Eddie Fogler: What I would & Would not Do Today

Coach Fogler gives some great ideas on building a program and thoughts for coaches as they go through their careers.

Develop a positive relationship with the athletic director:
A.  Do not be fooled.  There is not a "Jeremy Foley" athletic director at every school.
B.  Work your ass off to establish a great relationship with your athletic director.
C.  You need to have a mutual understanding with your athletic director.
D.  The athletic director is key when looking for your first or next head coaching job.

Kevin O'Neil came up with the "five & dive" philosophy:
A.  Take a program that is down, work hard for five years, build the program up, and the "dive" for another rebuilding job, for more money.
B.  Leave when you are doing well, it's hard to find another job when you're losing.
C.  Biggest mistake coaches make is staying at one school for too long.

It's hard to sustain a program when you are constantly trying to figure out how you are going to play:
A.  Take a job where you can recruit the kind of athletes you need to play your style.
B.  Recruit athletes who fit the way you want to play.
C.  Create a brand of play, it helps you recruit.

Recruit Shooters
A.  They will win games
B.  Get your best players on the floor.
C.  Play Small
D.  If you can put four shooters around one low post scorer, they are unselfish, move the ball, and move themselves, you will be successful.

Advice to young coaches:
A.  Never be held hostage: when you become a head coach, you want to be successful, don't play a guy who will not do the things you preach and believe in as a coach.  Sit down any player who has his own agenda and does not play with the team
B.  As a young head coach, hire and older, former head coach who knows a lot of the issues.
C.  Players will play their hardest for a coach who develops the best player-coach relationships.
D.  If you can't go to practice every day and enjoy seeing your team and have fun coaching, then you should not be coaching.  Enjoy your players.

16 Consistent Characteristics of Greatness!

WOW!  Today I received a newsletter from Coach Mike Neighbors assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Washington.  In the newsletter he attached his notes from Villa 7 (a program create by VCU/Nike where the top mens and womens assistant coaches meet to learn about becoming a head coach).  One of the speakers was Don Yaegar his Characteristics of Greatness are off the charts!

Enjoy!

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 Enthusiam- They are positive thinkers

HOW THEY PREPARE
5.  Hope for the best, BUT- They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field
6.  What off-season- always working towards the next game....the goal is what's ahead, and there's always something ahead
7. Visualize-  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 making a mistake
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 them
14.  When no one is watching- They are comfortable in the mirro....They live 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.

Marc Iavaroni

Going through a packet of notes from the University of Florida Coaches Self Improvement Clinic I came across some thoughts from Clippers Assistant Coach Marc Iavaroni.  Coach Iavaroni has been a player and coach in the league for many years.

Know Your Players:
Know your players as people.
This guy likes the fray, he likes the battle, put him into those kind of situations.
Know they player off the court, on the golf course, in the dorm room, in the cafeteria, in social situations.
Know what there strengths are.
Know who your decision makers are, your screener's (tough guys)
Dont put your players in positions to fail.

Philosophy of the game:
If you want to know about great offense, talk to the great defensive coaches.  Talk to them about what they can't handle, find out what works and gives them trouble.
If you can guard pick and roll offenses well, you've got a pretty good defense
Basketball is a game of counters.  What do they do and how are we going to counter it?
It's all about penetration.  If we can keep penetration to a minimum we don't have to rotate and create problems where we have penetration in the paint.
With Coach Wooden it was about recruiting quickness.  Trying to get a player that was quicker than an opponent and create mismatches at every postion.

Recruit Shooters:
If you space the floor and have good shooters on your team you will be successful.
Coaches can run a play for an open shot, but if they guy misses, most people (fans not coaches) think it's bad offense.

Fast-Break and Flow-Break:
Should be running for layups
Most teams in the NBA run for layups
In a 3 on 2 or 3 on 1 situation, if a player is open for a layup there is no hesitation in giving him the ball.
You need to recruit four good shooters and an ass kicker.  Three-point shooters are like archers:  They dont have to get their hands bloody, they just kill from a far.

Bob Hurley: Building a High School Program

Philosophy

Develop a style that fits your personality and the kids you are coaching.

Give yourself time to build a strong foundation for success (5 years)

Build a feeder program that stimulates interest and teaches fundamentals.
A.  Stress development over winning
B.  Open practice to feeder kids to watch, get them involved.
C.  If no JV game, allow them to play before varsity game.

Freshman and JV programs should be mirrors of the varsity program, coaches must see the big picture

Keep a maximum number of kids on all your teams.

Keep kids with size and build them up with positive encouragement
Know backgrounds of kids (parents size, etc.)

Building block has been PG's, dont worry about size, just their heart
Handle the ball, defend the ball, make FT's

Cultivate an identity for your team
Play Hard, good guards, play fast at older levels

Image
Team should reflect student body

Market your playerss from the time they arrive at school

Get kids to camps, AAU games, summer workouts

Have assistant coaches that love the sport and know the kids and mission

Dress your teams and coaches
A.  Varsity gets 2 sets of practice gear
B.  9th/10th gets 1 set
C.  Coaches get sweat suits, sweaters, etc.

Schedule an overnight trip during the season (Team Bonding)

Play a style that is player friendly and gives multiple players a chance to shine.

Correct shooting form early and often

Keys to success
A.  Emphasis on Fundamentals and making kids better players
B.  Build players up physically and push fitness
C.  Get players to play hard every day

Ger players to really guard people

Give players freedom on offense

Make the assist your most important stat

WIN Stats:  Deflections, Charges Drawn, Loose balls, Blocked shots, contested shots, block outs, def. rebounds, throw aheads.

Give players a basketball contract to sign and parents sign.
Address Team Standards
A.  I will represent myself, my team, my family properly at all times.
B.  I will take my education seriously, knowing that my education is for a lifetime.
C.  I will refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
D.  I will be on time for school, school or team activities, practices, and games and understand that I must communicate in advance when I will not be able to attend via a parent or guardian.

Doug Collins

Several years ago thanks to Coach Sonny Conwill I had the opportunity to attend Duke's Coaching Clinic.  Over the course of 2 days we saw several practices and heard different speakers.  Coach Doug Collins now the Head Coach of the 76ers was one of the speakers.  His team a #8 seed in this season's Eastern Conference knocked off the #1 seeded Bulls last night.  Here are some notes from his talk:

Good Shot/Bad Shot:  Time and Score, One that is expected by teammate, one that a player can shoot a high percentage.  You can defend against it if they miss.  Let players know what is a good shot.

Responsibilites:  Game Plan, Matchups/Subs, Clock Management.

Good Teams finish quarters good.   Use your Time outs wisely.  What 5 guys do you trust to finish the game?

Pat Summitt- Energy, Effort, Execute.  Demand the 1st 2.  We will teach you how to execute.

Coaches:  Be Passionate Love what you do.  TEACH!  Give Something Back

Be the type of coach/leader/teacher that you would want to play for.

Anything is possible when you believe.  You find out how much you love the game when you get your heart broken.

Always look ahead.  The rear view mirror is just there to check where you have been.

Always be yourself.  Be who you are.

Never be afraid to fail.

With every defeat there is a lesson.  Do not lose the lesson.  Always be willing to learn.

Billy Donovan's Attitude Plan

Always making today my best day

Taking pride in a job well done

Treating others with respect

Isolating my negative thoughts

Treating tasks as opportunities

Utilizing my talents every day

Doing the job right the first time

Expecting positive outcomes daily

Speaking well of others every day.

Habits

I am your constant companion.  I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.  I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.  I am completely at your command.  Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.  I am easily managed you must merely be firm with me.  Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.  I am the servant of all great men; and alas, of all failures as well.  Those who are great, I have made great.  Those who are failures, I have made failures.  I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a man.  You may run me for profit or run me for ruin-it makes no difference to me.  Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet.  Be easy with me and I will destroy you.  Who am I?  I am HABIT

Bob Starkey: Skill Development Concepts

Coach Starkey was recently hired by Coach Gary Blair at Texas A&M.  Starkey's blog Hoopthoughts is a great resource for all players and coaches!  I learn something new everyday I check it out.  Here are 11 concepts from his Skill Development workouts.

Concept #1: Dont just work on your players weaknesses- stretch and further develp their strengths

Concept #2:   Maximize indivdual workout time. dont just work on fundamentals, work on relationships

Concept #3:  Measure when you can.  Stats can help

Concept #4:  Always utilize video when possible

Concept #5:  Sometimes skill development needs to be in a team setting as opposed to individual

Concept #6:  Singleness of purpose will create quicker improvement, confidence

Concept #7: Catch them doing something right.  Don Meyer

Concept #8:  Break down the whole and create a part method drill

Concept #9:  Constant repetition but with variation.  Same concepts

Concept #10: Be prepared.  Dont wing it.  You will gain respect of players when you have a thought out plan.

Concept #11:  Be a great communicator.  Simplicity.  Less is more.  Terminology.  Not what you say but what they hear.

Kevin Eastman: Thoughts

Coach Eastman of the Boston Celtics is a must follow in the Twitter world.  He is a great clinic speaker and his individual development workouts are second to none.  Today I have complied a list of random thoughts he put out on Twitter.

Enjoy!!

Coach Bryant

The best leaders lead every day, year round; through good &bad; through failure & success.  Keep group headed in direction of their goals!

Competitive drive, high motor, high character:  all traits that are present on all winning teams.  Key part of putting teams together.

Leadership is much more powerful when it's about "what they see" vs.  "what they hear" from you.

It's 1 thing to see the action; the key is to communicate it!!

The average person does things.  The successful person does things right.  The best learn how to do it very well & do it their best every time.

Leading with the heart is a phrase often thrown about.  Make sure its combined with your head & your gut as well.

Being a leader you often have to tell people what they dont want to hear but its what they need to hear.

Why not me?  is a great question to ask yourself.  In order for it to help you- you must give a truthful answer!

Encourage everyone to read something today about the profession you are in.

Every day: work hard; learn more; live right; be your best.  Great formula for all of us to live by!  Bound to get results you want!

For many coaches its the offseason.  For the best coaches its actually the "ON" season.  Time to get better/learn more.

In sports you always have your "antennas up"  and have a keen awareness as to what is going on around you. Same holds true in business.

No way around it.  Any change you want to make has to come from inside first.  Inside your mind and your heart.  The "will" & the "emotion"

Part of leadership is motivation those you lead.  So you must know what actually motivates each person.  The critical part is tapping into that.

Don Meyer: Rules on Winning

1. Work Hard
2. Stick Together
3. Have the right attitude
4. Be positive; don't criticize, look to compliment.
5.  Improve every day, especially as a person.
6. "How badly do I want it?"
7. Know that no one can beat you; you beat yourself.  Morale is what motivates the best to get better.  As you think, so you shall be.  A spirit of devotion and enthusiasm for the team and pupose....Until you find a purpose higher than winning, you will never win.

Alan Stein

Coaches,

This is the post from this morning's Coaching U newsletter.  If you havent done so sign up at http://www.coachingulive.com/  they have new content every Monday morning! 


Are You A Effective Leader?




By: Alan Stein



http://www.strongerteam.com/



I try to build my success, brick by brick, and aim to get a little better every day. One of my focal points is improving my leadership. In my opinion, the words 'coach' and 'leader' should be synonymous - so if I want to be the best coach I can be - I must continually grow and develop as a leader.



Some folks think leaders are born; some think they are developed. I happen to think it is a little bit of both. Regardless, anyone can work to improve their leadership skill set. The traits needed to be a successful leader apply to both players and coaches at every level. If the coach is the only leader in the gym; that team won't be very successful. Players need to accept leadership responsibility as well.

“An army of asses led by a lion will always defeat and army of lions led by an ass.”



I heard legendary coach Don Meyer say that at a clinic in Las Vegas a few years ago. While that quote certainly makes me chuckle, it is brilliant. You can't underestimate the power of a great leader. Great leaders make the impossible seem possible.



Here are 5 traits necessary for effective leadership:



Learn from your mistakes. To be a good leader you have to take calculated risks. You will certainly make mistakes along the way. Admit them. Learn from them. Don't repeat them! You show me someone who doesn't make mistakes and I will show you someone who doesn't push themselves very hard.“Success comes from good decisions. Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.”



Lead by example. The old adage “do as I say, not as I do” undermines your ability to lead. If you expect something from the people you lead, you have to expect it from yourself. You must hold yourself accountable before you can to the same for others. If you expect your players to be on time; then you need to be on time. You can't talk the talk unless you walk the walk. “Example is not the main thing when influencing others; it is the only thing.”



Be unselfish. Compassion and empathy are important leadership qualities. It is impossible to be selfish and be an effective leader. Leadership is about serving others. Do you listen to your players' and assistants' feedback and thoughts? “Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.”



Have confidence. You have to feel good about yourself to be a good leader. No one is going to follow someone who doesn't believe in themselves. Confidence comes from a sound work ethic and from being prepared. If you are going into a game and aren't confident you can’t win; it's because you know you didn't do what was necessary to prepare! “Winning breeds confidence and confidence breeds winning.”



Set a high standard. If you do everything to the best of your ability, then you can expect it from those you lead. If you are always on time, always work hard, and always put your heart and soul into every practice, workout, and game - then you can expect your players to do the same. But you have to trust your players can meet this standard. A good leader will inspire those they are leading. You want to be the type of leader who raises the level of everyone around you. Set the bar high and then lead them to it! “The quality of a person's life is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”



These are just some of the traits needed to be an effective leader. Your ability to be an effective leader will dictate your success as well as your team's success next season.



Are you an effective leader?

Alan Stein

Nick Saban on Self Discipline

"At some point you're going to suffer through 1 of 2 things: the pain of discipline (because it's not always easy to be disciplined) or the pain of regret (because you'll always be disappointed in what you accomplished if you didn't suffer the pain of discipline)."

"Discipline is to do what you're supposed to the way it's supposed to be done."

"Everything you do, everything you have, everything you become is ultimately the result of the choices you have made.  You have the power to direct your life.  How will you use it?  What's your choice?"

"You have to have discipline to do things on your own.  There's not always going to be someone to make you do it.  You have to have discipline to do it yourself."

"There's no easy way.  I never said it would be easy.  Never said football would be easy, I never said school would be easy.  It's going to be difficult-most things worth having are!"

Don Mattingly on Team Concept

Don Mattingly was one of the many great New York Yankees.  He was a all star first baseman and a great hitter.  He is the current manager of the LA Dodgers

Team sports are really difficult things, sometimes your team wins because of you, sometimes in spite of you, and sometimes it's like you are not even there.  Thats the reality of the team game.  At one point in my career something wonderful happened; I dont know why or how, but I came to understand what "team" meant.  It meant that although I didnt get a hit or make a great defensive play, I could still impact the team in an incredible and consistent way.  I learned I could impact my team by caring first and foremost about the team's success and not my own.  I dont mean by rooting for us like a typical fan-fans are fickle.  I mean care, really care about the team....about "US."  I became less selfish, less lazy, and less sensitive to negative comments.  When I gave up me I became more.  I became a captain, a leader, a better person and I came to understand that life is a team game.....and you know what?  I've found most people arent team players.  They dont realize that life is the only game in town.  Someone should tell them.  It has made all the difference in the world to me.

Don Mattingly