 |
Your Team's Most Pivotal Point of the Season - Now
Author: Randy Brown  | Posted: 29-01-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 125 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
 January is decision time for basketball teams at all levels. This key period in the season brings character, perseverance, and toughness to the forefront. All of your team's preparation, stretching back to the hot summer workouts, is challenged in this difficult period of a few weeks. Your team has three paths to take that will determine your final destination. Which path will your team take?
For the most part, January is about games and practices. Conditioning, drill work, and the implementation of new offenses and defenses is pretty much behind you. Your team prepares for the upcoming opponent in practice and competes to win every game. A few more practices are interrupted soon by another game. This part of the season is an endless sea of preparation and games, with little true practice time available.
Every coach in January declares that "improving every day" is the goal of his team. This is such a critical part of the season because teams historically will go one of three ways. The path they take will determine the quality of the entire season. Here are the three options that all teams face this time of year:
Path #1-Teams get worse as the season continues-For a multitude of reasons, some teams run out of steam this time of year. A deterioration of fundamental skills and focus are symptoms of a team giving up. The biggest culprit is poor practice habits which has a huge impact of practice quality. The coach and his players may show the strain of a tough season and lack the drive and enthusiasm of previous months. When a team hits the wall it is impossible to improve on a daily basis. The result shows up on the scoreboard as the schedule is littered with losses. A good coach will head off any indications of his teams losing its fire and make the proper adjustments. Sometimes a team just quits without really telling anyone. A great coach once told me that when this attitude sets in, "it's out for track". Unfortunately this happens to a great many teams each January.
Path #2-Teams hit a wall and become mediocre-Usually without realizing it, many teams fall into this category. Many coaches also adopt mediocrity and the effects of their attitude rub off on their team. Practice quality levels off and the "juice" in workouts is missing. In January, players are either excited about practice or not. The latter will produce bland practices and players simply go through the motions. Ask your players about their practice motivation level and you will find out a lot about them as a team. I encourage any coach in this situation to address mediocrity and do all you can to motivate your team to find a spark for the rest of the year. Be excited and let your players see it. It's still not too late to make it a special year, but you need to be aware of your team's personality each day.
Path #3-Teams get better each day and commit to the rest of the season-This is where coaching and playing basketball really gets FUN. January is the time to catch a second or third wind and start playing like the team you are capable of being. Only a select few each year get better at this time a year. Take a look at your league after the season and you will agree that only a few teams turned up their play and got better as a team. Were you one of them? Keeping practice short, fresh, and demanding are keys. Keeping game preparation concise will also help keep player's concentration high. If you have experienced this "high" of late season improvement, you can attest to its power. Players care more about themselves, their teammates and coaches, and the outcome of the season. Practices are full of energy and focus and daily improvement is the result. Games are seen as the ultimate opportunity and are taken seriously. When this happens to your team you realize why you got into coaching in the first place. This time of year is what coaching the great game of basketball is all about.
Good coaches are aware of the three paths and find ways to avoid path #1 and #2. This season as your team hits mid-January, I encourage you to take the high road. Demand accountability and execution from your team, yourself, and your coaches. Put every ounce of sweat and sacrifice into January practices and travel the path less taken to success.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/your-teams-most-pivotal-point-of-the-season-now-98236.html
About the Author:Randy Brown has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Coaching positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio fill his resume. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona, he learned the game from the best. At 39, Randy became the head coach at Division I Stetson University in Deland, Florida. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. His passion for mentoring young coaches and developing youth programs is known and respected throughout the country. Over the years he has authored over 50 articles on coaching basketball and has taught over 24,000 young players in summer camps and clinics. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. He is also an author and public speaker. For free articles and questions, Randy can be reached at coachrandybrown@yahoo.com.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Building A Strength Training Routine For Your Child
By: Lynn Vandyke | 13/09/2005 | Fitness
As adults we know the
positive health benefits that come with exercise and strength
training. These exact same benefits can be applied to children
as well.
Building.
The 30 Minute Practice Test - Would you Pass or Fail?
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
As basketball coaches, our job is to present a simple game to young players. Through teaching methods, drills, and on the floor execution, players are sent into games prepared to play with a purpose and execute the coach's game plan. Too often players are ill-prepared to execute on game night because of a lack of fundamentals and focus on key components of winning. The problem lies not with the players on our team, but with us as coaches. Are you part of the problem?
Organizing your Practice Time - 25 Time Proven Ideas
By: Randy Brown | 20/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
Preparing for practice is a key step toward success. Teaching time on the floor with your players is limited and valuable. Much time and thought should be put into each practice session to maximize productivity and make positive steps forward as a team. The quality of your practices will eventually determine how many games you win or lose during the season. The talent level of players, number of players, time, facilities, and equipment are all things to consider when putting your practice schedule together.
The Art of Dribbling the Basketball - Who, When, and Why
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Basketball
Dribbling is one of the foundations of the game of basketball. My coaching experiences will illuminate some unique, time tested ideas about the dribble. Who, when, and why should the dribble be used by young players. As you will realize, dribbling is not an equal opportunity skill.
Coaching Steve Kerr - Reflections on My Time With the Nba's Greatest Shooter
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Basketball
One of the greatest pleasures in my coaching career was the two year period with Steve Kerr at the University of Arizona. Described as a coach on the floor, Steve Kerr was the epitome of what coaches need from a point guard. A tough, reliable, and heady player, Kerr lead his team on an amazing journey to the Pac 10 championship and NCAA tournament. Learn the true qualities and secrets of one of the games greatest all-time three point shooters and true champions of the game.
Questions to Ask at a Job Interview - How to Get the Most Out of an Interview
By: CK Tan | 14/05/2008 | Interviews
You expect to answer a lot of questions when you go to an interview. But have you thought about the questions you should be asking? An interview is a lot more than a way for the employer to get to know you. It is also your chance to learn about your employer and about the position offered.
Basketball Coaching
By: David Gonzalas | 15/02/2008 | Fitness
How to coach your basketball team
A Proven System for Becoming a College Basketball Coach
By: Randy Brown | 02/02/2007 | Basketball
The popularity of college basketball has increased the interest in coaching on the collegiate sidelines. The competition for these jobs is intense because of the small number of openings. With only 320 Division I schools in NCAA basketball, only those coaches with a proven game plan have a chance. These assistant coaching positions are as coveted as any in the sporting world.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Best stretchy jeans!
By: kat222 | 24-07-2008
Where can I find (&/or which brand) the best stretchy jeans? (low-rise fit)
What is everyone wearing to lollapalooza 2008 in ...
By: dandelion | 22-07-2008
What is everyone wearing to lollapalooza 2008 in Grant Park, Chicago?
How To Make A Professional Workbook
By: Boston | 22-07-2008
I would like to learn how to make a small work book, approximately 25 pages which can spiral bound or not. The journal will be part of a workshop packet. I would like to custom design the front and back cover with a jpg. file
Please choose my hairstyle (pics included)
By: cardboard | 22-07-2008
Please help choose my hairstyle. Which of these hairstyles would look best on me? which would look second best? My face is the last photo labeled me. http://s346.photobucket.com/albums/p421/euphoriaskate/
Aerial Photography
By: Sally | 22-07-2008
Am trying to reach a company that did an aerial photo of our property. The name and number on the back of the portrait is no longer available: Custom Aerial Portraits, Hoosier Air Photograph, Indianapolis, In
HELP, Maine clothing tips
By: eml223 | 22-07-2008
I am going to Boothbay Maine in a few days to a lobster bake. It is a corporate event with many high financial investors. What do I wear?!
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Sports and Fitness Articles
Bingo Café - Cutting Edge Technology With Lots of Games
By: Nick Madison | 25/07/2008
Bingo Café is considered one of the United Kingdom's leading online bingo rooms. The site uses cutting edge technology and one of the widest varieties of online bingo games to bring players a truly superb bingo experience from the comfort of their own home.
Using Leapfrog Software, Bingo Café takes players...
Motocross Apparel and MX Gear Review For Leatt and No Fear
By: Mike McGrath | 25/07/2008
If you love offroad racing then you obviously want to look stylish too! If you want to make heads turn then try out No Fear's amazing new range of stylish Offroad Apparel, Motocross Boots as well as a whole lot of other options to choose from!
Motocross Boots for men and...
Insider Tips For Used Golf Carts
By: Chris Jensen | 25/07/2008
Golf cart is definitely an essential equipment when you play a game of golf.
How To Cook Catfish
By: Daniel Eggertsen | 25/07/2008
Catfish is considered an irresistible treat for many people as it is said to be some of the best tasting fish around.
Beijing Cleans Up for the Olympics
By: Mariam Ma | 25/07/2008
Read the unique challenges that the developing city of Beijing faces as it prepares itself for the Olympic Games.
Perch Fishing Secrets - A Favorite Of Avid Anglers
By: Daniel Eggertsen | 25/07/2008
When it comes to fishing, there are many types of fish out there to keep the angler happy and busy. One favorite of avid anglers is the perch.
Making Fitness or Martial Arts Part of Your Life
By: Calasanz Martinez | 24/07/2008
Fitness and/or martial arts needs to become a steady part of your life if you want to reach your goals. Believing what ads and the media feed you on how quick this or that can give you the body of their model on TV is driving people away from exercise. People are not seeing results quick enough, so they give up. A successful exercise or martial arts regiment must be continued with patients.
How Does Pro Evolution Stack Up For All Three Game Consoles
By: Daniel Millions | 24/07/2008
Konami, within the Pro Evolution Soccer series, has a video game of association football by the name of PES 2008 short for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 has been released for Wii, Windows, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, as well as PlayStation 2, and the...
More from Randy Brown
How Michael Jordan Killed the Game
By: Randy Brown | 24/03/2007 | Sports and Fitness
The most recognizable name in the history of the game of basketball is Michael Jordan. There is not a corner of the world where the mention of "Michael" raises eyebrows. As much as Air Jordan has given to the game, is it possible that he is also responsible for killing the game?
Life is a Par Four
By: Randy Brown | 12/02/2007 | Motivational
The game of golf represents the game of life. Each day, or hole, is filled with hope and second chances.
A Proven System for Becoming a College Basketball Coach
By: Randy Brown | 02/02/2007 | Basketball
The popularity of college basketball has increased the interest in coaching on the collegiate sidelines. The competition for these jobs is intense because of the small number of openings. With only 320 Division I schools in NCAA basketball, only those coaches with a proven game plan have a chance. These assistant coaching positions are as coveted as any in the sporting world.
How Jumping Higher Will Ruin your Game
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
There are many ingredients that are required to become a solid basketball player. The total player is a combination of knowledge, skill, and work ethic. Today's player often looks for a short cut along the way. Ask any good player at the college level about short cuts and they'll laugh at you. Yet, many players get trapped into gimmicks that promise great results. One of these is increasing your ability to jump. Unfortunately, every second spent on become a fantastic leaper will rob you from being the player you need to be.
The 30 Minute Practice Test - Would you Pass or Fail?
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
As basketball coaches, our job is to present a simple game to young players. Through teaching methods, drills, and on the floor execution, players are sent into games prepared to play with a purpose and execute the coach's game plan. Too often players are ill-prepared to execute on game night because of a lack of fundamentals and focus on key components of winning. The problem lies not with the players on our team, but with us as coaches. Are you part of the problem?
Why America Loves John Daly
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
John Daly represents a common ground for America's people. His roller coaster life has been well documented and sadly, he is known for his blunders and flaws before his golf skill and perseverance. As sports pages and CNN are viewed around the world, news of Daly's most recent mishap invites a sneaky grin from most. Deep down, each of us is drawn closer to celebrities when they fall. America loves the tie they feel with Daly as evidenced by his huge popularity and star status.
Coaching Steve Kerr - Reflections on My Time With the Nba's Greatest Shooter
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Basketball
One of the greatest pleasures in my coaching career was the two year period with Steve Kerr at the University of Arizona. Described as a coach on the floor, Steve Kerr was the epitome of what coaches need from a point guard. A tough, reliable, and heady player, Kerr lead his team on an amazing journey to the Pac 10 championship and NCAA tournament. Learn the true qualities and secrets of one of the games greatest all-time three point shooters and true champions of the game.
6 Reason Why Handling Team Success is so Difficult
By: Randy Brown | 29/01/2007 | Sports and Fitness
Winning basketball games is the goal of every coach and team around the world. We put in unbelievable work and sacrifice to improve as coaches and players around the clock. Winning is the goal and anything short of victory is not good enough. What happens when success goes to the head of coaches and players? Read this article and find out.
|
|
Sports and Fitness 
