Coaches CornerGeneral
- You shall understand that subs are an important part of a team's overall strength and essential to winning.
- You shall realize that every winning team must have quality subs.
- You shall strive to understand and trust the coaches and know they have the team's best interest in mind.
- You shall acknowledge the total team concept and understand and accept your role.
- You shall keep things in perspective. There are twelve players on the squad, but only six can be on the court.
- You shall communicate with the coach. If the coach doesn't tell you, or you are not sure, then you must ask.
- You shall always give your best effort. No attitude!
- You shall never consider yourself above being subbed.
- You shall know that there is no shame in being a sub or being subbed. It is part of the game.
- You shall always be mentally and physically prepared to enter the game.
- You shall stay warm during the game and utilize all opportunities to ball handle and hit.
- You shall not sulk, pout, or criticize those on the court.
- You shall save gripes for after the game so as not to distract the coach and teammates.
- You shall be considerate of teammates' feelings. You shall first be a member of the team and, second, an individual.
- You shall understand that the bench aids in squad morale and one must be positive and supportive both visually and verbally.
- You shall always look ready to play so the coach wants to put you in.
- You shall study the game and learn from the bench. Analyze the opponent's offense defense and tendencies. You shall share this information with teammates and utilize it when subbed.
- You shall be aware of the rotation in which you enter the game and be ready to go in at the right time (if it has been determined that it will be automatic).
- You shall not be a martyr. Ask to be subbed if injured.
- You shall enter the game with spirit and confidence.
- You shall know that a finisher is as important as a starter.
- You shall exit the game with the same fighting spirit with which you entered.
- You shall encourage your replacement and the rest of the team.
- You shall sit close to the coach if an immediate explanation is desired about the substitution.
- You shall strive to be a valuable part of the team.
- You shall cooperate with the coaches in whatever assignments they give such as shagging balls, taking stats, doing scouting reports, etc.
- You shall know when you become a starter. You must help new subs adjust to their role. You shall give subs a boost when necessary.
- You shall visualize yourself going in and making the big plays.
- You shall have absolute faith in yourself.
- You shall work hard in practice to earn a starting spot.
- You shall understand that the coach makes the decision as to who plays in the best interest of the team and it's nothing personal.
- You shall earn playing time by working hard in practice and consistently doing a better job than the people playing ahead of you.
- You shall understand your role as a substitute has the possibility of changing through daily efforts and achievements in practice.
- You shall understand that you must have recurrent good performances in the game to become a starter. One "hot" game or day does not justify an immediate change.
Parents,
I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank you for all of your hard work in helping to make this season run smoothly. I want to especially thank:
The chaperones: You have been simply incredible!! Thank you for taking the time and effort to make sure the girls are well taken care of. Thanks for making sure they get enough rest to be effective and for keeping them fed. Thank you for putting up with the occasional inability for a group of girls to make quick, decisive decisions on simple things like, "where do you want to eat?" or "what do you want to do this afternoon?"
At the 1986 World Championship in France the U.S. men's national team won their first ever title and Bob Ctvrtlik was named to the All World team as the Best Receiver / Defensive Player.
When I think about passing, the first thing that comes to mind is the mental pressure. Picture this: I'm playing in my first World Championships (France 1986) and I'm the only non-Olympic gold medalist on the floor. I'm surrounded by the great players that I'd read about and admired - Dusty Dvorak, Steve Timmons, Craig Buck, Pat Powers and Karch Kiraly.
They do not just look at your physical and athletic attributes. They look for an overall package. That means you attitude towards the game, understanding of the game, your focus and mental toughness of the game.
