May 14, 2004, Newsletter Issue #162: DEVELOP A PLAN

Tip of the Week

Each individual player should have an offseason workout plan. It should coincide with the assessment of their skills and be geared towards improving the weaknesses and maintaining (or even enhance) their strengths. Every player should be trying to add something to their game during the off season. Physical quickness, agility, and strength should also be a part of the program.

As a team, a sound philosophy must be developed, with clear and concise goals. The philosophy must complement the players skills and the goals should be in line with the philosophy, be achievable, but difficult to attain. Some examples: 1) You may not want to play an uptempo style if you don`t have quick or athletic players, relative to your opponents. 2) If you have players that are good penetrators, ensure that you have opportunities in your offense to open up driving lanes. 3) A goal to make more free throws than your opponents shoot will be tough to attain if your offense is designed to take advantage of a good shooting, perimeter oriented squad. Field goals, rebounds, assist and turnover totals may be higher in a fast paced game so don`t dwell on totals as much as percentages..

The tenets of your philosophy should be charted out on a calendar so that they are introduced, practiced and mastered by specific dates. You may want to introduce things slowly and add parts of your offensive and defensive package as the spring, summer and fall go on. About 80-90% of your total package should be in by the time the season starts, then you can add a wrinkle or two as the season progresses.

Gauge the progress of your players and do not throw too many things at them. Allow them to master something before going on to another. If they just are not getting it, you may have to adjust and not try to do as much. Remember, it is better to do a few things well than several things average.

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