Vintage Hoop Notes

What a Coach Can Teach a Teacher

A Lifetime of Learning with Coach John Wooden

I ran into Ernie Vanderwegh, Kiki's father, at a basketball camp a while back and mentioned to him that I had wanted to send a message to Coach Wooden for quite a while and he encouraged me to do so. I was always concerned with the time Coach spent on matters such as this and felt needed to have some time to himself just to concentrate on his declining health. I never sent that message that would have been one of hundreds like my own - although now I suspect he knows the draft has been on my computer for some time.This is the Wooden I grew up with, giving instruction, with rolled up program, to players listening intently in a huddle - and the team then proceeding to execute to perfection. I graduated from an L.A. area high school in 1976 (go ahead - do the math), so my entire basketball youth was during the string of UCLA championships from '64-'75. The first basketball game I remember seeing on TV was a televised Bruin game from the Astrodome when UCA took on Elvin Hayes and the Houston Cougars. Later I remember a game on ABC vs Purdue, starring Rick Mount that was Alcindor's final game when I was 9 years old. As a freshman point guard in high school I wore #43 because I loved the way Greg Lee would pass to Bill Walton (although I snuck in some baggy socks to pay homage to Pistol Pete). We ran a play called "UCLA" based on their High Post Offense and ran our version of their vaunted 2-2-1-1 Full-Court Zone Press. UCLA's final championship in Wooden's last season occurred as I was preparing for my final year of high school basketball. Coach Wooden and "the UCLA Way" was imprinted in my basketball DNA.

In college one of the biggest Influences on my style of coaching was one of the very first papers I wrote as a Physical Education major on an article by Tharp and Gallimore titled , "What a Coach Can Teach a Teacher". The article was in Psychology Today and Tharp and Gallimore were Educational Psychologists - so it didn't have a typical "jock" spin to the research. It contained a chart of over 2,000+ observed acts of teaching, verbal and non-verbal, during the '74-'75 season (of which no one knew it would be his last). I then took that chart and recorded my own coaching techniques to develop a similar set of statistics for comparison. BOY, did I have a long ways to go!

However, it gave me some guidelines - a template of what a Master Teacher on the basketball court would look like. The importance of providing information, the concept of scold/reinstruct, and the technique of praise-reinstruct-motivate stuck with me for a long time. My son became a coach and in college wrote a paper on Tharp & Gallimore's follow up 25 years later. I picked up a 1st Edition copy of Coach's book "Practical Modern Basketball" and became a student, which is still applicable today -although some terminology has changed a bit. I've developed quite a collection of Wooden's books, which I'll highlight sometime in the near future.

I eventually was fortunate enough to have worked Coach Wooden's final basketball camp at Cal Lutheran University, when then owner of SportsWorld Camps, Max Shapiro, coaxed him into "one more", from what I remember, in order to start a trust fund for a soon-to-be-born grandchild. Of course the first thing Coach did at camp was to have the kids (and Coaches) sit down and teach them how to put on their socks and tie their shoes - with a full explanation of why it is important to do so. As I watch the Lakers on TV now, I remember Luke and Nathan Walton as youngsters and Bill limping around after one of his many surgeries to fuse an ankle. Because I wanted to soak as much of greatness in as I could, I would walk with Nate's camp coach (who was in our division) and we'd accompany Bill to the dining hall. So I was always last for every meal - but to hear Walton talk so glowingly about Coach Wooden was priceless.

Because my goal was to make the most of the week, it was imperative to take Coach Wooden up on his offer of breakfast with the staff every morning in the dining hall at 6:45 AM. Coach would tell all the stories we've read in books, but it was something special to hear him tell them in person, just dripping with wisdom. Most of the "seasoned" coaches led by Mike Kundstat and our camp director, Tom Gregory worked Coaches camp year after year and would be there every morning. I wonder if that's what guys call me now... "seasoned? I digress. Kundstat, from Texas, and others from out of state would bring their entire families to stay in the little dorm rooms. The families enjoyed a California vacation while the coaches enjoyed camp and learned so much along the way. Of course, us younger coaches also had to enjoy the "night life" in the area. The week really drove home the adage "you cant hoot with the owls, if you want to soar with the eagles!"

At the end of camp Coach Wooden took time with every camper and coach to take photo's and sign memorabilia. It wasn't until this final day that I realized that after this whole week of giving so much to the campers and coaches - Coach Wooden had been retired from UCLA for 17 years and was 82 years young! Coach signed my copy of "They Call Me Coach" with the inscription,

"Thanks for taking an interest in this coach"

The humility and gratitude behind his "..taking an interest" inscription has been a cornerstone of my approach throughout my 25+years. Of course I would take an interest. Since then there is nothing like being around wise people. I'm hoping some of it sunk in at least through osmosis.

Coach also signed two copies of the Pyramid of Success one for me and one for my son, coming with the inscription,

"Shawn, Best Wishes. John Wooden"

At age 10, it was nice for Dad to bring something home but it lived on a shelf surrounded by Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, as a high school basketball coach himself, it hangs framed near the entry way of his house, as he and his wife expect their first child.

Of course the Pyramid has been a guideline for every team that I've ever coached. After winning a CIF Championship at our Ring Ceremony, each of the 15 members of the team received a copy and their own corresponding "block" of the Pyramid representing which characteristic they contributed to the group. Each coach was "awarded" a quality from the mortars, which I believe are all too overlooked by others, in your Pyramid. Amazingly we had members that covered all of the qualities in the Pyramid, and that is what contributed to our achievement.

Powerpoint Pyramid

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Now, as the Lead Trainer for Positive Coaching Alliance, we teach the principles that Coach Wooden lived by. He was truly what we call a Double-Goal Coach - one who prepares his team to do their best in the quest for victory, but never forgetting the larger goal of teaching life-lessons along the way. We talk about the "Magic Ratio" of 5 positives to every 1 criticism or correction. While coach wasn't prone to lavish praise in it's most simplistic form, the research of Tharp and Gallimore proved that all of his negative "criticisms and/or corrections" totaled 17% - precisely 5:1. Coach Wooden explained this during some conversations and interviews by pointing out he would "praise" his substitutes" more than his starters - "they get enough praise in the newspapers" and pointed out every time they heard their name announced in the starting lineup or hear the cheers of the crowd it "Filled their Emotional Tanks", if I could use PCA lingo. Coach also said, over one of those early morning breakfasts in the Cal Lutheran cafeteria that, "Teaching a student (or a player) gives an implied confidence that you have the belief that they can accomplish the task." So Coach taking the time to give information was a "Tank-Filler" in itself.

All I know, is that anytime I'm walking anywhere and greeted by students, players or colleagues, past or present, I think of Coach Wooden whenever *They Call Me "Coach"*.Coach Wooden - Thanks for everything - you've made so many of us what we are. I'm sure as you got to the Pearly Gates to be with Nell, their first words were "Well done."
And I will always try to live by another "Wooden-ism"

"I'm not what I should be, I'm not what I want to be, I'm not what I'm going to be, I'm not what I could be, but I am better than I used to be."

Vintage Hoop Notes

Here is a new feature that should be interesting. From time to time I'll scan some old hoop notes and post them. One - it will be fun to share and two - it will force me to go over some of my old stuff. If you've been coaching for a while you probably have a veritable clinic in your file cabinet. Take out a folder now and then and "re-learn"

Alvin Gentry Conditioners

(from Self-Improvement Clinic, 1987)
If you have any questions about the individual drills go ahead and comment and I'll explain.

ZONE OFFENSIVE PRINCIPLES

Zone defenses, at times, are our biggest nightmare. I heard Larry Brown (College and NBA Head Coach) once say that when he plays a zone defense he feels the other team will make EVERY outside shot, and when the opponent plays a zone he thinks his team will NEVER make an outside shot. I feel the same way sometimes. Players need to understand WHY they are attacking a zone in a particular way. Concentrate on the SKILLS of the game, not just SYSTEMS. Understand these "principles" not just running "the play". A good grasp of some of the following zone offensive "habits" will put your mind at ease. A little bit.
To start your zone offense it is a good idea to get in a "GAP ALIGNMENT". Against an even front zone (2-1-2, or 2-3) get in an odd front set (1-3-1,1-2-2 or 1-4). Against an odd front zone, get in an even front set. This is to make two defenders think about which one should guard you. If a defender is in a direct line between you and the basket-MOVE. Basically, put players where the defense isn’t.

Try to get some GAP PENETRATION. Dribble into a gap, dish to the basket or kick out to a shooter but look to pass to where the defender comes from. Only dribble to improve a passing angle into the post. The second time a player touches the ball on a possession is a good time to look for this type of penetration.

Move the ball and move players to DISTORT THE ZONE. Dribble drag a defender, drive a gap, improve passing angles, screen, skip, swing, cut, flash, or overload to shift the zone. FREEZE THE ZONE by taking 1 or 2 dribbles AT a defender-pass or kick it to the perimeter. After the zone has shifted-use pass fakes & shot fakes.

Remember the 3 D’s-Drive, Draw, Dish. Inside players should look to SEAL THE ZONE. After the zone has shifted the posts can seal high or low IF the defense is INSIDE the offense. Reseal the next man in the zone after the defender BREAKS the seal.

MAKE THE ZONE RUN via the PASS, move the ball quickly-don‘t hold it any longer than a ball fake, seal, skip, and swing. Show some PATIENCE AGAINST THE ZONE. Move the ball, move players, look for cutters, check all options-in order. Take the high percentage shots that you want to take WHEN you want to take them.

However, the best way to combat a zone defense may be to BEAT THE ZONE UP THE FLOOR. Defensive rebound & run your fast break and attack on offense before the zone even gets set.

Respect Yourself

Players should Respect Themselves by living up to their high standards of performance & behavior-even when others aren't http://is.gd/ck6GqSat May 22 07:12:28 via TweetDeckRay Lokar
CoachLok

Vintage Hoop Notes

Here is a new feature that should be interesting. From time to time I'll scan some old hoop notes and post them. One - it will be fun to share and two - it will force me to go over some of my old stuff. If you've been coaching for a while you probably have a veritable clinic in your file cabinet. Take out a folder now and then and "re-learn"

INDIVIDUAL PERMITER WORKOUT

If you have any questions about the individual drills go ahead and comment and I'll explain.

The Tribe Has Spoken

I'll admit it - I'm a "Survivor" junkie. First of all, I'm a sucker for any kind of competition, and the team and physical challenges are usually pretty creative and typically quite grueling. As exciting as the challenges are the group dynamics and social interaction is just as intriguing. Plus - there's always a "basketball type" challenge every season.
The fact that you compete against a group that determines who might be sent home then have to decide who to vote off all while creating alliances that could help you now - or later in the game. Winning individual challenges down the stretch gives survivors immunity from being voted out during crucial "Tribal Councils." The irony is that the competitors that you vote to send home are also the ones that sit on a jury that decides the ultimate winner. While some players resort to lying or going back on their word during a vote to advance in the game, the trend has been for the jury is to vote for the player that played the most "honorable" game. This has created some winners that haven't necessarily "played the game", but have flown under the radar, ridden some coattails and essentially... "Survived."

Now the motto of Survivor is to "Outplay-Outwit-Outlast"and while the first two are important, I suppose the last one is the most important. What concerns me a lot after the last two seasons is the public's voting on their "Favorite Survivor." The past two seasons the public's vote has NOT recognized those that have played "honorably" and have instead awarded a Survivor that has deceived, lied, threatened, and verbally abused tribe members. I hope it is not a trend in society that we respect those traits and poor sportsmanship... or maybe he was just a player "you loved to hate."

Vintage Hoop Notes

Here is a new feature that should be interesting. From time to time I'll scan some old hoop notes and post them. One - it will be fun to share and two - it will force me to go over some of my old stuff. If you've been coaching for a while you probably have a veritable clinic in your file cabinet. Take out a folder now and then and "re-learn"

INDIVIDUAL POST WORKOUT

If you have any questions about the individual drills go ahead and comment and I'll explain.

THE DRIBBLE WEAVE - BASKETBALL`S RETRO OFFENSE"

Just like fashions and furnishings, certain basketball strategies travel in cycles and make a comeback every now and then. In the 60`s the Boston Celtics (and even the Harlem Globetrotters) made the dribble weave a very popular offense. With the advent of the passing game dribbling was discouraged and the weave went by the wayside. When defenses started to really pressure passes, dribble penetration became a major strategy again - hence the return of the dribble weave and the importance of the Dribble Handoff. Dribble Handoffs (DHO`s) when properly executed, are very similar to the pick and roll. The major difference is that the "pick" is essentially being executed by the player with the ball. What makes this most effective is how do you call an "illegal screen" on the player with the ball?

When the DHO is executed correctly, and most effectively, the dribbler should dribble directly at the defender of his teammate who will receive the handoff. While that is happening the receiver of the handoff should take a couple of hard steps in the opposite direction to divert his defenders attention and "set him up". Prior to any contact, the dribbler should come to a jump stop and execute a 1/4 reverse pivot holding the ball "on a platter"(with the palm up) for the cutter to accept the handoff. The dribbler, essentially, is setting a screen on the defender. As in using a screen, the player receiving the handoff should try to cut very close to the dribbler and leave no room for his defender to squeeze thru.

Accepting the handoff is an art in itself. To avoid any possibility of the ball slipping thru the receivers hand and to be best suited to handle the basketball, the hand closest to the dribbler should be behind the ball. To do this the receivers elbow should be tight to the body and by the hip with the fingers facing upward. Now the player simply allows those skyward fingers to accept the ball off of the "platter".

These skills should not be taken for granted and should be incorporated into any DHO drill that you may do. Common mistakes such as the dribbler "shoving" the ball into the gut of his teammate like a football handoff, the receiver trying to put a hand on each side of the basketball, or the dribbler just leaving the dribble behind to be picked up could result in the basketball being mishandled and lead to unnecessary turnovers.

When executed properly, the DHO can be added to the backdoor and the pick and roll as valuable counters to denied passes and a great misdirection play to incorporate into any offense.

Alvin Gentry thinks "Mistakes are OK"

"Be aggressive. you make a couple mistakes - that's fine... just be agressive!"

Is this the "ME" you want them to see?

Athletes - are we seeing the "ME" you want us to see? http://chir.ps/4SYless than a minute ago via TweetDeckRay Lokar
CoachLok

Structuring Your Practice

The will to prepare is more important than the will to win.- - Bob Knight

The following practice structure chart helps the coach cover the all aspects of the game and ensures that they are emphasized accordingly. Listed in columns are things that we do every day, every other day, skills and strategies that are covered weekly, or just occasionally. What the drills are, specifically, isn't as important as having your favorite drills organized in a similar way.

Using a daily practice plan ensures that you’ll be prepared throughout practice. I like something simple with a place to draw diagrams if necessary. Try to adhere to the time as much as possible. Avoid going too long on a drill in an attempt to “get it right”. Sometimes going longer actually makes it worse. At times it’s better to just move on to the next item and come back to the next practice. I’d make a seasons worth of copies, with this Daily Practice Structure on the back. Looking at them in a 3-Ring binder, I’\d have the Structure on one page and the Plan on the other for easy planning. After practice I could then make notes for the next practice

Practice structure

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During the PRE-PRACTICE segment, as players walk into the gym they get a basketball and do some individual ballhandling. Once they have a partner, they go to a basket and begin a shooting progression starting from in close.

A WALK-THRU follows going 1/2 speed and working on footwork, timing and execution. This is the time when the players minds are the most fresh and they should be able to absorb more information. This time typically involves more talking and instruction using the time before the body of practice is most efficient. Take precautions that this does not become competitive because players are not properly warmed up.

For WARM UP I prefer to gradually ease into a practice. After the ballhandling, shooting, and walk thru a series of footwork and passing drills is good to get the players moving and ready to compete. By this time players are in a full sweat and should work on fundamentals of offense & defense at game speed .

The FACTORY is where we go to work every day to improve our fundamentals and build our game. We do a variety of 3-5 minute drills in small groups at a very intense pace. This is most effective with supervision at each basket. Coaches should be active and motivating throughout the factory to keep the players working hard and executing properly. Anytime these drills can be made to simulate a game situation the players will benefit.

When SHOOTING, it’s important to shoot game shots from game spots at game speed. A variety of competitive shooting drills is good to keep the players fresh and motivated, but try not to fall into the trap of spending too much time “teaching” drills instead of skills.

During TEACHING segments we stop play for most teaching points and corrections. We really work on execution during these times. Slippage should not be tolerated and perfection is the goal.

The last part of practice consists of a series of COMPETITIVES that simulate game situations. We try to let them play and not stop for corrections too much. If any teaching is needed, we will sub and correct the players on the side. This way there is more continuity and flow. Winners get a drink, others condition.

It may be best to use CONDITIONERS during the body of practice, and with a ball, then players don't "save themselves" for the sprints after practice. Using them after competitive drills tends to make players a little more conscious of the score and provides an opportunity to reward winners with a little less running. Practicing free throws after conditioning is very game like and simulates shooting when fatigued, as in a game.

It’s important to periodically work on SPECIAL SITUATIONS covering various game situations and conditions. That way players are prepared for anything that may occur and be ready for most time and score scenarios.

The single most important thing for a coach to stress on any interscholastic team is the student/athletes’ ACADEMIC PERFORMACE. REVIEW FOLDERS will help keep track of every players progress. Each player could have a personal folder containing information on class schedule, grades and standardized test scores. A coach can update 2 or 3 players folder’s a day simply by asking players about their tests, assignments, projects, attendance, and behavior. By the end of the week each athlete will have had at least one conversation with a coach about the players grades.