Coaching Management 11.5 by Momentummedia

Coaching Management VOL. XI, NO. 5

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Less-Trying Tryouts Test and Improve Players’ Fitness

WHY YELL? Even the best coaches yell from the bench but are there better tactics?

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Coaching Management Basketball Edition Preseason 2003

CONTENTS

Vol. XI, No. 5

p. 4

p. 29

LOCKER ROOM

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The NCAA court markings are changing, and with them, coaching tactics, strategy, and even recruiting ... High school mercy rules seek to reduce blowout damage ... More shot clocks at the scholastic level? ... Indiana shortens the high school preseason.

Publisher Mark Goldberg Circulation Director Mark Shea Art Director Pamela Crawford Art Assistant Dina Stander Business Manager Pennie Small

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Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editors Jim Catalano Guillermo Metz Assistant Editors Kenny Berkowitz David Hill Dennis Read Laura Smith

COVER PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ELSA

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More Basketball, Less Yelling

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Management

Saner Selections

After 14 years as an assistant coach, Alabama-Birmingham’s Mike Anderson now heads his own program and is off to a good start.

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Cover Story Perhaps more than in any sport, basketball coaches raise their voices—and blood pressure—during games and practices. But is this widely accepted practice really for the best? Coaches who’ve tried the quiet approach report success and share advice.

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Advertising Directory . Catalog Showcase . . . Scoring Tables . . . . . . Shooting Aids . . . . . . Injury Prevention . . . . Web Connections . . . .

p. 39

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A rational and transparent tryout system can make this difficult but necessary process easier and more meaningful for everyone involved.

Conditioning

How Fit Are Your Athletes? . . . . . .

54 49 49 50 59 60

Production Manager Kristin Ayers Asst. Production Manager Kristi Kempf Production Assistants Jonni Campbell Hildi Gerhart IT Manager Mark Nye

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The Performance Index Evaluation developed by a team of veteran strength and conditioning coaches will guide you through evaluating and improving your players’ fitness for the game. Basketball Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Strength & Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 New Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Prepress Manager Adam Berenstain Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter Administrative Assistants Sharon Barbell Daniela Reis Amy Walton

Team Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Uniforms & Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 More New Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Advertising Sales Associates Diedra Harkenrider, (607) 257-6970, ext. 24 Sheryl Shaffer, (607) 257-6970, ext. 21 Business and Editorial Offices 2488 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com Mailing lists for Coaching Management Basketball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

The Coaching Management basketball edition is published in March and August by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2003 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Coaching Management is printed by Banta Publications Group, Kansas City, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852. Printed in the U.S.A.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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bulletin board NCAA Coaches Tackle The ’Zoid The impending new geometry of the college court markings has coaches intrigued, dismayed, and curious—and sometimes, all three at once. While the deeper three-point line generally isn’t seen as a big deal, the trapezoid lane on tap for 2004-05 may help some teams and hurt others, and could even affect how coaches recruit. It is, after all, the first change to the lane in nearly 50 years. At its spring meeting in Indianapolis, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee voted to move the three-point line to the international distance of 20 feet, 6 1/4 inches. (The current distance is 19 feet, 9 inches. The extra quarter-inch is necessary to match the 6.25meter international standard.) The committee also voted to adopt the international trapezoid lane, which would widen the current lane by nearly four feet on each side at the end line. The committee had planned the change to take effect for this coming season, but pushed back the recommended start

For some high school basketball coaches and administrators, changes in the NFHS rule book are taking a back seat to changes at the college level.

to give schools more time to re-mark their courts. Committee Chair Art Hyland, Men’s Basketball Officiating Coordinator for the Big East Conference, said the committee wanted to keep up with the modern game. “The present dimensions have not kept pace with the physical size, prowess, and skill of the players,” he said in an NCAA press release. “With more space created around the basket by both changes, there should be more opportunity for cutting through the lane and to the basket, and more dribble penetration by outside players. This is consistent with our emphasis on cleaning up rough play over the past few years.”

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Reactions to the trapezoid lane are mixed, however. Rosborough describes the proposed size as “idiotic,” saying it makes “absolutely no sense” to go to an inter-

The international trapezoidal lane, shown here in the Italy-Australia con-

going to be able to use college courts, and that’s a big concern for us,” says Georgia High School Association Executive Director Ralph Swearngin. Georgia high schools have traditionally used five college locations for sectional tournaments. Swearngin has contacted each of the colleges, asking them for permission to put down temporary lines for high school games. But temporary lines aren’t a permanent solution, Swearngin says. “It’s going to be confusing, at best, because the collegiate line will be there, too,” he points out. “There is a lot

of resistance on the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee to making a change just because that’s the way the college game is going. But I think we really need to look at the problems this creates for the high school game and consider eventually making the change at our level.” The NCAA’s move to trapezoid lanes in the men’s game will also affect high school play, but to a lesser degree, since the traditional lane will still be marked in most college arenas for the women’s game. However, the NFHS is encouraging high schools to experiment with the trapezoid lanes this

year when they play on college courts. “We believe this is a great opportunity to gather some information,” NFHS Assistant Director and Basketball Rules Editor Mary Struckhoff says. “How can we say trapezoid lanes aren’t good for the high school game if we haven’t tried them?” The NFHS will be looking for feedback from states who test the trapezoid lanes in anticipation of future discussions. “At some point, we’re going to be forced to look at going with them, because they’re going to be on the floors we’re playing on,” Struckhoff says.

JED JACOBSOHN/GETTY IMAGES

“We’re not sure whether we’re

Joe DeSantis, Men’s Head Coach at Quinnipiac University, adds that the change could benefit some teams. “We

teams are a little more skilled than most teams.”

Most coaches have little test in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, may have a ripple effect on strategy and objection to moving back even recruiting once it takes hold in the U.S. college game, coaches say. the three-point line. “Kids like to think they’re recruit good shooters,” he national lane. “Widening the getting ready for the NBA, so says, “so moving the arc a litlane a bit is fine, but why they’ll drop back to shoot tle further away will probably don’t we just go to an NBAfrom that distance in practice help us, because I think my type of lane [which is four anyway,” says Jim Rosborough,

College 3-Point Line Worries High Schools High schools are worried that using collegiate courts for invitational tournaments and postseason play will become a logistical nightmare when the NCAA’s three-point line moves back nine and a half inches while the high school threepoint stripe stays put.

Associate Men’s Head Coach at the University of Arizona. “I don’t think it will be a big change to the game.”

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bulletin board feet wider than the current NCAA rectangular lane]?” he wonders. “I know they hope it will be less physical inside, and I suppose to some degree it will, but frankly, the game needs to be called as the rules are written—then we won’t have rough play. No one has the guts to call the things that should be called, certainly as you get into the NCAA tournament, which is when it gets more physical.” DeSantis, however, has a more sanguine view of the trapezoid lane. “I’m an old-fashioned guy, and I don’t like drastic changes like that,” he says. “But from a selfish standpoint, I know it’s good for our team. Being fairly new to Division I, I’ve struggled to recruit big, dominating inside players, so we play a four-out, one-in offense, and even my five man steps out. So anything that gives more spacing will help.” DeSantis agrees that the changes will cut down on rough play and help players develop more skills. “Opening up the game from both a post standpoint and perimeter standpoint will take away from guys just bulldozing their way into the lane,” he says. “But the bottom line is, as long as we’re all playing by the same rules, we’ll all make the adjustments.”

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee also recommended the international three-point line be used for the 2004-05 season, and that the trapezoid lane be used on an experimental basis in selected games during the season. “Our student-athletes have demonstrated increasingly strong shooting behind the arc,” said Women’s Committee For a list of all rules changes for 2003-2004, visit www.NCAA.org/ champadmin/basketball/ officiating_bulletins.

Chair Lynn Hickey, Director of Athletics at the University of Texas-San Antonio. “Moving the line back nine inches will be a small adjustment for today’s players.” Besides a continuing emphasis on reducing rough play, points of emphasis adopted by the men’s committee include proper calling of the intentional foul, illegal blocks around the basket, and decorum of bench personnel. The women’s committee voted that “displacement, in terms of hand-checking, post play, screens, cutters, and rebounding, will be emphasized during the upcoming season.” To increase sportsmanship, both committees added this statement to their rules books: “The primary goal of the rules is to maximize the safety and enjoyment of the student-athlete. Sporting behavior is a key part of that goal. Sporting behavior should be a core value in behavior of players and bench personnel, crowd control by game management and the officials’ proper enforcement of the rules governing related actions.”

NFHS Allows Mercy Rules After five years of debate and development, an optional mercy rule was passed by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee during its April meeting in Indianapolis. The rule gives state associations the option of adopting a mercy rule. States that do so will be able to decide when in a game the rule would take effect. “The committee recommended adoption this year because coaches are telling us that more and more contests are grossly lopsided, which creates big sportsmanship issues,” says NFHS Assistant Director and Basketball Rules Editor Mary Struckhoff.

Tyrone Young dunks during the 2003 Missouri state championships. Missouri experimented with a mercy rule for three years before the NFHS allowed them nationwide for 2003-04. Missouri was among the handful of states that received NFHS permission to experiment with a mercy rule. For three years, a running clock was used when there was a 30-point differential during the fourth quarter. The rule was removed when the state reached the NFHS’s three-year limit on experimental rules two years ago, and the results since have been catastrophic, according to Missouri State High School Association Assistant Executive Director George Blase.

for every one of those, there are 20 more.”

“We had a game last year that ended 109-2,” he says. “We saw scores of 94-7, 67-10, and 86-14 in the first month of the basketball season. And

Struckhoff says it isn’t yet apparent how many other states share Missouri’s view. “The majority of coaches aren’t abusers,” she says. “If

Most coaches and administrators agree that coaches bear the greatest responsibility for avoiding such lopsided contests, but Blase believes leaving the solution solely to coaches won’t work. “I think there are enough coaches out there who aren’t going to fix this themselves that we need to step in and help them do it,” he says, “and that means having a mercy rule.”

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bulletin board they’re up by a wide margin, they put in their second stringers and take off the press. So many state associations are saying, ‘We don’t have a problem and we don’t need this rule.’” Among them is likely to be the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, says its Executive Director, Ronnie Carter. He believes the change may be an over-reaction to a small number of well publicized games that are the exception rather than the rule. “They’re responding to a few games that get out of hand,” Carter says. “Most of our coaches have said it’s not necessary.” Georgia High School Association Executive Director Ralph Swearngin agrees. “Once in a while, we see a very unbalanced game, but not more than once every two or three years,” he says. “Those few instances don’t warrant a mercy rule.” If a team is chronically losing by huge margins, Swearngin suggests the solution is figuring out why, rather than invoking a mercy rule. “Is it because they’re a brand new school and they’re only playing ninth and tenth graders?” he asks. “Or is it because the school doesn’t put any emphasis on basketball and doesn’t try to build their program?” One solution Georgia has tried is advising new basketball programs to pick and choose their opponents to avoid obvious mis-matches, so their teams of younger, less experienced ninth and tenth graders aren’t chronically overpowered by stronger programs. “But some schools year in and year out simply don’t put enough emphasis on a sport to field a competitive team,” Swearngin says. “We try to

encourage athletic directors at those schools to invest in the program if they want to have a team.” One state that will use a mercy rule in limited games this year is Illinois. The Illinois High School Association’s Basketball Advisory Committee voted April 30 to use a running clock in the fourth quarter of tournament games when one team is up by 30 or more points. Committee member and Hersey High School (Arlington Heights, Ill.) Girls’ Basketball Coach Mary Fendley cautiously supports the trial. “The downside is that it may take playing time away from kids who normally don’t see much—the second stringers on both teams,” she says. The Illinois committee will look at feedback from participating teams involved in mercy rule games before considering whether to expand its use from tournament games to all games. “We want to hear from those who ended up on both sides of the rule,” Fendley says. “I don’t think we’re anywhere close to saying, ‘You must have a mercy rule in every game.’’’ The NFHS also adopted a rule change limiting the number of players permitted on the lane during free throws to six—four defensive and two offensive. The lane spaces closest to the free-throw shooter must remain vacant, and the deepest spots go to the defense. “The game was getting too rough in free throw situations, and we were seeing more and more offensive rebounds,” Struckhoff says. “Although the defense isn’t supposed to be guaranteed a rebound, they are supposed to have a slight advantage.”

In limiting the number of players on the lane to six, “we figured fewer bodies mean fewer problems,” Struckhoff said. “And we took the two offensive players closest to the free-throw shooter out of the picture to give a few more percentage points on rebounds to the defense. The defense has to fill the bottom two spots, but if the offense doesn’t want to be in there at all, they don’t have to be. If they leave those number-two spots vacant, the defense can slide down.” Florida high schools experimented with the six-player limit this past season and were generally happy with the results. “Our coaches said it cleaned up the rough play, and officials told us that having fewer bodies meant they could see better,” says Florida High School Activities Association Associate Director of Athletics Denarvise Thornton. But the Florida experiment differed somewhat from the new rule. The National Federation rule leaves the marked lane spaces closest to the shooter open, while the Florida rule left the spaces closest to the end line vacant. “It will be interesting to see how that difference plays out,” Thornton says. “I suspect that with the NFHS rule, we may see more offensive rebounds than with the way our rule was structured. With players further away from the end line the way we did it, a lot of offensive coaches found themselves just conceding the rebound. “However, the most important goal is cleaning up rough play under the goals, and I think the new rule will have that effect,” he adds. “Whether you shift players up or back, you’re still limiting the number of athletes in the lane.”

More on the rules changes may be seen at the NFHS web site: www.nfhs.org/ sports/basketball_rules_change.htm

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Shot Clock Use Growing For High Schools? In what has become a perennial discussion, the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee looked this April at instituting shot clocks at the high school level. In what has become a perennial decision, it discarded the idea for another year. “It comes up every year, but our committee is not in favor of it,” says Mary Struckhoff, NFHS Assistant Director and Basketball Rules Editor. The equipment can be expensive, she says, and there are other challenges, such as finding trained, qualified operators. “Some of our programs have a difficult time just finding a scorer,” she says. “In the majority of high school games, shots are taken within 30-45 seconds, anyway,” she continues. “There are isolated games with ridiculously low scores, and those are the ones we read about in the newspapers, but they’re anomalies. It happens so infrequently that given the expense and the operator problem, the committee doesn’t believe a shot clock is something the high school game needs.” Not everyone agrees. Seven states—North Dakota, Washington, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island—have instituted shot clocks, although doing so means they forfeit representation on NFHS basketball committees and the right to answer basketballrelated polls and questionnaires the NFHS sends its membership. Dave Carlsrud, Assistant to the Executive Secretary at the North Dakota High School Activities Association, is a vocal advocate of high school shot clocks. During a threeyear experiment six years ago,

the association instituted shot clocks in its larger schools for boys’ basketball. The state’s coaches unanimously supported keeping the clocks for the Class A schools even after the experimental period ended, according to Carlsrud.

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

“Before the shot clock, the game had evolved into nothing more than a defensive struggle and a ‘hold the ball’ offense,” he says. “Teams would run through their patterns four or five times and not even look at the basket. We had lost our fans’ interest—it just wasn’t fun to watch.

Upstate New York teams, shown in the 2003 Class A title game, have been using shot clocks for several years. Advocates say shot clocks can help avoid blowouts and dull offenses.

“The shot clock has picked up the tempo of the game, and our fan support is back,” he continues. “Players are looking for a shot the first time through their patterns. Plus, it’s been easier for our coaches to teach

defense, because they can tell their players, ‘You just have to sustain your defense for 30-35 seconds.’ It’s been very positive for the game in our state.” North Dakota is experimenting with shot clocks for girls’ games and there’s gathering interest in putting them in the state’s smaller schools as well. Financing the equipment and finding operators hasn’t turned out to be the obstacle some detractors predicted, Carlsrud says. “Many of our larger schools play in arenas where clocks were already in place, and you can find shot clocks in almost any price range,” he says. “People were very concerned about finding operators, but it just hasn’t turned out to be a problem. Some schools use students, and some use adults.” Continued on page 12

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bulletin board Rhode Island Interscholastic League Executive Director Richard Lynch concurs. “We recommend that adults be on the shot clocks, especially for tournaments. But we haven’t had any problems finding

“It comes down to teaching,” he continues. “We’re here to teach kids the game of basketball. If high school players are allowed to hold the ball all day, they get into bad habits. We’re taking important things

“If we adopt a rule, it’s because it’s good for the high school game, period.” people or had any complaints about the way they do their jobs,” he says. Jim Tsaras, head coach for the past 16 years at Rogers High School in Newport, R.I., says his state’s situation was similar to North Dakota’s before the shot clocks went in. “We had teams simply holding the ball, and that’s not basketball,” he says. “The shot clock fixes that problem.

for granted in teaching the game in the United States, and we’re leaving gaps. The NCAA has a shot clock, the NBA has one, and so does the international game. There is no reason not to prepare players by having one in high school.” It’s a common, but controversial, argument. “We write rules for high school players, not for players who might play at a higher level someday,” Struck-

hoff says. “If we adopt a rule, it’s because it’s good for the high school game, period.”

Indiana Shortens Teams’ Preseasons

That’s just the point, according to Carlsrud. “Our mission is to improve the high school game, not prepare college ball players, and we feel that a shot clock has definitely improved the high school game in our state,” he says. “As NFHS members, we want to be following their rules. We don’t want to deviate. But under the circumstances, we’re doing what we feel is best for the game.”

Despite protests from coaches around the state, the Indiana High School Athletic Association has voted unanimously to reduce preseason practice sessions in winter and spring sports. Starting with the 200405 school year, all winter and spring teams will begin tryouts and practice two weeks before their first scheduled contest. Under current rules, the tryout/practice season for basketball is three weeks long.

Struckhoff expects the discussions to continue within the Basketball Rules Committee. “A shot clock is not something we see as necessary at the present time,” she says, “but it might be in the future. Things can change.”

For athletic directors, the change means less overlap between sports, reduced competition for playing facilities, and fewer demands on student-athletes, especially those playing multiple sports. But for coaches, it means los-

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Circle No. 8

L O C K E R

R O O M

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ing time with players and finding ways to fit three weeks’ worth of preparation into two weeks. “I don’t think this decision is in the best interest of the kids,” says Steve Witty, Executive Director of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, which officially opposed the proposal. “The principals and athletic directors just decided this was something they wanted to do.”

Witty argues that the shortened preseason will lead to more

“I don’t think everybody is going to be happy with the new policy,” says Ress. “But once it’s in place, people will pretty well accept it and go on with their lives.” Witty plans to keep fighting the new rule, citing a survey that showed 92 percent of the IBCA’s membership was opposed to its passage. “In the long run,” he says, “this policy is going to create more problems than it’s going to solve.”

Indianapolis Pike’s Justin Cage rebounds during the 2003 Marion County Tournament. Indiana high school teams are now limited to two weeks of preseason preparation.

Circle No. 9

COACHING MANAGEMENT

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

Counters IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress: “Looking at the whole picture, the athletic directors found that this was a good proposal. I don’t think it’s as big a deal as some coaches want to think.”

injuries on the court and more pressure on student-athletes, who will be forced to spend time in the summer getting in shape. Ress disagrees, arguing that the more consistent practice periods will alleviate pressures on both students and facilities.

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Q A

Mike Anderson University of Alabama at Birmingham

After 14 years as an assistant coach, Mike Anderson took his first head coaching job last season at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He was obviously ready for the challenge—the Blazers finished the 2002-03 season with a 21-13 record, eight games better than the year before. For Anderson, it was a homecoming to the city where he’d been an all-state guard at Jackson Olin High School and a point guard at Jefferson State Junior College. Playing in the Junior College Tournament championships, Anderson met Coach Nolan Richardson, who would become his mentor. He played for and coached with Richardson at the University of Tulsa, then the University of Arkansas, before becoming interim head coach for the Razorbacks at the close of the 2002 season. Not chosen for the permanent head coaching position at Arkansas, Anderson was quickly hired at UAB, and has enjoyed the job. He’s brought with him Richardson’s style of up-tempo basketball and molded the Blazers into strong, scrappy contenders within his first year. In this interview, Anderson talks about making the transition from assistant to head coach, retraining his team to fit a new style of play, and preparing for his second season at the helm. CM: Congratulations on your first season at Birmingham. To what do you attribute your team’s success? Anderson: From day one, the studentathletes really bought into what we were trying to do. How did the preseason figure into that? A lot of it was conditioning: sprints, run and slide, medicine ball, water ball. We did a lot of one-on-one full court, twoon-two full court, three-on-three full court. We did that constantly, day after day, to create good habits for these players, especially on the defensive side of the ball. We pride ourselves on defense and we know our defense is going to be as tough, as harassing, as anybody else’s out there. There may be teams that have more talent than we do, but they’re not going to outwork us. Our preseason conditioning was very, very difficult for some of these guys. But like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Those workouts got us ready for the kind of game we wanted to play. How did you get them to buy into your program? Number one, the slate was clean for everybody: I was trying to find out as much about the student-athletes as they were about me. Number two, we had a

COACHING MANAGEMENT

What’s the biggest change you’ve experienced in making the transition from assistant to head coach? Going from making suggestions to making decisions that are going to affect a lot of people—and some of those decisions are going to be tough. As head coach, you have to wear a lot of different hats. But I’ve been mentored by one of the best in the country, and that’s gotten me prepared. What did you learn from Coach Richardson? Be who you are, and don’t try to be like somebody else. I spent 22 years of my life with Coach Richardson, and I learned quite a bit. I learned about players. To me, the most important part of recruiting is to find people who fit what you want to do. If you can get the right fit, you can build the right team with the right chemistry, and then you’re going to have a chance.

staff of coaches who were very familiar with one another, and that helped the transition. But the most important reason is that this is a great style of playing. It’s up-tempo basketball, and everything we do is predicated on the defensive side of the ball—that’s what creates your offense. What are the advantages of your up-tempo style? It’s fun and it’s entertaining—people really enjoy watching it. My vision in coming here was to create an environment that’s so exciting, the fans can hardly go to the rest room, because they don’t want to miss anything. And the players really enjoy this game, because it’s harder than if they’re playing halfcourt. They have to rely on their instincts, which is challenging, because the team can be only as strong as its weakest link. How long did it take the team to adapt to your style? At the beginning, you could only see bits and pieces of it, but as the season went on, a lot of things started to happen. We were creating a lot of turnovers, making a lot of steals, deflecting a lot of basketballs. As the more experienced players started getting a feel for what we were doing, I started to think, “These guys may be on the verge of doing something big.”

Demario Eddins drives during 2002-03 action for Alabama-Birmingham, which first-year Head Coach Mike Anderson took into the third round of the NIT.

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Q A

I was an instinctive player, so I’ve learned to be an instinctive coach. We had a team this year that led the nation in steals. That’s unbelievable. At Arkansas, we had a team with four players drafted into the NBA, and we didn’t even come close to leading the nation in steals. I’m still amazed by what my guys did this year, but I attribute that to my tutelage under Coach Richardson, who I think is one of the greatest coaches in history.

What’s your personal challenge for the upcoming season? I want UAB to be seen as one of the top-tier programs in this league [Conference USA], one that will make people around the country open their eyes. Alabama is a football state, there’s no question about that. But in Birmingham, basketball has always been huge, and we have a great tradition here of Sweet Sixteens and Elite Eights. I want to feel the excitement of people in

Birmingham embracing us as their team. How far is your team going to go this year? After last year, we won’t be sneaking up on anybody anymore. We have eight guys returning from last year, and we have a good recruiting class coming in. We laid the foundations last year, and if we can improve 15 to 25 percent, we’re going to be very, very competitive.

What do you look for when you’re recruiting a potential player? You’ve got to look for character, because sometimes character can outweigh talent. I like guys who are punctual, disciplined. We run a disciplined program here, no question about it. The people here

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Circle No. 12

COACHING MANAGEMENT

It’s bad for the athletes, it’s bad for the game, and it’s bad for your heart. Plus, there are better ways to motivate your players than yelling at them. 20

COACHING MANAGEMENT

GETTY IMAGES/ELSA

oaches yell and scream. They always have. Most coaches who constantly scream do so because they believe it makes their players better. But does it? More and more coaches are finding that, no, today’s players do not respond to this type of coaching. These coaches believe that there are more effective ways to teach and motivate players than screaming at them. Rhea Taylor learned this for himself throughout the 2002-03 season, his fourth as Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at New Roads High School in Santa Monica, Calif. After watching an offseason presentation by the Positive Coaching Alliance, he decided to adopt some of its tenets, including no screaming at his players. Previously a loud and critical coach on the sideline, he backslid occasionally during the season, but was otherwise pleased with the results as he led the team to its first playoff berth. After posting the program’s first playoff victory, New Roads found itself in the quarterfinals, trailing a team Taylor felt his squad could beat. But some bad breaks and borderline foul calls put his team behind early. Under the pressure of a big game, Taylor felt himself reverting to old ways. “I felt myself getting into that mode of stress and frustration with things not going so well, like a missed lay-up, a turnover, or a bad call,” Taylor says. “I finally told my assistant coach that we had to not show our frustration so much and, instead, show our support and really be there for the kids. We were able to get back in the game and take the lead. We ended up losing by

COVER STORY

three and had a chance to tie it with an open three-pointer that just missed. “Last year, there was absolutely no way we would have been able to get back into that game,” he continues. “My kids would have crumbled from not only the pressure of the situation, but also the additional pressure I put on them. Now they still battle the pressure and adversity of the game, and maybe the officials or the fans. But they definitely know, without a doubt, that my assistant coach and I stand behind them in the decisions that they’re making and what they’re doing. We don’t always agree with what they do, but we deal with that calmly at a time-out or through a substitution as opposed to ranting and raving on the sidelines.” What’s With the Yelling Nobody advocates that coaches sit passively like monks who have taken a vow of silence. Coaches have to yell simply to be heard over the din of a packed gym. And when emotions run high, so will voices. The content matters most, not the volume. There’s a big difference between yelling out a play number to break a press and screaming insults at the point guard because he picked up his dribble moments after entering the front court. “To me, cheering when kids do things right or yelling out instructions is not screaming,” says Keith Lancaster, Director of the Maine Center for Coaching Education and a former high school coach and athletic director. “I think the real problem is when coaches single out individuals and berate them.” Charles Coles, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Miami University (Ohio), feels the same way. “When I’m talking to my players, I’m trying to teach them

or encourage them,” he says. “Very, very seldom do I ever berate them.” Most of the time when coaches carry on, they do so because they believe it helps make the message clear and will motivate players to improve. But many people question whether this really works. “Sports psychologists who have researched it have proven the screamer is not the successful coach and that positive feedback is a much more powerful teacher than the screaming,” Lancaster says. Coaches may be fooled by the shortterm benefits they see after yelling and screaming at their players. Even coaches who try to avoid screaming at their players admit that it may produce a temporary positive change, but they also say that the changes won’t last. “Sure, you can intimidate your team into playing hard for a short period of time, sometimes because they’ll resent what you’re doing,” says Glenn Begley, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at William Smith College. “But I don’t think that ever carries over into anything longterm. They will either tune it out and ignore you, or they will tune it out and resent you.” “It’s similar to using exercise as a physical punishment,” Lancaster says. “It may work for a short period, like when you make athletes do extra work because they’re not performing the way you want them to. But if a coach continues to do that, it loses that effect, and then it turns the athletes off.” In-game histrionics can turn players’ attention from what they’re doing on the court to what you’re doing on the bench. “The constant negativity and yelling can make players afraid to make Dennis Read is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management.

Basketball, Less Yelling BY DENNIS READ

COACHIING MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

a mistake,” Begley says. “And as far as I know basketball is a game of mistakes. Most people don’t even make half of their shots. So it’s not good to make your players afraid, because every one of them will make mistakes.”

says, “they are going to have years that aren’t as successful as others. Then the yelling and screaming begins to catch up with them and becomes unacceptable.” Many coaches compare the court to the classroom. “If you’re teaching cal-

LISTEN TO YOUR ATHLETES

or many years, the traditional coaching model was that players played and coaches coached. But coaches may be passing up valuable opportunities to learn about their team when they fail to listen to their players’ thoughts. Drake University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Davis says he was fortunate to learn that lesson early in his coaching career. “In my third or fourth year as a high school coach in my 20s, I had a player come to me and say, ‘Coach, can I tell you something?’” Davis recounts. “He was a straight A student and a good basketball player—he’s a doctor in Wisconsin now—so I said, ‘Sure.’ “He tells me, ‘We try to practice hard and when we finish we run the line drills.’ We called them 30-second drills, where you’d go down and back, down and back the length of the court in less than 30 seconds, and we’d do that until guys got sick or fell over—that was just the way we did condi-

There are other pragmatic reasons for coaches to tone down the negative yelling and screaming. “Society today does not accept abuse,” Lancaster says, “and sometimes a coach can cross that line to where it is not only perceived as abuse, but it is abuse, by berating and embarrassing individual kids and putting them down. “Way back when I was an athlete and I first started coaching, the coach was perceived as God, especially if there was success, and administrators and others looked the other way,” he continues. “But I think sports are educational and coaches need to be good teachers, and that’s not what a good teacher is perceived to be. There should be a carryover of value when the athlete gets out of that sport, and if that athlete learns that screaming and yelling is the way he or she should be acting, then the educational piece is lost. In many cases, the line between what’s tolerated and what’s not shifts with the won-loss record. “If coaches are in coaching long enough,” Lancaster 22

COACHING MANAGEMENT

tioning back then. And I said, ‘Yeah, those are some really good drills.’ “Then he tells me, ‘The problem is that most of the guys on the team are loafing through practice so they can save enough energy to go through the line drills and not feel humiliated because they can’t make it through the drills. I can’t get them to run the plays, and they don’t want to work during the press because they’re saving themselves. Can’t we run harder during practice and not save ourselves, and then, if we’ve had a good practice, don’t run us at the end?’ “I thought that was some pretty good thinking, and from that time forward, I hardly ever ran after practice unless they loafed and we had a bad practice. So the players know if we loaf during practice, they’re going to run afterward. “The point is to listen to your athletes. A lot of times, they can tell you things that can help you do a good job teaching and motivating.”

culus and someone is having trouble factoring an equation, would you go up to the student and say, ‘I can’t believe you’re so stupid! You’re holding up the class! What’s wrong with you?’” Begley says. “That wouldn’t be tolerated in a classroom setting by anyone. First of all, it’s not the right way to treat someone, and second, it doesn’t help the student learn. If that’s the case, why isn’t the same true in athletics, where the students are volunteering to be there in the first place and doing something they think is fun and enjoyable?” Phil Martelli, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at St. Joseph’s University, notes how the coaching role changes from practice to game day. “If you think about the best teachers you’ve had or observed, you never see them ranting and raving on the day of a test,” he says. “So I wonder why we as coaches think that is the way to go. The game is the test, and practice was the classroom. You use different methods for different days and different groups that you have, but once game-

time arrives, your student-athletes are taking the test and you really should be there in a supportive role.” Coaches also point out that redfaced rants are difficult on more than the players; they can also wear down coaches. “Yelling and screaming takes a lot out of you,” Martelli says. “Coaching, particularly game coaching, is a draining experience. If you take energy and use it in the wrong places, then you end up wearing yourself out, and not productively. I feel that being a little bit more supportive during the games is best suited for me and for the players.” Coles learned the hard way. He was a screamer until having the type of season most coaches can only dream about. “In 1973-74, I was coaching at Saginaw High School in Michigan, and we won 25 in a row with a team that wasn’t expected to do much,” he says. “We lost in the state semi-finals, but we had a phenomenal year and I was too dumb to realize it,” he continues. “I was so possessed by trying to make the team better that when the season was over, a friend of mine told me how worried they were about me. I hadn’t noticed anything, but it just wasn’t fun. It should have been a great year for us, but I made it a bad year because we lost one game, and I felt it was a failure. “After that season, I said to myself, ‘I can’t possibly do this again. When I coach, I’m going to have to share everything. I’m going to have to try to make more people happy and try to get some other things that can help make our season successful rather than just wins or losses.’ So I began to change then.” Quiet Alternatives Some coaches can’t imagine finishing a practice or a game without being left hoarse and raspy. But coaches who rarely raise their voices in anger or frustration still find plenty of ways to motivate their players and demand excellence. A lower decibel level doesn’t necessarily mean lower expectations. “People think I’m very positive and that I give positive reinforcement, yet I know I am very critical,” says Tom Davis, new Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Drake University. “I try to do it in a way that is not readily apparent to the person on the sideline or in the stands. It’s a matter of not showing your dissatisfaction and further compounding the

COVER STORY

pressure you’re putting on the players by hurting them in front of their peers, and their friends and family who are watching the game. “Let’s say we’re in a practice situation and we’ve been teaching a certain skill, yet a player goes out and does it the exact wrong way,” Davis continues. “Rather than throw a fit, which I probably would have done in my younger days, now I say, ‘Hey, John. Just calm down a second. Let’s make a change here. Take a minute or two off and let Bob run that play. I know you’re probably a little tired or else you wouldn’t have done that.’ “He probably already knows what he did wrong. By removing him from the lineup and not being vocal about my criticism, I’ve made my point. It’s really pretty easy for a coach to do, yet it’s every bit effective as a launching a tirade.” At Miami University, Coles likes to use criticism and encouragement in tandem. “I’ll get on a guy a little bit and then I’ll put something in between,” he says. “I’ll call a guy over and say, ‘We’re not playing very well, and you’re a big reason why. Now you’re better than that. You’re a good player; you’re going to be all right. And you have to believe you’re going to be all right.’ Then as he departs, I’ll say, ‘OK, get going.’

“This way he knows that there are still a lot of good things going on between me and him and that I know he can do it,” he says. “You can do a lot with your players if they know that you think they can do it.” It’s also important to recognize that all players don’t learn the same way. One player catches onto something the first time you show it to him, while another has no clue about what you’re trying to teach. When this happens, many coaches’ initial response is to try teaching it again, but louder. And, predictably, little changes. “I spend less time yelling and getting frustrated and more time explaining and finding ways to say things differently,” Taylor says. “In the past, I got frustrated because I thought players should all understand the one way I explained something. I was putting them on the line and making them run because of their lack of understanding, which was really my fault more than anyone else’s. “But I’m learning that certain players need you to say things in different ways to understand,” he continues. “Trying to remain calm and figure out a different way to say something, rather than getting frustrated and throwing a tantrum, was a big change for me.”

Some coaches use screaming in practice as a crucible to toughen up their players for a game. The belief is that if you add enough pressure and drive them hard enough, then the game will seem easier by comparison. But there are other ways to prepare players for the rigors of competition besides exposing them to a verbal blast furnace. One is to make sure that practice itself is a competitive situation. “The drills we do in practices reflect the game,” Begley says. “Almost everyone will try hard in a game, simply because it’s a game situation. If you run the clock in practice and keep score in all the drills with a consequence for the team that loses—even a ridiculously minimal one like one sprint or crunches—it reflects more of what the players really enjoy, which is the thrill of competing in a game where something is on the line. The intensity will definitely increase, and the really competitive kids tend to drag the less competitive kids with them.” Martelli does much the same at St. Joseph’s. “The setting in practice should be demanding, but that’s not the same as being uncomfortable,” he says. “When you talk about a situation where players are supposedly coming to do something they love to do—play bas-

SOMETIMES, IT’S GOOD TO YELL

ven when a coach tries to be more positive and communicate with players calmly and rationally there may still be times when he or she yells. The idea is to keep these situations to a minimum, be aware of them when they occur, and make sure they accomplish what you want to accomplish. “There are times when the players need to see some emotion from you, but you have to pick your spots,” says Glenn Begley, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at William Smith College. “You want to do it to get the kids to play better, not to make yourself feel better. And the emotion shouldn’t be directed personally at anyone. It should be related to performance, like ‘We were awful at boxing out. We didn’t see the effort out there.’ If you pick your spots, then the players will listen.” Charles Coles, Head Men’s Coach at Miami University (Ohio) says he rarely yells at play-

ers when they come out of the game, but when he does, it’s usually for a specific reason. “Most of the times that I get on kids real hard it’s because I want them to get mad at me and forget about what else might be going on,” he says. “Then they go back out there and try to prove to me that, ‘I’m okay. See, I can play, coach. ’” Coles will also use the halftime break to express any displeasure he may have with his team’s performance, but he follows a structured approach. “I’ll come in and talk to the team for about a minute while my assistant coaches are meeting, and then I’ll go out and talk with them,” he explains. “If I’m going to get on my guys badly, that’s when I do it. Out of 28 games last year, that probably only happened seven or eight times. The rest of the time I may come in and say, ‘okay. We’ve got a lead. You’re playing well and doing a good job, just sit here and relax. Don’t even think about the game, just relax and I’ll be right back.’

“Either way, though, once I come back in the second time with the assistant coaches, it has to be all positive,” he continues. “It has to be information now. I figure if that’s the case, then by game’s end, they don’t remember whether you got on them or not.” While some coaches will often go on a verbal tirade after a game, Coles tries to get in and out of the post-game talk as quickly as possible. “We spend no more than two minutes in the locker room after a game, whether it’s our biggest win or our worst defeat,” he says. “I think kids are most vulnerable right after a game, and most of the time you hurt yourself and you hurt your team by spending too much time in there. When you win, you’re probably too happy, and if you lose you’re probably too down, and I think more coaches mess themselves up with their teams after a game than at any time during the coaching span. So I’m not going to make any mistakes when I talk to them then. If I do make any mistakes, it will be the next day.”

COACHIING MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

ketball—and you’re doing something you love to do—teach the game of basketball—then why would you take away from that by making it an uncomfortable situation?” There’s another way to find out the best way to reach your athletes. It’s simple, yet many coaches overlook it: Ask them. “Coaches should ask their athletes, ‘What works for you? Why isn’t this drill working? Why are we having difficulty learning this particular skill?’” Lancaster explains. “Talk to the captains and the leaders of the team and use that feedback to make changes if necessary.” Make sure that you are truly open to and ready for feedback. “One thing we tell coaches is ‘Listen with your eyes,’” Lancaster says. “For example, if the coach is getting feedback from an athlete, he or she should be looking at the athlete and listening actively, so the athlete knows that what he or she is saying is important. Many times, coaches will ask for feedback, but they might be looking off somewhere else, or their

mind is wandering and the athlete gets tuned out very quickly.” A Matter of Style When coaches witness their opposite numbers winning games while carrying on or see boisterous college coaches filling the television screens, it’s easy for them to think that they have to yell and scream to succeed. But there are plenty of successful styles. The important thing is to choose one that fits you. At New Roads, Taylor is still in transition one year after starting a conscious effort last season to take a more positive approach with his players. “I asked them more than I told them in order to see how well they understood what I was trying to get across,” he says. “When they do make a mistake, say blow a layup or turn the ball over, it really is a non-teachable moment at that point. They already know they’ve done something wrong. So we’re letting them know they need to brush it off and find another way to get that missed layup or turnover back.”

Throughout practices and games, Taylor kept a folder close to his side where he could remind himself of some positive approaches he may have overlooked in the heat of the battle. He also made notes of ways he could improve. “I’d see something I hadn’t implemented yet and show it to my athletic director or assistant coach and say, ‘I really want to do this after this game,’” he says. “‘Whether we win or lose, I really want to have the team huddle be like this,’ for example. I always took tidbits and different things from each game, and I kept that information close to me.” Still, Taylor says there were times last season when it wasn’t easy to keep his cool. One instance came when ESPN was on hand to shoot some footage for a piece on positive coaching for its “Outside the Lines” program. “We were down 13 to a team we had beaten on their own court, and things were looking bleak,” he says. “Their coach was getting really animated with the refs and the game was almost to the

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COVER STORY

YELLING AT OFFICIALS

layers aren’t the only people coaches are known to yell at. Officials are often at the receiving end of many verbal blasts. But those who yell the loudest may not be heard the most.

Tom Davis, Head Men’s Coach at Drake University, compares it to baseball, where catchers are taught that they can say pretty much anything they want to an umpire as long as they don’t turn around so everyone else knows they’re saying it. “I think the officials would appreciate that and would listen better to our criticism if we could do it in a way that didn’t embarrass them in front of the fans and players,” he says. “I have found that you can say almost anything when you’re seated,” says Glenn Begley, Head Women’s Coach at William Smith College. “I think you have to respect them as part of the game and understand that almost all of them are really trying to do the right things, just like players and coaches. They’re hustling, but they’re going to make mistakes.”

Begley wonders if yelling at officials is actually counterproductive. “I have seen a few occasions where someone else has gone berserk, and it’s human nature to think that subconsciously things will tip in our favor,” he says. “But I’ve never seen yelling make the officials better.” Sometimes coaches will feel they need to ride the officials to get the next call or offset the yelling of the opposing coach. Even coaches who would never scream at their players for making a mistake will rant and rave at an official who ruled against their team. Keith Lancaster, Director of the Maine Center for Coaching Education, says coaches can undo many of the lessons they have taught in practice by losing their self-control during a game. “If they say to the athletes, ‘You don’t yell or challenge the officials because I will,’ then they’re sending a mixed message. That’s not acceptable and it’s not going to help that team.”

Circle No. 16

COACHING MANAGEMENT

point where I felt the sportsmanship was lost. I stood up and I started to get a little bit animated myself and then I said, ‘No. This isn’t how we’ve been winning and this isn’t the style I’ve been using all year.’ I just really supported my kids and we turned a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to a seven-point victory.” Though Taylor would be the first to admit he’s not completely where he wants to be, he also says that other coaches should give the calm approach a shot, even if it’s in small pieces. “Whether they think they’re going to believe it or not or think it’s hokey and new age, I hope coaches will just give it a chance,” he says. “It might not change their overall coaching philosophy, but there might be one or two things that they can benefit from.” While it has meant some extra work and effort on Taylor’s part, he says the change is something he’d do again in a minute. “The thing that keeps me going is that it’s better for the kids,” he says. “And if it’s better for the kids, then it’s better for the program.” ■

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MANAGEMENT

Saner Selections

BY JOHN CARVER

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No point in the season is more loaded for coaches or athletes than tryouts. But approached systematically, they can be a learning experience for both.

o matter what kind of team you’re creating, tryouts are stressful. For coaches and players alike, the period when teams are selected can be one of the most draining parts of the season. Many players tense up during tryouts. They believe they don’t have enough time to show their skills and worry that one bad drill could sink their chances to make the team. Meanwhile, members of the coaching staff often find themselves disagreeing over the relative strengths and weaknesses of players with little to back their cases beyond, “I think he’s better than that.” Three years ago, we developed an evaluation system for the boys’ teams at Dover High School that we hoped would address some of the weaknesses in our old method. First, we wanted to reduce the stress for both players and

coaches. We also wanted a system that would: ■ Allow players to understand their role if selected. ■ Allow players an opportunity to work on areas of weakness if not selected. ■ Allow parents to better understand why their son was not selected. ■ Allow the coaching staff to better understand the program’s weaknesses by identifying them during selection week. ■ Create continuity of thought within the coaching staff. To show players that the process had changed, we explained how the new procedure would work and began to refer to the evaluation period as “Selection Week” as opposed to “tryouts” or “cut week.” We text continues on page 32 John Carver is former head boys’ basketball coach at Dover (N.H.) High School and Nute High School in Milton, N.H.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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www.barry.edu/hpls Circle No. 19

MANAGEMENT

E VA L U AT I O N C R I T E R I A

A 1 is assigned to players who do not meet minimum needs.

REBOUNDING Shows man-you-basket position, takes

Inconsistently demonstrates proper positioning, receives ball at peak most often, maintains contact with opponent until he springs for the ball, elbows back and down, buttocks on opponent’s thigh. Inconsistent with lane-fill selection; inconsistent on break.

Understands proper positioning, rarely receives ball at peak, inconsistently maintains contact with opponent until he springs for the ball, elbows back and down and buttocks on opponent’s thigh. Doesn’t always know when not to outlet, inconsistently gives up the ball on the break.

DEFENDING

Demonstrates ball-you-man principle. Keeps hands in passing lanes, has quick feet, knows help side/ball side concepts, understands closing out, maintains defensive position to help box-out, demonstrates help side understanding and hedges on screens, communicates constantly, knows our defensive calls and can play equally well in zone and man schemes.

Inconsistently demonstrates ball-youman principle. Keeps hands in passing lanes, has quick feet, knows help side/ball side concepts, inconsistently closes out, inconsistently maintains defensive position to help box-out, demonstrates help-side understanding and hedges on most screens, communicates consistently, knows most of our defensive calls and can play well in zone or man schemes.

Inconsistently demonstrates ball-youman principle. Keeps hands in passing lanes, has quick feet, knows help side/ball side concepts, rarely closes out, sporadically maintains defensive position to help box-out, understands help side and hedges occasionally on screens, communicates inconsistently, still learning our defensive calls, and struggles when we change from zone to man schemes.

SHOOTING

When no one is defending can: hit 85% of free throws, 75% of jump shots from the elbows of the court, 60% of his shots from the top of the key, 100% of his strong hand lay-ups, 95% of his weak hand lay-ups.

When no one is defending can: hit 80% of free throws, 70% of jump shots from elbows, 55% of his shots from the top of the key, 95% of his strong hand lay-ups, 85% of his weak hand lay-ups.

When no one is defending he can: hit 75% of free throws, 60% of jump shots from elbows, 50% of his shots from the top of the key, 90% of strong hand lay-ups, 80% of his weak hand lay-ups.

BALL HANDLING

Does not begin dribble before looking to pass or shoot, does not end dribble unless shooting or passing. Can crossover; jab step to each side; dribble behind back, through legs and equally strong with both hands. Keeps and wants the ball in his hands against the press, and won’t put the ball in a nonballhandler’s hands under pressure.

Inconsistently begins dribble before looking to pass or shoot, or ends dribble without shooting or passing. Can crossover, jab step to each side, dribble behind back and through legs but is not equally strong with both hands. Wants the ball in his hands against the press, but occasionally puts the ball in a nonballhandler’s hands under pressure.

Consistently begins dribble before looking to pass or shoot, or ends dribble without shooting or passing. Can crossover from strong to weak hand, jab step to each side, maybe dribbles behind back or through legs but is not equally strong with both hands. Avoids the ball against press, puts the ball in a non-ballhandler’s hands under pressure.

PASSING, RECEIVING

Can throw bounce, chest, lob, skip and baseball pass with consistent accuracy, and knows when to throw which pass. Catches the ball with both hands and in triple-threat position.

Can throw bounce, chest, lob, skip and baseball pass, but not all with consistent accuracy, and struggles with when to throw which pass. Catches the ball with both hands but not consistently in triple threat position.

Can throw bounce, chest, lob, skip and baseball pass but without consistent accuracy; struggles with when to throw which pass. Catches the ball with one hand and rarely in triple threat position.

SPEED, STRENGTH

Can run 40 yards in 4.8 seconds or less, one mile in 7.0 minutes or less, and ladders (suicides) in 29 seconds or less. Benches 90% of own weight three times, squats 90% of own weight three times.

Can run 40 yards in 5.0 seconds or less, one mile in 7.5 minutes or less, and ladders (suicides) in 31 seconds or less. Benches 80% of own weight three times, squats 80% of own weight three times.

Can run 40 yards in 5.2 seconds or less, one mile in 8.0 minutes or less, and ladders (suicides) in 33 seconds or less. Benches 70% of own weight three times, squats 70% of own weight three times.

WITHOUT THE BALL

Keeps moving without the ball, sets quality screens for teammates, gives the ball up for a better shot, communicates constantly on both ends of the floor, wants the ball in tight situations, knows all offensive and defensive calls.

Keeps moving without the ball, sets screens for teammates, inconsistently gives the ball up for a better shot, communicates consistently on both ends of the floor, wants the ball in some situations, knows most play calls.

Keeps moving without ball, only sets screens for teammates in patterned flow, inconsistently gives the ball up for a better shot, communicates occasionally on both ends, doesn’t want the ball in tight situations, knows some play calls.

INTANGIBLES

Was a varsity player before. Coachable. Meets academic potential. Comes highly recommended by faculty and staff. Plays ball in the summer. Has attended all meetings. Is not going on vacation. Plays multiple sports. Is not pushed out by numbers.

Has open position available. Was a freshman player. Is coachable. Doing okay academically. Is recommended by faculty and staff. Plays some summer ball. Plays one other sport. May or may not be going on vacation. Is not pushed out by numbers.

Played limited summer ball. Plays no other sport. Planning on vacation. Academically eligible. May be pushed out by numbers. Not well recommended by faculty and staff.

ball at peak, maintains contact with opponent until springs for the ball, keeps elbows back and down and buttocks on opponent’s thigh. Understands when to outlet and when not, what lanes to fill, and when to give up the ball on the break.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT

sought to emphasize that we were not rejecting someone but instead choosing someone else, which has helped to reduce player anxiety. Although our renamed Selection Week has not eliminated all the challenges of evaluating a large group of players in a short period of time, it has made players and coaches more relaxed and confident while also meeting several other goals. Drills & Skills We begin before Selection Week by splitting prospective players into two groups: players who are eligible for our freshman team, and those eligible for junior varsity and varsity. Done during the sign-up period, we simply separate freshmen from the sophomores, juniors and seniors. All athletes practice each day, and each group is put through the same drills and skills tests. The selection process ends on the third day for junior varsity and varsity athletes, who we are already familiar with, and on the fifth day for the freshmen. Splitting the players into two groups

brings the number of athletes practicing at one time to reasonable levels. It also helps to reduce the anxiety for the newcomers since a freshman trying out for the first time won’t have to do drills with a returning All-State selection. And by having the newcomers practice five days, we get a longer look at the players we’re least familiar with. We have two hours of practice each day, which include drill stations (free throws, jump shots, Mikan drill, ball handling around cones, X-Out drill, and passing drills). During these workouts we evaluate the players’ abilities in defending, rebounding, passing and receiving, ball handling, shooting, movement without the ball, and coachability. We also have timed runs in the ladder run (often called a suicide), 40-yard dash, one-mile run, and 2.5-mile run. Lastly, we test strength through the bench press and squat, and measure vertical leap. We use a rating scale of 1 to 4 for each section, and record the rating on an evaluation sheet. The student-athlete receives a 1 if he is below freshman ability in the

category. A 4 means the student-athlete is a varsity-caliber player in that category. The coaches meet after each practice throughout the week to discuss each student-athlete and compare notes. We also rate each player in other areas, including academic eligibility, improvement over time at Dover High School, summer basketball participation, other athletic endeavors, vacation plans, and the number of players needed at that position or in that class year. Rating System The ratings within each category are used to give players subtotals in these areas: rebounding, defending, shooting, ball handling, passing, receiving, speed, strength, moving without the ball, and intangibles. We add the subtotals to get a final total for each player. We then use those numbers to help us make our final selections. But the numbers do not dictate our selections. We also work by the following guidelines: 1. Players with academic question marks do not make the team. A student-

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Circle No. 20 Circle No. 21

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 22

MANAGEMENT

athlete who struggles in class will struggle on the field. 2. Seniors play only varsity. 3. Juniors selected for the JV team are projected starters for varsity the next year and are expected to provide leadership for younger student-athletes. 4. Sophomores and freshmen are selected for the varsity only if they are going to start at their positions. 5. Only freshmen are considered for the freshman team. 6. Specialists receive extra considera-

tion when selecting the final few players. For example, we may choose to add a defensive specialist or three-point field goal specialist. 7. We avoid having two seniors at the same position if they don’t play other positions, such as a starting and back-up 3 man. 8. Players who have played high school ball receive consideration over those who have not (except freshmen). 9. Multiple-sport athletes are favored over single-sport athletes.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

On Tuesday, we begin to firm up the final rosters. The first several selections are usually pretty obvious. We know who was the best shooter from the year before or the All-State junior who is a lock to make the team again. We also know those student-athletes who pose a safety risk to themselves or others and will not be selected. On Wednesday of Selection Week, we ask each teacher about every player they have in class. The teachers and players know we’ll be doing this. We ask how the player is doing in the class, if he is behaving, if he’s reaching his academic potential, and if not, why not. I also receive some word-of-mouth input from teachers since I’m on the faculty as well. Next, we address program needs. You can never have too much shooting, but some years we may be lean on speed, solid backcourt play, or insideplay experience, for instance. Once we’ve decided what our needs are, we can begin to fill in appropriately. We usually have seven or eight players we are considering for the final three or four spots, and they tend to be newcomers we are less familiar with. During the Wednesday workout (for freshmen it is Friday), we focus our attention on the players in question performing the skills in question. For example, we might work on jab steps to the weak side, or blocking out for rebounds. But to the players, Wednesday’s session is just like Monday’s and Tuesday’s. The final consideration is the overall makeup of the team. Is there proper leadership? Is this going to be a rebuilding year? Should it be? Will the players accept their roles? Final decisions are made immediately after Wednesday’s practice (Friday for freshmen), with our evaluation forms serving as the starting point for comparing two similar players. However, the final decision may not follow the rankings since intangibles can separate one player from another, and needs in one area will trump talent in another. For example, one year we had a freshman 2 man who was a 4 in almost every category. But we had multiple seniors returning and were facing a rebuilding situation. So we decided to keep the freshman at the freshman and junior varsity levels to create cohesion with his teammates, even though numerically he was a varsity-level player. The seniors all made

MANAGEMENT

contributions to the rebuilding effort and the freshman was a major contributor to the varsity team the following year. We’ve also seen some kids who earn a 4 as shooters, but a 2 defensively. They didn’t play varsity, even though they

This is where the detailed evaluations within each area are useful. I can show a player that he rebounded well but had problems shooting off the dribble, or that he receives well but is not strong enough to throw quality skip passes. For

separately is time-consuming and can be emotionally draining for me, it shows respect for the student-athlete. I don’t want them to go away without having received an explanation for why they weren’t selected. I want the student-ath-

THE FINAL CONSIDERATION IS THE OVERALL MAKEUP OF THE TEAM. IS THERE PROPER LEADERSHIP? IS THIS GOING TO BE A REBUILDING YEAR? SHOULD IT BE? WILL THE PLAYERS ACCEPT THEIR ROLES? had some varsity ability. And in our first year of the rebuilding process, when we didn’t have a single athlete who rated a 4 in ball handling, we looked more closely at the intangibles. Spreading the News Once the decisions are made, we don’t post lists of who was selected for each team or who wasn’t. I meet one-onone with each player for three to five minutes. Those not selected are told why they did not make the team. I go over their evaluation form in the discussion and give each player the addresses of leagues and clinics they can play in or attend to improve.

those selected, we review their evaluations and explain our expectations. Of course, some parents will want to know why their son didn’t make the team. I will provide parents a copy of their son’s evaluation on request. I also give them to the athletic director so he’ll be ready for any phone calls he might receive on Monday morning. I will also meet with any parent who has questions, but I make it clear I will not discuss players other than their son. If they tell me, “I know my Steve is better than Johnny,” then I tell them the discussion is over. Otherwise, I try to address their concerns. Although meeting with each player

lete to know who made the final decision. And if they need to be mad at somebody, I want them to be mad at me. But usually, it’s a pretty pleasant meeting. Typically, there’s only one player and one parent each year who get upset. The kids usually know before the meeting whether they’re going to make the team, because they’ve seen the other players perform. While we can’t make the pain of being cut hurt any less, we feel this system has helped make the selection process more predictable, more consistent, and, most of all, less stressful for players and coaches alike. ■ A version of this article appeared in Coaching Management-Baseball.

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STRENGTH

Basketball Strength and Conditioning Program Miklos Horvath, CSCS It was not long ago that basketball coaches would not dream of "ruining their playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shots" by lifting weights. Fortunately, this and many other similar myths have been dispelled as coaches and players have become more educated about strength training's benefits. Strength training for basketball players is more important than ever before. As athletes become bigger, faster and stronger, physical training becomes less of an extra and more of a necessity. This evolution is evident when you look at the players and teams that dominate modern day basketball. Even though basketball is considered a "non-contact sport", players take as much abuse as some "contact sports". To stay competitive players must be able to sustain a high level of performance in an ever-increasing physical game. Athletes that participate in a supervised strength program primarily see changes like increased athletic performance and durability, but the benefits are not limited to physical. An improvement in self-confidence is also a common occurrence. Coaches who wish to dominate in all aspects of the game of basketball must incorporate strength training to have a truly complete basketball program. Not all programs are created equal. There are three components to a good strength program for basketball. The first is the appropriate exercise prescription. Like a physician's prescription, the strength program must be appropriate for its target audience. The second component of a sound program is inclusion of the appropriate types of exercises. Exercises should be chosen to train athletes for the specific demands placed upon their bodies during practice and games. Injuries are always a major concern for athletes and coaches, which is why injury prevention is the final component. In strength and conditioning, the exercise prescription includes the number of sets, repetitions, and weights for each exercise, the recovery times between sets, and the frequency, intensity, and duration of the workouts. Because of the demands placed on the athlete by practice sessions and games, the strength program should be intense, short and infrequent. On most strength exercises athletes should try to reach momentary muscle failure, in other words, the point at which they can no longer move the weight. This is the type of intensity that will bring about positive changes. Short workouts are one hour or less. Sessions that last longer than one hour will have little benefit and may even contribute to overtraining the athletes. Lastly the workouts should be infrequent. This is accomplished by using a total body program done two or at most three times per seven-day period. This will allow ample recovery between workouts so that a high level of intensity can be maintained from one workout to the next. Basketball involves repeated bouts of high intensity jumps and sprints. Type IIB (fast twitch) muscle fibers are primarily responsible for these explosive movements. At the same time the anaerobic (short term) energy system provides most of the power supply. To prepare for this use a multiple set approach with a heavy resistance. A resistance that can only be lifted for three to eight repetitions will bring about the best results. For most exercises a weight of 70% RM or higher should be used. Using a heavy resistance in this repetition range will stimulate the Type IIB, fast twitch, muscle fibers. There will always be some exceptions such as certain isolation exercises and injury

prevention exercises. Recovery times should allow adequate recovery of ATP to perform subsequent sets with the same intensity. Depending upon the exercise, recovery times can range anywhere from 90 seconds up to three minutes or longer. A basketball strength program should include exercises that train all major muscle groups with special emphasis on those muscles used in specific basketball movements. Compound, closed-chain movements should be done to strengthen the lower body. This can include Leg Presses, Squats, Deadlifts and Split Squats or Lunges. The major focus of the strength program should be on the lower body, since it performs most of the body's movements. However, the upper body training cannot be left out of the program. The upper body should be trained using compound movements like Chest Presses, Shoulder Presses, Lat Rows, Pull Ups, and Pulldowns. Additional exercises including, hip flexion, calf raises and shoulder raises can compliment the compound movements. These more traditional types of exercises should make up the bulk of the program. There are some additional exercises that should be included to train explosive type movements. Olympic lifts can be a great help in getting athletes to develop power movement patterns. The two Olympic lifts, the Clean and Jerk and the Power Snatch, are relatively difficult and time consuming to learn. Therefore, variations of these movements, which are much easier to learn, can be incorporated. Exercises like power cleans, push presses, high pulls and push jerks will help to develop explosiveness as well as movement patterns that simulate explosive motions. These exercises can be done using a standard Olympic bar or a piece of strength equipment that mimics the same actions. These Olympic style exercises should not be done to the point of failure, as this would compromise the ability to perform the movements at a high rate of speed. Instead, the focus should be on a quick, explosive movement with a lighter weight. Although it is difficult to determine how much you can prevent or lessen the severity of injuries, there is no doubt that a strength program has an important role in injury prevention. When trying to reduce the occurrence of injuries, the first thing to check is the muscular balance of the players. Any imbalance can contribute directly or indirectly to an injury. There are many types of muscular imbalances to be aware of. A difference between opposing muscle groups (the quadriceps and hamstrings), between two sides of the body, or between the upper and lower halves of the body should all be addressed. Time should be spent assessing each athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall balance to determine what changes need to be done to their individual programs. To improve muscular balance between opposing muscle groups, make sure that the program contains exercises for both. A program that has five pushing exercises for the upper body and only one pulling exercise does not make sense. For better muscle balance between the two halves of the body, free weights and/or machines that allow independent movements between limbs can help. This will ensure that the non-dominate side is forced to move as much resistance as the other side. Lastly, make athletes perform exercises for the upper and lower body. Resistance training for many young athletes immediately conjures up images of lifting weights for the upper body. Placing emphasis on the lower body, while still training the upper body, will produce the best overall effect.

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CONDITIONING

How Fit Are Your Athletes?

GETTY IMAGES/ BRUAN BAHR

BY BEN COOK, CHIP SIGMON, AND ALAN TYSON

Developed by a team of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and basketball strength and conditioning coaches, the Performance Index Evaluation (PIE) helps you test your athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on-court potential and determine what areas of fitness each should work on.

valuating basketball ability is a tall order. Improving it is harder still. Some athletes develop great shooting and dribbling skills but physical limitations prevent their bodies from moving through suitable ranges of motion. In others, muscular tightness or weaknesses result in a reduced base of athletic abilities, such as speed, power and strength, balance, and flexibility. If not addressed, these physical limitations

can encumber a playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball skills and may cause the athlete to engage in a series of physical compensations that can lead to injury. The Performance Index Evaluation (PIE) for basketball was developed by a team of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and basketball strength and conditioning coaches from the Carolinas Sports Performance Center. The PIE scoring system combines numerical grades of seven separate tests. Establishing a PIE score can help a basketball

The authors are certified strength and conditioning specialists at the Carolinas Sports Performance Center in Charlotte, N.C., and have worked extensively with professional and college teams. Sigmon is also the author of the forthcoming "52-Week Basketball Training" published by Human Kinetics, and Cook of "Total Basketball Fitness," by Coaches Choice.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

CONDITIONING

coach better understand athletes’ physical abilities and, if needed, create a sound plan of corrective exercise. The individual parts of the PIE were specifically selected to encompass the basic physical attributes all basketball players must possess in order to perform effectively and safely. These tests evaluate physical stature, muscular endurance, functional movement or positioning, lateral quickness and speed, and muscular power through jumping ability. Due to the differing nature of the physical requirements for each position, separate score scales are provided for guards, forwards, and centers. The PIE, of course, is only a tool for examining the athlete’s movement ability. Once the PIE has been conducted it falls back on the player, coach, and athletic trainer to correct any physical limitations. The Crabwalk Having your players perform the crabwalk is a quick and easy way to assess core strength and muscular endurance of the torso and shoulders. The core (which is primarily the abdominals and low back) is the essential muscular area that controls twisting and turning of the shoulders and hips. A basketball player with greater core strength can better control his or her body as well as better deal with the

push-and-pull style of play in the post areas and around screens. To conduct the test, have the athlete assume a push-up position with both arms fully extended. Keeping the body completely straight from the head to the back of the heels, have the athlete begin to move laterally. To facilitate the movement, have the athlete move his or her opposite arm and leg laterally at the same time. Have male athletes crab from the baseline to half-court and back. Females should move from the baseline to the top of the key and back. Athletes who are unable to complete the assigned distance should receive the lowest grade, a 1. If at any time they bend either upward or downward at the hips, even if they complete the course, they should receive a grade of 2 or 3 depending on the number of breakdowns. If the athlete completes the distance and remains straight he or she should receive the highest grade offered, 4. See Figure 1 for examples of proper and improper body position. Athletes can improve their upperbody strength with these exercises: push-ups with various grip widths, zigzag push-ups, bench presses, decline presses, and alternate dumbbell presses. For core strength, focus on lower abdominal exercises, prone elbow supports, oblique crunches, and knee-ups from a hanging position. Also, instruct

athletes who score poorly to practice the crabwalk test, paying careful attention to the position of the hips, keeping the abs tight, and working for up to two minutes at a time. Snatch Position To test your players’ flexibility, have them perform squats with a dowel instead of a weighted bar. This is the most efficient way to assess bilateral mobility of the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and low, middle, and upper back. To conduct the test, the athlete assumes a shoulder-width standing posture. He or she places a dowel across the shoulders and grips it so that the arms create 90-degree angles at the elbows. The dowel is extended at arm’s length overhead. Have the athlete perform three or four slow, controlled squat movements by flexing the knees, hips, and ankles. The heels should be kept on the floor, the knees should be in line with the second and third toes, and the head and chest should face straight ahead. The dowel should be pressed fully overhead during the entire motion, and the athlete should be able to squat slightly below parallel. The most common area of tightness is the hip flexor region. If an athlete is tight in this region, he or she will not be able to squat past parallel. A second

Figure 1 CRAB WALK TEST

Score: 2

Score: 4

Score: 2

Score: 1

Figure 2 SNATCH POSITION TEST

Start

Score: 4

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Score: 3

Score: 2

Score: 1

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CONDITIONING

common area of tightness is the shoulders. If the athlete has tight shoulders, the stick will move forward as he or she squats. A third area of tightness is in the calf and Achilles region. The athlete may be able to squat past parallel, but will not be able to keep the heels on the ground or keep the feet square. Using the examples in Figure 2, score the postures exhibited by your athlete and assign a grade accordingly. Here are some ways to improve flexibility: ■ Hip flexor stretching can be accomplished by the athlete taking a kneeling position and stretching the arms as far as possible, or by having an athletic trainer, coach, or teammate stretch the athlete off the edge of a table (the Thomas Test stretch). Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. ■ Focus on shoulder flexibility by having the athlete perform the prayer stretch. Get on all fours on the ground. Keeping the hands flat on the ground, rock back, taking the buttocks toward the heels. To increase the stretch, the hands may be positioned further out in front or turned so that the palms face upward. This stretch should be felt in the shoulder and latissimus region but should never create discomfort. Hold for 30 seconds. ■ Stretch the calves both with the knee straight and knee bent (the knee-bent position focuses on the Achilles region). Hold the stretches for 30 seconds. ■ Practice the snatch position each day. Repeating this movement will help stretch many joints at once and encourage muscles to work together as a team, not in isolation. After one week of practice, the athlete should notice improvement.

Lateral Lunge Basketball players must move laterally to play defense and offense. If a player is unable to assume suitable ranges of motion in the lunge, this will carry over to the athlete’s side-to-side mobility and reduce the ground he or she can cover. It can also indicate a susceptibility to groin injuries. Have the athlete assume a posture with the feet double the shoulder width. The athlete then lunges laterally by allowing one leg to flex at the knee, hip, and ankle while attempting to keep both feet flat to the floor. The arms may be held out in front to help distribute body weight and maintain a better center of gravity. This will also test the inversion flexibility of the out-stretched ankle. The keys to the lateral lunge are not letting the knee go past the toes, not sitting back on the buttocks, not letting the trail foot come off the ground, and keeping the buttocks and knees parallel. Using Figure 3, compare the postures exhibited by your athlete and assign a grade accordingly. Athletes can improve their groin flexibility with specific stretches. One is the classic butterfly stretch, where the athletes sit on the floor and bring their feet together with soles touching, and push their bent knees toward the floor. A second exercise positions both legs out in front of the body. While seated and keeping the knees straight, separate the legs as far as possible. Slowly move the upper body forward while keeping the back straight until a stretch is felt in the hamstrings and groin. Achieving this position requires some strength, so side-to-side squats or lunges and strength training of the outer hips will help. These positions should be practiced daily.

The Vertical Jump The number one question that basketball players ask strength coaches is, “How do I improve my vertical jump?” Jump height is always critical in a basketball game, but from a coach’s perspective, testing the vertical jump can also give you a good indication of the overall explosiveness and power of an athlete. First, record the athlete’s vertical reach by having him or her stand with both feet on the floor and reach up as high as possible with the dominant shoulder and arm against the wall. Then have the player jump using a nostep, two-footed take-off, and measure the distance between the maximum standing reach and highest jump-mark. (See Table 1 for assigning points.) There are many ways to increase vertical jump, but the most important aspect of the movement is proper mechanics: ■ Keep the chest up throughout the entire movement. ■ Bend at the knees instead of the waist. ■ Have hands track right beside the legs on the downward and upward swing of the arms. ■ Always look at what you are reaching for. ■ Once you hit the bottom of the knee bend, jump without any hesitation or delay. Vertical-jump exercises include: ■ Simple jumping and bounding drills, such as double- or single-leg hops, or bounding on and off boxes. ■ Using a weighted vest to increase resistance and create overload when jumping. ■ Weight-training exercises such as the squat, leg press, and even the bench press will help create the extra strength

Figure 3 LATERAL LUNGE TEST

Score: 4

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Score: 3

Score: 2

Score: 1

CONDITIONING

and power that is critical to vertical lift. ■ Trying to touch or reach for an object just out of reach can really improve jump height.

Here’s what to tell your athletes: “First, when slowing down to pick up the sock and turn, make sure you reach out as far as possible with your right leg touching the foul line. As you are reaching out with the right foot, you want to lean and turn on the left foot or the plant leg so that

I-Shuttle The I-Shuttle is a great way to test an athlete’s speed, agility, acceleration, and deceleration. Knowing how to decelerate, change direction, and Table 1: VERTICAL JUMP accelerate will help players’ move(inches beyond standing reach) ments in game situations. POINTS 4 3 2 1 The equipment needed for the GUARDS shuttle test is two socks and a stopMale >32 29-31 28-26 <26 watch. The athlete straddles the Female >26 22-25 18-21 <18 mid-court line within the tipoff FORWARDS circle. He or she then turns and Male >31 28-30 24-27 <24 sprints to a sock placed on one of Female >25 24-21 17-20 <17 the free-throw lines. The athlete picks up the sock, turns, and CENTERS sprints to the other free-throw line Male >28 24-27 21-23 <21 and picks up the other sock, then Female >24 20-23 16-19 <16 turns and sprints back to the midcourt line, finishing with a sock in each hand. Improving performance in this test you are touching the foul line with one is more complicated than in others. leg and at the same time turning and

leaning back toward the other direction. There should be very little weight on the leg that is reaching for the foul line. All or most of your weight should be on the spin foot as you lean in the opposite direction. When you do reach and lean, you are letting gravity help you produce

Table 2: I-SHUTTLE (seconds to complete) 4 3 2

6.75 7.0

6.76-6.81 7.01-7.2

6.82-7.2 7.21-7.5

>7.21 >7.51

6.8 7.2

6.81-7.1 7.21-7.39

7.11-7.65 7.4-7.6

>7.66 >7.60

7.21 7.51

7.21-7.50 7.51-7.8

7.51-7.80 7.81-7.99

>7.81 >8.0

acceleration back in the other direction.” (See Table 2 for assigning points).

Circle No. 28 COACHING MANAGEMENT

CONDITIONING

aling. (See Table 3 for scores.) The Lane Box Drill When working on their lateral moveThe Lane Box Drill (Figure 4) is anothment, players should stay low, keep the er great way to test change of direction. chest up, hips back, and the back flat. However, this agility test examines forThey should also stay on the balls of the ward, lateral, and backward movements in one package. The athlete starts at the top Table 3: LANE BOX DRILL of the lane at the right elbow (cone 1) and sprints to the base (seconds to complete course) line. When the athlete reaches 3 2 1 POINTS 4 cone 2, he or she power slides to GUARDS the opposite side of the lane 10.2 10.21-10.9 10.91-11.6 >11.61 Male while facing away from the 11.22 11.23-11.0 11.01-12.5 >12.51 Female court. When passing cone 3 at FORWARDS the bottom of the lane, he or 11.0 11.01-11.49 11.5-12.5 >12.51 Male she then back-pedals up the 11.45 11.46-12.1 12.11-12.99 >13.00 Female lane and past cone 4. Once past cone 4, the athlete shuffles CENTERS across the free throw line facing 11.78 11.79-12.39 12.4-12.8 >12.81 Male the near basket. Once past cone 12.12 12.13-12.99 13.0-13.7 >13.71 Female 1, he or she reverses course, shuffles back to cone 4, and continues the drill in the oppofeet and not bring the feet together site direction by sprinting to cone 3. during the movement. After power sliding across the base line When practicing backward runs, athto cone 2, the athlete will finish the drill letes should again stay low and use when they cross cone 1 while back ped-

forceful shoulder and arm movements to create acceleration. Also concentrate on keeping the head slightly out over the toes while running on the balls of the feet. An eight- to 15-pound weightTable 4: ARM SPAN (beyond height, in inches) 4 3 2

>5 >2.8

3.50-4.88 2-2.5

2-3.375 1.5-1.88

<1.8 <1.3

>5 >2.5

3.5-4.88 2.-3.375 1.88-2.375 1-1.5

<1.8 <1

>3 >2

2-2.88 1.5-1.88

<1 <1

1-1.88 1-1.375

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Figure 4 LANE BOX DRILL

Arm Span A player with long arms has the potential to be a good rebounder and shot blocker and is able to make more steals and deflections. And a long wing span can take up a lot of floor space on the basketball court. It can’t be changed, of course, but it can be another consideration for a coach making up a team. Arm length obviously varies greatly with the stature of athletes, so a more meaningful comparison is the difference between the height of the athlete and the span of his or her arms. The athlete should stand with his or her nose touching a wall and spread his or her arms out to each side as far as possible. Measure from tip to tip of the middle fingers using a measuring tape. The athlete’s nose and toes should both be touching the wall at the time of measurement. (See Table 4 for scores.) Adding It All Up Evaluating players’ fitness doesn’t end when the tests are conducted and the scores recorded. It’s up to the coach

to integrate the PIE system into a basketball program. Doing so depends a lot on team objectives and needs, and on the athletes’ collective ability level. When we use the above tests with basketball players in the Charlotte area, we add up the scores of the seven tests and compare them to grades we have developed based on the abilities of athletes with whom we have worked. Thus, 25 to 28 equals an “A” and 21-24 a “B,” for instance. The higher letter grades, however, reflect the abilities of college and pro athletes, and with younger players we’ve found it’s preferable to hold up a certain score or range as a target to aspire to. A score of 12 to 20, for example, may show a player that he or she needs to focus on developing certain abilities in order to pursue the sport at a higher level. Ultimately, the overall score an athlete receives is not the most important point. The key is using the scores to see where an athlete needs improvement and then developing programs to help him or her improve in the problem areas. ■

THE

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Basketball: Better Nutrition = Better Hoops By JULIE BURNS, M.S., R.D. Founder of SportFuel, Inc. and sports nutrition consultant for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls and Northwestern University athletes

Basketball is a highly intense sport that requires its players to have speed, agility and power throughout the game. The peak energy level needed for basketball can be maximized with good hydration and nutrition pre- and post-court. Promote Hydration -- “The 3 Pointer” A common cause of early fatigue during exercise is dehydration. Each athlete should have his or her own individual sports bottle. Cool, flavored fluids, like sports drinks, encourage drinking and help athletes replenish fluid losses. Dehydration can be prevented by using these guidelines from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association:

Hydration Guidelines Point 1: Pre-Court

✓ ✓ Drink another 7 to 10 oz fluid 10 to 20 minutes before Drink 17 to 20 oz of fluid 2 to 3 hours prior to playing playing

✓ Record baseline weight to assess fluid losses Point 2: On the Court

✓ Drink at least 7 to 10 oz of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes Point 3: Post-Court

✓ ✓ Within 2 hours of finishing training or competition, Record post-exercise weight to assess fluid losses

✓ Eat familiar foods. Never try a new food on a game day. Experiment with foods only on practice days.

✓ Athletes should try to eat 2 to 4 hours before the game to give their body enough time to digest the food. The closer the athlete eats to a game or practice, the smaller the meal should be.

✓ Consume high-carbohydrate foods. Good choices include whole-grain bagels, breads, fruits and energy bars, like the Gatorade Energy Bar. These foods tend to be easily digested by most athletes.

✓ If an athlete tends to experience stomach problems, eating smaller, more frequent meals will help. Some athletes tolerate liquid meals, such as nutrition shakes, better than solid foods.

✓ For staying power, include some protein-containing foods with the high-carbohydrate foods at the pre-event meal. Examples include slices of turkey, chicken, lean beef, fish, yogurt, beef or turkey jerky or nuts. Once the athlete has finished their pre-game meal, they should sip fluids during the period leading up to the game to help ensure they begin play well hydrated.

drink at least 20 oz for every 1lb. of weight loss

Recovering From The Court Pre-Court Fuel Basketball players need guidance on what to eat before they train or compete. The pre-event meal is important because it keeps the athletes from feeling hungry, helps the athlete prepare mentally for competition and provides fuel and fluids to the muscles. Each athlete needs to experiment to identify what foods feel best, both physiologically and psychologically. Here are a few tips to consider when planning a pre-event meal:

High-carbohydrate foods are essential for replenishing muscle energy stores after practice or a game. Carbohydrate-rich foods along with some protein must be consumed within 30 minutes after a practice or a game. Along with fuel, fluids must also be replaced post-exercise. Ideally, athletes will weigh in and out pre- and post-exercise. Research suggests that 20 oz of fluids per 1 pound of weight lost due to sweat needs to be consumed to get the player back to baseline. Adopting these two simple postexercise recovery strategies will help maximize the ability for the athlete to train and compete at his or her best.

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GARED SPORTS (800) 325-2682, www.garedsports.com Gared Sports offers the newly redesigned PMCE Pro Mold Cushion Edge Padding and the C-PSCE, the only “Color Peel & Stick” cushion edge Padding in the market today. Available in a variety of colors, they offer great player protection and long lasting durability. The C-PSCE backboard padding requires no hardware to install. Simply peel off the adheCOACHING MANAGEMENT

The Basketball Court sive tape to securely attach to any board. Items sold only through Gared Sports Dealers. Meet NCAA and NFHS specifications. Circle No. 59 on Reader Inquiry Card Gared Sports offers the staple item within basketball coaching circles. Recognized as the best Basketball training aid and skill development piece of equipment, the Varsity Toss Back can drastically improve a player’s quickness, strength, stamina, and passing accuracy. Many coaches own multiple units for drills and so each player can workout on their own. Video Tapes and Skill Development Books on using Toss Backs are available upon request. Available only through Gared Sports Dealers. Circle No. 60 on Reader Inquiry Card

JAYPRO SPORTS (800) 243-0533, www.jaypro.com The EBB-1 Portable Recreational Basketball Unit by Jaypro Sports, is an ideal choice for elementary-level children who are building shooting skills and confidence or for recreational use for older age groups. A single adult can easily adjust this versatile unit to four different heights. The 240 lbs. of ballast (included) provide a stable base and the offset wheels make it easy to move for both indoor and outdoor use. The unit can also be used as a volleyball or badminton standard. Circle No. 61 on Reader Inquiry Card

PORTER ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT COMPANY (800) 947-6783, www.porter-ath.com New NCAA Division I Ruling—To improve the integrity and fairness of the game of basketball, beginning with the 2004-2005 season, rim testing will be mandatory for all Division I Competition Courts and Tournaments. The Fair-Court™ rim-testing device by Porter Athletic Equipment Company was designed to measure the rebound performance of the basketball rim

COACHING MANAGEMENT

and entire support system. Contact Porter for more information about the Fair-Court rim-testing device. Circle No. 62 on Reader Inquiry Card Porter’s Torq-Flex® Adjustable goal has a unique one-of-a-kind adjustment feature that makes it the ideal choice for your equipment when meeting the new mandatory NCAA and FIBA rebound elasticity requirements (30 to 50% energy absorption) for competitive courts and tournaments. This state-of-the-art goal may be easily adjusted to meet competition requirements on any portable or other type of support system and calibrated with Porter’s Fair-Court® rim testing system. The unique goal design provides a rugged, maintenance-free rim that will withstand years of rigorous pro-level slam-dunks. Circle No. 63 on Reader Inquiry Card

REVERE PLASTICS (800) 226-8374, www.ReverePlastics.com In today’s marketplace most manufacturers of gym floor covers are moving to heavier weight floor covering materials. While Revere Plastics is at the forefront of this movement with its super duty Defender 50 floor covering material, the company is also continuing to upgrade and improve its line of lighter weight materials with the use of high tech reinforcing scrims and the latest in elastomeric coatings. In conjunction with these high tech materials, Revere has also developed compact storage systems for ease in handling of these products. For customer convenience Revere offers one stop shopping for all your protective covering needs. In addition to floor covers, Revere also manufactures protective wall padding and safety padding, custom made to your specific requirements. To most effectively and safely use your gym space, Revere also offers divider curtains, custom tailored to meet any application. Circle No. 64 on Reader Inquiry Card

RIGHT TIME SPORTS (800) 348-2605, www.righttimesports.com The new standard in time keeping, the Precision Time System® is available from Right Time Sports. Precision Time

stops the clock instantly on the referee’s whistle, saving valuable seconds and eliminating controversy especially in tense lategame situations. The system is easy to add to your existing scoreboard, and is great for basketball and wrestling. In 2003, Precision Time was used by the ACC, SEC, Big 12 & Pac 10 Conferences and championships for 12 state high schools, the NCAA DII, DIII and NAIA. The NCAA Rules Committee has recommended Precision Time. FIBA has adopted it for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Make the time RIGHT for your games with Precision Time. Circle No. 65 on Reader Inquiry Card

SPECIALIZED SEATING (877) SEATING, www.specializedseating.com Sit back and relax with the seating professionals. At Specialized Seating (SPEC SEATS) basketball is the company’s life. It has seating for the team benches, sidelines, locker rooms, meeting rooms, fundraising; we even have little seats for time-outs. Order a Sideline Package of team chairs and a scorer’s table and get your time-out stools free. Call Specialized Seating to design your own custom sideline package and sit with the pros. Circle No. 68 on Reader Inquiry Card

Sit back & relax with the seating professionals. Specialized Seating (SPEC SEATS) has introduced the new Contoured Team Seat DS100X. Available with all school colors and trimmed out the way you want. Keep it simple and traditional or design it with the same style and flair as some of today’s team uniforms. Order a Sideline Package of team chairs and a scorer’s table and get your time-out stools free. Call Specialized Seating to design your own custom sideline package and sit with the pros. Circle No. 69 on Reader Inquiry Card

Catalog Showcase

Scoring Tables JV PRO, INC. (800) 962-2440, www.jvpro.com JV Pro, Inc. offers custom made freestanding and convertible bleacher mount scoring tables. Standard options include an LED possession arrow with bonus indicators, illuminated shatterproof lexan panels, heavy duty soft rubber casters for easy movement, and they fold down to 16 inches for easy storage. JV Pro offers heavy duty courtside chairs with your logo/mascot in school colors to compliment your scoring table. They offer the perfect image for your sports program.

POWER SYSTEMS, INC. (800) 321-6975, www.power-systems.com Since 1986 Power Systems has made it a number one priority to become a leading supplier of sport training, health and fitness products. Its new 2003 catalog is reworked to provide the best possible resource for all your training needs. Included areas are core strength, medicine balls, speed, plyometrics, agility, strength equipment, strength accessories and flooring. You’ll find the catalog full of new products as well as some products that we've improved upon. Not only will you find these changes, but you will also find that the company has lowered some prices, enabling the customer to get premium products at great pricing. Go online or call Power Systems to request a FREE 2003 catalog today.

Circle No. 71 on Reader Inquiry Card

SIGNCO (402) 474-6646, www.signco.com SignCo Rotating Fascia Signs offer every school or organization a tremendous opportunity to generate amazing revenue for their program. With each

Circle No. 74 on Reader Inquiry Card

Tired of the BIG BOYS having the BIG BUDGETS for video & scouting equipment?

sign capable of holding up to 20 ad panels, you will be able to offer all your advertisers the one prime location within your arena. Call SignCo and start earning money for your program today. Circle No. 72 on Reader Inquiry Card The strongest and easiest way to generate revenue for your program is through corporate sponsorship and advertising. With SignCo’s Rotating Scoring Table you are able to create 20 spots of inventory for your advertisers as close to the action as possible. Call SignCo to find out more about this amazing product. Circle No. 73 on Reader Inquiry Card

NTM SPORTS SYSTEMS Video Editing Systems and Powerful Scouting Software

Basketball • Football • Other Sports • • • •

Cost Effective 24/7 Support Easy Game Input Customized Reports

• • • •

Digital Video DVD/Tape Output Highlight Tapes Easy! Easy! Easy!

WE WERE! Before You Buy Theirs, Check Out Ours! Before You Buy Ours, Check Out Theirs! (You’ll Appreciate Ours More)

New Trend Media Sports Systems Ph. 843-863-1065, Fax 843-797-2488 newtrendmedia@comcast.net

For more details, log on to www.newtrendmedia.com Circle No. 31 COACHING MANAGEMENT

Shooting Aids AIRBORNE ATHLETICS (888) 887-7453, www.drdishbasketball.com Dr. Dish™, from Airborne Athletics, is a basketball training machine that “dishes” basketballs to your players from anywhere on the court, to anywhere on the court. Use it to pass to your shooters from under the net, from the perimeter to a low post position, or to “shoot” off the rim or backboard for rebounding and tipping drills. Dr. Dish will “throw” bounce passes, chest and crosscourt passes, alleyoops and more. The machine automatically rotates to deliver a variety of passes or can be set stationary to practice one type of shot. With its adjustable ball speed and trajectory, players can be fed any kind of pass to practice shots from anywhere on the court. Dr. Dish features an automatic ball feeder and includes a unique basketball net system that collects made and missed shots, funneling them back into the machine. Get thousands of reps. per hour with Dr. Dish for more efficient practice, better rebounding, and

improved team shooting percentage. Circle No. 97 on Reader Inquiry Card

ARCANGEL (888) 927-2264, www.arcangel.org Improving shooting percentages one team at a time for over six years. Now you can actually see what you’re shooting at. The idea is simple: improve shooting through visualization and repetition. What makes it revolutionary is the clear, memorable target provided by the ArcAngel Halo, designed by ArcAngel, to force the player to shoot with the proper arc. The ArcAngel can be used for three-point shots, foul shots, and even bank shots. It installs in seconds without tools or a ladder and folds for easy storage and portability. For more information, visit the company’s Web site or call later in the day. Circle No. 99 on Reader Inquiry Card

SHOOT-A-WAY (800) 294-4654, www.shootaway.com Shoot-A-Way, Inc., has introduced the newest member of its basketball return family. It’s called The Gun and it has peo-

Give Your Players the Ultimate Strength & Conditioning Tool A simple and effective way to help athletes track ★ Weight Training ★ Aerobic & Conditioning Workouts ★ Meals And Nutrition ★ Individual Workout Goals

ple excited about shooting again. The Gun zips out passes from 15 to 35 feet. Multiple settings allow it to throw to the same spot or to throw as it rotates to the next spot around the perimeter. The fast-paced workout forces players to shoot and move, catch quickly, and get the shot up. Call Shoot-A-Way for more information and a free demo video. Circle No. 66 on Reader Inquiry Card Shoot-A-Way, Inc. has introduced it’s new rebounding machine. This machine will help teach players to rebound with power and control by pulling the ball down through arms of resistance. Adjustable ball height of seven to eleven feet, makes this rebounder versatile enough for many different needs. The optional blockout pads allow a player to blockout into spring loaded pads, then rebound with authority. Circle No. 67 on Reader Inquiry Card

GYM FLOOR COVERS Put The Revere System to work in your gym

The Daily Fit Plan Workout Success Planner

PROTECTIVE COVERING – By The Foot…By The Mile…By Revere

• Athletic field covers in various materials and strengths to suit every budget. • Windscreens for tennis courts and fencing. • Curtains for privacy, uniform visual background and wind protection.

Call Now for Team Pricing

888-247-9780 www.dailyfitplan.com

• Gymnasium wall pads and divider curtains. Visit us at our website: www.revereplastics.com OR CALL TODAY. . .

800/226-8374

REVERE PLASTICS, INC. • 16 Industrial Ave. • Little Ferry, NJ 07643

Circle No. 32 Circle No. 33

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Strength & Fitness AIRBORNE ATHLETICS (888) 887-7453 Increase your vertical and speed with the Ab Attack™ from Airborne Athletics. Core strength is the foundation of any athletic movement. The best way to develop core strength is to add weight resistance to your exercise. The patented Ab Attack does just that. This simple, yet ingenious device lets you securely strap a free weight or dumbbell between your feet. Now, with weight resistance added to your exercise program, you’ll develop that all-important core strength faster and more effectively and improve your game. Circle No. 98 on Reader Inquiry Card

JUMP STRETCH, INC. (800) 344-3539, www.jumpstretch.com Jump Stretch, Inc., offers the complete line of Flex-Band® exercise equipment, including seven sizes of heavy-duty,

continuous-loop bands that provide 25-200 lbs. of resistance per band. Its band techniques are guaranteed to improve flexibility, speed, and vertical jump, and even to reduce downtime from injuries. The bands come with a full one-year warranty. Circle No. 77 on Reader Inquiry Card

LIFE FITNESS (800) 634-8637, www.lifefitness.com Life Fitness’ 9500XXL Lifecycle exercise bike is ideal for amateur athletes and athletic fitness facilities. The bike, which is the first Lifecycle exercise bike designed for taller athletes, accommodates athletes ranging in height from 5 feet 6 inches to 7 feet tall, which is 7 inches more than the current Lifecycle

upright exercise bikes. It is equipped with 25 levels of resistance and a wide variety of programming options to challenge even the fittest athletes. Circle No. 78 on Reader Inquiry Card Hammer Strength’s Ground Base line offers numerous exercise options in upward, downward and neutral planes of motion for optimal sports-specific strength training. The unique line of plate-loaded equipment is designed so that athletes train with their feet on the ground to encourage total-body stabilization, better balance and greater functional workouts that maximize everyday as well as athletic performance. The Ground Base machines allow for appropriate speed, resistance and body stabilization to maximize transfer to athletic movements. Visit www.hammerstrength.com for more information. Circle No. 79 on Reader Inquiry Card

Rotating Signs & Scorer's Tables

Circle No. 34

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Strength & Fitness OPTP (800) 367-7393, www.optp.com OPTP is your affordable source for Gymnic® Swiss Balls. These heavy-duty, inflatable vinyl balls are brightly colored and can support up to 600 pounds of pressure. They are available in sizes 30-95 cm. Also offered is the Gymnic® Plus “Burst Resistant Quality” Ball. These balls are made of a burst resistant material that slowly deflates if punctured, which is ideal for high-risk patients or high-performance workouts. Available in 45, 55, 65, and 75 cm sizes. Circle No. 80 on Reader Inquiry Card

OPTP is now the exclusive distributor of the Stretch Out® Strap. The patented Stretch Out Strap delivers the benefits of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching without a partner. This type of stretching combines isotonic, isometric and prolonged stretch. Alternating a stretch with a “relax phase” while using the Stretch Out Strap allows for maximum flexibility and decreases risk of injury. The Stretch Out Strap has a double stitched series of loops for hands and feet that allow users to work progressively into a stretch. Each Stretch Out Strap comes with a newly updated stretching guide with over 28 illustrations for the hamstrings, quads, inner and outer thighs, back, sides, chest and arms. Circle No. 81 on Reader Inquiry Card

POWER SYSTEMS, INC. (800) 321-6975, www.power-systems.com Power Systems offers a rubber coated dumbbell that not only looks great in your weight room but its very economically priced too. The rubber coating protects the floor from impact and damage as well as reduces noise. The added feature of the ergonomic chrome handle enables the dumbbells to lay in the

COACHING MANAGEMENT

hand comfortably. Circle No. 82 on Reader Inquiry Card Power Systems offers an array of top quality solid steel machine bars. Ergonomic rubber handles and chrome finish not only add to the comfort of the bar but it looks great too. Designed for all cable weight machine systems. Nine bar variations to choose from. For more information and to request a free catalog call Power Systems or visit its Web site. Circle No. 83 on Reader Inquiry Card

POWERNETICS (800) 829-2928, www.powernetics.com Powernetics offers a line of strength training machines that develop power by providing a consistent ratio of speed, resistance, and intensity. The Dominator builds strength in one unbroken line from the feet to the hands. The machine’s ground-based torquing motion works both sides of the body, as well as providing an explosive chest punch. The unit will more than double strength in the 90-degree torso rotation. Circle No. 84 on Reader Inquiry Card

Powernetics also offers other products for the strength-training of your basketball player, including the Bulldog and Attacker. The Bulldog isolates the hamstring and glutes without stress on knees and back. It also offers an explosive hack jump exercise that develops power in the hamstrings, glutes and quads—all from one exercise. The Attacker allows the athlete to fire and roll his hips while moving up and out into a full hand separation. Because of the explosive movement, power is developed from the feet through the hands. Circle No. 85 on Reader Inquiry Card

PRO FITNESS GROUP INC. (888) 247-9780, www.dailyfitplan.com The Daily Fit Plan Workout Success Planner is an ideal workout tool to help players improve strength and condition-

ing. It allows them to track weight training and conditioning workouts, meals and nutrition. All in a simple, easy to use and effective format. The planner helps keep both athletes and coaches focused on the same strength and conditioning goals. Circle No. 86 on Reader Inquiry Card

VERTIMAX (800) 699-5867, www.vertimax.com The VertiMax Low-Load,Velocity-Specific platform trainer is the unchallenged best device ever designed to increase lower body reactive power. It provides unique kinetics and eliminates the shortcomings of all previous platform trainers. (1) An unlimited number of resistances can be set in seconds. (2) The athlete is fully loaded in the low squat position. (3) The resistance level set does not vary through the complete concentric and eccentric movement. (4) During lateral movement the applied overload maintains a true “center of the earth” gravity vector. Stand by for huge gains in vertical jump and first-step-quickness. Circle No. 87 on Reader Inquiry Card

X VEST (800) 697-5658, www.THExVest.com “I have found the X Vest to be an excellent tool for providing overloads in both plyometric and strength training, conditioning and rehabilitation programs. The fit and adaptability are excellent. The X Vest allows for freedom of movement and doesn’t interfere with any of the agility, bounding or running programs that I write for a wide variety of athletes, both collegiate and professional. The X Vest has proven itself in my programs! Thank you for all your efforts and help in improving my capability as a strength & conditioning specialist.”—Donald A. Chu Ph.D., PT, ATC, CSCS and author of Jumping into Plyometrics. Circle No. 88 on Reader Inquiry Card

New Technology LRSSPORTS (888) 577-0001, www.LRSSports.com The Courtside Analysis System from LRSSports is a revolutionary new concept in video analysis, providing real-time video for analysis and study during practice or scrimmages. The system captures video from your camera and transmits it to lightweight, portable Tablet PCs. View video clips, study individual frames, draw on video frames or diagram plays using the Tablet PC pen. The Courtside Analysis System changes the way you look at practice. Circle No. 90 on Reader Inquiry Card

The Gamer™ digital video editing and game analysis system from LRSSports is the best thing to happen to basketball

since the slam dunk. A top performer on laptops or desktop PCs, Gamer provides excellent value as a standalone system or a networked solution. By integrating video with data, Gamer offers extensive filtering and reporting capabilities. Built to take advantage of Firewire technology, Gamer provides high-quality video at an affordable price. Circle No. 91 on Reader Inquiry Card

NEW TREND MEDIA SPORTS SYSTEMS (843) 863-1065, www.newtrendmedia.com NTM Sports Systems are cost-effective and so user friendly that coaches actually enjoy using them. They cut time off the entire process, from digitizing film to printing reports. Fields, filters and reports are readyto-go or easily created from scratch. The company has over 50 combined years of video coordinating, database programming, network

engineering and software training to back its products and 24/7 tech support. Circle No. 92 on Reader Inquiry Card

SCOREWARE, INC. (617) 296-5300, www.statkeeper.com Version 6.0 of StatKeeper for Basketball contains several improvements. First, there is a simpler graphic user interface for game capture making recording easier. Version 6.0 allows you to instantly— minute by minute—publish game reports to your Web page right from courtside if you wish. Every copy of StatKeeper for Basketball comes with a free Palm interface module. This allows you to use your Palm Pilot for recording games. The instant Web interface is not available directly from Palm Pilot. You can transfer games to the StatKeeper database on your PC. From there all StatKeeper reports may be run. StatKeeper is available for $99.95 for basic reporting and $249.95 for advanced coaching reports. SKBB-Palm is ScoreWare’s new Palm based recording software. The recording module runs on the Palm Pilot. The

What can you really DO with giant rubber bands?! Run Faster Reduce Injuries

Jump Higher

Play Lower

Add Resistance to Machine Lifts

Improve Endurance

Increase Flexibility

Stay Ahead of Your Competition with Flex Bands! The Best-Kept Secret in Pro Sports Used by the Patriots, Cowboys, Yankees, Indians, Red Sox, Mariners, Hornets, Heat and many more! Flex Bands have been improving athletic performance since 1980.

Jump Stretch, Inc. 1230 N. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509 www.jumpstretch.com 1-800-344-3539 Fax: 1-330-793-8719 Circle No. 35 COACHING MANAGEMENT

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

Cho-Pat

PRODUCTS FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

All Products Made in the U.S.A.

I.T.B. Strap W NE

Sizes: XS - XL

Applies compression at the area of discomfort, usually above the knee joint or upper thigh, to prevent the snapping or friction of the iliotibial band.

Cho-Pat® Knee Strap

Sizes: XS - XXL

Cho-Pat’s Original Knee Strap is designed to alleviate certain knee discomforts due to overuse syndromes, arthritis, and other forms of degeneration. Nearly two million sold!

Dual Action Knee Strap

(Now Patented)

Sizes: Sm - XL

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Anthem Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 ArcAngel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Barry University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Basketball Products International . 19 Bassco Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . 2-3 Cho-Pat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Choice Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Clarin Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Courtclean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Daily Fit Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dr. Dish (Airborne Athletics) . . . . . . . . BC Dynamic Team Sports . . . . . . . . . . 27 eFundraising.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 ESPN The Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Eversan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Gambetta Sports Training . . . . . . . 13 Gared Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hoop Champs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jaypro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Jump Stretch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 JV Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Life Fitness/Hammer Strength . . . . 37 LRSSports Software . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Moyer Sports U.S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . 45 New Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 New Trend Media Sports. . . . . . . . 49 OPTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Powernetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Revere Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Right Time Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Shoot-A-Way (Rebounder). . . . . . . . . 28 Shoot-A-Way (The Gun) . . . . . . . . . . 33 SignCo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Specialized Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 StatKeeper (Scoreware). . . . . . . . . . . 24 Stromgren Supports . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TurboStats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 U.S. Sports Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Wilson Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . . 17 Xvest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Strengthens and tightens kneecap mechanism by applying pressure upon the tendon above and below the kneecap and lessens the development of iliotibial band and overuse syndromes.

Achilles Tendon Strap

Sizes: S, M, L

This patented device will reduce stress upon the Achilles Tendon and provide effective relief from pain and discomfort associated with Achilles Tendonitis.

Call 800-221-1601 (toll free) or 609-261-1336 or visit www.cho-pat.com to learn more about Cho-Pat’s innovative sports/medicine devices.

98. 97. 50. 99. 111 . 110 . 51. 105 . 104 . 52. 53. 116 . 112 . 55. 54. 56. 86. 106 . 57. 58. 59. 60. 76. 113 . 61. 114 . 77. 71. 115 . 79. 78. 90. 91. 108 . 107 . 101 . 100 . 92. 80. 81. 62. 63. 74. 82. 83. 85. 84. 64. 65. 67. 66. 72. 73. 69. 68. 93. 117 . 118 . 102 . 94. 95. 96. 87. 103 . 88.

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Airborne Athletics (Ab Attack) . . . . . 51 Airborne Athletics (Dr. Dish) . . . . . . . 50 Anthem Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 ArcAngel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Barry University (Movement Science) . . 58 Barry University (Sport Management). . 58 Basketball Products International . 47 Bassco (custom game uniform) . . . . . . . 57 Bassco (spirit pack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Bison (ClearDefense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bison (T-Rex 96) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Cho-Pat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Choice Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Clarin Seating (Boxx Seats durability) . . 47 Clarin Seating (Boxx Seats logos) . . . . 47 Courtclean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Daily Fit Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Dynamic Team Sports . . . . . . . . . . 57 Eversan (basketball scoreboard) . . . . . . 47 Eversan (portable scoreboard) . . . . . . . 47 Gared Sports (PMCE/C-PSCE) . . . . . . 47 Gared Sports (Varsity Toss Back) . . . . . 48 Gatorade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Hoop Champs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Jaypro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Jump Stretch (continuous-loop bands) . 56 Jump Stretch (Flex-Band equipment) . . 51 JV Pro, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Jym . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Life Fitness (Ground Base) . . . . . . . . . 51 Life Fitness (Lifecycle) . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 LRSSports Software (Courtside Analysis) . 53 LRSSports Software (Gamer) . . . . . . 53 Moyer Sports (shirts/pants) . . . . . . . . 57 Moyer Sports U.S.A. (custom team apparel) 57 New Balance (785 basketball shoe) . . . 56 New Balance (885 basketball shoe) . . . 56 New Trend Media Sports. . . . . . . . 53 OPTP (Gymnic Swiss Balls). . . . . . . . . . 52 OPTP (Stretch Out Strap) . . . . . . . . . . 52 Porter (Fair-Court) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Porter (Torq-Flex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Power Systems (catalog) . . . . . . . . . 49 Power Systems (rubber coated dumbbell). 52 Power Systems (solid steel machine bars) . 52 Powernetics (Bulldog/Attacker) . . . . . . 52 Powernetics (The Dominator) . . . . . . . 52 Revere Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Right Time Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Shoot-A-Way (rebounding machine) . . . 50 Shoot-A-Way (The Gun) . . . . . . . . . . 50 SignCo (rotating fascia signs) . . . . . . . . 49 SignCo (rotating scoring table) . . . . . . . 49 Specialized Seating (contoured seat) . 48 Specialized Seating (seating) . . . . . . 48 StatKeeper (Scoreware). . . . . . . . . . . 53 Stromgren (SuperWrap) . . . . . . . . . . 59 Stromgren (Z175 Ankle System) . . . . . . 59 Talent Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 TurboStats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 U.S. Sports Video (sports video editing) 55 U.S. Sports Video (video systems) . . . 55 VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Xvest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

For Quicker Response, Request Information From Advertisers On-Line at

MomentumMedia.com

Circle No. 36

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

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New Technology reporting module runs on any PC. It allows you to generate a box score, which can be directly uploaded to your Web site. It lets you generate shot charts for a game. With SKBB you can also transfer the actions of the game into Excel for further analysis. Best of all—it only costs $19.99. Circle No. 93 on Reader Inquiry Card

TURBOSTATS (800) 60-STATS, www.turbostats.com TurboStats has introduced Version 5.0 for Basketball. Using TurboStats, coaches can quickly input statistics in minutes after the game and even score the game live. Reports can be broken down by game types like conference, playoffs, etc., and even by opponent, date, and game location. Reports can be created for player, team, game, opponent, career, or even league standings. Any stat can be sorted and graphed with one click, printed or exported to HTML for posting on the Web. The most significant new feature

is the new animated playbook which is included in the ProSeries version. By dragging the players on a diagram of the court, you can create just about any type of full- or half-court play in seconds. It’s priced at under $100. Circle No. 94 on Reader Inquiry Card

U.S. SPORTS VIDEO (800) 556-8778, www.USsportsVideo.com Digital editing has become the trend for breaking down game tapes, and U.S. Sports Video has drawn upon its years of experience in sports video editing to offer unmatched technology and service in this emerging field. U.S. Sports Video can assist your athletic program if you are an existing customer considering an upgrade or someone who is considering options for a new digital editing system. The company’s digital edit systems and digital camera systems are based on the same careful research, development, and testing that has produced all the other successful products

enjoyed by its sports video customers over the years. U.S. Sports Video offers 24-hour, seven-days-a-week technical support, and 100 percent of its business is sports video. Circle No. 95 on Reader Inquiry Card U.S. Sports Video has now supplied more than 1,000 high school, college, and professional sports teams with the video systems they need to enjoy success on the playing fields and courts. U.S. Sports Video invented the camera and editing systems that for years have been the standard for the industry: the “Mark” Portable Studio Camera Systems, the “Electronic Edit Tower Systems,” and the “Eagle-Cam” family of portable, elevated remote control camera systems. Each system is custom-built to meet the needs and budget of the athletic program, with round-the-clock customer service to help solve any problem that may occur. Circle No. 96 on Reader Inquiry Card

RAW TALENT AND GREAT COACHING MAKE FOR A WINNING TEAM AND WE’LL GIVE YOU A MUCH BETTER ATHLETE TO WORK WITH! • If you really want to help your athletes, this season and in their future sports endeavors, VertiMax is the answer!

by GENETIC POTENTIAL UNLIKE ANY JUMP TRAINER YOU HAVE EVER SEEN! • NO other trainer will improve your athletes’

Vertical Jump and First-Step-Quickness like VertiMax! Three 8-min sessions per week produce amazing results!

As featured in Sports Illustrated and seen on ESPN, HBO and FOX Sports Networks

• Vertimax is presently in use at Div 1 schools

such as Penn State, Nebraska, Clemson, Notre Dame, Georgia, Miami, Iowa, Ohio State, Texas, and others.

1-800-699-5867

www.vertimax.com The trainer used by three out of four of the “Final Four” teams! Circle No. 38 COACHING MANAGEMENT

Team Equipment Jump Stretch, Inc., offers seven sizes of heavy-duty continuous-loop rubberbands (Flex Bands®) for strength training, flexibility work, rehab, and even powerlifting. By combining the bands with the company’s customized pipe arrangements (for resisted walking/running and weighted abdominal exercises) and patented tubular steel bases (for squats and squat thrusts), Jump Stretch can help you make the most of any available space in your workout area. Call (800) 3443539 or visit www.jumpstretch.com for more information. Circle No. 114 on Reader Inquiry Card New Balance is proud to debut the 885 basketball shoe. A supportive, cushioned team shoe for forwards and centers looking for the ultimate in traction and durability, the 885 features Abzorb® cushioning for maximum cushioning and a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support. A seamless vamp, mesh tongue with perforated foam package, and full grain leather upper provide for natural comfort and added breathability. The assymetrical, non-marking rubber outsole provides medial and lateral support. Available in eight color-ways and also in Kids (Grade/Pre) in four color-ways. Call (800) 253-7463 or visit www.newbalance.com for more information. Circle No. 100 on Reader Inquiry Card New Balance has also introduced the all-new 785 basketball shoe for men and women. The low profile 785 features Abzorb® cushioning for enhanced shock absorption and a Stability Web® for lightweight mid-

foot support and torsional stability. Built on a running last, the 785 team shoe is designed for guards and small forwards who depend on speed in their game. An overlasted construction provides additional support for stable ride and the non-marking solid rubber outsole ensures long-wearing durability. Available in four color-ways. Call (800) 253-7463 or visit www.newbalance.com for more information. Circle No. 101 on Reader Inquiry Card The Wilson NCAA Game Ball met rave reviews from the teams that participated in the 2003 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournament. The Wilson NCAA Game Ball is the only moisture absorbing composite leather basketball on the market. The Wilson NCAA Game Ball actually absorbs moisture and grows tackier under game conditions. Gripability is further improved with Aqua-Grip laid in channels. Made of pebbled composite leather, the new channels are 50 percent deeper than conventional channels. Together, cover and channels make this game ball three times more palmable when wet than traditional leather basketballs. The Wilson NCAA Game Ball is available at select sporting goods dealers nationwide. Visit www.wilsonsports.com or call (800) 245-5454 for more information. Circle No. 103 on Reader Inquiry Card

In the next issue of Coaching Management Basketball:

Portable Goals Team Equipment Video Editing Systems Guide Uniforms & Apparel

COACHING MANAGEMENT

C USTOMER T ESTIMONIAL

“The Stretch Out® Strap is a biomechanical device of choice when preventing and managing musculoskeletal injuries.” Dr. Andrew Bonci, CEO/President Nutritional Biomechanics, Inc. “I have been an enthusiastic user of this device for several years now, at home and in the gym, and I find it easy to carry with me whenever I travel. I recommend its use to all those interested in improving their level of physical performance and quality of living whether 8 or 80 years of age.” Michael M. Fleischer, Dept. of Exercise, Sport & Leisure Sciences, The City University of New York “Our players responded very well to the routine and enjoyed using the straps so much that a lot of them took them home with them to stretch and now we only have a few left. Please send more. We are looking forward to a great season with no pulled muscles thanks to the Stretch Out Strap.” Bob Medina, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Seattle Supersonics “Here at Gould, we feel PNF stretching is preferable to either ballistic or static stretching. The Stretch Out Strap allows each athlete to perform their resistance work in a timely fashion, facilitating minimal time lost in the warm-up period preceding training. Having personally used the Stretch Out Strap, I find its simplicity and functional ability outstanding.” Tim LaVallee, past Technical Director of the U.S. Ski Team and Director of Skiing, Gould Academy

OPTP PO Box 47009, Minneapolis, MN 55447

800.367.7393 www.optp.com

Uniforms & Apparel BASSCO SPORTING GOODS (800) 250-4923, www.bassco.com Bassco Sporting Goods offers a basketball spirit pack delivered in 14 working days. The pack includes a heavyweight 100-percent cotton tshirt, reversible tricot mesh jersey, big and baggy tricot mesh shorts, and a pair of socks. All garments include your choice of custom screen printing with no set-up charges. There are three jersey styles offered: men’s reversible tank top (shown), men’s reversible cap sleeve style, or women’s cut pattern. Circle No. 104 on Reader Inquiry Card

New for 2003 Bassco Sporting Goods, Van Nuys, CA. has created this unique custom design game uniform in both men's and women's patterns. Offered in 10 home and 10 away color combinations this dazzle cloth game uniform can be custom lettered in 14 working days. Complement this uniform with their shooting shirt and dazzle cloth tear-away pants in seven matching colors. Circle No. 105 on Reader Inquiry Card

DYNAMIC TEAM SPORTS (800) 437-6223, www.dynamicteamsports.com Dynamic Team Sports has introduced its Elite Series of custom uniforms for basketball. All jerseys are manufactured using breathable Dyna-Dry™ fabric or Sparkle Dazzle. The Elite Series offers limitless color combinations. Team names, logos, numbers and player names are dyed directly into the fabric. This eliminates the weight of embroidery and won’t fade, peel or crack. Dynamic Team

When the the Game’s Game’s When on the the Line... Line... on

Sports guarantees never to discontinue your uniform style so fill-ins are always available. For more information, contact your team uniform supplier. Circle No. 106 on Reader Inquiry Card

MOYER SPORTS (800) 255-5299, www.moyersports.com Moyer Sports offers a full line of stock and custom team apparel, warm ups, travel suits, jackets, jerseys, and bags. Top names such as adidas, Bike, Dynamic Team Sports, and Moyer’s Custom Line are among the many brands available. The company’s inhouse lettering facility enables Moyer to offer quicker service than the competition. A free color catalog is available. Circle No. 107 on Reader Inquiry Card

Moyer Sports Corner, in Ellicott City, Md., offers a complete line of shooting shirts and tear-away pants with custom styling. Call Moyer Sports for more information or to place an order. Circle No. 108 on Reader Inquiry Card

TALENT SPORT (405) 360-5733, www.talentsportinc.com Talent Sport offers WORTH ALLSPORT AllWeather Xtra-Dri® POWER SHIRTS. The long sleeve, mock turtle neck moisture management fabric transfers all moisture away from the body preserving energy for better performance. The Xtra-Dri Power Shirts are available in style: W1515. Circle No. 102 on Reader Inquiry Card

The Precision Time System

Precision Time stops the clock instantly on the refs whistle. Unit easy to install and use, just ask the pros, college and high school teams using the systems. Timing systems of ACC, Big 12, PAC 10, SEC, CIAA. “We found the Precision Time System to be a tremendous aid in game clock accuracy...” -Joe Alleva, Duke Director of Athletics

Make the TIME RIGHT for your games with PRECISION TIME To order call 800-348-2605

STOP STOP Licking Your Shoes! Your The CourtMate CourtMate’s tacky surface cleans your players’ shoes for better traction. The 42” x 21” reusable mat cleans easy for daily use. Complete system available is red or black for $289.95 plus FREE carrying case and cleaning supplies.

To order call 800-348-2605

RIGHT TIME SPORTS #427, 1720 Guess Road, Suite 40 Durham, NC 27701-1171

800-348-2605 Fax: 208-493-4387 E-mail: righttimesports@earthlink.net www.righttimesports.com Circle No. 39 COACHING MANAGEMENT

More New Products Barry University’s MS in Sport Management program can help you turn your passion for sports into a successful career. Barry offers a comprehensive curriculum with the right combination of theory and practice delivered by knowledgeable, nationally respected faculty. Its South Florida location provides an abundance of powerful internships in some of the most exciting sport-related venues in the country. Call (800) 756-6000, ext. 3494 or visit www.barry.edu/hpls and inquire about Barry University’s generous graduate scholarships and assistantships. Circle No. 110 on Reader Inquiry Card Barry University’s MS in Movement Science offers a variety of specializations to prepare you for a future in athletic training, biomechanics, exercise science, or sport and exercise psychology. Whichever specialization best meets your needs, you will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities; knowledgeable, nationally respected faculty; and Barry’s ideal South Florida climate and location with access to challenging opportunities for graduate clinical placements. Call (800) 756-6000, ext. 3494 or visit www.barry.edu/hpls to learn more. Circle No. 111 on Reader Inquiry Card Worldwide lodging franchiser Choice Hotels International® has made booking rooms for high school and college athletic departments a little easier with the launch of www.choicesportstrav-

el.com. Designed exclusively to accommodate the lodging needs of sports travelers, this site allows secure online booking for guestrooms at more than 3,500 Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brand hotels in a fast and streamlined manner. Through this easy-to-navigate site, Choice HotelsSM provides athletic departments an online travel solution that meets their specific booking needs along with real-time sporting news from youth, collegiate and professional levels. Visit www.choicesportstravel.com for more information. Circle No. 112 on Reader Inquiry Card Gatorade Thirst Quencher’s optimal formula contains electrolytes and carbohydrates. It is based on more than 30 years of scientific research and testing. Nothing rehydrates, replenishes and refuels better than Gatorade® Thirst Quencher—not even water. REHYDRATE—Gatorade has the flavor to keep your athletes drinking—and a six- percent carbohydrate solution that’s optimal for speeding fluids back into their systems. No fluid is absorbed faster than Gatorade. REPLENISH—If your athletes don’t replace the electrolytes they lose when they sweat, they risk becoming dehydrated, which can take them out of the game. By putting electrolytes back, Gatorade helps athletes drink more, retain fluids and maintain fluid balance. REFUEL— Unlike water, Gatorade has the right amount of carbohydrates (14 grams per eight ounces) to give your athlete’s working muscles more energy,

help athletes fight fatigue and keep their mental edge. Call (800) 88GATOR or visit www.gatorade.com for more information. Circle No. 76 on Reader Inquiry Card The fund-raiser from Hoop Champs, “Where Games Are Won…And Lives Can Be Saved,” is a win-win opportunity for basketball teams at any level of play. Raise money for your own program and the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The proceeds from this shoot-a-thon, in which players get pledges per foul shot, are split 67-percent for your team and 33% to The V Foundation—created in memory of Jim Valvano. Teams have doubled their funds raised by this program because of the cancer research incentive. Coaches, for enrolling, will receive a free 12-chapter, 154-page playbook, one of the best basketball offerings available. Players will also qualify for apparel incentives as well. For more information, call (888) WINHOOPS or visit the Web site www.hoopchamps.com/vfund. Circle No. 113 on Reader Inquiry Card Jym offers Piece-of-the-Rim plaques. The plaques feature a walnut finish 4” by 6” with a basketball leather front. Perfect for senior awards or championships. The plaques are $6.00. Call toll-free (888) 821-2406 or visit www.CoolStuff4Sports.com for more information. Circle No. 115 on Reader Inquiry Card

To request information from these companies, immediately go to www.AthleticBid.com and visit the Buyer’s Guide section. You can search by vendor or product category to find these companies.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Injury Prevention CHO-PAT, INC. (800) 221-1601, www.cho-pat.com Cho-Pat’s patented Dual Action Knee Strap provides an extra level of relief for painful and weakened knees. It applies pressure upon the tendon below the knee to reduce patellar subluxation and improve tracking and elevation. It also places pressure on the tendon above the knee to give added support and stability. It allows full mobility. Circle No. 116 on Reader Inquiry Card

STROMGREN SUPPORTS, INC. (800) 527-1988, www.stromgren.com The #345 SuperWrap from Stromgren Supports provides maximum support of the ankle joint, stabilizes the heel and anterior area. The unique, dual-layered design and colorcoded strapping system provides the best support available. Heel lock elastic facilitates movement of the foot and provides comfort over the Achilles tendon. It is available in black or white.

The Z175 Ankle System, from Stromgren Supports, Inc., features patented double-layer breathable knit elastic for maximum compression and conformity. Its ventilated design minimizes perspiration build-up. The Z175 also features webbing control strips, a hinged foam tongue with four metal stays, two side panel stays, and 16 closely spaced eyelets for localized support. It has a low profile, fits inside any shoe, and is lightweight and ambidextrous. Circle No. 118 on Reader Inquiry Card

Circle No. 117 on Reader Inquiry Card

Improving Shooting Percentages One Team at a Time for Six Years ArcAngel is the leading training device to improve your shooting percentage. Provides a visual goal to aim for and forces you to practice shooting with the proper arc. ● Attaches to any rim in seconds without tools or a ladder. ● Rotates to any shooting position on the court.

●

$350 +S&H

“For the first time ever, I am endorsing a shooting aid - The ArcAngel... Players show definite shooting improvement, and approach game situations with greater confidence.” -Steve Alford - University of Iowa

“The ArcAngel is a time saver... “I use the ArcAngel as a key it's flexible, it's portable....just a super concept.” training aid. It improves my players' shooting skills and - Don Meyer - David Lipscomb gives them greater confiUniversity dence come game time.” -Pat Summitt - Tennessee Lady Vols To Order: We Accept Visa, MasterCard and School POs

888-927-2264 www.arcangel.org Circle No. 40

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Web Connections the 2003 season the company is presenting its fully redesigned Cool Draft misting fan.

AIRBORNE ATHLETICS, INC. WWW.AIRCATVOLLEYBALL.COM, WWW.DRDISHBASKETBALL.COM Airborne Athletics, Inc. brings you the USAV endorsed AirCAT TEAM, SOLO and NetworKs volleyball training systems. Recently introduced for basketball, Dr. Dish is the ball return system that works from anywhere on the court. Request a free video on its Web sites today.

ALL AMERICAN SCOREBOARDS WWW.ALLAMERICANSCOREBOARDS.COM For more than half a century, All American has set the standard for quality, value, and reliability in electronic scoring systems.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC, INC. WWW.AMERICANATHLETIC.COM The American Athletic, Inc., Web site describes AAI’s quality-driven design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities and its world-class products for the sports of gymnastics, baseball, volleyball, and basketball, as well as for the sports construction business.

BIO SKIN/CROPPER MEDICAL, INC. WWW.BIOSKIN.COM Bio Skin® compressive bracing is breathable, light, thin, strong, hypoallergenic, latex free, neoprene free and machine washable. Bio Skin® is lightweight, low profile, comfortable, and easy to apply.

BUTLER HEAVY STRUCTURES WWW.HEAVYSTRUCTURES.COM Specializing in sports and entertainment venue construction, Butler Heavy Structures provides you with a single source for the design, fabrication and erection of structural steel systems as well as roof and wall cladding materials for your sports or entertainment facility. From design to procurement to project management, it is the simpler solution.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL® WWW.CHOICESPORTSTRAVEL.COM With over 4,600 hotels around the world, Choice Hotels’SM brands—Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn®—have a great deal to offer.

CHO-PAT, INC. WWW.CHO-PAT.COM Cho-Pat’s effective, dependable, and durable sports-medical devices help alleviate leg, foot, arm, and back pain. Highly recommended by physicians, trainers, therapists, and active individuals.

COOL DRAFT SCIENTIFIC WWW.COOLDRAFT.COM Portable Misting Systems. Portable 10-gallon misting fans for sideline cooling. For

COURTCLEAN WWW.COURTCLEAN.COM Are slippery gym floors and wrestling mats a problem? Courtclean is the answer. It’s fast, easy, safe and affordable. With the Courtclean system, one person can easily damp mop your floors or disinfect your mats in less than five minutes. And play can start immediately. 100% satisfaction guaranteed!

EFUNDRAISING WWW.EFUNDRAISING.COM Earn up to 90-percent profit on scratchcards, magazines, chocolates, and gift brochures. Visit the Web site for a free fundraising information kit.

FIRST SERVICE WWW.CLUBSTUFF.COM Visit the First Service Web site for an unmatched selection of top-quality athletic equipment, flooring, lockers, bleachers, seating and more. Take advantage of its 30 years of industry experience, competitive pricing, superior customer service and attention to detail.

GARED SPORTS-SSI VOLLEYBALL WWW.GAREDSPORTS.COM Gared Sports-SSI Volleyball is an 82 year old company manufacturing equipment and training aids for residential and institutional use for basketball,volleyball, soccer, and recreation. Gared Sports is the official supplier of basketball backboards and goals for all NBA arenas since 1985.

LIFE FITNESS WWW.LIFEFITNESS.COM Life Fitness’ cutting-edge Web site integrates the Life Fitness and Hammer Strength brands, providing in-depth information about the company’s complete lines of cardiovascular and strength training products.

MEDICAL SPECIALTIES WWW.MEDSPEC.COM For over 41 years, Med Spec has been a proven leader in the production of orthopedic softgoods. Each product provides maximum comfort with the most efficient support available on the market today.

NEVCO SCOREBOARD COMPANY WWW.NEVCOSCOREBOARDS.COM Since 1934 when the company began, Nevco has been synonymous with superiorquality scoreboards for sports. We have a total commitment to building a product that “works”—hour after hour, game after game, year after year.

NSCA CERTIFICATION COMMISSION WWW.NSCA-CC.ORG Learn more about the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) credentials! As the ONLY nationally-accredited fitness related credentials, they are truly the “Credentials of Distinction” in the fitness industry.

OPTP WWW.OPTP.COM OPTP is an internationally recognized leader in providing healthcare professionals with conservative care and physical therapy products.

OSCODA PLASTICS, INC. WWW.OSCODAPLASTICS.COM Oscoda Plastics®, Inc., a world leader in recycled vinyls, manufactures Protect-All® Specialty Flooring, a premier sports and fitness flooring, from 100% recycled postindustrial vinyls obtained from the roofing and automotive industries.

PERFORMANCE SPORTS SYSTEMS WWW.PERFSPORTS.COM Performance Sports Systems offers 80 years of experience in the institutional gymnasium equipment market. Equipment manufactured includes basketball backstops and goals, volleyball standards, divider curtains, wrestling mat storage systems, accessories, wall padding and more.

PORTER ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT WWW.PORTER-ATH.COM Porter’s new Web site introduces on-line purchasing and greatly enhanced features that make it easier than ever for coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, architects, contractors, etc to purchase product and obtain detailed information about Porter equipment and services.

SURFACE AMERICA, INC. WWW.SURFACEAMERICA.COM Surface America features high-performing surfacing systems for playgrounds, gymnasiums, fitness facilities, indoor/outdoor sports and specialty applications. Systems include poured, roll goods and molded products. Coast-to-coast network of certified installers.

TURFCO MANUFACTURING WWW.TURFCO.COM Based in Minneapolis, Minn., Turfco is the top dressing leader in the golf and sports turf industry. Turfco built the first mechanized top dresser in 1961 and continues to be the first choice of professional turf managers worldwide.

Check out www.AthleticBid.com. 60

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 42

Ours

Theirs

Dr. Dish does more!

The “other” basketball training machine trains outside shooters only

(train all your players in virtually every facet of the game)

BallBoyTM

Collection Net (included)

The Dr. Dish “network” Outside shooters (automatically passes basketballs around the perimeter)

Outside shooters (automatically passes basketballs around the perimeter)

Low post (chest pass) (move Dr. Dish outside to throw chest passes to the low post)

Low post (bounce pass) (Dr. Dish also “dishes” crisp, precise bounce passes)

Low post (lob pass) (Because it uses air, Dr. Dish can even deliver a lob pass inside with a soft touch)

Rebounder (Dr. Dish will simulate missed shots for rebounding/blocking out practice)

Rebounder (tipping, alley oops) (Dr. Dish can give you soft rebounds for tipping practice or alley oops)

Outlet (chest, bounce or long) (Dr. Dish will throw outlet passes for fast break practice)

For more information, call toll-free 1-888-887-7453 • Delivers thousands of precise reps per hour for more efficient practice

NEW!

• Consistent Air TechnologyTM (uses air, for consistent ball delivery with no ball wear) • Adjustable rotation range – you set degree of rotation (or turn it off) • Battery operated (comes with built-in charger; no electrical cords on court) • Wireless remote control or timer operation • Adjustable ball speed • Adjustable trajectory • Easy to use • On wheels for easy transport • Includes BallBoyTM Collection Net – sets up fast; on wheels • Dr.DishTM and Ball BoyTM are independent, yet work together; funnels balls to Dr.DishTM or ball cart

Patented

Airborne Athletics, Inc. 116 West Main Street Belle Plaine, MN 56011 www.drdishbasketball.com

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