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January
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
12/31/2007 ** January 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Keep All Players Involved
=> Shooting - Take an Open Shot
=> Defense - Don't Run at Offense
=> Passing - Move to the Ball
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Watch Your Team, Not the Refs
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** See all you can get with my "Score More Hoops Series":
www.scoremorehoops.com
It can really help you and your team to have a great season!
** Check out my site for basketball resources, and my article
that was published in "Coach And Athletic Director" magazine!
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Keep All Players Involved
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year! I hope your season is going well for you and
your team. I always think of the beginning of January as our
mid-season point, so there is still a lot of basketball left
to play.
This month I want to focus on keeping all of your players
involved. Last month, I talked about keeping them all
interested, which is very important. But it is also important
to keep all of your players involved, whether it is at practice
or during a game. You need to develop all of your players if
your team is to be successful.
The first reason to keep everyone involved is so that they
feel a part of the team. Whether it is practice or a game,
make sure you get your players time on the court. You never
know when they are going to be called upon to replace an
injured or sick player. You want to make sure your entire
team knows your game plan and where they need to go on the
court.
The second reason is to keep everyone interested. If you
only work with 5 or 6 players and let the rest sit on the
sideline, they will quickly lose interest. Work with all of
your players, you never know when a player will start to
catch on and really surprise you.
The third reason is to help your team. At the younger ages,
you can get away with having 1 talented player take over the
game and help your team win. But I can tell you, that won't
work when they get older. In order to be successful, you must
play together as a TEAM. That means everyone works hard and
contributes.
So take some time to review your team's situation. Are you
developing all of your players and getting them involved?
If not, you still have plenty of time to make some changes
and really help all of your players!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Take an Open Shot
I have seen a number of coach's having a problem where
players are open and won't take a shot. Part of this I'm
sure has to do with the player being told to look at their
options, and that a closer shot to the basket is a much
higher percentage shot.
But as a coach, you need to encourage a balance between an
inside and outside game. Sure, you want easy shots, but you
want to make sure that if the inside is shut down by your
opponent, your team has a game where perimtere shots can be
taken and made.
So encourage your players to take shots within your offense
if they are open. Some players will stop after they miss a
shot or two, but as long as the correct technique is being
used, tell them not to worry. A few made shots will boost a
player's confidence and give your team another offensive
weapon.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Don't Run at Offense
When teaching man-to-man defense, I want my players to
challenge an offensive player and get the offensive player
to do what we want. Sometimes there can be confusion with this,
and the defender charges out on the offensive player, while
the offensive player goes right around the defender. How do
you stop this?
What I do is to tell my players to come out on the offensive
player, but not right on top of them. I give them about 1 or
2 steps. You have to get your team to remember, that player
still has a dribble! By staying back a little, we can still
apply pressure, but be in a position to drop-step and cut
off a player who tries to drive. Once they take a dribble and
pick the ball up, then we are on them closely, just not
reaching!
I work on simple drills where I set up a line on offense and
a line on defense. One of our coaches will pass to the
offensive player, while the defender comes out. My team gets
used to where they need to be and how to react on different
parts of the court, which really helps us during a game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Move to the Ball
In order to be a successful basketball team, you must be
able to pass well and hit an open teammate. If not, your
opponent can double team the ball and you will be in big
trouble.
Remember though, there are 2 parts to a pass: the pass and
then the catch. The catching part is just as important, as
the player receiving the pass must step to the ball with
their hands ready. I have watched many games where good passes
were thrown, but the player on the receiving end didn't move
to the ball. The pass would many times get stolen.
Once again, you can review this with simple drills where
a coach or a temmate passes the ball, and another teammate
must move to receive the pass. You can even add a defender,
which will help simulate game conditions by moving to the
ball and not letting the pass get stolen.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Watch Your Team, Not the Refs
Coaches, parents and players all get caught up in the game
many times. Just make sure as a coach that you watch and
correct your team and not worry more about the officials. Once
you get caught up paying attention to every call, you are
not seeing what your team is doing. Youth games are decided
by the players on the floor, not because of a few missed
calls!
So set a good example and stay off of the refs. They have
their job to do and you have yours. Watching and correcting
your team will help to cut down on mistakes and turnovers,
and that is usually the difference between winning and losing
a game!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone! Have a Happy New Year!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2007 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
February
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
01/31/2008 ** February 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Watch Other Teams to Help Yours
=> Shooting - Point Feet at the Basket
=> Defense - Beat Offense to Their Spot
=> Dribbling - Be Aware of Where You Are On Court
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Develop a Player Rotation
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** See all you can get with my "Score More Hoops Series":
www.scoremorehoops.com
It can really help you and your team to have a great season!
** Check out my site for basketball resources, and my article
that was published in "Coach And Athletic Director" magazine!
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Watch Other Teams to Help Yours
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to another edition of my newsletter! I hope your
season has been going well. We have about 5 weeks left in
our season, and my team has been playing well. I think we
are playing our best basketball at the right time.
One question I get asked by other coaches is how do I get
my team to improve. Besides a lot of practice and repetition,
I also watch other good teams play. I study how they run
their offense, and how they play defense. By studying other
successful teams, I can pick up tips to bring back to my
team.
What teams do I watch? I am coaching at the 8th grade level,
so I will a lot of times watch other 8th grade teams. Going
to a tournament gives me the opportunity to see these teams
play, and I might be able to see 2 or 3 of them play on the
same day. I will also watch some high school games. This
shows me what the players need to be prepared for at the
next level. I also like watching college games on TV,
especially watching the offensive and defensive movement
away from the ball.
I also encourage my players to watch these games too.
Since they aren't playing, they can see more things on the
court, and watch how a team reacts to different situations.
In past years, I have taken my team on a field trip to see
a high school game, so they can see what it is like to play
at the next level. Or we might go to a game early to see a
team play before us. I will point things out to them, and
then we will work on them at an upcoming practice. Since
they are watching someone else do this, and they want to
improve, they catch on much quicker to whatever skill it is.
By doing that, you are helping your entire team take a big
step forward toward a successful season.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Point Feet at the Basket
I always stress to my players about squaring up to the
basket. Last week I ran into a problem with my son's shot
that really had me baffled. His shoulders were squared, but
the ball was still going off to one side. So I checked with
where his elbow and hand were, but they were in good
position. He is our 3-pt. threat on our team, so we really
needed to get him back on track!
Finally, I figured out what was wrong: As he would step to
a pass to get into shooting position, his feet weren't
pointed at the basket, they were pointing toward where the
pass came from. So when he went to shoot, his body was making
his shot go off mark. Once I got him to point his feet at the
basket, his shot started to go in again!
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Beat Offense to Their Spot
As you know, my teams play almost all man-to-man defense.
As teams get older, they will of course set screens to get
players open. But you also have to watch for an offensive
player cutting across the lane.
The most common problem with this is getting caught behind
the player you are guarding. This gives the offensive player
the advantage, and a good pass to that player can result in
an easy basket. Remember from our man-to-man principles, we
always want to be between the player we are guarding and the
basket. Then by having the hand out that is closest to the
ball, we can look to knock away any pass they might try to
throw to this player. The other thing you must do is to beat
this player to the spot that they want to go to. By stepping
to this spot and causing the offensive player to change their
path, you will stop the offense from getting this option.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Be Aware of Where You Are On Court
One thing that happens a lot at the grade school level is
that the dribbler gets the ball knocked away. You might have
a player driving for a fast break lay-up, and they get the
ball knocked away from behind. Is there anything that can be
done to stop this?
Review this with your players during practice. Players must
be aware of what is going on around them on the court.
Whether you are on a fast break, or driving to the basket on
your offense, make sure your head is up and you know where
everyone is at.
I like to set up drills for this. To simulate the fast break
scenario, set up a drill where you have a defender coming
from behind, and an offensive player and defensive player in
front of them down the court. The player with the ball must
advance the ball down the court, while also protecting the ball
so the defender behind them doesn't steal it. For driving
to the basket during your offense, have 2 defenders come at the
player that is driving, forcing them to keep their head up and
see their other options.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Develop a Player Rotation
We only have 8 players on our A team this year, but we have
done a great job. One thing we have developed is a rotation
of players. By knowing what position they are going in for
in most cases, players on the bench can watch and understand
any changes we make during a game. This way when they get in,
they know what we expect of them.
This has also helped us give players a rest. We are able to
shuffle players in and out of the game without losing any
skills at any position. We can make sure we have ballhandlers
on the court at all times, as well as rebounders and shooters.
So try looking at your roster and see if you can do the same
thing. It doesn't have to be set in stone, because sometimes
it just won't work, like due to illnesses. But if can rotate
your players effectively, it will really help your team and
keep all of your players contributing.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
March
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
02/29/2008 ** March 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Keep Stressing Fundamentals
=> Shooting - Power Up on Inside Shots
=> Defense - On the Floor for Loose Balls
=> Rebounding - Block Out First
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Diagram and Clarify
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have had a new article published in the February 2008
issue of Coach and Athletic Director magazine! Go to
the Resources link on my site to read the article:
"5 Steps to an Effective Halftime".
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** See all you can get with my "Score More Hoops Series":
www.scoremorehoops.com
It can really help you and your team to have a great season!
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Keep Stressing Fundamentals
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Can it really be March already? It seems like the season was
just getting into high gear, and now we are almost done. My
team is finishing well, which always makes it sad to see the
season end!
Depending how long your season is, this could very well be
the time that some players lose interest. They will show up
at practices and games, but you can tell that their minds
just aren't there. This isn't uncommon, so don't feel that
you as a coach are solely responsible for this!
You still need to develop your player's skills. Though you
may not want to add anything new as far as offenses or
defenses, you can still work on basketball fundamentals.
Coaches have a tendency to forget about this as the season
goes on. Unfortunately, your team's skills will start to
diminish if you don't correct mistakes and let them become
bad habits. Reviewing the basics will keep things fresh in
your team's mind and keep them sharp.
I know what you are thinking though: how can I do this
when my players can't seem to absorb any more info this
season? The key is to make it fun and interesting. I agree,
just dribbling a ball can become monotonous. But what if
you made it a contest? The first player to dribble a set of
lines correctly, in the least amount of time, can be the
first one to get a drink. Or divide into teams and make it
a competition, the loser can run a lap or do a few push-ups.
You can do this with any basketball skills, including passing,
shooting, even defense.
Try this with your team and see if it doesn't revive their
enthusiasm. Just remember, you want them to focus on performing
these skills correctly! If this is done right, your team will
continue to get better right up until your last practice and
game.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Power Up on Inside Shots
As players get older, more contact is allowed on the inside.
Not every little tap or nudge will get called. So your post
players must learn to power up strong when they have the
ball on the inside.
To power up inside, you can work on a simple drill of
throwing the ball off of one side of the backboard, and having
a player go up strong for the rebound. Then, while keeping the
ball up high, they should explode back up and put the shot
back up using the backboard.
Their are 2 points of emphasis that I stress. First, go up
strong and expect some contact. If a player is swatting at
you to block your shot, power up right through his hands or
arms. As I like to tell my post players, carry the defender
up with you if you have to! The second point is to not fade
away! Some players want to avoid the contact and fade away.
If the shot goes in, that could be OK, but most times it won't.
By fading away, you will not get a foul called on the defense,
plus you are now not in rebounding position.
So stress powering the ball up to all of your players. At the
least, you should get your opponent into some foul trouble and
shoot some free throws. Establish your inside game early and
you can control the game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - On the Floor for Loose Balls
Has this happening to your team: you deflect a pass and have
2 players standing right there who bend over to get the loose
ball. The problem is your opponent has also gotten there and
tipped the ball to one of his teammates. That can get very
frustrating!
By playing man-to-man defense, my players know I want them
to be aggressive. I want them to get on the floor for a loose
ball, not just bend over and reach for it. By getting on the
floor, we can at least get a jump ball out of the situation,
and if the arrow points in our direction, that's even better.
Remind your players that they can't get up with the ball if
they are laying on the ground. They also can't roll over. But
they can pass to a teammate. I will pay attention, and if it
is a crucial point in the game and one of my players has
gotten a ball and is laying on the floor, I will quickly call
a timeout to save our possession.
Will your team pick up a few fouls by doing this? You might.
But being aggressive, within reason, will help your team's
defense. A few key steals can turn the momentum of the game
to your favor.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Block Out First
Even with older players, I notice players see a shot go up
and they want to run to the basket. This is usually followed
by the ball bouncing over their heads and into an offensive
player's hands for an easy put back.
Teach your players to block out and make contact first.
Just a split second will cause the offensive player to stop,
and gives your defense the edge. Not every rebound will come
your way if you do this, but by having inside position, many
of them will. Limiting your opponent to only 1 shot on a
possession will really help your team limit the number of
points that your opponent will score.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Diagram and Clarify
Whether it's during pregame, halftime, or a timeout, I
will use my erasable board to diagram plays and make
adjustments. Players will understand you better if they can
visualize the play.
When I am done diagramming and explaining, I will ask if
everyone knows what we are doing. If not, I will make sure
to clarify what I want. Even having 1 player who doesn't
grasp what I am showing can cause a play to fail. So draw
out whatever you want your team to do, explain it, then ask
if there are any questions. A well prepared team will
perform much better on the court!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
April
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
03/31/2008 ** April 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Focus on the Positive
=> Shooting - Develop a Smooth Technique
=> Defense - Get Back Quickly
=> Dribbling - Use Your Body to Protect Ball
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Review the Season
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have had a new article published in the February 2008
issue of Coach and Athletic Director magazine! Go to
the Resources link on my site to read the article:
"5 Steps to an Effective Halftime".
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** See all you can get with my "Score More Hoops Series":
www.scoremorehoops.com
It can really help you and your team to have a great season!
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Focus on the Positive
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back for another issue! We are quickly approaching
April, and we are in the middle of a great NCAA tournament.
Hopefully your season is going well, or if you are finished,
I hope you had a good year.
One thing I always like to do with my team is to have an
end-of-season practice. We have pizza, the team gets to shoot
and scrimmage each other, and we talk about how the year went.
If you had a good year like we did this season, the talk is
easy. We achieved almost all of our goals, everyone improved
their skills, and everyone had a good experience. But how do
you talk to your team if you didn't have that much success?
I have been in this situation in some past seasons. Try as
they might, I have had groups that just couldn't perform the
way we thought they would. They would get frustrated, not
only because of losses but because of not being able to perform
a skill. They were always hard-working groups of kids, so it
wasn't a lack of effort.
I found the best way to recap the season is to focus on the
positive. As long as your players are trying their best, they
must still be encouraged. So don't focus on the lack of wins
or their lack of developing a skill. Encourage them and focus
on what they did well. For example, if some players defense
improved, compliment them. The same with players who improved
their shooting, rebounding or passing.
A compliment from a coach can go a long way and really make
a player feel good. By doing this, also encourage them to
practice hard in the off season. By doing this, your team
can improve next year, not only in the skill categories, but
also in the win/loss category.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Develop a Smooth Technique
As I have reviewed before, there are basic steps we want
each player to go through when they receive a pass and go up
for a shot. It must become a set of natural movements, as
taking too much time will allow the defender to get right
out on your shooter.
To perfect this technique, I like to break it down 1 step
at a team with my players. Starting from the bottom up, I
have them get their inside foot pointing at the basket, the
ball being moved so the shooting elbow is in a straight line,
and shoulders squared to the basket. Take these one at a time
and work on them. Once your players get comfortable with them,
put them all together. The result should be one smooth motion
that gives your offensive player time to receive the ball,
get set, and go up for the shot before the defense can react.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Get Back Quickly
As soon as your team either scores, turns the ball over, or
doesn't get a rebounded shot, they need to realize that they
are on defense RIGHT NOW! There is no time to be jogging back.
They need to get back to find their player that they need to
guard.
On all of my offenses that my team's run, I designate a
position that rotates to the top of the key and doesn't go
in for a rebound. This is our "safety" that becomes our
first line of defense. It is not always the same player, that
depends which side of the floor the offense gets run on. They
are part of the offense, especially if we reverse the ball,
but they also serve the purpose of slowing down another team's
fastbreak, until they can get some help back.
I work with my team to sprint back on defense, and to turn
around by midcourt and either look for the player they are
guarding, or to stop an offensive player who has the ball that
is not being currently guarded. By doing this, you will stop
your opponent from getting a lot of easy baskets.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Use Your Body to Protect Ball
I think the hardest thing to teach a young player about
dribbling is how to protect the ball. Even players who have
the proper technique sometimes leave the ball out there for
a defender to steal. Some simple adjustments and drills can
help these players.
First, unless a player is out on a fastbreak, the ball
should be only slightly in front of them, on the side of the
hand they are dribbling with. The opposite foot should be
slightly ahead of the ball side foot, which then creates the
dribble pocket. When this is used correctly, the body will
help shields the ball from a defender. If being pressured
from the ball side, a simple crossover dribble and changing
of the foot positions will keep the body between the ball and
the defender.
I will set players up in a line and have them work on this
technique. Just be careful, some players will want to turn
their back to the defender, that's not what we want! If they
do that, they can't see any of their teammates to pass to.
Have them do some simple crossover dribble and make them get
their feet set. Once they are confident with that, add a
defender and some simple dribbling up and down the court.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Review the Season
To go along with the first section of this ezine, not only
should you review your season with your players, you should
also review it with your coaching staff. What methods of
teaching worked? Which ones didn't? Where was your team
strong and weak? Which offenses and defenses worked?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can
write down some notes for next season. It will not only make
you a better coach, but will help your players as well. Do
this now while it is still fresh in your mind. Waiting too
long may leave out valuable things that can benefit your
team in the future.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
May
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
04/30/2008 ** May 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Encourage Players to be MultiDimensional
=> Shooting - Head Fakes
=> Defense - Don't Lose Your Player
=> Rebounding - Good Outlet Pass
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Put Documentation Together
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Encourage Players to be Multidimensional
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back! Was that not an exciting NCAA championship
game? I know of a few people who had picked Kansas, but I
think the other 3 teams got a lot more attention. But they
played well at the right time and did what they had to do, so
congratulations to them.
One thing I noticed was that most teams in the tournament
really played together as a team. Sure, there might have been
a player or 2 who stood out above the rest, but 1 player
can't do everything. Conversely, each player can't only do
one thing either! What do I mean by that? I mean that players,
no matter what level you are at, must be able to perform more
than one skill on the court.
When you stop and think about that last sentence, think about
your own team. I'm sure you have players that can score. But
can they also play defense? Can they rebound? Your guards might
br able to pass and dribble, but can they shoot well? Your
players must be able to play different situations well, they
need to be multidimensional. If you have a player that can
score 20 points a game, does it help your team if he can't
play defense and his man scores 25 points on him?
So it's important that your players become well rounded and
able to play well in all facets of the game. Looking back at
the Final Four teams, they all had that ability at both ends
of the court. So stress that to your team at practice. Work
harder in the areas that they need help. It will be a key to
how successful your season will be.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Head Fakes
At the upper levels of basketball, there are not too many
players who get wide-open shots. Maybe on a fastbreak, or if
the defender loses their player. But most shots will be
challenged with a hand up from the defense.
Teach your team how to use head fakes. That should be easy,
right? Well, it isn't always that easy! The most important
parts of a head fake are to make sure it's believable and
to make sure you don't travel. Let me tell you how I teach
head fakes.
First, the fake must be believable. If it's just a quick
motion, the defender is not going to move. They must believe
the offensive player is going to shoot or the defender is
not going to move. I work with my players on this by
concentrating first on the fake standing in place. Using the
upper body and the arms, I set up drills that will focus on
performing a fake the proper way.
The next part is to control your body after the fake. You
might be going up for a shot inside, or you might be driving
around the defender when you have them in the air. Either way,
don't shuffle those feet! Drive like you normally would, or
go up strong inside. If the defender makes contact with you,
it's a foul on them.
Head fakes can be a great asset to your offense and make the
defense really think about what they are doing. Using them
correctly will help your team get more scoring opportunities.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Don't Lose Your Player
As you know, defense is very important in determining if
you win or lose a game. Good defensive teams will limit their
opponents scoring chances and will control the boards.
An important point to stress about defense is keeping track
of the player you are guarding. Instruct your players to keep
their heads moving, keeping an eye on where the ball is and
where the player they are guarding is at. Also, don't let the
player you are guarding get behind you. Stay between your
player and the basket and be ready to move in case the
offensive player cuts to the basket.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Good Outlet Pass
I have talked before about how important it is to get
rebounds. Controlling the boards will limit the other team to
just 1 shot, while your team can hopefully get multiple shots
when you are on offense.
On defense, I like my teams to push the ball up the court
when they can. Catching a team not getting back on defense
can lead to a few easy baskets, which could make the difference
in a close game. The key to getting the ball up the court is
a good outlet pass after your team has secured the rebound.
I like my teams to use a specific method of getting the
outlet pass out quickly. After the rebound has occurred, that
player should get the ball above their head, pivot out away
from the defense, and look for a guard breaking out to the
free throw line extended. If they are open, the pass needs to
be made quickly. If they are not open for the outlet pass, I
have them either dribble out themselves, or have my point
guard move to the ball to get a pass. Either way, I don't
want to commit a turnover that close to the basket.
So set up a simple drill to practice this with the guards
breaking out and the rebounder giving them a good outlet pass.
Once your team gets the basic concept, add in the other
situations I described above. It will once again keep your
opponent off balance and keep your team in an attack mode.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Put Documentation Together
My season is over, but that doesn't mean basketball is far
from my mind. I am constantly reading books, watching videos,
watching games, searching the internet, always on the lookout
for new plays and drills.
When I find something I like, I make sure to either print it
out or write it down. There's too many times I've found
something and forgotten to do that, then I can't remember
where I saw it. So I put together a simple notebook to write
things down. This also has a place to put copies of sheets
or printouts from the internet. Then I can go back to one
place and find all of my info to put to use for my team!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
June
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
05/31/2008 ** June 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Remember, It's a Game!
=> Shooting - Use the Backboard
=> Passing - Set Up Your Teammate
=> Press Break - See The Defenders
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Clinics
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Remember, It's a Game!
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Basketball is my favorite sport. I watch it as much as I can
and play it whenever I get a chance. I really take the game
seriously, as I want players that I coach to get better and
learn something. I also want them to have an enjoyable
experience that they can look back on in a positive light.
That is unfortunately not the way I see all coaches, fans,
parents and players reacting. In the past few seasons, whether
it's basketball or some other sport that my children are
involved in, I see people getting carried away. It might be
the coach or it might be the parents, but either way, they
take the fun out of the game for the kids. Everyone likes to
win, but at what cost? When coaches are yelling at each other,
the referees, or their own players, what fun is that? When
parents are confronting the opponent's parents at a game, do
you think the players don't notice?
Everyone needs to step back and realize that we are talking
about youth sports. Whether it is a rec team, a school team, or
a travel team, the object is for the kids to compete, have a
good time, and learn a new skill. The sun will still come up
the next day whether your team wins or loses!
As a coach, I talk to my players and their parents at one of
our first practices. I tell them what is expected of them as
far as conduct. Our school even has them sign a "Code of
Conduct" to remind them about their responsibility. This at
least gets them thinking about their behavior. Does that mean
the parents and players will then be perfect at every game?
You would hope so, but at least the parents can be reminded
of their expected conduct. That is usually enough to get them
back on the same page.
So no matter what type of team you are coaching, take some
time to remind your parents and players about good behavior
and sportsmanship. Talk to them about having more class if
another team should start getting out of hand. If you as a
coach make the preemptive strike in this area, things will
go much smoother. Then you can coach, the players can play,
the parents can cheer and everyone can enjoy the great game
of basketball!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Use the Backboard
I always stress to my players to use the backboard on lay-ups
and inside shots. The backboard is there to help the ball go
in the basket. Too many times I see players not using the
backboard, and the ball will hit the rim, roll around, and
come out. A missed opportunity!
I get my players to use the backboard by constantly reviewing
the technique during practice. For example, when we shoot
lay-ups I will make sure they use it. Tell your players to
aim inside of the square, usually right inside the top corner
of the side you are shooting from. I will also practice with
our post players doing the same thing. By repeating these
drills, my players will naturally use the backboard during a
game without even thinking about it.
So focus your team's attention on using the backboard.
Use it on baseline drives, fast break lay-ups, and whenever
else you can. The backboard is there to help you, so let it
do its job!
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Set Up Your Teammate
My teams run a set offense with different options. Some of
our options include setting screens and having players cut
to the basket. These are the players we want to hit with a
good pass for an easy basket.
In order to accomplish this, the cutter must go to an open
spot, but the player with the ball must also make a good
pass. The pass needs to lead the cutter to the basket. It
can't be thrown behind him. It needs to be put where the
cutter can catch the pass and immediately go up for a shot.
If the player receving the pass has to hesitate, the defense
will be all over them.
I work on having my players set up their teammates. To do
this, everyone needs to understand where all players in the
offense are at and where they are going to be. By knowing
this, the player with the ball will know where and when
another offensive player is going to be at. They don't need
to stare at the offensive player and alert the defense that
the ball is going to that player. Work on this first without
a defender, then add the defense to creat a realistic game
situation.
------------------------------------------------------------
Press Break - See The Defenders
When confronted by a press, you want to get the ball inbounds
as soon as possible. But you must teach your players that the
quick pass may not be the best. For example, there might be a
defender standing near that is anticipating your pass for an
easy steal. Or a player who is open might immediately be
trapped.
So what can your team do? Quick decisions must be made. First,
whoever takes the ball out of bounds must survey where his
teammates are and where the defense is. If the defense still
has their backs to you, no problem getting the ball in. But
if they are aggressively moving, your press break needs to
kick in. 5 seconds is a lot of time, so don't just throw the
ball in and commit a turnover. Be patient and let your press
break get the ball up the court.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Clinics
Now that we are near summer, coaching clinics should become
available for you to go to. Whether it is high school or
college coaches, another perspective is always helpful and
can give you new ideas.
I also encourage my players to attend camps and clinics.
The more practice they can get in, the better they will be.
If they have a chance to play in a summer league, that's
great too.
If you as a coach have access where you can run your own
clinic for your players, school, or team, that's a great thing
too. The more you can get your players to work on their skills,
the better they will perform come next season!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
July
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
06/30/2008 ** July 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Practice With a Purpose
=> Shooting - Be Ready to Catch and Shoot
=> Defense - The Key to Your Team
=> Rebounding - Don't Just Stand There
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Learn From the Celtics
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Practice With a Purpose
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Summer has finally arrived! I can deal with the heat better
than I can deal with the cold we have here during the winter
in the Midwest. Though some people think this is a downtime
for basketball, it is a time for you to improve your coaching
skills and your team's skills.
If you are lucky enough to get your team together for some
summer sessions or participate in a summer league, that's
great! Just remember, make sure you have a purpose each time
you take the court. By purpose, I mean what you want to
accomplish. For instance, if you are practicing with your
team, your purpose one night might be learning a new motion
offense. Or it could be focusing on help defense. During a
summer league game it could be working on getting the ball
inside, or working hard to outrebound your opponent.
Don't get caught just having your team scrimmage! Though
that can be part of some open gym sessions, focus on some
skills to improve. Let your team know what the goal for each
session is. When they accomplish that, then you can reward
them by playing some 3 on 3 or whatever they like.
So take advantage of this time to improve your teams skills.
Make sure your players also understand that they need a purpose
when they practice by themselves too. By focusing on an area at
a time, your players will improve quickly and be ready to go
when the season starts.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Be Ready to Catch and Shoot
Do you have a good shooter on your team who never seems to
get an open shot? That could very well be because they are
not ready to catch a pass and put up a shot right away. The
good news is that it can be fixed.
First, work with all of your players to have their hands
ready to receive the pass. They should have their inside foot
going toward the basket. When they receive the ball, they need
to use that inside foot to square themselves to the basket,
bring the ball into the shooting position, and be ready to go
up with their shot. Work on this without a defender first,
then add a defender.
All of your players must be ready to catch and shoot this
way. As players get into junior high and high school, wide
open shots are not a common occurrence. So be ready to put
up a good shot before the defense gets to you.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - The Key to Your Team
As the Boston Celtics showed, a good defense is important to
your team's success. Sure, you need to put the ball in the
basket and score points, but you also need to limit your
opponent.
Defense is what sets the great teams apart from the good
teams. So make sure to allot enough time to work on your
defense. Get your players in shape, make sure they know how
to shuffle and drop step, teach them to rebound and be
aggressive. Once your players get these things and put them
to use during games, your team will become more successful.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Don't Just Stand There
Just as I do, I'm sure most coaches out there review and
stress rebounding techniques. Turn and make contact with the
player you are near to seal them off! But how many times do
your players do that and their opponent gets by them for the
rebound.
As players get tired during a game, the first thing to go
is their legs. So even though the contact gets made on the
blockout, they don't stay low and move to where their
opponent is moving. So even though the initial contact gets
made, they end up getting beat to the ball.
I get around this by running some simple drills. One that
I like to do is to put the ball in the middle of the jump
circle and have one player ready to block out with their
back to the ball, and the other facing the ball and just
outside the circle. On the whistle, the player outside the
circle moves to get the ball, while the other player turns and
tries to block them out. It doesn't have to be long, just
moving and stopping them for a few seconds is all that is
needed. By that time, the ball will have hit off of the rim
and be back in play. Once players realize this, they can put
forward that effort and help your team dominate the boards.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Learn From the Celtics
The Celtics really stepped things up in the Finals. When they
acquired their stars this year, people knew they would be good.
But who knew that they would mesh together so well?
There are things we can learn from this Celtics team. As I
talked earlier in this newsletter, defense is one of them.
Another is getting everyone on the same page and playing
together as a team. Doc Rivers did a great job of getting
everyone to put their egos on the side. As youth coaches, we
must work to get everyone to play as a team and that there
are no "stars". Everyone must work toward the same goal.
The last one is for a coach to believe in their players.
If you are confident in your players and tell them that
over and over again, they will eventually believe it too.
With everyone working together, your team will be very
successful!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
August
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
07/29/2008 ** August 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - The Olympics
=> Shooting - Follow Straight Through
=> Dribbling - Look Around
=> Passing - The No-Look Pass
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Plays at Right Level
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, The Olympics
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
On August 8th, the Olympics will start. With the talent
that the US team has, maybe we can reclaim the Gold
medal. Watching our best players play against the best from
around the world in basketball is really an exciting time.
If you get a chance to watch some Olympic basketball, take
note of some of the differences. The 3 point line is not the
same, the lane is shaped differently, and the games are
officiated a little different. These are things that our US
team must adjust to in international competition.
One thing that has happened is that the rest of the world
has improved in basketball. When the first Dream Team won
the championship, most people thougt we would just win it
every time. But that hasn't happened. Other teams now have
great shooters and defenders, just like the US does.
So this is our chance to see how the rest of the world plays.
We can see how they shoot, what types of offensive and
defensive schemes they will run. Maybe we as coaches can learn
a new thing or two to help our teams! Hopefully we will see
some good basketball as the world comes together for the Games.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Follow Straight Through
One thing that younger players have a hard time learning
is the follow through. They shoot the ball and then watch it
head toward the basket. They don't complete the shot. But
following through with your arm and wrist in a straight line
will give your ball the correct spin and put it on target.
There are 2 ways I like to use to get this point across to
my players. First, I will have them practice shooting
without the ball. By going through the motion, they can
concentrate on the mechanics without worrying about whether
the shot is going in. They can also visually see at the end
whether they are following straight through, as I will have
them hold that position. The second way is to then have them
take short shots right in front of the basket. I now give them
the ball, but need them to follow the same motion we just did.
By repeating this drill until everyone gets it, my players
will get in the habit of the proper shooting technique and
follow straight through to complete the shot.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Look Around
Dribbling with your head up is one of the basic fundamentals
that all coaches teach. But besides keeping your head up, you
need to look around to see what is going on around you.
This is an important concept for your players to grasp. It
is very important to keep your head up and not look at your
dribble. But you also need to be looking at where the defense
is at, where your teammates are at, where you are on the
court, and where everyone is moving to. Looking at the court
and understanding what is going on is vital to your team's
success.
How can you get your players to do this? Set up situations
on the court and give each player a chance to handle the ball.
Have them tell you what is going on in a certain sequence. The
more thye can tell you, the better. Work extra with those who
aren't seeing everything that they should. Once your team
gets better at this concept, the more you will find the open
player for easy baskets.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - The No-Look Pass
The no-look pass is just as the name says: a pass thrown
without looking at the player you are throwing it to. This is
an advanced topic and is not for everyone. I wouldn't show
any player this until they are in Junior high at the earliest.
The no-look pass serves one major purpose, and that is to
surprise the defense by hitting a player with a quick pass
for an open shot. When you look at the player you are going to
pass to, the defense can react and quickly cover that player.
The no-look pass takes that away if done correctly. It is done
by simply looking one way, possible even using a fake, then
passing the other way.
Players who can perform this pass must have good peripheral
vision. They also need to know where everyone is moving on
your offensive sets. This is why I say that it should only be
used by experienced players who really understand the game.
This pass is not for everyone, but can be a very powerful
weapon to keep the defense off balance.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Plays at Right Level
Just as I talked about above, there are some things that
should only be taught as advanced topics. You wouldn't want
to show the no-look pass to a beginning player. You as a
coach must assess your team's level of expertise and keep
what you show them at the appropriate level.
So teach beginning players a simple offense. Teach them
the basics that they can understand. Then once your players
get older and understand the basics, then you can add more
advanced plays, like a motion offense.
Step back when you start explaining a new skill to your
players. If you are getting a lot of confused looks and
players not running things right, you either need to explain
things more clearly, or the players aren't ready for it yet.
Keep things at the age appropriate level and your team will
do well!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
September
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
08/31/2008 ** September 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - US Gold and Starting the Season
=> Shooting - Repetition
=> Defense - Lateral Movement
=> Rebounding - Explode to the Ball
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Get Back to the Basics
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
Check out my Subscriber Special! Get the Combo Pack, plus an
extra bonus: My Ultimate Basketball Directory! All for only
$17.95! Check it out at:
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/subscriber_special_deal.htm
Hurry, the above offer ends Sept. 8, 2008!
*****************************************************
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, US Gold and Starting the Season
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
The US basketball team has come home with the gold! The team
put together a nice string of games in both pool play and the
finals. The rest of the world will once again be looking to
beat our team, and everyone knows it will be tough to stay on
top. There are many good countries and players out there that
the US will not be able to take any team for granted.
There were a number of things that surprised me about this
particular US team. First of all, the teamwork that was
displayed. It didn't seem to matter to the players who was
scoring the points. If one player was having an off night,
they would look to someone else. They hit the open player
when they were available. It was really great to see these
athletes playing as a team, rather than as indivisuals like
they many times do in the NBA!
The second thing was their composure. Even when a team
would try to get physical with them, the US team didn't back
down. They also didn't whine about a lot of calls. By staying
calm, they were able to fight off any comebacks.
The third thing was the defense that the US played. Many
times in the NBA, you will see the ball pushed up and down the
court without a lot of defense. But in the Olympics, the US
played good defense, rebounded well, and got back on defense
quickly.
So use these positive items as you start your season. Talk
to your team about the Olympics. I'm sure many of them
watched. Teamwork, keeping composure, and defense are 3 things
that can really help your team. With players like Lebron and
Kobe showing how to do these things, your team should buy in
quickly. Use these things to get your season off to a good
start!
Also, make sure to check out my Subscriber Special Deal.
Get your season off to a great start!
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/subscriber_special_deal.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Repetition
A point one of my coaches made many times last year was to
tell our players to shoot and not think. Too many times
players worry about the correct form that they end up missing
the shot. You must learn to trust your form.
Practice is where you must learn correct shooting form.
There you can go through your checklist of items while you
are shooting. There is no time for that during the game!
By practicing the correct shooting method and repeating it
over and over, your muscle memory should take over during
the game. That way your players can focus on where they are
shooting the ball and looking at the basket, rather than
clouding their mind with things that they should already
know.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Lateral Movement
Moving from side to side is key to becoming an effective
defender. Players need to be able to stay low and take
short quick steps. Taking long steps with your body coming
up will slow a defender down and allow an offensive player
to dribble right by. Staying low and using a drop step will
stop an offensive player.
As part of my conditioning drills, I work on this lateral
movement. I will have players shuffle the length of the
lane, taking short quick steps. Then I will have them
shuffle longer areas, like one lane of the court.
Then I will work them on some half court defense trying to
stop a dribbler. Finally, we will work up to guarding a
player the entire length of the court. This progression
won't happen overnight. But keep your team working at this
with the proper technique. You will see how much your defense
improves.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Explode to the Ball
We know how important rebounding is, both on the offensive
and defensive ends. It can change the momentum of a game.
You know from past newsletters how much I stress rebounding
with my teams. Let's take a look at going after the ball once
the blockout is secured.
Whether it is an offensive or defensive rebound, your players
need to get inside position. By using their body, they can seal
off their opponent. Now as the ball comes off the rim, your
players must be ready to explode to the ball! Just jumping
is not good enough, as they can be beaten to the ball. Your
players need to go after that ball with some authority and
grab it securely. At this point, they can power back up if it
is an offensive rebound, or look to pass to an outlet if it is
a defensive rebound. But instill in your players that they need
to aggressively go after a rebound and get their hands on it
before their opponent does.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Get Back to the Basics
My team will be starting next month. I know some fall leagues
will be starting soon. Just remember to start off with the
basics: dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense.
Don't just assume that your players remember from last year.
Take some time and break each skill down. If your players
all perform these drills with no problems, then great, you
can move on to more advanced skills. But if not, focus and
drill on the areas that your team is having trouble.
Believe me, it will help your team later in the season.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
October
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
09/30/2008 ** October 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Keep Communications Open
=> Shooting - Open Gyms
=> Defense - Don't Give Up Baseline
=> Dribbling - Simulate Defenders
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Meet With Your Assistants
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Keep Communications Open
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Well, it's the end of September, so basketball season is
just around the corner! I have been pouring over some drills
and watching some videos, and I'm ready to go as soon as I can
get my team in the gym.
One of the first things I will do is to have a meeting with
my team and their parents. It may not be at the very first
practice, but it will be at one of the first few. At this
meeting, I will introduce myself and my coaching staff. I will
also talk about what we will focus on skillwise this season, as
well as what I expect out of the players. I will also talk
about what I expect of the parents, especially behavior at games
and being on time to drop off and pick up their children. I want
our parents and fans to be at games and cheer on our team, but I
want them to do it ina respectful manner.
Why do I do this? I want to make sure we are all on the same
page! By telling both players and coaches what I expect, it
won't come as a surprise. For instance, I will go over our
team rules. I will even hand out a sheet so everyone knows them.
This way if someone isn't following the rules and gets their
playing time reduced, and a parent comes to me to question this,
I can refer to the rules sheet and remind them of our meeting.
The parent may not be happy about it, but they can't argue that
they didn't know.
So I strongly recommend having a parent meeting. Give the
parents a chance to meet you and ask questions. Encourage them
to contact you directly with any questions, and not just complain
in the stands. Keep the lines of communication open between you,
your coaches, the parents, and the players, and you will have a
successful season!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Open Gyms
There never seems to be enough practice time! Does that sound
familiar? Whether you get 1 hour or 2 hours of practice time,
it just never seems enough to go over everything you want and
need to review.
What I try to do is to use the normal practice time to review
things we need to as a team, like our offense and defense, as
well as pressing and the press break. I will of course review
all of the basics and do many drills. But you alwasy need more
time to review shooting. So when I can get some additional
gym time, I will hold an open gym. It may only be once every
few weeks, but every little bit of practice time counts.
During an open gym, I focus with my players strictly on
shooting. I will let them do some free shooting of shots they
will normally take during a game. I will walk around and work
with anyone who needs help, and my assistants do the same.
We can really focus on their shooting technique and help any
players who are having problems. It also gives us a chance to
get in a lot of shots, which helps our shooting percentage go
up.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Don't Give Up Baseline
One key that I always stress to my players is to not give up
the baseline or sideline. Letting your opponent dribble by
these puts you behind the offensive player, or will lead to
your team committing a foul. Neither one of these is a good
thing.
Defensively, we review this point on a regular basis. I teach
my players to drop step and beat the dribbler to the baseline
or sideline. They can then get in position to take a charge,
or have the ball handler lose control and go out of bounds.
At the worst, we force the offensive player to move back to
the middle of the floor, where we have help defense.
Think about an offensive player driving the baseline. If we
let them go by, they have an easy path to the basket. But if
we cut off the baseline and force them to the middle, we have
our teammates their to help until the defender can recover.
So work on stopping these drives, and your team will give up
less easy points.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Simulate Defenders
As the season is first starting, I will work on dribbling
with my team. I will start without defenders at first, so that
my players focus on the correct dribbling technique. I will
then add defenders as they become more comfortable.
How do you simulate defenders and still get everyone to
practice these skills? You could use players from your team,
but to start off, I would use other methods. These can include
placing cones on the floor to simulate defenders. You can also
use chairs to show where defenders will be in certain
situations. Finally, you can use your assistant coaches.
Keeping your players all involved with the same skill, rather
than having them focus on 2 skills (dribbling and defense) is
a big benefit to start the season off right! There will be
plaenty of opportunities to run live offense and defense once
you get the basics down.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Meet With Your Assistants
Once I know who my assistant coaches will be, I will plan
some time to sit down with them and discuss the upcoming
season. We will talk about how our team looks, my philosophy,
and everyone's role for the season. This gets myself and the
coaching staff all on the same page and ready to go once we
can get into the gym.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
November
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
10/31/2008 ** November 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Dealing With Problem Assistants
=> Shooting - Solve Shooting Problems
=> Defense - Defending the Post
=> Dribbling - Correctly Performing Dribble Spins
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Perform Drills Correctly
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time in your offseason to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Dealing With Problem Assistants
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
You like to think that everyone who volunteers to coach is
doing it for the right reasons. That is true for the greater
majority of people. But sometimes you can run into a coach or
assistant coach who wants things their own way, or wants their
child to be a star. This can cause conflict and problems for
the entire team.
What should you do if one of your coaches is not on board
with what is being done for the team? First, at the first sign
of a problem, sit down and talk to them. Explain why you are
doing certain things and how it will benefit the entire team
in the long run. Get this coach's perspective, maybe it is
just a misunderstanding. Either way, you want to get all of
your coaches on the same page in order to have a successful
season.
Most of the time a meeting of your coaches will solve such
a problem. But what if it doesn't? Then you may need an outside
person, such as the head of the league or your athletic director
to step in and talk with this coach. No one can get their way
all of the time. Everyone must work together to help the players
achieve their goals. A good coaching staff, all working together
and sharing ideas, is a major part of helping your team.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Solve Shooting Problems
Whether you are a player missing shots, or a coach watching
your team missing shots, it can be awful frustrating. Fixing a
player's jump shot during a game is very hard, as things are
moving so quickly and you might not be focusing on that player.
So I have found it very beneficial to teach my players how to
fix some common flaws themselves.
Basically, it somes down to 3 main areas. If the shot is
falling short, then the player porbably needs to bend their
knees more. If the shot is going off to the left, they are
either not following straight through, or the ball is not
aligned in a straight line with their elbow and leg. That
would be for a right handed shooter, the opposite would be
tru for a left handed shooter. The last thing is if a right
handed shooter is missing to the right. They are pushing the
ball in that direction, or have theri elbow tucked in too far.
These are just the basics of course, and some problems might
be more involved. But it at least gives your players something
to change and correct their shot in a short period of time.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Defending the Post
There are different philosophies about how to guard the post.
Some like to play in front of the offensive player, other like
to half-front them. I like to half-front the other team's post
player.
I know when we talk about man-to-man defense, we say stay
between your player and the basket. But you can't play behind
the other team's post player, or they could get a pass just a
few feet from the basket. So by half-fronting the player, we
are both stopping the pass and staying between them and the
basket.
Half-fronting the post is just as it implies: You are
standing toward the side of the offensive player with an
arm around the front to discourage a pass. An easy rule I
teach my post players is that if the other team's post player
is above the block, we want to stay on the side closest to
the basket. This puts us in better rebounding position, plus
if they do receive the pass, we can get between them and the
basket. If the post goes below the block, we half-front them
on the high side. This way if they receive the pass, they are
usually under the basket and trapped by the baseline.
Post defense is something that must be worked on often in
practice. Simple drills like working the ball from the wing
to the corner and making the post adjust will help them
during a game. Also, take it to the next logical step and
work on the blockout when a shot goes up. Keeping the ball
out of the post will limit your opponent's points and gives
your team a better chance to win.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Correctly Performing Dribble Spins
Dribble spins are an effective tool to use to get around a
defender, especially when confronted in the backcourt. The
problem is, many players don't perform them correctly.
So how do you perform a dribble spin? First, the defender
needs to be close to you. There is nothing to be gained using
a dribble spin if the defender is 5 feet away! So dribble at
the defender, then plant the opposite foot of the hand you are
dribbling with. If you are dribbling with the right hand, then
plant the left foot in the middle of the defender, close to them
as you can. By doing this, you are placing your body between the
defender and the ball to protect it.
Now you can finish the dribble spin by exchanging the ball to
the opposite hand and spinning so that the foot that wasn't
planted above swings around the defender, once again as close
as possible. This once again puts your body between the ball
and the defender. At this point you should accelerate past the
defender, keeping your head up to see what is going on down
the court.
The dribble spin is most effective when you are being picked
up 1-on-1, especially in the backcourt. Make sure your players
can all dribble with their heads up and can handle the ball
with either hand. The dribble spin is another skill that can
really help your team, as done correctly, it makes your
ballhandlers tough to guard.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Perform Drills Correctly
Many coaches want to throw numerous drills at their players,
jumping from one skill to another. I don't like to do that, and
I recommend that you don't either! What you then have is
players who can't perform any of the drills correctly.
What I do is to take some basic drills and get my players
to perform them correctly. Once they have a skill down, then
add on to the drill. For example, if I am performing dribble
spins, I will have the players do them alone at first. Once
they have it down pat, I will add a defender to the drill.
Also, try to add some fun to the drill so that players don't
get bored. I might set up 2 lines and time the players
performing dribble spins.
The most important thing is to get the players to learn
and perform the basics correctly. Doing that will give them
a good foundation for future skills. I would rather my
team perform a few things very well, rather than have them
perform a lot of things very poorly!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
December
2008
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
11/30/2008 ** December 2008 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Avoid Practice Problems
=> Shooting - Proper Rotation on Ball
=> Passing - Using Bounce Passes
=> Defense - Point at Ball and Your Player
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Send Out Schedules
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Take some time to learn some new coaching
methods that I use at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Avoid Practice Problems
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Well, it's the beginning of December, how is your season
looking so far? I know from talking to some of you, a few
teams have played games, and others will start soon. It is
an exciting time for all coaches and players.
One question I get asked a lot is how to keep your players
from goofing around during practice. The younger the players,
the more likely they are to act silly with other players while
waiting in line, or talking when you are trying to talk. It can
be frustrating for not onl;y you and your assistant coaches,
but also for the players who are trying to pay attention and
learn.
I have learned over the years that the more players are left
standing around, the more likely it is that they will get
bored and start messing around. So the solution is to keep
everyone busy. Don't use drills where more than half of the
team is standing around and watching. Keep everyone involved
and the goofing around will decrease.
What I like to do is either divide the players up into
multiple groups so each coach works with a smaller number of
players, or I will run station drills. Station drills are
drills that are set up so each player is performing a skill
for 1-2 minutes, then move to the next station to perform
another skill. For example, I might have a station shooting
free throws, another doing ball handling drills, another
station with players throwing bounce passes. Use your
imagination for anything that your team needs work on! Just
keep everyone doing a skill and there is less chance of them
getting bored and more of a chance that they will improve
their game and help your team.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Proper Rotation on Ball
If the hand is properly placed behind the ball, the shot
taken will have backspin on it. You can shoot the ball
straight up and see what I am talking about, or watch another
player's shot. Backspin is what we want, because we then know
that the ball has rolled off of the fingertips properly.
If you are watching players that have sidespin on their shot,
or no spin at all, then you have a problem to correct. If it
is sidespin, then the player probably has their hand off to
the side of the ball when shooting and not behind it. If it
has no spin, then the ball is probably being shot out of the
palm of the hand and the fingertips and shooting pocket are
not being utilized.
To cure these problems, have the player either lay on the
ground and shoot the ball straight up and catch it, watching
the spin of the ball, or shoot near a wall to monitor the spin.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Using Bounce Passes
I stress to my players about using bounce passes. There
are some situations where a chest pass will do, but most
passes hitting a cutter or a post player need to be a bounce
pass to be successful and get to the intended player.
I see less and less bounce passes being used, and this
concerns me. Players like to throw lob passes or chest passes
and I can't tell you how many times I see these get knocked
away! Unless you have a defender who is really staying low,
a bounce pass is the most effective way to get the ball inside.
Work with your players on this during practice. Set up
examples and show them the benfits of throwing a bounce pass.
It will really benefit your team when it comes to the actual
games.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Point at Ball and Your Player
When playing man-to-man defense, your players need to know
where the ball is and where the player they are guarding is at.
The easiest way to do this is to have them have their arms up,
with one pointing at the player they are guarding and one
pointing at the player with the ball. By doing this, your
team should be helped to remember they are guarding someone,
and not to lose them.
Once again, this is a good skill to work on at practice.
By using a defensive drill like the Shell Drill, have a set
of offensive players pass the ball around, and watch how your
defenders react. Do they sag in when they are on the weak side?
Do they challenge the ball when their player receives a pass?
It will take some time, but once your players catch on to this,
they will be a tough team to score on.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Send Out Schedules
Communication is the best way to keep everyone on the same
page! This includes both players and parents. So one of the
best things to do is to send out a schedule of practices and
games. Whether you do this weekly or monthly, keep everyone
informed. The sooner you can let them know about practices,
games, or tournaments, the better it is for everyone.
Do these notes always make it home? No, of course not. But
alert your parents at your parent meeting about the notes
coming home so that they can check. This way they won't find
it stuffed in the bottom of a gym bag after the season.
Some coaches will also email a copy to the parents. That's
fine too. But as players get older, that is part of being
responsible. Know what you have doing on what day and plan
accordingly. You are doing your part as a coach by informing
them, they need to be responsible and attend where they need
to be.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone and have a Merry Christmas!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
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