These are some ideas that I’ve heard in the past and came true this season. Some are issues that I learned throughout the school year. This is just my opinion after this year. I hope this may help you in the future.

1. Teach kids how to play not how to run a play.
2. Less is more.
3. KISS – keep it simple stupid.
4. You don’t need 800 offenses or defenses.
5. Dribble penetration kills breaks down any defense.
6. Drive and kick is the main offense in college.
7. Have to get good shots and make good shots.
8. Need second shots to win.
9. Get to the free throw line and score.
10. Go inside when you need to score and in crunch time.
11. Change defenses out of all time-outs and subs.
12. Offense/Defense substitutions based on free throw shooters and defenders.
13. The team needs to be unselfish.
14. Have to play very hard and tough.
15. Need guys that can dribble/pass/shoot
16. 22-2 philosophy: 22 hours out of the day conduct yourself with class, be polite, and a mature adult…2 hours a day be an attack dog on the court…the players really bought into this.
17. Need to be organized on what you want to teach.
18. Player’s have a difficult time with constant change because it confuses them.
19. Don’t assume anything.
20. Just because you know how to doesn’t mean they do.
21. If they don’t do what you ask they sit or run.
22. Can’t shoot to many game speed/spot/ shots.
23. Need an inside presence.
24. If you want a jump shot throw it inside and pass it back out.
25. Play the post players best shoulder.
26. Don’t extend the defense when you don’t need to.
27. Keep the man in front of you when guarding the ball.
28. No dribble drives.
29. Defense has to talk.
30. Offense has to talk.
31. Trail all shooters.
32. Know what you can and can’t do…and do what you can.
33. Plays don’t win…players do.
34. Little things can add up very quick.
35. Leave it on the floor not off.
36. All players react in different ways.
37. Don’t ever grab a player in the game.
38. Cussing isn’t the answer.
39. Yelling isn’t coaching.
40. Take the ball away from the best player.
41. Teams don’t prepare for junk.
42. Don’t stand for longer than 3 seconds on offense.
43. Standing allows the defense to rest and guard more than one.
44. There is nothing wrong with a simple offense with 2-3 rules.
45. The more players think the slower their feet and minds get.
46. Kids that don’t go to class won’t get it done on the court…. CANCER!
47. It’s never as bad as it seems and never as good as it seems.
48. The tape doesn’t lie…show players using tape.
49. No player makes a mistake on purpose.
50. If your not consumed by the job…you won’t win.
51. Everyone likes to hear positive things and that they did a good job.
52. Coaches and players hate to be told everything they did wrong and never right.
53. Save everything because you’ll need it… trust me.
54. Rather be safe than sorry.
55. If it’s a burden get out and do something else.
56. Don’t be afraid to chop down a tree to save the forest.
57. Officials don’t lose games.
58. Use your time-outs wisely.
59. Always replace a drive looking for a shot.
60. Player’s input is important because they are the ones who are playing.
61. You need to say NO.
62. Little kids love to come to games and meet players.
63. Healthy bodies = healthy minds.
64. Alcohol will not wear off quickly.
65. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
66. If you make a bet that the losers run…make them run.
67. Players will compete harder using time and clock.
68. No dribble on offense will make you screen better and protect the ball.
69. Don’t react on initial emotion sit back and think about how you should handle the situation.
70. Player’s forget a lot quicker than coaches do.
71. Don’t beat a dead horse.
72. It’s not an issue unless you bring it up.
73. Players want to be heard and need people to talk to about life situations.
74. If you don’t feel like going in the gym constantly, try another job.
75. Players need to eat. Don’t save your budget to starve your kids.
76. Always get recruits email address.
77. If a player is not home leave a message and tell them to return the call to let you know that they got the message.
78. Players don’t care about your past and your stories…they care about what you can do for them now and in the future.
79. Take some time off and relax to refresh your thoughts.
80. Players will lie about their grades to make you not worry about them.
81. Double-check everything.
82. You don’t have to do everything for them. They’re adults and can handle it.
83. If you like to practice early I think you have to do it constantly, not just one day.
84. Give them a break away from you.
85. Read their eyes and their step before the game.
86. Block out the weak side when playing zone.
87. Don’t reach if your playing behind in the post…it’s a foul every time.
88. Live close to your job...
89. Always count your basketballs…they seem to disappear sometimes.
90. Don’t give college players the scouting report 10 minutes before you warm up.
91. Go Inside as much as you can.
92. Force the worst shot and take away the easy one.
93. Have to run at shooters and make them put it on the floor.
94. They can stretch on their own…practice starts when it is supposed to.
95. Learn as much about the player’s family because it will tell you how they might react in certain circumstances.
96. Save all your old tapes to tape over.
97. You can’t shoot enough free throws.
98. Be polite to all employees at the school…they will help you if they like you.
99. Do you want to be here?
100. Are you consumed by the job?