In my world, I stand around 6 foot on a good day and have been this same height since I was 11. Naturally, I got my start learning all the typical big man low-post moves: jump-hooks, drop- steps, up and under, boxing out, rebounding, shot blocking, sealing-your-man, quick jumping, etc...
Although there are many useful drills that will help players improve their ball handling skills. No ball handling drill will simulate game situations more and reinforce dribbling confidence; than playing against tough competition!
Posted by:
in Inspire To Perspire on Jul 13, 2010
Although there are many useful drills that will help players improve their ball handling skills. No ball handling drill will simulate game situations more and reinforce dribbling confidence; than playing against tough competition!
Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sport 2.0 on Jun 25, 2010
It was a cool spring day on the sidelines of a youth soccer game. My 6 year old son is totally engulfed in a fierce match against, oh I can't even remember who it was. The last quarter is about to begin and one player shouts out to his teammates as they start to take the field, "Hey, what's the score?" The coach, without hesitation or using any of his ever present coaching manuals promptly replies, "The score is Fun to Fun". The number of confused players on the field went from 1 to all in the blink of an eye. Even the other team looked confused. "What is the score?" a player repeated. My son turned towards his befuddled teammate and said, "We're ahead 3-2". Satisfied with a more definitive answer, they all ran off to their battle positions, and towards soccer glory! Sort of...
As I watched the NBA finals come to a close, I can remember only one key point about the season: Kobe Bryant is the best player in the world! I'm sure he will take some time-off during the off-season to get his index fingered repaired, rest his tired legs, and relax with friends and family. Despite his much earned time-off, you can be assured one thing will occur this off-season; there will be times scheduled for Kobe to PUT IN THE WORK! Simply put, he will increase his physical conditioning, develop a new jump shot (is this even possible??), improve lateral movement and review defensive schemes.
Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sport 2.0 on May 13, 2010
The single most common question I get from people when it is discovered that I coach youth sports is, "How do deal with the parents?" It's a question that seems so common that it almost assumes there must be an inherent disconnect between coaches and parents. Why? Parents and coaches are on the same side, with the same mission, and the same goals. So what is behind the perception that a coach has to be at odds with the parents of the kids they coach? And more important, what does that mean for youth sports?
Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sideline Sages on May 04, 2010
Out of bounds plays have long been held secret by coaches at all levels, housed in the sacred tabernacle full of clipboards. They are what we call "situationals" or "quick hitters" aimed at taking advantage of a perceived strategic weakness in an opponents team defense. But are they really that secret? And are they really that sacred? I've learned that the best and most effective out of bounds plays don't even have the sport of basketball as a source. Yet the results are consistent. Six easy points in a mere six seconds, in most games. What other sport could provide such enlightenment for the game of basketball? Boxing!
Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sport 2.0 on Apr 26, 2010
Every year parents send their kids off to summer camps. But only a handful of those kids will use a private coach, an often overlooked resource right in your community. While there are certainly some great camps out there, there are also some that could be considered...well...less than effective. Private coaching runs the same range of effectiveness. Choosing what camp or camps to send your young athlete to, or whether or not to have a private coach work 1 on 1 with your child, involves a number of factors. Time, expense, location, quality of instruction, interest of the child to name a few. Consider this a beginners guide to helping you busy parents decide on the best summer sport activities for your young athlete.
Posted by: Jim Chandless
in Sport 2.0 on Apr 25, 2010
Make a bet, right now, with anyone that will take it. You go to any regular recreation league basketball game and at least 1 team will be playing zone defense. Probably both teams. But since you are betting, let's be safe. WHY are they playing zone at these young ages? Time to wake up coaches!
Every season is special. There is always something that makes a team feel different than any other. It isn't always a positive difference, but there is always a difference from team to team. I was fortunate enough to be the head coach of THE team one season. We had it all. Great players, great attitudes, great parents, and yes - even a great record. Everyone felt good about coming to practice. They were good students. They won games with sportsmanship and teamwork. They honored their parents and their school. Their parents honored the game and each other. It was the perfect season. And I almost failed as their coach.
