Coach Brock Bourgase Task 12 Planning
Coach Brock Bourgase Task 12 Planning
Coach Brock Bourgase Task 12 Planning
Task 12
(Planning)
Brock D. Bourgase
Table of Contents
Planning Philosophy
Introduction, page 1
Phases of the Yearly Planning Instrument, page 1
Practice Philosophy, page 3
Skills Checklist, page 4
Conclusion, page 4
INTRODUCTION
Basketball is a year-round sport in Toronto. Given the enjoyment that student-athletes
draw from the game, a high school coach could not curtail their involvement in the sport
throughout the year. However, the coach could use his position of responsibility to
realistically manage the teams participation.
Young athletes receive many benefits from organized sport, ranging from fitness and
socialization to transferable skills like organization and leadership. This Yearly Planning
Instrument seeks to achieve individual and team goals during the high school season and
help players maximize the benefits that they earn year-round.
In many ways, the timing of the Y.P.I. is dictated by the high school schedule. The team
cant start to practice before school starts but games begin in mid-October and continue
until mid-March. At this time, players compete in club basketball, followed by the City-
Wide League. Top players participate in Elite Development Programs and some may
play for the Ontario Team at the National Championships.
Total hours per week may seem high but players will drop by the gym during lunch and
spares to work on their game anyways. The Y.P.I. is a tool so that the coaches can guide
these student-athletes constructively.
Macrocycles:
1. Individual Skill Development (4 weeks)
The Y.P.I. commences in mid-August, four weeks before the tryouts for the team.
During this time, optional workouts will allow interested students to build basic skills and
improve their physical fitness. This phase will focus on the energy systems, especially
the aerobic and anaerobic lactic systems. Skill development will be basic and offence
and defence limited to part-method 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 work. The last week will provide a
Taper to help players prepare for the intensity of the tryouts.
Preparation Sport-Specific
Weeks 5 to 8 (4 weeks)
2. Tryouts (2 weeks)
Tryouts are very competitive, due to the past success of the program. Many players
expect scholarships to a U.S. College and they Peak for this week. For others, the
National Coaching Institute Page 1/5 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Task 12 (Planning) March 2009
Email: coach@bourgase.com
Brock D. Bourgase Planning Philosophy Website: www.bourgase.com
Yearly Planning Instrument
process is very overwhelming. The tryouts emphasize Intensity and Quality, evaluating
players for more advanced skills and part-method offensive and defensive play. The
players will be introduced to the Strength and Conditioning Coach who will improve
their strength with exercises on the court and in the weight room.
It can take several weeks to whittle down the candidates to form the squad so this
macrocycle is flexible. The Y.P.I. includes time for socialization and off-the-court skills,
such as mental training, studying, and leadership. Systems will move from beyond part-
method to include some full-method work like basic Man to Man and Transition. The
time commitment of the players is less than the tryout phase but still significant because
of activities outside of practice like individual workouts and team study hall.
Competition Pre-Competition
Weeks 9 to 12 (4 weeks)
Only a month into the year, the exhibition season begins. Before competing in
scrimmages, exhibition games, and tournaments, the team must cover more part-method
and whole-method situations, expanding out offensive and defensive repertoires. This
phase will load the power performance factor, which is useful for quickness and
explosiveness. The time commitment to the team increases because of the travel and
preparation required for competitions.
As the Exhibition Season progresses, intensity increases. Also, the team begins loading
skills and systems as the Holiday Classic approaches. During the next few weeks, all of
the whole-method offensive and defensive systems (primary break, secondary break,
early, man-to-man, zone, match-up, pressure) will be introduced. Based on the
evaluation of coaches, the team will focus on areas of improvement.
The first part of the League Schedule is not as competitive as later sections because these
local opponents are not as tough as Oakwood C.I. and playoff opponents. There is a
Taper during the first week of December to prepare for the Holiday Classic, a sixteen
team tournament hosted by Eastern Commerce at Jarvis C.I.. Also the team is thoroughly
evaluated during this macrocycle.
This is a short macrocycle, between the winter holidays and the exam period, when the
team cannot formally practice. The team returns to school after the break and must get
up to speed quickly because the critical game versus rival Oakwood C.I. is scheduled for
the following week. The majority of the skill development is complete by this point so
additional time is devoted to team building and mental training.
After exams, there is a short macrocycle to finish off the regular season. The focus is on
offensive and defensive systems and mental training. At this point, the goal is to
maintain physical performance factors in order to prepare for the playoffs.
8. Playoffs (4 weeks)
The playoffs consists of three rounds, regional (T.D.S.B. South), city (4A Qualifier), and
provincial (4A O.F.S.A.A.), and about a dozen games spread over four weeks. During
the local plaoyffs, there will be a Taper to prepare for the provincial championships,
which will be more intense. Before the championships, the coaches will evaluate how the
team plays together and how they play under pressure.
Transition
Weeks 31 to 52 (22 weeks)
9. Recovery (3 weeks)
Combined with the March Break, this macrocycle creates a month-long period of reduced
activity for the players. The team will continue to hold individual and small group
workouts during school hours and hopes to initiate a Team Skills Competition as a
fundraiser. This is a period where its not possible to tell a player to stop playing ball so
the coaches hope to control and optimize the teams involvement with the sport.
This training camp will be held after school and serve to inspire individual off-season
improvement. The team will have a second loading period during the spring,
emphasizing energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and ATC-PC) during this time.
The high intensity drills will help players prepare for summer leagues, the Ontario Cup,
and Elite Development Camps. In addition to small group sessions on the group, the
team will also build strength in the weight room.
The goal is to use basketball as a hook to entice players to study more. The team will
meet for a study hall session followed by a low-intensity workout focusing on physical
performance factors (maintain energy systems, building quickness and power), individual
skills and part-method situations.
During the Summer League season, it is hard to keep the entire team together. Some star
players will be at Elite Development Camps sponsored by Basketball Ontario and the
National Championships sponsored by Basketball Canada and following those specific
programs. It is the goal of the coaching staff to register for one of the elite summer
leagues in Toronto and field a competitive team. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity
to conduct some skill building work for the players who remain in town and help them
maintain their physical performance factors.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
Practices should prepare each player for his or her role in the game. Games are won in
practice throughout the season, not during a two-hour game. As Muhammed Ali said:
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym and out
there on the road - long before I dance under those lights.
Individual defensive and transition skills developed in practice form the building blocks
of our team systems. In drills, part method situations progress to five-on-five whole
method scenarios that put it all together. Nothing is too little to drill for because we
want to automate our responses and become comfortable with pressure. Mental training
exercises complement this aspect of the programme.
PRACTICE IQ
INTENSITY: Practice should occur at game intensity. There is always a score and a clock
during drills, like a game. Each team should be playing to win. We track the results of
all competitions in practice to determine who wins the most. Practice as hard as you play
(or harder), so that when the chips are down you know you can execute because youve
done it before.
QUALITY: Execute all skills and drills correctly, at all times. Its important to take the
time for the little things like footwork. When a skill is initially introduced, we might
spend more time on the concept or proceed at a lower intensity to ensure we have
mastered the technique required.
SKILLS CHECKLIST
A sample Skills Checklist is included for the month of October. The spreadsheet
includes every physical performance factor, sport-specific skill, offensive and defensive
system, and transferable skill required during the season.
Coaches wont plan every day of the season ahead of time but can complete the checklist
after each practice. Gaps in the checklist highlight neglected areas and provide
suggestions for foci when planning a week ahead of time. The checklist also reminds
coaches how long it has been since the last assessment of that particular item.
CONCLUSION
Nothing is perfect when planning ahead. At a high school, gym bookings, the
commitments of staff and students, and extraordinary events can rearrange the schedule
on short notice. If the Y.P.I. proves to be too ambitious, the coaching staff can eliminate
some advanced skill development and team systems or reduce the complexity of some
units. The objective is to develop successful, physically fit, and well-prepared student-
athletes and basketball can be sacrificed to achieve these other objectives.
Yearly Planning
Instrument
Eastern Commerce Sport: Basketball, Level: Senior Boys' Varsity High School
Goals: Win Provincial Championship, Win League Title, Win Holiday Classic, Develop Players for the Next Level, Develop
Saints Successful Student Athletes
Season:
Month August September October November Dece
Week Date 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
2009-10 Competitions T X X X X T L L T* L
H = Bloor - H =
A = Northern - A
T = Pinky Lewis
A = Birchmount
Monarch Park
T = St. Mike's
A = Lawrence
N = Pickering
A = West Hill
Teresa S.S.
T = Holiday
A = Mother
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Commerce
Park C.I.
= Central
Classic
Tip-Off
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
Park
C.I.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods PREPARATION C
Training
Nutrition x x x x x
Power x x x x x xx xx xx xxx xxx xx xx x x x x x xx
Lateral x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x xx
Quick.
Linear x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x xx
Vertical x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x x xx
Recovery x x x x x x
Speed x xx xx xx xx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xx xx x x x x x x
Strength x x x x xx xx xxx xxx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x xx
Ballhanding xx xx xx xx xxx xxx xx xx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xx xxx
Sport-Sp
Shooting xx xx xx xx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xx xxx
Eastern Commerce
Saints
Season:
Month ember January February March April
Week Date 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19
2009-10 Competitions T T L* T L P* P* P**
H = Oakwood -
T = Guy Vetrie
Championships
T = St. Mike's
A = East York
South Region
P = OFSAA 4A
4A Qualifiers
Skills Comp.
Tournament
H = Leaside
P = TDSAA
P = TDSAA
Fundraiser:
*=Important Competitions,
Details
T = Detroit
(Travel)
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods COMPETITION
Training
Strength
Power
Skills and Systems
Balance x x x x
Aerobic x x xx x x x xx xx x x x x x x x x xx xxx
Systems
Energy
Physical Performance
Nutrition x x x x x
Power xx x xx x x x x x xx xxx
Lateral xx x xx x x x x x x x x xx xx
Quick.
Linear xx x xx x x x x x x x x xx xx
Vertical xx x xx x x x x x x x x xx xx
Recovery x x x x x x x x x x
Speed x x xx x x x x x x xx xx
Strength x xx x xx x x x x x xx xx xx
Ballhanding x x xx xx x x xx x x x x x x x x x xxx xxx
Sport-Sp
Passing xx xx xx x x x x x xx xx
Footwork xx xx xx x x x x x x x x xx xx
Skill
Eastern Commerce
Saints
Season:
Month May June July August
Week Date 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9
2009-10 Competitions X X
Mother Teresa
Scrimmage:
Scrimmage:
Intra-squad
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Periods TRANSITION
Training
Phases Competition Ontario Cup School Exam Period Elite Dev. Camps Canadian Nationals
Peak/Taper Taper Peak Peak for Selected Players
12 - Team Study Hall and OFF-
Macrocycles 11 - Small Group Skill Building
Workouts
13 - Summer League
Exams
Microcycles 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
Energy Systems G Energy
Loading
Anaerobic Lactic xx xx x x x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Anaerobic Alactic xx xx x x x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Flexibility
Factors
Nutrition x
Power xx xx xx x x xx xxx xxx xx xx xx xx x x
Lateral x xx x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Quick.
Linear x xx x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Vertical x xx x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Recovery x x x x x
Speed x x x x x x x x xx xx xx xx x
Strength xx xx xx xxx xxx x x x xx xx xx xx x
Ballhanding xx xx xx xx x x x x x x xx xx xx xx xx xx
Sport-Sp
Passing xx xx xx x
Footwork xx xx xx x
Skill
Shooting xx xx xx x x x x x x x xx xx xx xx xx xx
Season:
Month August September October November Dece
Week Date 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
2009-10 Competitions T X X X X T L L T* L
H = Bloor - H =
A = Northern - A
T = Pinky Lewis
A = Birchmount
Monarch Park
T = St. Mike's
A = Lawrence
N = Pickering
A = West Hill
Teresa S.S.
T = Holiday
A = Mother
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Commerce
Park C.I.
= Central
Classic
Tip-Off
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
Park
C.I.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods PREPARATION C
Training
Zone Offence x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x
Instruction and Practice
Zone Defence x x x x x x x x
Transition Defence xx xx xxx xxx xx x x x x x x x x x
Pressure Defence x x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x xx
Out of Bounds Defence x x x x x x x x x
Special Situations Defence x x x x x x x x x
Basketball IQ x x x xx xx xx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xx xx
Training
Emotional Control x x x x x x
Mental
Attenional Control x x x x x x
Leadership x x x x x x x x x x
Student-Athlete xx xx x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Communication x x x xx x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x
Build
Tea
Responsibility xx x x xx x x x x x x x x x x
Season:
Month ember January February March April
Week Date 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19
2009-10 Competitions T T L* T L P* P* P**
H = Oakwood -
T = Guy Vetrie
Championships
T = St. Mike's
A = East York
South Region
P = OFSAA 4A
4A Qualifiers
Skills Comp.
Tournament
H = Leaside
P = TDSAA
P = TDSAA
Fundraiser:
*=Important Competitions,
Details
T = Detroit
(Travel)
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods COMPETITION
Training
Zone Offence x x xx xx xx xx xx xx
Instruction and Practice
Transition Offence xx xx x x x x x x x x x xx xx
Press Attack xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
Out of Bounds Offence xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
Special Situations Offence x x xx xx xx xx xx xx
Defensive Part Method xx xx x x xx xxx xxx
Man to Man Defence xxx xxx x x x x x
Defensive
Systems
Zone Defence xx xx
Transition Defence x x x x x x x x x x x xx xx
Pressure Defence xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
Out of Bounds Defence x x x x x x x x
Special Situations Defence x x x x xx xx xx xx
Basketball IQ xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x x x
Training
Emotional Control x x
Mental
Attenional Control x x
Leadership x x x x
Student-Athlete xx xx x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Communication x x x x x x x x x
Build
Tea
Responsibility x x x x x x x x xx x
Season:
Month May June July August
Week Date 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9
2009-10 Competitions X X
Mother Teresa
Scrimmage:
Scrimmage:
Intra-squad
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Periods TRANSITION
Training
Phases Competition Ontario Cup School Exam Period Elite Dev. Camps Canadian Nationals
Peak/Taper Taper Peak Peak for Selected Players
12 - Team Study Hall and OFF-
Macrocycles 11 - Small Group Skill Building
Workouts
13 - Summer League
Exams
Microcycles 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
lls
pecific
Defence x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Rebounding x x x x
Post Play xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x x x
Offensive Part Method xx xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x x
Man to Man Offence x x x x x x x x x x
Offensive
Systems
Zone Offence
Instruction and Practice
Transition Offence x x x x x x x x x x
Press Attack
Out of Bounds Offence
Special Situations Offence
Defensive Part Method xx xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x x
Man to Man Defence x x x x x x x x x x
Defensive
Systems
Zone Defence
Transition Defence x x x x x x x x x x
Pressure Defence
Out of Bounds Defence
Special Situations Defence
Basketball IQ x x x x x
Training
Emotional Control x x x
Mental
Attenional Control x x x
Leadership x x x x x
Student-Athlete x x x x xx xx xx xx x x
Communication xx
Build
Tea
Responsibility x x x x xx
Season:
Month August September October November Dece
Week Date 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
2009-10 Competitions T X X X X T L L T* L
H = Bloor - H =
A = Northern - A
T = Pinky Lewis
A = Birchmount
Monarch Park
T = St. Mike's
A = Lawrence
N = Pickering
A = West Hill
Teresa S.S.
T = Holiday
A = Mother
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Commerce
Park C.I.
= Central
Classic
Tip-Off
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
Park
C.I.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods PREPARATION C
Training
Socialization x xx xx xx xx x xx xx x
Team Standards x x xx xx x x x
Body Measurements x x x
Performance Factors
Energy Systems x x x x
Musculoskeletal Alignment x
Power x x x
Quickness x x x x
Evaluation and Testing
Speed x x x
Strength x x x
Ballhandling x x x x x
Specific
Shooting x x x x x
Sport-
Rebounding x x x x x
Defensive Footwork x x x x x
Offensive Execution x x
Systems
Team
Defensive Execution x x
Team Chemistry x x
Self-Confidence x x
Training
Mental
Anxiety x x
Critical Decisions x x
Peer Evaluation x x x x
360
Self Evaluation x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Balance 4% 4% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Aerobic 10% 10% 10% 10% 7% 7% 8% 6% 4% 5% 5% 5% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3% 4%
System
Energ
Anaerobic Lactic 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Season:
Month ember January February March April
Week Date 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19
2009-10 Competitions T T L* T L P* P* P**
H = Oakwood -
T = Guy Vetrie
Championships
T = St. Mike's
A = East York
South Region
P = OFSAA 4A
4A Qualifiers
Skills Comp.
Tournament
H = Leaside
P = TDSAA
P = TDSAA
Fundraiser:
*=Important Competitions,
Details
T = Detroit
(Travel)
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods COMPETITION
Training
Socialization xx x xx xx x
Team Standards x x xx
Body Measurements x x x
Performance Factors
Energy Systems x
Musculoskeletal Alignment
Power x x
Quickness x x
Evaluation and Testing
Speed x x
Strength x
Ballhandling x
Specific
Shooting x
Sport-
Rebounding x
Defensive Footwork x
Offensive Execution x x
Systems
Team
Defensive Execution x x
Team Chemistry x x
Self-Confidence x x x
Training
Mental
Anxiety x x x
Critical Decisions x x x
Peer Evaluation x x x x
360
Self Evaluation x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Balance 3% 3% 2% 2%
Aerobic 13% 3% 3% 4% 14% 14% 3% 4% 4% 4% 6% 2% 14% 10% 6% 10% 7% 7%
System
Energ
Anaerobic Lactic 6% 2% 2% 2% 7% 7% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 7% 5% 3% 5% 4% 4%
Season:
Month May June July August
Week Date 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9
2009-10 Competitions X X
Mother Teresa
Scrimmage:
Scrimmage:
Intra-squad
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Periods TRANSITION
Training
Phases Competition Ontario Cup School Exam Period Elite Dev. Camps Canadian Nationals
Peak/Taper Taper Peak Peak for Selected Players
12 - Team Study Hall and OFF-
Macrocycles 11 - Small Group Skill Building
Workouts
13 - Summer League
Exams
Microcycles 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
lding
am
Socialization x x x x x x x
Team Standards xx
Body Measurements x
Performance Factors
Energy Systems x
Musculoskeletal Alignment
Power x
Quickness x
Evaluation and Testing
Speed x
Strength x
Ballhandling x
Specific
Shooting x
Sport-
Rebounding x
Defensive Footwork x
Offensive Execution
Systems
Team
Defensive Execution
Team Chemistry
Self-Confidence
Training
Mental
Anxiety
Critical Decisions
Peer Evaluation x
360
Self Evaluation x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Balance
Aerobic 11% 8% 11% 5% 6% 6% 4% 4% 14% 14% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8%
System
Energ
Anaerobic Lactic 7% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2% 7% 7% 5% 5% 5% 5% 8% 8%
Season:
Month August September October November Dece
Week Date 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
2009-10 Competitions T X X X X T L L T* L
H = Bloor - H =
A = Northern - A
T = Pinky Lewis
A = Birchmount
Monarch Park
T = St. Mike's
A = Lawrence
N = Pickering
A = West Hill
Teresa S.S.
T = Holiday
A = Mother
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Commerce
Park C.I.
= Central
Classic
Tip-Off
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
Park
C.I.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods PREPARATION C
Training
Anaerobic Alactic 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Flexibility 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 1% 3% 4% 3% 4%
Power 2% 2% 2% 2% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 7% 7% 7% 3% 1% 3% 2% 1% 2%
Quickness 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Speed 2% 2% 2% 2% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2%
Emphasis (% of Time)
Strength 7% 7% 7% 7% 9% 9% 8% 8% 4% 5% 5% 5% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3% 4%
Ballhanding 12% 12% 12% 10% 7% 7% 8% 8% 4% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 5% 4% 3% 4%
Sport-Specific
Passing 5% 5% 5% 2% 4% 4% 4% 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 1% 3% 4% 3% 4%
Footwork 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 1% 3% 4% 3% 4%
Skills
Anaerobic Lactic 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Season:
Month ember January February March April
Week Date 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19
2009-10 Competitions T T L* T L P* P* P**
H = Oakwood -
T = Guy Vetrie
Championships
T = St. Mike's
A = East York
South Region
P = OFSAA 4A
4A Qualifiers
Skills Comp.
Tournament
H = Leaside
P = TDSAA
P = TDSAA
Fundraiser:
*=Important Competitions,
Details
T = Detroit
(Travel)
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods COMPETITION
Training
Anaerobic Alactic 6% 2% 2% 2% 7% 7% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 7% 5% 3% 5% 4% 4%
Flexibility 25% 6% 29% 29% 1% 4% 4% 4% 6% 2% 29% 19% 13% 19% 4% 4%
Power 1% 2% 5% 3% 5% 4% 4%
Quickness 2% 2% 1% 2% 5% 3% 5% 5% 5%
Speed 1% 2% 5% 3% 5% 4% 4%
Emphasis (% of Time)
Passing 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 4% 4%
Footwork 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 4% 4%
Skills
Anaerobic Lactic 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0
Season:
Month May June July August
Week Date 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9
2009-10 Competitions X X
Mother Teresa
Scrimmage:
Scrimmage:
Intra-squad
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Periods TRANSITION
Training
Phases Competition Ontario Cup School Exam Period Elite Dev. Camps Canadian Nationals
Peak/Taper Taper Peak Peak for Selected Players
12 - Team Study Hall and OFF-
Macrocycles 11 - Small Group Skill Building
Workouts
13 - Summer League
Exams
Microcycles 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
gy
ms
Anaerobic Alactic 7% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2% 7% 7% 3% 3% 3% 3% 4% 4%
Flexibility 7% 6% 7% 5% 6% 6% 4% 4% 29% 29%
Power 4% 3% 7% 5% 6% 11% 9% 9% 3% 3% 3% 3%
Quickness 7% 6% 7% 5% 6% 6% 2% 2% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4%
Speed 7% 6% 7% 5% 3% 3% 2% 2%
Emphasis (% of Time)
Passing 4% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2%
Footwork 4% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2%
Skills
Anaerobic Lactic 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Season:
Month August September October November Dece
Week Date 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14
2009-10 Competitions T X X X X T L L T* L
H = Bloor - H =
A = Northern - A
T = Pinky Lewis
A = Birchmount
Monarch Park
T = St. Mike's
A = Lawrence
N = Pickering
A = West Hill
Teresa S.S.
T = Holiday
A = Mother
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Commerce
Park C.I.
= Central
Classic
Tip-Off
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
Park
C.I.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods PREPARATION C
Training
Anaerobic Alactic 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Flexibility 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Power 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
Quickness 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Speed 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Volume (Hours/Week)
Strength 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Ballhanding 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
Sport-Specific
Passing 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Footwork 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Skills
Shooting 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
Defence 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Rebounding 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Post Play 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Offensive Part Method 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Systems
Offensive Whole Method 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Team
Defensive Part Method 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Defensive Whole Method 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Mental Training 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Team Building 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Testing 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Performance 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 6.0 3.0 3.0 6.0 2.0
Comp.
Preparation 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4.0 2.0 2.0 4.0 1.0
Travel 4.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 8.0 3.0 4.0 2.0
Total Hours per Week 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 28.0 28.0 24.5 24.5 33.5 29.5 29.5 29.5 29.5 38.0 30.0 26.0 35.0 26.0
Season:
Month ember January February March April
Week Date 21 28 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19
2009-10 Competitions T T L* T L P* P* P**
H = Oakwood -
T = Guy Vetrie
Championships
T = St. Mike's
A = East York
South Region
P = OFSAA 4A
4A Qualifiers
Skills Comp.
Tournament
H = Leaside
P = TDSAA
P = TDSAA
Fundraiser:
*=Important Competitions,
Details
T = Detroit
(Travel)
(Travel)
T=Tournament, L=League Game,
H.S.
X=Exhibition, P=Post Season,
H=Home, A=Away, N=Neutral
Periods COMPETITION
Training
Anaerobic Alactic 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0
Flexibility 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
Power 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0
Quickness 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.5
Speed 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0
Volume (Hours/Week)
Strength 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0
Ballhanding 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 3.0
Sport-Specific
Shooting 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 3.0
Defence 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.5
Rebounding 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0
Post Play 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Offensive Part Method 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.0 2.0
Systems
Offensive Whole Method 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Team
Defensive Part Method 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.0 2.0
Defensive Whole Method 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Mental Training 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Team Building 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0
Testing 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Performance 6.0 4.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 5.0 5.0 8.0 3.0
Comp.
Preparation 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 5.0 4.0 2.0 12.0 2.0
Travel 10.0 6.0 2.0 12.0 4.0 4.0 10.0
Total Hours per Week 8.0 32.0 29.5 23.5 7.0 7.0 36.0 24.0 28.0 27.0 16.0 44.0 7.0 10.5 15.5 10.5 28.0 28.0
Season:
Month May June July August
Week Date 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9
2009-10 Competitions X X
Mother Teresa
Scrimmage:
Scrimmage:
Intra-squad
*=Important Competitions,
Details
Periods TRANSITION
Training
Phases Competition Ontario Cup School Exam Period Elite Dev. Camps Canadian Nationals
Peak/Taper Taper Peak Peak for Selected Players
12 - Team Study Hall and OFF-
Macrocycles 11 - Small Group Skill Building
Workouts
13 - Summer League
Exams
Microcycles 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
gy
ms
Anaerobic Alactic 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Flexibility 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0
Power 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Quickness 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
Speed 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Volume (Hours/Week)
Strength 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.5
Ballhanding 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
Sport-Specific
Shooting 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
Defence 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Rebounding 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Post Play 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Offensive Part Method 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Systems
Defensive Part Method 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Defensive Whole Method 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Mental Training 0.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Team Building 1.0
Testing 1.0
Performance 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Comp.
Weeks in Detail
Commitments
Athlete
possible) possible)
Tactics M to M Offence M to M Offence
M to M Defence M to M Defence
Mental Training Student-Athlete Student-Athlete Positive Self-Talk Positive Self-Talk
Visualization Visualization
Off
Other Notes
Commitments
Athlete
State
Team Building Team Standards Team Standards Socialization
Assessments Offensive and Offensive and Offensive and
defensive defensive defensive
execution execution execution
Competitions One game (2.0 One game (2.0 Two games (4.0
hours) hours) hours)
Week
Physical Energy Systems Energy Systems Flexibility Aerobic
Performance Quickness Flexibility Flexibility
Factors Flexibility
Sport-Specific Shooting Shooting Shooting Shooting
Skills Ballhandling Ballhandling Ballhandling Ballhandling
Defence Defence
Rebounding
On
Exercises
Team Building Communication Team H.O.R.S.E. Team Standards Socialization
(emphasis on Competition Reminder
Verbal) Socialization
Assessments Defensive Team Chemistry
Execution
Competitions
Practices/Workouts Practice (1.5) Practice (1.5) Walkthrough (1.0) Shootaround (1.0)
Team Schedule
Skills Checklist
Ballhandling
Holding the Ball
Grip T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Palming T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Pivoting T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Ball Fake T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Protect Ball T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Rip Through T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I I I I
Split the Trap 9 T
Sweep Through T I T I T I I I I T I I I I I T I I
Dribbling
Full-Speed T I T I T I I I I I I I I I I T I I I
Left Hand T I T I T I I I I I I I I I I T I I I
Right Hand T I T I T I I I I I I I I I I T I I I
Footwork
Changing Direction
Drop-Step T T T T T T T
Plant and Explode T T T T T T T
Cutting
Basic Cuts
Backdoor T T T T T T T T T
UCLA T T T T T T T T T
Flex T T T T T T T T T
Shuffle T T T T T T T T T
Flashing T T T T T T T T
Jumping
Exploding T T T I I I I I
Landing T T T I I I I I
Running
First Step T T T T T
Stopping T T T T T
Advanced Footwork
Diving on the Floor T T T T T
Fight Through Pick T T T T T
Sealing T T T T T
Sikpping Rope T T I I T T T T T I T T T T T T T T T I T T T T T
Rebounding
Defence
Positiong
Balance 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Hands Up 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Court Position 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Footwork
Defensive Slides 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Rapid Feet 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Defensive Drop Step 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Off-Ball
Bump Cutter 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Deny 9T C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Force Catch Away 9 C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
On the Line 9 C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Up the Line 9 C T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Help 9 T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Opening Up 9 T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Rotate 9 T T T T C T T T T C T C P T
On-Ball
Turn the Dribbler 9T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Close Out
Hand on Ball 9T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Chopping Feet 9T T T C T T T T C T C P T
Inbounds Defence 9 T T T C T C P T
Post Defence
3/4 Defence 9 T I I I I S I I
Behind 9 T I I I I S I I
Change the Shot 9 T I I I I S I I
Front 9 T I I I I S I I
Stealing the Ball
Active Hands 9 T I I I I S I I
Force Tie-Up 9 T I I I I S I I
Intimidate Dribbler 9 T I I I I S I I
Post Play
Basic Moves
Five Post Moves I I I I I I I I I
Putback I I I I I I I I I
Reverse Jump-stop I I I I I I I I I
Sealing Inside I I I I I I I I I
Adv. Post Moves
Ball Fakes T T T T
Double Moves T T T T
Elbow T T T T
Mid Post T T T T
Russian Spot T T T T
Reacting to Defence
Positioning T T T T
Pressure Passing T T T T
Seeing Cutters T T T T
Offensive Systems
Transition
Finishing the Break 9 9 9 T T T T T T T C T C T
Running Lanes 9 9 9 T T T T T T T C T C T
Starting the Break 9 9 9 T T T T T T T C T C T
Head-man Ball 9 9 9 T T T T T T T C T C T
Secondary Break 9 9 9 T T T T T T T C T C T
Two Player Game
Double-Post
Both Blocks 9 I I T I P I T
Elbow/Block 9 I I T I P I T
Mid Post/Block 9 I I T I P I T
Russian/Block 9 I I T I P I T
Hi-Lo
Ball Reversal 9 I P I T
Flash to Ball 9 I P I T
Pinning Defender 9 I P I T
Rebounding 9 I P I T
Square/Triangle 9 I P I T
Penetrate and Kick
Spacing 9 9 T T T I I I C I T I C I T I
Jump-Stop Pass 9 9 T T T I I I C I T I C I T I
Spotting Up 9 9 T T T I I I C I T I C I T I
Finding Shooters 9 9 T T T I I I C I T I C I T I
Screen and Roll
Ball Screen 99T T T I I I C I T I C I T I
Mental Training
Basketball IQ
Court Vision T T T T T T
Judgment T T T T
Reading the Play T T T T T T
Force to Weakness T T T T T T
Getting Open T T T T T T
Rules
Self-Evaluation T T S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S
Attentional Control
Athlete's Vision I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Pre-Game Routine T I T I I T I T I
Visualization I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emotional Control
Breathing Exercises I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Ideal Performance State T I T I I T I T I
Positive Self Talk I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Leadership T T T I T I T I
Preparation
Pregame Meeting T T T T T
Scouting T T
Video Analysis T
Student-Athlete
Community T T
Critical Decisions T T T
Healthy Relationships T I I
Organization T T
Positive Coping Skills T T
Problem-Solving T T T
Self-Confidence I I I I I I I I
Study Hall T T T T T T T T T T T T T
Team Building
Communication T T T T T T
Verbal T T T T T T
Non-Verbal T T T T T T
Player Chemistry 99
Responsibility 9 T T T T T T 9 T T T T T T
Socialization 9 T T T
Team Standards 9 9
Other Articles
Although every coach holds their own philosophies and opinions, conducting efficient
practices is essential, no matter what the sport. Coach Bourgase has devoted extensive
time, effort, and research to make his practices fun, focused, and fundamentally sound.
The key to effective year-round planning is effective planning of the small details,
beginning with daily practices and workouts.
1. Team Slogans
Placing the themes for the season in the header is a daily reminder of long-term goals.
Foul shooting is a pivotal skill solely determined by individual practice and mental
preparation. This box reminds the team of their progress towards the FT% goal and
acknowledges the team leader, who will shoot technical free throws in games.
3. Points of Emphasis
Coaching entails micro and macro planning; the weekly goal and daily emphases ensure
that each practice follows the master season plan. Players are responsible to know this
information. A quote can lighten the mood or make a point.
4. Personnel Notes
Dividing the players into squads and leaving space for any personnel changes (injuries,
absences, etc.) embodies detailed planning.
5. Safety First
Reminders raise awareness, prevent accidents, and legally protect the coaching staff.
6. Points of Emphasis
8. Clear Explanations
One or two points of emphasis are listed, for the benefit of the coach and players. The
arrow () indicates a critical teaching point and the checkmark (3) means that the
coach should conduct a check for understanding at that time.
9. Station Work
When the team is divided into smaller squads for skill development, each player receives
more repetitions. Different combinations of players can socialize and relationships
between coaches and players are built. Due to the personal nature of the drills, coaches
can monitor execution more carefully and correct errors discreetly.
To properly develop performance factors (energy systems, strength, balance, speed, etc.)
they are listed on the practice plan, along with the work:pause ratio. The more players
know about the science of exercise and themselves, the more effective practices and
workouts will be.
Players are instructed about the benefits of active recovery, which is highlighted in blue
on the plan. Players should never be sitting or standing still during practice; there is
always something to work on.
11. Competitions
The results of all competitions are recorded by individual and combinations of players
(2, 3, 4, and 5). Competitions are highlighted in red and always include rewards for
winning and consequences for losing. Competitive spirit and practice intensity is
heightened with a variety of competitions (team or individual, skill-based or game
situations).
Timed game situations conclude each practice and teach players to handle pressure and
time and score awareness. Freedom is also given for players to assume leadership roles
on their teams and learn about the game by devising their own strategies.
At UCLA, John Wooden would not excuse a player from practice until they had made
both ends of a one and one. I find that a variety of free throw drills reinforces the
importance of this skill, allots time for active recovery, and provides the coaching staff
with more data for foul shooting statistics.
Closing the practice with optional shooting and ballhandling work accommodates those
who may have the catch a train to commute home and rewards those who want to develop
their game further or cool down with stretching. Players are mature enough to make that
choice.
There is another optional period at the beginning of the practice. Why not make it
mandatory? Like coaches, players are busy and may need that time for other interests
(which coaches should encourage). If everyone knows that the call to order is at 4:05,
with no exceptions, punctuality will improve and latecomers will not delay the practice.
The footer contains information about the next team activity along with any addition
notes and honours the hardest worker from the previous practice, similar to the daily
award for Most Combative Rider at the Tour de France.
In order to maximize Intensity and Quality in their daily work, players should be
consistently motivated. The extrinsic motivation of a coachs words only burns so long
but a players intrinsic motivation can be an eternal flame. When the flame flickers,
coaches can use these strategies to keep the fire going.
Players may play ball for exercise, fun, competition, prestige, socialization, parental or
peer pressure, or because the gym is a safer place than home. Whatever the reason, a
coach should be aware of what the team must provide for each player. If the team meets
a positive need (i.e. competition), players will keep coming to practice. If the coach
addresses a negative reason (i.e. parental pressure) and replaces it with a positive one,
practice effort will skyrocket.
Practice ethic should determine playing time. Every game is different and that playing
time may vary but hard work should always be rewarded. Players need to know that
practice counts. Coaches must publicly acknowledge positive contributions, in practice
and afterwards to parents and teachers. A Player Reward Board is a public way of
tracking the little things throughout the season. Competitions with consequences raise
the energy level in the gym and develop team fitness.
Players wont care about in-depth statistics if they arent made public. Ive always
tracked every free throw shot in practice and publicly announced that the best shooter
will handled the Ts during games. I believe in making every drill competitive and
tracking a players record in each contest because it shows toughness and focus in
pressure situations. Obviously, you want to know who is the best shooter so coaching
decisions are made by fact, not a bias like personal feelings or first impressions. After
all, the managers need to feel needed too.
When young people dress like adults, their self-esteem and productivity grows by leaps
and bounds. Run the scoreboard (or at least purchase a table-top clock) to keep score of
drills. Use reversible pinnies (or have each player bring light and dark shirts). Enforce
uniform, food, and spectator policies in the gym. An untidy gym, dirty floor, or frayed
equipment detracts from practice. Plan practices in detail and name each drill to reduce
explanation and delay between activities. Watching the students in Monarch Parks
Cooking specialist program enjoy catering a simple breakfast recently illustrated the
importance of looking good in order to play well.
Teenagers face a roller coaster of emotions and coaches need to understand their
perspective. A coach should not lower team standards but still see the players
perspective. Players may miss practice because of:
academics
socialization
work
club competition
a relationship
school discipline
the criminal justice system
drug or alcohol abuse
fear for personal safety
family issues
lack of housing
another extracurricular activity
fear for personal safety
a combination of the above or a problem outside this list.
In the grand scheme of things, some of these items have a much higher relative
importance than sport.
Coaches may observe some clues or obtain information by speaking to teachers and
administrators but some issues may be very complex to identify. During good times,
coaches should express a personal interest in each player to show that they care and keep
tabs on them. If a coach is tolerant, players are more likely to approach them in times of
trouble. Coaches should also stay in touch with parents, siblings, and guardians. Often,
an alumnus of the team can be an excellent role model or confidant.
Coaches should not make exceptions to team policies. If a player is facing a drastic
situation, they should step away from team commitments until the problem is resolved.
Coaches should continue to support them during this time but make them earn their role
back when they return.
A player may fall behind on schoolwork or mismanage work obligations due to poor
organization. Team study halls or personal tutoring can help players plan their day.
Coaches may be called upon to provide other support so that team members can attain
their Ideal Performance State for practices and workouts. Players must understand the
importance of good nutrition and getting enough sleep during the season. This may be
tough for at-risk youth but coaches can suggest low-cost alternatives to eat well at school
or seek funding from supporters.
Practices are only meaningful if they are correlated to a meaningful event. The team
schedule should build towards a few key points (such as rivalry games, a big tournament,
or the playoffs) that are spread throughout the season. In October, the playoffs seem far
away so the team should focus on an intermediate goal. The short-term success can also
boost the confidence of a team and increase the fun of the season.
MAKE IT FUN
If practices are fun, coaches and players feel better about themselves. Use a variety of
drills, make players push themselves and each other, and use part-method game situations
to instruct skills. Keep everyone moving in order to take advantage of endorphins.
Ensure the gym is properly ventilated. Recover properly after each drill to prevent
soreness and injuries. Challenge yourself as a coach and set personal goals to stay
focused and attentive.
PUNISH SPARINGLY
Address conflicts between players immediately. Use a private forum where both team
members can state their case and settle their issue respectfully. A coachs priority is to
save players from embarrassment, stop the incident from poisoning the team, and
maintain a positive team atmosphere.