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.