What can be gained by reading "Play Their Hearts out" by George Dohrmann ?

A good friend of mine on Twitter is Clarence Gaines, a former scout and front office exec with the Bulls in their heyday. Clarence also the son of Clarence "Big House" Gaines, Hall of Fame coach at Winston-Salem. @cgrock24 , as he is known on Twitter, offers some great insight on the book "Play Their Hearts out" by George Dohrmann.

@cgrock24 said:

"Finished "Play Their Hearts out" by @georgedohrmann What can be gained by reading this book? If you're a parent of a talented basketball player, it's a must read. You'll learn a lot about the pitfalls of youth basketball and the importance of shepherding your child through this maze of deceit, corruption and confusion.

Hopefully, readers will understand the folly that is grassroots basketball and how it's not a necessity in the middle or early high school years to expose your child to the endless stream of games that are a part of travel team basketball." ...read the rest here

Hula Hoop Offense

When I used to coach my daughters youth team , we ran a 5 out offense with alot of give & gos, pick and rolls, and backdoor cuts. I used an interesting teaching technique with this young team that provided a nice visual guideline for spacing.

To teach them proper positioning and spacing I put 5 "hula hoops" on the floor (point, 2 wings, and 2 short corners) and made a girl stand in each one. The object would be to have the hoops next to the ball filled at all times.The girl with the ball would pass and then cut to the basket, looking for a give & go, thus leaving her "hula hoop" open.

The player closest to that open hoop must v-cut and fill that hoop, leaving her hoop open. The player next to an open hoop must fill that hoop. Eventually the 1st cutter ends up filling an open hoop in the weakside short corner. All the players have to do is look around for the closest "open hula hoop".

If you have a cutter that is especially adept at inside play, they can pause in the post and really "post-up" for a count of two before looking to fill the open hoop. Teammates should be encouraged to pay attention to this situation and be a little more deliberate on the perimeter while trying to post a player who has an advantage.

If you did not catch the ball by the count of 2 in a hoop the player should cut to the basket (backdoor) and then the same rules apply. The player with the ball should look for the 1) shot, then the 2) drive, then 3) cutters, then 4) the next open player.

Another "pressure release" that can be added is if a ballhandler dribbles AT a teammate - that teammate cuts backdoor. There will always be a cutter to the basket, and an open hoop somewhere to fill

As they got better we allowed them to go ball screen and run pick & rolls using the same rules - the only difference is the dribbler replaces the screener, the "roller" to the basket is the cutter - and the sequence continues. Or you may leave that part out entirely.

I guess chalk marks or poly spots would work but the hula hoops got the girls attention and did provide that really obvious visual. I've since used them in some elementary PE classes and it has been a big hit.

This 'Hula-Hoop Offense is featured in a segment on "The Fundamentals Factory" DVD set, available at Championship Productions.

Phil Jackson on Building Teams

This is a great podcast featuring Jim Thompson, who talks with NBA coaching great and Positive Coaching Alliance National Spokesperson Phil Jackson, who shares his insights on how to build a true community within teams, finding voice for star players
while encouraging role players to embrace their vital place on any successful team. Phil also shares his philosophy on balancing talent versus effort, the role of rivalries to motivate teams, and how to extend the lessons of sports beyond the court.

You can download the podcast or the transcript of the interview here:

Spurs SLOB

( That's Sideline Out-of-Bounds )

It's always a good idea to keep a pad & pencil handy when watching a game. As I was cleaning out my desk, I came across an old pad of paper. Here's a Sideline Out-of Bounds play I jotted down while watching the Spurs this past season. They are one of the best teams in the NBA with Special Situations after time-outs.

"Can I have a penny?"

I remember a comic strip, I think it was Frank & Ernest, where one of them was praying and said "God,how long is a million years? "A voice from above said, "To me, it’s about a minute." The man asked, "God,how much is a million dollars? "The voice bellowed, "To me, its a penny. "In the next frame the man smiled and asked, "God, can I have a penny? "God answered, "In a minute."

I think of this all the times when something doesn't seem to be happening on MY schedule or as fast as I want it to. In the coaching profession so many coaches are looking for that next job, or how to "move up". Life's not always on OUR schedule. Keep working. Do the right thing. Make the big time wherever you are. Be patient. Have faith.
An often overlooked feature of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success are the sides of the Pyramid - which is the mortar that holds the 15 blocks together. Notice the mortar at the top of the Pyramid is "Patience" and "Faith"

My take on 86,400 Seconds

People all around the world have different lives, different, jobs, different cars, different homes - but we all have one thing the same and that is TIME. Every day- everyone has the same amount of time. 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day. 86,400 seconds. How those 86.400 seconds are used often defines ou lives.Now, one of Coach Wooden's most famous quotes is,"Don't mistake activity for achievement." Many folks get caught up in going, going, going and "appear" really busy. Often times those people are in a a hurry - and we all know to "Be Quick - but Don't Hurry". I See people rushing around all the time because they are in one of two extremes. They either lack planning or preparation and "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." At times they are at the other extreme where they micro-manage and work far harder than they need to. The key is to work smarter, and that often involves organization.

Sometimes it is important in the organization process to stop and think. Take the time to develop your thoughts and plan accordingly. Slowing down to think makes some people uncomfortable because they feel like they aren't doing something. Many times when I'm reading, browsing, or even "tweeting" I'll be asked what I'm doing. I do those things because I like to know stuff. I guess formally they'd call that learning and education. That accumulation of knowledge, while folly to some, is preparation to me. I'm not always sure what - but I have faith that someday - that knowledge, however trivial it may seem, may come in handy at some point and I want to be prepared for that. Abe Lincoln said

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

I look at these times simply as "sharpening the axe". If more people spent time "sharpening the axe" it might be easier to "chop down their tree". Metaphorically speaking, of course. So we need to train ourselves to accept the fact that just thinking is good. There have been plenty of recent studies that show this may be your most productive time.One of the most oft-repeated quotes comes from Bill Bradley, star NBA guard for the Knicks and American Politician who quoted in his book Values of the Game,

Somewhere someone is practicing. If you're not and you meet them in competition, all other things being equal, you will lose!

I’m wondering if MAYBE the following statement is just as true...

Somewhere, someone is resting and recovering. That will revitalize them to the point when they take the court again, they will work harder, longer, and with more focus . This periodization of training leads to a more productive practice regimen. And when and you meet them in competition, all other things being equal, you will lose!

I think the same thing applies to our work and our everyday lives.

The key may be to look at work just like training. You can't go 100% all the time. There needs to be some "periodization" involved. So whatever you're doing, whether it's working, recovering, or "sharpening the axe" - do so with a purpose. And put all 86,400 seconds to good use.

"If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With sixty seconds' worth of distance run - Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it..." --Rudyard Kipling's "IF"

Coach Wooden: One-on-One

Need a summer improvement program? Do mine w/me in honor of Coach John Wooden. Pick up a copy of Coach Wooden:One-on-One. It's a 60-day devotional reading.
Each day starts with a 1-page Guiding Principle presented by Coach Wooden and a supporting scripture from the Good Book Coach drank most deeply from. A former UCLA assistant, and co-author of the book, Jay Carty then presents a 1-page message.

I hope it will be a discussion starter for the rest of each day on how it impacts our coaching, our daily lives, and what we can do better. Beginning Saturday July 3rd I will start every day at 6 AM PST and Tweet the subject and the scripture Coach & Jay have chosen, maybe followed by a commment/question. ( you can follow me at http://www.twitter.com/CoachLok )

I'll create a list of everyone contributing so you could follow the list too. If we "hashtag" each "tweet" with #JW1on1 it will create a searchable database of related posts.

The rest is up to us.

Coach John Wooden 1910-2010

If you haven't picked up a Los Angeles Times today (6/13/10) you are missing out on a great John Wooden commemorative section.Take a look.

The life of John Wooden, 1910 - 2010 - More The Indianapolis Star Galleries

View this gallery at The Indianapolis Star: The life of John Wooden, 1910 - 2010

John Wooden: Before UCLA

The early Years

Martinsville, and a star forms

Nell, Purdue, and a coaching career begins

South Bend, pro basketball, and the war

Indiana State, breaking the racial barrier and farewell

John Wooden Reading List

At almost every speaking engagement I have I find myself asking the room full of coaches, "are their any John Wooden fans in the room?" Invariably I'm shocked that everyones hand does not skyrocket upward immediately. In the years that number is dwindling. I'm hoping that with Coach's passing, younger coaches will be called to do some research into the best coach of all-time, in any sport.

You can start with this reading list of books by, and about, Coach John Wooden.

A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring
Adventure Underground (Inch and Miles) D2 Children's book
Be Quick But Don't Hurry
Coach Wooden One on One: Inspiring Conversations on Purpose, Passion and the Pursuit of Success
Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks For a Better Life
Coach Woodens Leadership Game Plan for Success:12 Lessons for Extraordinary Performance & Personal Excellence
Fiesta - Children's book
Heroes of Beesville - Children's book
Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success - Children's book
John Wooden's UCLA Offense: Special Book/DVD Package
My Personal Best : Life Lessons from an All-American Journey
Practical Modern Basketball
The Essential Wooden: A Lifetime of Lessons on Leaders and Leadership
They Call Me Coach
Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court
This one will be released in SEPTEMBER!
The Wisdom of Wooden: A Century of Family, Faith, and Friends

This one is not by Coach Wooden, but it is a collection of his quotes and "Wooden-isms"
Quotable Wooden by John Reger

John Wooden Tribute

FoxSports West has a nice compilation of articles, videos, and galleries you can view here, with the topics below
John Wooden's legacy has been a great weight on his successors - LA Times
Video: Wooden: Much more than just a coach
Above all else, John Wooden's selflessness stands out - LA Times
Denny Crum: He Was My Coach, Mentor, Brother, Father...
Dan Guerrero: Remember His Humility, His Integrity
Dick Enberg: Wooden's Greatness Exceeded by His Goodness
Video: The Wizard preached loved and patience
Video: Stars stand in awe of the legendary coach Wooden
John Wooden was a man of his time, and for all time
John Wooden was a man of his time, and for all time - LA Times
Readers pay tribute to John Wooden - LA Times
John Wooden's championship years at UCLA - LA Times
Mark Kreigel: Integrity R.I.P.
Bill Walton: Coach Made the World a Better Place
John Wooden was an icon to ex-Mavericks assistant Del Harris
A blue streak: When UCLA won 88 consecutive games - LA Times
Wooden could touch lives over coffee and eggs
John Wooden's words live on in the hearts of his admirers - LA Times
Former players, including Walton, Hazzard and Goodrich, release statements on passing of Wooden - LA Times
Bill Macdonald: Fortunate to Have Been Touched By Greatness
Reaction to John Wooden's death
Matt 'Money' Smith: Wooden Was True Measure of a Man
Wooden Was True Measure of a Man
John Wooden dies at 99; UCLA basketball coach won 10 national titles - LA Times
Quotes: 'Woodenisms' from the legendary coach - LA Times
Video: Wooden made players better men
Video: Wooden breeds success
Video: Wooden Was a Coach, Teacher and Friend
Video: Wooden Was Greatness that Intersected with Goodness
Video: Wooden Made Each Day His Masterpiece
Video: No Wizard, But Wooden was Magical
UCLA students mourn John Wooden's death - LA Times
Timeline: John Wooden, 1910-2010 - LA Times
John Wooden's pyramid stands test of time - LA Times
Legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden Hospitalized in Grave Condition - LA Times

Vintage Hoop Notes

What a Coach Can Teach a Teacher