It takes heart, desire, timing, and feel to be a great rebounder.
Rebounding attitude:
• Use the call, “SHOT”
• Use the call, “BALL”
• Be aware of the angle that ball will take
• Technique of block out
• Consistency and passion
• Good rebounders:
1. Assume every shot is missed
2. assume that every shot is a pass to them
3. understand and are excited about contact
4. are extremely competitive
- 4 and 5 men always go to the boards
- 2 and 3-one is weak-side rebounder and other follows the shot to the elbow area.
- 1 man stays back
Rules: If 1-man penetrates both 2 and 3 get back. If 2 shoots 3 goes to the weak side and vice-versa. Every time we secure a rebound we call “ball.”
OFFENSE PHILOSOPHY
1. CONFIDENCE, CONFIDENCE, CONFIDENCE
2. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
3. UTILIZE THE PASS, ADVANCE THE BALL UP THE FLOOR AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE
4. WHENEVER AN EQUAL OR ADVANTAGES NUMERICAL SITUATION EXISTS,
WORK FOR THE QUICK- HIGHEST PERCENTAGE SHOT.
5. TAKE CARE OF THE BASKETBALL-IF YOU LOSE THE BALL BECOME
DEFENSIVE MINDED IMMEDIATELY.
6. AGGRESSIVE OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING
7. CREATE SCORING OPPORTUNITIES WITH DRIBBLE PENETRATION.
8. TAKE HIGH PERCENTAGE SHOTS AND GIVE THE BALL TO A BETTER SHOT.
9. APPLY CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE DEFENSE WITH PURPOSEFUL
MOVEMENT WITH OUT THE BALL.
A Good offense attacks the defense in three ways:
1. Inside game
2. Outside game
3. Penetration game
A good way to create scoring opportunities inside is:
1. Dribble penetration
2. Aggressive offensive rebounding
3. An explosive running game
“Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline--these are the tools that shape
success.”
General School Rules:
A. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics, students must meet all requirements set
up by the State Principals Association as well as those by D.H.S. and abide by all
school rules as if they are our team rules. To violate a school rule is to violate a team
rule.
B. Regular school attendance is required of all athletes. Athletes absent from school
any part of the day of a game shall not participate without written excuse from a parent
or doctor and full sanction of the school.
C. Athletes suspended from school shall not be allowed to practice or participate in
contests while on suspension.
Keep in mind that your teammates and coaches are depending on you.
Academics:
A. Your reason for attending D.H.S. is to obtain the best education possible.
B. Do your homework, participate in class, and study for exams.
C. Budget your time. This is the key to being a good student.
D. Don’t expect any favors because you are an athlete.
E. Formulate plans now for the future. Establish goals and try to attain them.
F. Ineligibility hinders your participation.
Training Rules:
A. The consumption, possession, or illegal transportation of alcoholic beverages, the use or
possession of unprescribed scheduled drugs and the use of tobacco in any form will not
be tolerated.
The first infraction, of either, as determined by the school administration, and after due process, shall result in automatic suspension for at least one week. A further infraction, of either, as determined by the administration, and after due process, will result in permanent suspension for the remainder of the season or semester, whichever is greater.
B. Curfew
1. None as such. Late hours are undesirable. If you’re interested in winning and
being successful, then you’ll realize what rest, sleep, and attention you have to
give yourself.
2. Pre-Game-Yes, be home early for your team and for yourself. Your body
repairs while you sleep. Get at least eight (8) hours of sleep.
C. To avoid sickness, dress warmly and wear a winter hat whenever you go outside.
D. Take showers after each practice and game.
E. Report all colds, illnesses and injuries immediately.
F. Use skin lube on tender feet. If needed, wear two pairs of socks whenever you play
basketball- no colored socks.
G. Eat at least three (3) nutritious meals daily. I will suggest several good meals.
H. Players with weak ankles should consider wearing ankle wraps and hi-cut
sneakers.
I. Schedule training room needs before or after practice, not during.
Locker Room Conduct:
A. All players are to use the same locker room.
B. No rough housing, snapping towels, etc.
C. No glass containers.
D. Pick up around your locker area.
E. Seniors and captains are in charge of the locker room appearance and attitude.
F. Our locker room is off limits to anyone who is not a member of our team.
G. Locker room talk should be kept in the locker room.
H. Secure valuables- theft should not happen, nor will it be tolerated.
Equipment:
A. Athletes will be issued the best possible equipment. Each athlete will assume
responsibility for their equipment and will be held accountable for any lost or
damaged items.
B. Use only assigned equipment.
C. Game and practice sneakers should not be worn outside.
Practice Expectations:
This is the most important time spent during the basketball season, for it is here that you develop the skills and habits which will be demonstrated in the games. It is on the practice floor that championships are won. It is therefore, essential, that each minute of practice be spent wisely to improve skills. It is a privilege to be allowed to practice and play. Do not abuse this privilege. Any time you step on the court you are there for one purpose- to improve. Be serious about this, we have no time to waste.
The practice sessions will be planned very carefully. To achieve the maximum benefit from each session the following guidelines are to be adhered to:
A. Arrive to practice on time. If you are going to need taping, arrive early.
B. If you are going to be late or absent, you must see, or call me personally.
C. Unexcused tardiness will result in extra work.
D. Unexcused absences from practices will not be tolerated. (1st violation- suspension for
one game. 2nd violation-jeopardizes your privilege to be a member of the team).
E. Always assume there is practice. In case of inclement weather, we will always let
you know the practice situation.
F. Upon arriving on the practice floor, follow the prescribed warm up procedures and then
work on those parts of your game that need attention. Do not waste time
practicing something that you will not use in a game.
G. If for any reason you wish to leave the practice floor, always ask permission.
H. Please see that assigned practice gear is worn to practice every day and is kept
clean.
I. Profanity is not necessary or acceptable. This will not improve your performance
and only demeans your class image.
J. When the whistle blows, stop everything you are doing and focus your attention on the
coaching staff.
K. Practice schedules are posted weekly. Read them carefully and know your
responsibilities.
L. Caps and unnecessary jewelry are not allowed on the practice floor.
M. Record foul shots every day.
N. We will run everywhere we go. This means during drills and between drills. This
should become second nature.
I believe in the expression, “You play like you practice.” Work hard, pay attention to details and be enthusiastic. Again, by pushing yourself every day, you will improve the quality of your play, your physical condition and your mental toughness.
Game Day Expectations and Bench Decorum:
A. Attend classes as usual and follow your regular routine. Eat a good, nutritious
meal as close to three (3) hours before game time as possible.
B. Get some rest before game time. For all home games, be at the gym at the
beginning of the JV game. We will be rooting for them.
C. If you need to be taped, we will start taping about six (6) minutes before the end
of the third period of the JV game.
D. As a general rule, you should begin changing at the four (4) minute mark of the
third quarter during the JV game.
E. During home games we will go onto the court after the visiting team goes on the
floor. At away games, we will go out after the completion of the JV game. We
should have a fifteen minute warm up period prior to the game.
F. At halftime, go immediately to the locker room. If you have to use the bathroom,
do so at once. There shouldn’t be anyone from the team criticizing another player
for anything which might have happened during the first half.
G. At the end of the game, shake hands and go directly to the locker room for post
game remarks. After this, you can go out to talk with family and friends. Make
sure you turn in your gear neatly.
H. When we step on the court, do so with hustle. Go through the pre-game drills
with snap and precision, look first class, talk it up and be enthused. We have a
purpose in mind, and that is to WIN!
I. When taking off your warm ups, don’t throw them on the floor. Lay them on the
bench neatly or hand them to a manager.
J. Players on the bench, concentrate on the game and encourage those who are
playing. This means clapping for good plays and standing during substitutions.
Sit up and be enthused.
“GOOD TEAMS ARE MADE OF GOOD BENCHES.”
K. When you are taken from the game, run off the floor and sit beside me. The rest
of the bench will move down. When entering the game, run onto the floor.
- Treat the officials as gentlemen. Only the captains will confer with them, technical fouls can only hinder our progress. Coaches will consult with them when needed. Never display a bad attitude and always control your emotions.
M. When full time outs are called, all floor players are expected to run to the bench
and sit together. The rest of the team will form a semi-circle. During a thirty (30)
second time out, we will stand in a circle in front of our bench, with the floor
players in front of the coach. Every player should pay attention to what is being
said, and no talking until the coaches are through. Then, if you have a comment
or suggestion, it will be welcomed.
N. Before we return to the floor, we will all place our hands into a circle. Although
this is a small gesture it nevertheless symbolizes our togetherness.
O. No talking with spectators during pre-game or during the game without permission from
a coach.
Travel Expectations:
A. It is expected that all players will travel to and from the game with the team, unless prior
arrangements have been made with coaching staff.
B. Each game we will assign several players to help transport the equipment.
C. Be reasonably quiet on the bus before a game and after a less productive
performance. After a win, enjoy the victory, but stay in control.
REMEMBER THERE IS ALWAYS THE NEXT GAME.
D. We will meet in our locker room thirty (30) minutes before departure time.
Dress Expectations:
A. Dress shirts and ties are required for all away games. (When available, team travel
warm ups will be worn).
B. No jeans or caps. (Sneakers only with travel warm ups).
General Conduct:
A. Insubordination or disrespect to any member of the coaching staff will not be
tolerated.
B. General behavior in and out of school, during games and practice shall be as such
to bring no discredit to the athlete, his parents, the school, the team and the
coaching staff.
C. Unsportsmanlike behavior on and off the court is unacceptable.
D. Understand that a poor attitude will not be overlooked no matter how outstanding the
ballplayer. We, as a coaching staff, are not going to sacrifice our and the
team’s integrity to someone that does not abide by the program’s philosophy.
( Violations of the above rules will result in loss of playing time and after due process, suspension for the season.)
Miscellaneous
A. Captain’s Authority
1. Obvious leadership role on and off the court.
2. Bring our attention to problems and needs unknown to the staff.
B. Injuries and Insurance
See extracurricular activities and code of conduct.
C. Managers, Scorekeepers and Statisticians
1. Understand their importance.
2. Respect their role as a most significant part of the team.
D. Player Concern
1. If you are unhappy or have a concern about anything, please see me in
school or before or after practice. You will always be welcomed.
Remember, we are in this endeavor together.
“Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be decline and evil.”
“THINK IN PRACTICE”
“REACT IN GAMES”
DEERING HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL
CAPTAIN’S CONTRACT
I, ________________________________ as a Team Captain, will represent my team, my Coaches, my school, my community and myself with honesty, honor, and dignity. I will conduct myself in accordance with the rules and laws of my team, my school and the greater community.
As a team leader, I will lead by positive example. I will treat my teammates as equals, and I will always do what is in the best interest of the team.
During my tenure as Team Captain, I will abide by the code of conduct set forth by my Coaches, my school and the laws of the community. In doing so, I pledge to be alcohol, tobacco and drug free.
I recognize that my leadership role extends beyond the Basketball season and will honor this contract (in or out of school) during the entire school year.
If at any time during my time as Team Captain, I fail to abide by the terms of this document, I acknowledge that my leadership role will be terminated. I further acknowledge that the interpretation of all rules violations will be at the discretion of the Head Coach and his staff.
Captain’s Signature:________________________________ Date:__________________
WE HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY, AND SIGN IT VOLUNTARILY WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS SIGNIFICANCE.
PLAYER’S NAME__________________________________________________
DATE:__________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PLAYER___________________________________________
DATE:__________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN_______________________________
DATE:__________________________________________