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2/29/2016

What Factors Should You Look at When Deciding to Play For a Coach?

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AAU season is about to get started and players and parents are deciding which team they should play for.  The question is which program should you invest your time in if you have multiple options.  Whether your child is just starting to play basketball or your child has already been offered by a number of colleges, deciding the correct AAU team is very important.  Here are four points that you should take in consideration when deciding which AAU team your child should play for.  Although this post is discussing AAU teams these concepts can be applied to any program on any level.
 
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
  • How well does the AAU program develop their players?  Is the coach more focused on playing games or making sure their players know how to play basketball the right way?  Is the coach pushing your child to get better or are they allowing your child to develop bad habits, which could lead players to getting cut when they try out for their high school basketball team?  This should be the most important factor for parents who have young players.  Coaches who are able build a strong foundation for their players are priceless.  The focus should not be wins and losses but how much your child is developing as a player.  As the player gets older, this focus should still be a focal point, but is not as important since the player may have a trainer or coach who is strong in that department.
 
ACCOUNTABILITY
  • Does the coach hold his players consistently accountable?  Does the coach hold players to consistently practice and play at a high level?  Does the coach help make their players better people, by encouraging them to making better decisions, and holding themselves accountable when no one else is looking?  I witnessed a player during an AAU practice run from free throw line to free throw line, when he was supposed to run baseline to baseline.  He did this every time they had to run and no one confronted him on his effort.
 
LEVEL OF COMPETITION
  • Player’s skill versus the level of competition.  This is one of the factors that go unnoticed for a number of parents.  Is your child playing against topnotch competition for their age and skill level?  If your child is just learning how to play basketball, you may not want to put them with the more experienced players.  If your child is dominating the level they are on, you should consider moving them up and or changing leagues.  One of the biggest problems parents face is the reality their child was cut from the high school basketball team after averaging 20 points during their AAU season.  What happened?  The problem most likely is that they were playing on a level or league that had weak competition.  Once a child is in high school, playing with sponsored teams affiliated with Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas are an indicator that shows they are playing against high-level competition.  Keep in mind this does not mean uniforms that have Nike, Under Armour or Adidas on them.  These companies have their own leagues and makes sure the leagues are filled with four to five star players.  This normally means that you as a parent do not have to come out of pocket for trips and tournament costs (for your child).  They will play in tournaments where notable college coaches attend and your child will have an opportunity to be seen by an endless number college coaches.  The level of coaches that attend the AAU games will help you see what level your child maybe able to play on the collegiate level.  For more information about choosing an AAU basketball team.
 
SYSTEM
  • Does the coaching style and system of the coach fit for you as a player?  If you can shoot, but cannot handle the ball, does the coach run screens for you?  The coach loves to apply full court pressure, but you are not a good defender, how much time will you be able to earn?  The coach runs a number of plays; can you remember them and execute them during the game?  Are you able to execute in a half court set?  Are you able to succeed in high paced system?  Does the coach expect you to execute his system while applying basketball IQ?  Who are you fighting for time for and will you have the opportunity to earn minutes?  These are an example of a number of questions that need to be answered before deciding who you will play for.
 
The new AAU season is upon us and players will be competing for spots on various AAU teams.  Make sure that whichever team your child plays for it is the right fit and most importantly it is preparing them to be successful when it is time to play high school basketball.  The AAU season is often looked at a time where players can show they can play.  The high school season is the time where players show they can play in a system, while being a student and maintaining their grades.  Both concepts need to be mastered in order to earn an athletic scholarship.
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2/28/2016

ARE THE AAU PROGRAMS YOU ARE PLAYING FOR PROVIDING YOU OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY COLLEGE BALL?

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The AAU season is about to begin and players will begin to compete.  Player’s self-esteem will grow and parent’s hope and dreams will begin to build for the high school season.  Unfortunately, most parents do not understand their child is not playing against the best competition.  Parents and athletes are caught up in individual success and some will never stop to consider the level of competition.  During intense AAU competition the elite players are separated from the rest of the pack.  It is not unheard of for teams and or individuals to “play up” in AAU tournaments.  Due to many games during tournaments it is hard to recognize teams are differentiated by divisions and talent.  Just like the NCAA has divisions, so does AAU and if your child’s team is not playing in the Division I league, then the assessment of your child’s development maybe tainted.  This façade may cause players to abstain from working on the weak areas of their game.  Ultimately, the effect could keep players from making their high school team in the fall. 
What to look for in an AAU team…
  1. Once your child has reached the high school level, AAU teams should be approaching you and showing interest in your child.  If that occurs, you should investigate the program.  What is the AAU team’s reputation?  Are they one of the top three teams in the area?  Which division is the team associated with?  How many scholarships have they helped their players earn?  If your child is not in high school, your questions should be modified but normally the elite teams have younger teams.  You should look for teams who focus on skill development.  These teams do more skill development during practice than running plays and scrimmaging.  
  2. The elite level AAU teams do not require players to pay.  Playing for these teams will require no cost for trips and your child will receive athletic apparel from the teams’ sponsorship (ex. Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour).  Elite teams do have B teams (may require payment), which could be very beneficial for your child’s development.  If your child is not in high school or playing for age fourteen or higher, then finding a team that does not require money will be extremely rare.  If you are paying to play on an AAU team and you are in high school, percentages are very high you ARE NOT playing against the elite competition regularly.  Elite teams are now starting to play in leagues for their sponsorship.  This keep teams with little or no talent from playing the elite talent.  The only time teams without sponsorship can play against elite teams are in certain tournaments.
  3. How many NCAA sanctioned tournaments does the team play in?  This is a very important question since all players will not play for elite teams.  NCAA sanctioned tournaments allow college coaches to scout during the “live season.”  This is the time college coaches will be searching for talent and when your child can be discovered.  Traveling for the kids can be fun but also costly.  Make sure your child is going to tournaments that will be beneficial.  Participating on teams that do not attend these events is not recommended if your child’s goal is to play college basketball.

Players getting as much experience as possible on the court is extremely valuable and important BUT weigh the positives and negatives.  During this off season it maybe more beneficial to invest your money in a camp and or a trainer.  Spending money for your child to play open gym games will be a waste of your time and money especially if your child is not getting any better.  Iron sharpens iron, is a great quote to think about when deciding what you should do.  Which would be more efficient, invest in a trainer and or a camp and possibly play a few games on the AAU circuit or invest all your money on AAU team that is playing low-level competition?
 
Low-level competition is defined as players who are not college bound.  These players are not ready to compete on the college level.  High-level competition is players competing with each other who are college bound.  As college bound players compete, they show what level of college they will perform well at.  As you look at the different teams, ask yourself how many possible college players are there on the team.  This question will not only let you know if your child should play on the team, but provide feedback on where your child is as a player.


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2/22/2016

THE STRUCTURED BASKETBALL COURT

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As a coach have you ever drew a play up and players line up on the wrong side of the court?

As a player have you ever wondered which side of the court the coach is referring to?

The “Structured Basketball Court” gives the basketball community a universal simple system that allows players and coaches to communicate effectively when discussing locations on the court. Post moves and layups fall under the Red Zone, which are locations 1, 2, and 3. The midrange has been broken down into two ranges. The Pack Line separates the 10s and 20s range, which describes the midrange. The 30s breaks down the three point range. Using a numerical system allows for individuals to differentiate between the left, middle and right sides of the court. The even numbers describe the right hand side of the court. The odd numbers describe the left hand side of the court and the 0s describe the middle of the court. The Structured Basketball Court is offensive and defensive resources that will help you better understand your strengths and weaknesses on the court.

The Structured Basketball Court can be used on any level.


Definitions of Basketball Court Locations
Location 1-3:
  • Finishing Area (aka Red Zone/Penalty Box)
    • Layups
      • Known as the Red Zone since this where the offense wants to take the majority of their shots. This is also the area where good defenses keep the ball out of the paint. Any time a shot is taken in this location, the team must earn points and or earn a trip to the foul line.
      • It can also be called the penalty box because it a penalty to the defending team if layups are made. However it is a penalty to the offensive team if a team regularly misses layups.
Location 10s:
  • The $ Zone - 18 ft. (NBA) and 17 ft. (all other levels) to the second hash of the FT line.
    • Any shot taken after taking 2 long steps from outside the 3 pt. line
    • Known as part of the Red Zone because this is where offensive players will have to be efficient if there is a big man protecting the paint.
    • It is referred to the Money Zone because if the offense can consistently score in this area, they will be difficult to beat against the teams who can protect the Red Zone.
Location 20s:
  • Midrange - 3 Point line to the to the hash if the Pack Line is not being used. If the Pack Line is being used it would be to the Pack Line.
    • Any shot taken after taking a step OR a step and a half inside the 3 pt. line.
    • 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28 and 29 can be used to describe locations on the court.
      • Example: “I need you to stop settling for the 36. Drive and if the defense collapse and make it a 26 or 16 shot.”
      • Most important spot to master especially with 1 dribble pull up from the 3 pt. line.
Location 30s:
  • 3 Point Range
    • Allows a team to shoot less but score more.
      • 34 and 35 are circled because this is the number to combine the two particular locations. 34 combines 36 and 38. 35 combines 37 and 39.
Location 40s:
  • Outside the normal 3 point shooting range - 30 Ft away from the rim
    • Last second shots
Location 50s:
  • Anything over half court
    • Last second shots


To download the Structured Basketball Court documents for all levels click on the link below.  Take a look at the LFT: Relentless Shooting Assessment which records and assess all the shots taken during practices, games, and workouts.  Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts.
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http://www.never-idle.com/store.html

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8/21/2015

An Educator Should Always Embrace Being Called a Coach 

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"Coach" best describes the every day practices of a teacher. Think about it.

Teaching Philosophy 

Although educators wear many hats, the concept of “coach” comes to mind when describing my ideals on what defines a successful educator. The two professions coalesce and easily can be confused when describing one another. I inspire, mentor, instruct, and prepare individuals to become better in their skill and then enable them to collaborate in order to achieve goals. I set high standards for myself and the individuals I am enriching, while maintaining the focus of the objectives. Coaches study their profession through evaluating the microcosm of their art through self-reflection, observing their vocation through different vantage points and assessing what needs to be mastered in order to be successful. As a coach, I use the service-learning technique module which encourages dialogue to influence successful outcomes during competition. Although I am a teacher, I am a student of my craft and I encourage my community to be students of their craft. Every second is a teaching moment, and every action can be connected to the objectives that are being sought out. I borrow ideals, then modify and incorporate these concepts to fit my class chemistry. Coaches compel individuals to self-reflect and see the potential they have within and then extract that potential into fruition. Furthermore, a coach also means a device that moves passengers from one place to another, whether by land, sea or air. As a coach, I am responsible for taking care of my passengers while in transition. I must provide a safe atmosphere for my students that protects and yet connects their mind, heart, body, and soul during the journey of erudition. Throughout this journey I focus on the importance of systems. What they are and why it is important to not only establish systems, but master the systems they are affiliated with. Whether these ideologies deal with social, political or economic systems, my students will understand they must play the game, and avoid the bench at all cost. Preparation, making the right decisions, understanding their opponent's mindset and tendencies will put them on a road to success. A coach creates an atmosphere that allows for absolute truth to be discovered, respected, and accepted through collaboration while protecting the sanctity of the individual. When the coach has successfully created a team, the team resembles a family which no longer competes against each other through conflict, but is in harmony to make the individual stronger; this allows the community to be strengthened because truth is being continually pursued. The pursuit for truth and execution of the found truth are ideals that are the cornerstone of the community. The role of coach is synonymous with my ideals of being an educator. High standards, assessment through different vantage points, learning while teaching, keeping the subject as the focal point, protecting my students through the transition of learning, and teaching students to develop and master systems are the expectations I have set for myself. 


What are your thoughts?  

‪#‎neveridle168‬ ‪#‎LFT168‬ ​

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8/15/2015

Parents Role in Helping Their Child Become Students of the Game

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​Children playing AAU basketball at an early age has become a normalcy.  The youth leagues are focused more on competition than development.  For every one or two practices, a game is played.  Unfortunately, playing an endless amount of games does not improve a child’s skill set, instead it can reinforce bad habits.  For this reason, some leagues for young players have placed restrictions on how the game can be played. Would these limitations be emphasized if our youth were skilled before they could play full court basketball?  Creating a solid foundation for a child is far more important than having them run plays and sprinting up and down the court.  Footwork, and playing without the ball are critical skills for kids to develop and master, but many times these skills are overlooked.  AAU, recreation, and high school teams will not always have the most qualified coaches, so as a parent, you must understand what is instrumental in the progress of your child’s development.  Investing money on credible basketball camps, basketball training DVDs, and or trainers could be far more beneficial in the long run, then if you focus only on playing AAU basketball in the off season.

As a parent you should research different basketball camps and or trainers before investing.  Once you're registered, attend the camps and take notes.  Taking notes should also be utilized after purchasing basketball training DVDs.  If you have decided to invest in a trainer, talk with the trainer about your role in the developmental process.  Record important objectives, points, and progressions that your child needs to focus on.  As a parent, even if you do not know anything about basketball, take some time and learn with your child the important factors of the game.  Take notes during basketball camps, taping workout sessions, or consistently examining basketball film will provide your child an opportunity to see how important it is to study not only their basketball game.  

When choosing an AAU team, look for coaches who are qualified, focus on skill development, and executing systems correctly.  As a parent you may not know if a coach is credible, but their system on how they want to play, and their role for your child should be clear.  After spending time with any coach, the player should show signs of growth.  If they are not, that program may not be good for your child to be in. However if your child is developing into a better basketball player consider having them continue learning from that coach EVEN IF your child is not playing much.  When deciding to leave a program, playing time should be a focus, but it should not be the focus.  There are a lot of factors that should be considered.   Although practices may not be taped, communicating with the coach and reviewing game film will be very important when trying to assess your progress during the season.  If a player is not getting substantial playing time, review players who are and learn from their mistakes and accomplishments within the coach's system.  By doing this the player will learn what look for during the game and will be prepared for when their number is called.

If parents show their child how to be a student of the game (without being overbearing), they will be more accepting of reviewing and studying film.  This will encourage players to discuss tactics, fundamentals, and different philosophies when they become older.  It is imperative that young players understand that there is a cognitive side of sports and developing a high IQ in basketball will make them more efficient players.

Once your child has practiced the fundamental skills, using them in a game setting will allow for mastery.  3-on-3 games are the best game for novice players.  This will allow players to learn how to play basketball.  Players will learn about spacing, passing, pick and roll, screening, and cutting while each player will have the opportunity to have more ball touches.  This also allows players to defend against the skills named above.  Once the player has become proficient in their execution in a half court setting, it is then time for them to progress to playing full court basketball.

This ideal may sound odd but parents who focus on the long term process will allow there child to grow and become better basketball players, while also ensuring their child does not burn out.  This developmental process is completely opposite of the United States model, but is a concept followed throughout Europe.  Europe has earned a reputation of teaching and developing fundamentally sound players.  Players are not rushed to play games when they can barely dribble and do not understand the concept of traveling.  This is counterintuitive and thus, will allow players to practice and strengthen bad habits.  However, if time is taken to strengthen the fundamentals, a player's self-esteem will grow and the game will be more fun.  By focusing on the development and not games played, you can ensure that your child will become a fundamentally sound intelligent basketball player, who loves the game.

Players who practice more and play less will strengthen their fundamentals (4-6 workouts for every game), allow their bodies to rest, and allow a developmental process to flourish, so that they do not get burned out.  Since most players at this point will not follow the model, use games to learn from by studying the film and setting up Game Plans to follow and execute. 




#LFT168  #neveridle

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    https://www.instagram.com/coach_robe/

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    Larry Roberson was born in Akron, Ohio in 1979. Played college basketball and for the IBL.  Coached collegiately and is currently coaching high school basketball in Suitland, MD. Loves the game of basketball and is an innovative coach which strives to learn.

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