Each week, I observe the parents on the sidelines and think of The Coach.  You can see the kids turn when they hear their parent’s voice. Sometimes it’s a simple “Good Job” or “Nice Play”, but I often hear “Get Back”, “Hands Up”, “Go Get the Ball” and sometimes even a “No, Not That Way.”  It’s hard being a kid and listening to a coach, especially during a game.  It’s even more difficult to listen to a coach and the home coaches, you know the ones who coach them everyday with doing their homework, picking up their dirty laundry, and cleaning up after dinner.

The next time your child has a game or even a practice, keep The Coach in mind and reflect on how your parents treated you when they were or weren’t on the sideline.  And cheer like crazy when your kids do well, they love to see you smile!

COACH – Richard F. Paul

Teach me to stand,

Correct at the plate.

Teach me patience,

And how to wait.

Teach me comfort,

Within the batter’s box.

Teach me to wear,

My cup beneath my jock.

Teach me to run,

And touch every base.

Teach me to move,

When the ball’s in my face.

Teach me to enjoy the sounds of the crowd.

Teach me courage,

When our team’s getting plowed.

Teach me humility, friendship, and style,

But please don’t forget you’re teaching a child.

Pop Pop, Finley and Richie Paul

Triple Threat
- Always have the ball in the shot pocket so can shoot, pass, or dribble
- Work on layups, shooting, passing from this position.

Defense
- Zig Zag Drill (nose in front of the ball, drop step)
- Shell Drill (one pass away, two passes away, help defense, help outside the lane)
- Active Hands, Call out Ball, Hand in the Passing Lane, Jump to the ball, anticipate the ball moving

Getting Open on the wing
- Get on the high side of the defender – outside shoulder
- Walk them in, step between the legs, explode out to catch the ball showing the outside hand, CATCH TURN AND FACE – shoulders squared with the basket
- Don’t push off, step into the defender,

Davidson Fast Break
- Off the Glass (show emotion), Guard Outlet (call outlet), opposite guard get BACK to sideline as soon as possible, post sprint box to box at the other end, wait for post before entering the ball
- Can add ball reversal with post who originally rebounded the ball

Passing
- One ball, pass to left hand from right hand
- Two balls, pass to left hand, catch with left hand at the same time

Boxing Out
- Shot goes up, make contact, turn and get position, and drive the opponent away from the ball.
- Most important part is to go and get the ball!

Layups
- Practice all kinds of layups (right hand left foot, left hand right foot, left hand on right side, right hand left side, left hand reverse, right hand reverse, right hand reverse on left side, left hand reverse on right side.

Parting points:
- Improve your team by improving the skills of each player on your team.
- Make it fun, encourage your players to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Get your team to play together.

Success is a Choice!