Coaches Handbook

Just Thinking

An unselfish team that is a good team is almost certain to be a fine passing team and these players were outstanding in that respect. The passing game consists of two principal parts, the passing of the ball and the receiving of the ball. Although each part is as important as the other, we should bear in mind that the pass comes first and there can be no reception unless a pass is made the execution of both physical parts of the passing game easier and more effective.

However, regardless of the quick hands and physical qualification of the players, you can not have an effective passing game without the proper mental qualificatio ns. I have seen players who could pass, but wouldn’t pass; players who would pass, but couldn’t pass; and players who would and could pass, but didn’t pass at the proper time because they could not see or anticipate potential receivers. I have also seen teams with competent passers that had an ordinary passing game because of incompetent receivers. Therefore, it was a delightful experience to have players who were not only extremely competent receivers, who also could, would, and did pass whenever a potential receiver was in a more advantageous position.

The development of the physical abilities of the players for the proper execution of an offense can be accomplished by the proper and continued use of drills that meet the needs of the particular offense. The success of any offense is predicated on good ball handling and all players must be taught the proper situation passes and the correct method of receiving.

However, the development of the unselfish aspects of the game must be done in a more subtle manner. Some of my particular ideas along this line are as follows:

1. Have an offense that provides each position with an approximate equal number of scoring opportunities over a period of a number of games. This does not necessarily mean equal scoring as the better shooters, the players with the most initiative, and the better hustlers may do better. However, the players themselves will know that the offense wasn’t designed by the coach to make individual scoring stars and this will lessen the likelihood of envy and jealousy.
2. The scorer must always acknowledge the pass or screen that led to a score by a nod, a wink, or a smile. Show appreciation. Compliment one another.
3. Players must not criticize one another. That is the responsibility of the coach and must be done in a constructive manner. You can not antagonize and influence at the same time.
4. Have one team and never refer to them as regulars and substitutes and try to avoid embarrassing a player, especially in from of his peers.
5. Give each player the treatment that he earns and deserves without showing favoritism.
6. Find time to give attention to all. Approval is a great motivator and is need just as is criticism
7. Watch for and try to prevent cliques by changing combinations of drills, trading roommates, giving personal attention, etc.
8. Make certain that you give praise to you playmakers, screeners, rebounders, and defensive men. The scorers will get plenty of publicity and acclaim.
9. Stress courtesy, politeness, and good manners off the floor to make them become more unselfish on the floor.
10. Use every opportunity to point out examples of the value received from giving.
11. Although most of your players will be used primarily in one position, they may appreciate their teammates more by using them at times during practice in other positions.
12. Run your regular offense a few minutes daily without permitting a shot.
13. Be fair and impartial, but firm with all while letting them see that you are sincerely interested in their problems.
14. Discourage practical jokes at the expense of a teammate, have fun without being funny; permit no gambling.
15. Teach that everything in life is a cooperative venture whether it be in the home, in your work, in your community, your church or your city.