Coaching Advice, Part III

Niagara head coach Joe Mihalich does not do the same drill too many days in a row. He believes the players get stale.

New Hanover (NC) head coach Bill Boyette wants his players to "jump to the ball" any time the ball is moved by either pass or dribble. Jumping to the ball allows his team to bump cutters, avoid screens, stop the flash cut and stop dribble-penetration.

Former Georgetown head coach John Thompson believes that if something is not working, change it.

NBA analyst and former coach Hubie Brown believes the game should be played inside out.

Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun wants to play up-tempo basketball. He wants to be able to play ten people and make the other team quit.

Georgia head coach Jim Harrick likes to remember these coaching points: 1) KISS: keep it simple stupid, 2) KYP: know your people, 3) DWW: don’t waste words, and 4) Slippage: things will not run smoothly during a game.

Memphis head coach John Calipari has a desk and a table in his office. When they meet at the desk, the players know they had better listen. If they meet at his table, the players know he is there to listen to them and their concerns.

East Carolina head coach Bill Herrion believes a good post-game will make your perimeter players better.

Defensive field-goal percentage is a primary statistic for Kansas head coach Roy Williams.

Coastal Carolina head coach Pete Strickland wants to finish all possessions in practice with a score.

Tennessee head coach Buzz Peterson likes to run his sideline break early in the game to see if the other team has scouted them.

When coaching, Bill Walsh thinks that anger is acceptable but dangerous. It must be used in small, short doses.

Joe Mahalich warns not to get too caught up in how good a drill is; get caught up in how well you do the drill.

When a player is moving to the wing, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino wants the pass to be on the inside of the cutter’s body. A pass to the inside will help the cutter into the shot.

Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey wants his post players to screen and flash from behind zones.

Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins wants his players to be on the line between their man and the ball. He does not want to give up direct passes and he believes that flat triangles allow direct passes.

Baylor head coach Dave Bliss wants to set standards that challenge his players to be the very best.

As a player and assistant for long-time coach Morgan Wootten, Pete Strickland says one of Wootten’s strengths is being very clear on what he wants.

When taking time of the clock, Maryland head coach Gary Williams likes to run his basic continuity. He believes it is easier for the defense to guard a spread offense.

John Calipari wants his players to understand their role. He will explain their role in front of the team, and he will be sure to include "what’s in it for me."

John Thompson describes his point zone like a wheel. The middle man is the axle, and the others are spokes. The spokes to not cross.

Wisconsin-Green Bay Mike Heideman wants his players to be able to attack and retreat with the basketball.

Dave Bliss wants his players to be confident because they know he is prepared.

Roy Williams has the following goals on defense: steal the ball, force a contested shot, create a fast tempo, and do not allow the opponents to run their offense.

Jim Harrick likes to end practice on a positive note each day.

Dave Bliss tries to take additional interest in his players outside of basketball.

Joe Mahalich wants to get all of his players involved in his drills.

For catching the ball outside the arc, Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette teaches the following: if the pass was from below you, reverse the ball; if the pass is from even or before you, hold the ball; and if the pass comes from a skip pass or dribble penetration, look to shoot or penetrate.

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim does not always front the low post in his zone defense.

Gary Williams’ goal with his press is to physically and mentally wear down his opponents. As long as he is not giving up lay-ups, he is not worried about his press.