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.
