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Re: Coach Julz: Offseason?

guest — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:59:45 GMT

I have a younger AAU team...11u (moving to 12U). We've been playing since last October, and recently wound up our 2011 AAU Spring/Summer Session. That is approx. 9 months of basketball. A lot of my guys play football as well, so I take time off with them as a whole, and allow space. Lost are the days when young athletes can focus on multiple sports, and in a lot of ways that is sad. I believe cross-training lends in to overall athleticism. Decisions on which sport a kid wants to focus on, in my opinion, should be made later, and be initiated by the player himself/herself.

The younger guys I coach will be right back on the court, regularly, in October. That is only 2 1/2-3 months away. Those that want to build their games will stay in the gym, and on the court. My son, for instance, plays daily. He does a dribbling routine, and gets up so many "makes" a day. He also runs daily, and does various strength exercises: core work, plyometrics, distance & sprint running, pushups, and pull-ups. I helped him devise the workout plan, but he does these things on his own. He's also going into his last year of recreation (Pee-Wee 11-13 Yr old Division) football. He's also preparing for that, as his interest is beginning to crossover to include the other sport he loves.

I will do open gyms throughout the summer, and get the guys together for some gym time. But, for my younger guys...it's pretty much "see you in late Fall". They need the break. Anything they do between seasons to develop their games, at this point, is better served stemming from their own passion for the sport.

Coach Ison,

http://youthstudentathlete.com

Re: Advanced Ball Handling

guest — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:01:56 GMT

One thing I would like to impress upon young players, and I emphasize regularly with my team and individual players, is the importance of practicing at "game speed". Whether it is shooting, dribbling, etc. you must perform the skill, regularly, at game speed. It is amazing how a player can do 2-ball stationary drills, and single-ball drills, but have a hard time dribbling the length of the court at full speed with their off-hand. The reason is simple....you develop proficiency at what you practice regulary.

Keep working, and learning....and stay motivated.

Teaching Offense....System vs. Sets

guest — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:39:32 GMT

What is the best way to teach offense? What does it mean to truly understand offense? What does true offensive execution look like? The short answers to these questions can be summarized like this: The best way to teach offense is to teach the basic components of offensive basketball (creating space, filling space, delivering the basketball into space & scoring). For players to understand these components, as they relate to offensive execution, means that they are able to recognize how to create proper spacing vs. various types of defenses....instinctively. When players gain this understanding, execution is seamless. Of course, the natural ebb and tide of (flow of the game) will remain. There will be high and low points of execution, and points at which a coach will need to offer much needed third party perspective. Nevertheless, a coach's job is much easier on the back end when he/she takes time on the front end to truly teach offense as a system....a system of spaces, arcs, lines, triangles, and angles....rather than handicapping players with a complicated series of sets. When coaches call plays, what are they really doing. If they do so possession after possession, they are effectively taking the vision of their team away, and asking them to execute on the basis of dictation rather than recognition. I truly believe this. Some of the greatest coaches, the greatest play-callers, had some of the best vision....the best cognitive minds in the game. In any given game....any given stretch....any given season, these coaches' minds could out think the opposing coach and their players. In fairness, great players can and do emerge from these types of systems because they are exposed to these great thinkers...and over time they acquire similar thought processes. Another method that coaches can use is to teach the principles of good offensive execution, and allow a team to execute based on recognition of defenses, and understanding of these principles. This process is timely, and often painstaking. But it can be very rewarding....to the coach and players alike. Not to say that either method is better than the other, but it should be taken into consideration that there are, in fact, two different methods of teaching offense. Perhaps, the coach's personality will dictate which style he/she prefers. Both require lots of patience and a solid foundational understanding of the game. The end results....they can often look the same. Coach Ison http://youthstudentathlete.com

Message was edited by: CoachLarkinIson

Teaching Offense....System vs. Sets

guest — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:34:28 GMT

Teaching Offense....System vs. Sets

By: Larkin Ison

YouthStudentAthlete.com

What is the best way to teach offense? What does it mean to truly understand offense? What does true offensive execution look like? The short answers to these questions can be summarized like this:

The best way to teach offense is to teach the basic components of offensive basketball (creating space, filling space, delivering the basketball into space & scoring). For players to understand these components, as they relate to offensive execution, means that they are able to recognize how to create proper spacing vs. various types of defenses....instinctively. When players gain this understanding, execution is seamless. Of course, the natural ebb and tide of (flow of the game) will remain. There will be high and low points of execution, and points at which a coach will need to offer much needed third party perspective. Nevertheless, a coach's job is much easier on the back end when he/she takes time on the front end to truly teach offense as a system....a system of spaces, arcs, lines, triangles, and angles....rather than handicapping players with a complicated series of sets.

When coaches call plays, what are they really doing. If they do so possession after possession, they are effectively taking the vision of their team away, and asking them to execute on the basis of dictation rather than recognition. I truly believe this. Some of the greatest coaches, the greatest play-callers, had some of the best vision....the best cognitive minds in the game. In any given game....any given stretch....any given season, these coaches' minds could out think the opposing coach and their players. In fairness, great players can and do emerge from these types of systems because they are exposed to these great thinkers...and over time they acquire similar thought processes.

Another method that coaches can use is to teach the principles of good offensive execution, and allow a team to execute based on recognition of defenses, and understanding of these principles. This process is timely, and often painstaking. But it can be very rewarding....to the coach and players alike. Not to say that either method is better than the other, but it should be taken into consideration that there are, in fact, two different methods of teaching offense. Perhaps, the coach's personality will dictate which style he/she prefers. Both require lots of patience and a solid foundational understanding of the game. The end results....they can often look the same.

Coach Ison

http://youthstudentathlete.com

Taking off the Training Wheels....Teaching Offense

guest — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:56:01 GMT

What is the best way to teach offense, in basketball? Let's speak in terms of young teenagers...say ages 12-16. What are coaches in this age range doing to prepare their players for a future in basketball? The answer to that question varies...

In my personal opinion, there are two ways to implement an offense in the sport of basketball. Some coaches build an offense off of plays. Some coaches implement a system, and within the framework of that system create plays. I believe that an intelligent understanding of the game will lead any good coach to implement a system....one that is universal in terminology and detailed aspects of the sports.

Re: Coach Julz: Youth Basic Offense

guest — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:03:52 GMT

I like to introduce the pass and screen away philosophy as a basic premise for, as you say, establishing motion. However, the reason that youth offenses, are as you termed them, BASIC, is that there is just a simple lack of understanding of, as one coach mentioned...floor balance, and spacing. When you are able to maintain floor balance and spacing, it creates SPACE. When you can consistently create space, then you have to begin teaching offensive players how to do what....get into space, and make themselves available for the basketball.

When you simply employ the "screen away" philosophy, over time you begin to recognize players are almost robotic about performing the screen away movement....even when there is a better option, like cutting to the basket. They'll even screen away, and screen nothing....just going through the motions. Looking at that I decided it was time to really teach basketball. if I was going to have wasted movement anyway....just for the sake of motion....I may as well free guys up to move on recognition...recognition of space, opportunity, and floor balance (or lack thereof). NOW...that almost immediately began to throw off continuity, balance, spacing and chemistry, BUT I kept teaching the principles of offense (Spaces, Arcs, Lines, Triangles, Angles) and began to see glimpses of perfection....playing the game off of imposition, tempo, movement, and ultimately recognition....increasing the BASKETBALL IQ.

This is why successful coaches run offensive SYSTEMS. The principles are the same. It is just their own particular mind set, and manner of communication to the team of how to work within the framework of these principles. Plays..........you can draw those up in situations. I'm all for that. But what are you teaching players when you have to dictate movement? Try teaching them movement off of recognition....imposing the offensive will of the team, based on the principles of offense. That is a job....but ultimately it is rewarding...to ALL parties involved.

I'm teaching a 5th grade (going to the 6th) Boys AAU team in this manner as we speak. I don't think the guys are understanding just how much they are learning. Sometimes...lots of times... I still have to holler out "MOVE", "THERE HE IS!!", "CUT", "USE THE PICK". But you know....they are learning the game. I've always said....I wanted my "system" to be a universal vehicle- so that my players can go on to play for ANY coach, and understand basketball terminology, and philosophy....UNDERSTAND IT. Then, and only then, will they TRULY be able to execute.

Think about it.....

Coach Ison

http://youthstudentathlete.com

Re: Coach Julz: Defense First

guest — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:38:13 GMT

Let's be clear....the best Man to Man Defenses look like Zone Defenses. Likewise, the best Zone Defenses look like Man to Man Defenses. Either way, Defense is built on the principles of effort, awareness, communication, and help.

I agree, teaching Man to Man is an absolute coaching necessity. It is NOT easy to teach! But newer coaches don't understand that until they begin teaching it. Frankly, the ability to go Man to Man is entirely dependent on the skill level of your team, and the skill level of your opponent. You can be pro-Man to Man all day long, BUT...there are teams that will expose your inability to defend them 1 on 1. Period! Therefore, as you are teaching one....you must be teaching/introducing the other.

With my team, an 11U/5th Grade team, we are WAY more creative Defensively than Offensively. We Press Full Court in Man to Man face and inbounds deny; we Press Full Court in 1-2-1-1 and 2-2-1 sets; we Press 3/4 Court in a 1-2-1-1 setup; we use Full Court Man to Man basic (no gambling....just sound defense....which can really frustrate teams); we run 1/2 ourt Man, 1/2 court 3-2, 1/2 Court 3-2 matchup Zone, and 1/2 Court 2-3. We also get creative on inbounds plays, typically matching up, and sometimes collapsing whatever zone we are in....just giving different looks.

I agree with Coach Julz....DEFENSE FIRST! Especially if you like transition. You know, basketball is basketball. You have to defend, and you have to embrace the transition that comes off of good defense. And, too.....there's sooooooo much more!

Coach Ison

http://youthstudentathlete.com

Re: Getting Involved

guest — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:13:57 GMT

JT:

Congratulations on finishing school & best of luck w/ Law School!

The 1st thing I would decide is what facet of youth basketball you wish to get involved with. Much of that will have to do with your own level of expertise, time and availability, and simply what level of youth player you wish to work with. Your options will be as follows:

- Recreation League

- Travel League (i.e. AAU, YBOA, etc.)

- School Basketball

If you want a more generalized interaction with youth, with basketball as a vehicle for that interaction, choose a recreation league such as Boys/Girls Club, a church sponsored league, etc. Here, you may find a few serious basketball players, and most others just looking to stay actively involved in a positive outlet.

As you get into your travel leagues, things get more serious, and you are dealing with both players and parents that are looking to stay active, get better, face tough competition and really grow in the game. This facet of youth basketball is both challenging and time consuming. It can also be costly. You have to go into it with a financial game plan, and some kind of link to local talent. You will also need to be able to establish a solid network of regional contacts (coaches, administrators, etc.) so that you can stay abreast of tournaments and events. Lastly, practice facilities can become an issue here, as gym time is a premium. Unless you join an already established organization, you will have to find a gym(s) to use for practice. This can cost $$.

Finally, as you mentioned, you may want to try to establish a position helping a local school basketball team (middle or high school). If you've got the resume, are outgoing, and can sell your passion....go for it.

I serve as a Basketball Commissioner for a local recreation basketball association. I've coached recreation basketball for 5 years, and just this year established my own AAU Basketball organization- North Alabama Flight (for info SEE: YouthStudentAthlete.com). This experience has been both demanding and rewarding. One thing I've found is that my time in the recreation leagues has helped me get access to much of the local talent, and form an extensive network with other coaches and organizations. This is crucial as far as keeping my nose to the grind, and keeping the team active.

No matter what...just love what you do, and care for those that you serve. It will ultimately be a success, if you take your knocks and keep your nose to the grind.

Good Luck,

Coach Ison

http://youthstudentathlete.com

Re: Who do you think will be the 2011-2012 NBA Champions?

guest — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:29:05 GMT

I would have to go w/ the Los Angeles Lakers. I really feel like the entire team philosophy, and overall chemistry had been starting to stale under the legendary coach, Phil Jackson. With looming health problems and various limitations with regards to his involvement with the team, frankly, Phil was no longer able to energize his team as he once could. Sadly, yet inevitably as most teams do, the team became an extension of their coach. But in this case, that reality was tired, unmotivated, and not entirely focused...it happens. With various personnel changes creating a mixture of youth and verteran experience, a unique and high voltage energy source was/is needed for the team. Phil was no longer it.

Distractions overwhelmed the Lakers this season....all the way up until they were swept by the eventual 2011 NBA Champions, the Dallas Mavericks. Even during the course of the regular season, they were inconsistent in their focus, which is evident by their losing streaks....the longest ever recorded during the Phil Jackson era. Alas, the teams lack of focus and chemistry led to a summer hiatus...an early vacation. Undoubtedly, the "Black Mamba" will be poised to return to MVP form. He had time to watch the team that put the Lakers out of the playoffs dawn the crown, all while watching the his long time counter-part, Shaquille Oneal, retire. I think Kobe understands the dynamics of his and the Lakers' situation. The time is now. With a new, young, energetic, experienced, driven coach, they have their battery pack. I believe that will be enough.