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Chapter VI

Program Development

Working hard, being passionate, and developing skilled players are the cornerstones of building a solid program. It is important for coaches to have good relationships with the other members of the faculty at the school. All teachers want to be treated with respect. They would expect the other members of the faculty to support the athletic team, just as they will support their full-time teacher duties. Concerning a coach's own coaching staff, there must be great cooperation between all of the members of the staff.
Expectations for athletes, physically, emotionally, academically and socially Everything we do is for a reason and a purpose. Consequently, our workouts are very intense, relatively brief and never more than four times per week. With the goal in mind that players reach their potential for size and strength by the time they graduate. We are not a weightlifting team, nor are we marathon runners. Too much emphasis in one area of training will leave the athlete deficient in other areas. Overall fitness, specific to the needs of the game is our priority. There are several elements that make up my team level of fitness. They are muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, sports nutrition, skill acquisition, speed development and rest and recovery. Athletic competition for my players should be fun and should be a significant part of a sound educational program, embodying high standards of ethics and sportsmanship while developing good character and other important life skills.
Organization
The coach’s role is to be the leader and communicator. They lead by acting professionally at all times, being good teachers, making fair rules and decisions, staying 3 organized, and setting a good example through their actions. As communicators, they must exhibit good listening skills, be available to athletes and parents, clearly outline rules and expectations, and be in touch with all administrative guidelines. Another constant responsibility of the coach is to reduce all risks associated with the sport and follows safety rules. And, finally, coaches alone make training and competition decisions. It is so important for coaches to treat all athletes fair, but not necessarily equal. Every athlete has a specific way of contributing to the team, but that specific way is not the same for everyone. Some athletes have certain circumstances that can't be avoided or overlooked and need to be taken into consideration, which could cause two athletes to not be treated equally. It is important for the coach to express from day one that not every athlete will always be treated equally, but will be treated fairly.
Team Practice I normally try to keep my practices short and always moving, so the players have something to do. Often times if you don’t have their attention, you will often time’s miss precise moments in practice where something could’ve got accomplished. moments in practice where something could’ve got accomplished.
6:00 – 6:03 Discussion
How we will handle water.
What we’ll do today.
6:03 – 6:06 Warm-up / Stance
Foot Fire, Defensive Slide
Quick Jumps, Power Jumps 4
6:06 – 6:20 Defensive Shell Drill / Rebound Box-out
Explain reaching for the ball defensively. What is ok, what’s not.
Why the offense should hold ball in “triple threat” position.
Review the “V”. See both your man and the ball with back to hoop.
Deny position – one pass away.
Help position – two or more passes away. Sag.
6:20 – 6:30 Jump-Catch Rebound with Box Out – Speed Dribble
Start in defensive help position; see ball and man you are guarding.
Box out on the shot
Jump-catch rebound
Speed dribble up the court to other coach.
6:30 – 6:40 In-bound plays
6:40 – 6:55 Review plays, including in-bound play. Two groups, no defense
6:55 – 6:58 Fast break game
6:58 – 7:00 Wrap-Up This plan I have found to work to keep my players attention at all times. And being that it usually runs about an hour the players tend to work harder in these sessions.
Coaching Behaviors The methods we use in our program are straight forward talk with athletes. We use a lot of vocal communication, not so much using whistle or anything like that. Often times athletes who are a little behind can get a little extra help after practice with play and drills. We don’t come down on athletes for nothing knowing they can always ask 5 question and if the issues are major that can’t wait, we will stop and make sure the athletes understands. However, the majority of the time we will wait until after practice to deal with those players, who are having trouble.
Growth and Well-Being of Athletes We will go over all my rules as well as what we expect from the team that gives them a sense that something is expected from them and this is not just a show up when u want type of program. We will have them sign a one page contract on the last page of my rule book, and turn in after they have read and understood completely everything in the rule book. We also will have a one on one conversation with each player, and let them know that they are accountable for their own action on and off the court and what I expect of them. But this mainly has to do with off the court issues, like not attending classes or going to chapel. Understanding there everyday live and what they go through. And letting them know I’m there for them regardless of the situation good or bad. To be there for them before they get into any type of behavior problems.
Coaching Staff
The role of the coaching staff will be to over see everything that’s going on and assisting the head coach when ever possible. The assistant coach is vital to the success of our athletic program. The assistant must be willing to work hard, know what we want, and must be willing to teach it. The assistant is an extension of the head coach and the assistant has a wide range of duties at practice that include: 1. Assist Head Coach with planning practice 2. Arrive early on the floor to make sure the gym is set for practice 6 3. Work with assigned position players 4. Help with stations as assigned 5. Serve as a buffer between the Head Coach and the players 6. Run the "B" team vs. the Varsity in practice scrimmages 7. Make sure the gym is picked-up after practice I’m always open with my assistants and encourage them to brainstorm with me on game plans and practice schedules. The more they feel ownership of the program, the more they will do to make the program a success.
Character Development An athlete of great character is one, who is respectable in the classroom and as well as brings a hard work ethic and determination to wining every game and practice. Bad behavior in the program is not tolerated and we will punish every athlete being that it’s minor or major. We will compromise with athletes sometimes giving that we may had a hard couple of days of practice and guy’s legs are gone. I can accept that and deal with it, but I will not deal with players failing in the classroom and not being respectable to teachers and the administration away from the program.
Fundraising and Boosters We will try to have as many boosters to help the program out as well as other programs on campus. We will hold monthly drawing within the University for Prizes such as game passes; electronics and other things that we have that can draw people and fans. But we will rely on the alumni to help as well if they can not soliciting donation but if they are able to help the program we would value that as well. 7
Building Relationships Effective team building helps my players find themselves. They discover the keys to their success. Like the individuality of each person, each group has their own successful components. Effective team building recognizes the uniqueness and allows my team the ability to find and build their foundation for success. There a several team building exercise that I have my team do, like go on bowling trips together, I have them stay together all preseason to bond and become closer as teammates.
College Coaches We will not go out looking for transfers, only in recruiting players for the program, but we will never persuade a kid to leave a school he or she is already at. If we had one to come we are looking for team players, not individuals looking to get stats and be on TV or in the newspapers. We are looking for strong character guys who are committed to winning and being great students in the classroom. If we were recruiting we would bring the player in and be honest from the start with the kid. Letting him know what we expect from him and letting him know the in and out of the program and if we can get him we can, but we will not lie to get a player on the team, by promising playing time or anything like that.