Some of us will come home from practices and wonder, “Why on earth did Johnny decide to come out for the basketball team if he doesn’t want to try?” We spend so much time and energy on the frustration and the struggle to get players to perform at their optimum level during games.
I think it can be summed up in one common sports phrase:
“The way you practice is the way you play the game.”
Too many of our players don’t take practices seriously and they are joking around and not focusing on the task at hand. They don’t pay attention in practice and it is reflected in the way they play on the field, court, or arena. What makes the problem even worse is the fact that these players often have a detrimental effect on the attitude and coachability of others.
So, how do you motivate all of the players on the basketball team to start practicing hard? First, accept that you will always have at least one bad apple. The key is limiting the amount of influence that player can have on the rest of his or her basketball teammates.
Here are some of the other methods you can use to get your basketball team motivated to practice hard and play hard:
•Reward the basketball team for ‘basketball team’ efforts – Often times peers are the best motivators. You don’t need to crack the whip on any particular player, singling that player out more than the rest. You simply need to motivate the majority of the basketball team by rewarding them when the entire basketball team comes out to work hard during practices and games.
If their basketball teammates don’t want to work and the rest of the basketball team misses out on rewards, or worse yet have to do more work at practice, you can bet that person is going to hear it from the players. I would suggest that will often be motivation enough to get most players in line with practicing hard.
•Set a goal with the basketball team before each game – In hockey, you could set a goal of each basketball team member making a good pass in each period. If the basketball team achieves that goal then they are rewarded.
The goal can be as simple as winning a game, or doing a number of different basketball team skills effectively – even in a loss. As the coach, you can find any number of goals that a basketball team can try to reach during a game or even a practice, in order to motivate the players.
•Explain to them the importance of practice – You can use all sorts of coaching tactics for this one. Start with the fact that other basketball teams are preparing for them, so they need to prepare hard and well for the other basketball teams. You can tell them that improving skills is crucial in raising the basketball team to the next level.
There are literally dozens of different motivational tactics that can be used by coaches to get their basketball team up by showing them the importance of practice. The only thing that you shouldn’t do is be negative. Always be positive with the approach that you are taking. Players don’t often respond to negative remarks.
•Have fun at practice – Set the example early that practices are going to be work, but they are also going to be fun. That way a player knows that they are going to be able to have fun during the practice, but they will also be able to have fun.
This is especially important for the younger players. At that level, you are trying to maintain excitement and enjoyment for players that are probably just learning a game. If they see and hear a coach that is negative and yelling and the practices aren’t fun, then you probably aren’t going to see them for much longer. If they stay, you likely aren’t going to get much out of them.
•Simple encouragement – You wouldn’t believe how far positive encouragement and telling a player when they are doing well goes. It is unbelievable. Just think back to when you were a player in your sport and you heard your coach say, “That was a great steal Joe,” or “how to get the ball out quick Jenny.”
All of those comments help. They help a heck of a lot more than degrading or getting angry at players. No one wants to work hard for a coach that yells at his or her players during a practice or during a game. Players like coaches that lead them to victory through positive reinforcement, good coaching and setting a good example.
It isn’t always easy getting a basketball team motivated for practices, but that is the place to start – especially if you also want to get them motivated for games. Helping to build that motivation by giving players and the basketball team some positive goals to work for – with a positive coaching mentality is the best way to get the most motivation out of your basketball team.
Pat Anderson spent years playing basketball at the college and Professional Level.
Today, he coaches 3 youth development teams and shares his extensive coaching knowledge on his blog, you can visit him here: http://www.online-basketball-drills.com/
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Before The WNBA (by Carrie Fleharty)
THERE WERE THE RED HEADS
Got red hair? Are you a girl? Can you shoot and score a free throw from your knees? How about being able to take a basketball between the ankles, jump and kick your legs back sending the ball into the air, over your head, and through the hoop? If the answer is yes, then you could have been part of the FIRST women’s professional basketball team that reigned from 1936-1986.
Who are these women basketball players? The All American Red Heads barnstormed America filling gyms with wonderment and amazement. Their basketball prowess would make the men of the NBA proud. They spent nights in nearly every corner of America and beyond. They entertained the masses for 50 years, and now showcased in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.
History of Women’s Basketball
Women’s basketball goes back to the beginning when it was invented by James Naismith in 1891. Only one year later Sendra Berenson, a woman’s gymnastics teacher at Smith College adapted the rules, and taught her students the game. Naturally an out cry arose. Women weren’t supposed to throw balls. Women weren’t even legal citizens yet! Women were considered the weaker sex, and needed protection, not exercise. After all women needed to have children, and playing sports was deemed harmful to the woman’s physiology. Besides that women were brought up to become a wife, and take care of the husband.
The Name
The All American Red Heads was started in 1935 by a man named C.M. “Ole” Olson, a player, coach, booking agent, and publicity man. His wife Doyle owned a chain of beauty salons around Cassville, Missouri. Girls’ basketball was growing in popularity. Several young ladies who worked for Mrs. Olson were extraordinary basketball players. They formed a basketball team and were moderately successful.
Two of their players were natural red heads. One night in 1935, as a prank, the rest of the team decided to dye their hair red. You can guess what happened next. Yes, the team became known as the Red Heads. First they were known as the Cassville Red Heads, and then took the name of the Missouri Red Heads. Prominent women players from the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) joined the team. Olson knew he was on to something big. He renamed the team the All American Red Heads, and proceeded to take them on the road in 1936.
Requirements
Playing basketball well and having fabulous ball handling skills was the first requirement in trying out for the team. If any of the women didn’t have natural read hair, they she either had to wear a wig or dye her hair red. After all, this was the team’s calling card. She also had to wear makeup, dress nicely, and she had to project an image of a glamorous lady.
Playing Ball
The Red Heads “got game” and became an instant attraction. The women traveled constantly with two teams, and sometimes three. Their popularity soared in the mid 40’s. The Red Heads enchanted everyone with their skills and wizardry. Their games raised thousands of dollars for many charities from the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars to the Lions Clubs.
On the court the Red Heads surpassed any basketball anyone had seen. When they weren’t playing comedic roles, they were playing basketball at its best. Armed with an array of trick plays, the women could pass, handle the ball and shoot. These women worked tirelessly to improve their game even with their natural talents, and wonderful basketball skills. These women were special, and they showed it.
Straight basketball was played at every game for at least the first quarter. Then the game became entertainment. Special basketball skills were displayed at half-time to get the audience ready for a show. Routinely the Red Heads shot and made free throws while on their knees. They often dribbled the ball while on their knees. Most of the shots were beyond description. Faye Mason held the ball between her ankles, jumped and kicked her legs back. The ball would fly up, over her head, and often go into the hoop. The Red Heads became the most innovative women’s basketball team ever. Only the Harlem Globetrotters were comparable.
Records
The Red heads played superb ball. They competed against men’s semi-pro and amateur teams, and won 80 percent of the time. From 1936-1973 they never won fewer than 100 games a year. In 1953 they won 134 games. In 1972, multiple All American Red Heads teams won 558 games and lost 84 games, and they were all against men’s teams. Lorene More scored 35,425 points while she played with the team for 11 years. Since they were barnstorming from town to town, the word got out that they were not just good but spectacular. The team wouldn’t have made it if they had played poorly. Each town reported to the next town on the team’s amazing abilities.
Where are they now?
They are no longer donning their red wigs, or flirting with the referees or opponents. But the contribution of the All American Red Heads is not forgotten. In 1986 their reign ended, but their influence has dribbled its way into basketball history. In June of 1999, the All American Red Heads were honored with their own exhibit at he Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Women’s basketball became an Olympic sport in 1976. An attempt to establish a national professional league was made in 1978. But three seasons later it died. Another unsuccessful attempt was made in 1984. Call it lack of sponsorship, lack of publicity, who knows. But, today we have the WNBA. When watching today’s pro women play, remember the struggle, and support those teams. Remember that a team of red-haired women barnstormed the country and kept women’s basketball alive in the 21st century.
Carrie Fleharty is a Library Media Specialist for a high shcool in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She loves sports, and recreational activies, but often she can be found on the computer hounding away a story, an article, an essay or a poem. Carrie's mom was one time recruited for the Red Heads. Carrie often wonders how much different her Mom's life would have been if she had been given this opportunity to play. She loved basketball.
Got red hair? Are you a girl? Can you shoot and score a free throw from your knees? How about being able to take a basketball between the ankles, jump and kick your legs back sending the ball into the air, over your head, and through the hoop? If the answer is yes, then you could have been part of the FIRST women’s professional basketball team that reigned from 1936-1986.
Who are these women basketball players? The All American Red Heads barnstormed America filling gyms with wonderment and amazement. Their basketball prowess would make the men of the NBA proud. They spent nights in nearly every corner of America and beyond. They entertained the masses for 50 years, and now showcased in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.
History of Women’s Basketball
Women’s basketball goes back to the beginning when it was invented by James Naismith in 1891. Only one year later Sendra Berenson, a woman’s gymnastics teacher at Smith College adapted the rules, and taught her students the game. Naturally an out cry arose. Women weren’t supposed to throw balls. Women weren’t even legal citizens yet! Women were considered the weaker sex, and needed protection, not exercise. After all women needed to have children, and playing sports was deemed harmful to the woman’s physiology. Besides that women were brought up to become a wife, and take care of the husband.
The Name
The All American Red Heads was started in 1935 by a man named C.M. “Ole” Olson, a player, coach, booking agent, and publicity man. His wife Doyle owned a chain of beauty salons around Cassville, Missouri. Girls’ basketball was growing in popularity. Several young ladies who worked for Mrs. Olson were extraordinary basketball players. They formed a basketball team and were moderately successful.
Two of their players were natural red heads. One night in 1935, as a prank, the rest of the team decided to dye their hair red. You can guess what happened next. Yes, the team became known as the Red Heads. First they were known as the Cassville Red Heads, and then took the name of the Missouri Red Heads. Prominent women players from the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) joined the team. Olson knew he was on to something big. He renamed the team the All American Red Heads, and proceeded to take them on the road in 1936.
Requirements
Playing basketball well and having fabulous ball handling skills was the first requirement in trying out for the team. If any of the women didn’t have natural read hair, they she either had to wear a wig or dye her hair red. After all, this was the team’s calling card. She also had to wear makeup, dress nicely, and she had to project an image of a glamorous lady.
Playing Ball
The Red Heads “got game” and became an instant attraction. The women traveled constantly with two teams, and sometimes three. Their popularity soared in the mid 40’s. The Red Heads enchanted everyone with their skills and wizardry. Their games raised thousands of dollars for many charities from the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars to the Lions Clubs.
On the court the Red Heads surpassed any basketball anyone had seen. When they weren’t playing comedic roles, they were playing basketball at its best. Armed with an array of trick plays, the women could pass, handle the ball and shoot. These women worked tirelessly to improve their game even with their natural talents, and wonderful basketball skills. These women were special, and they showed it.
Straight basketball was played at every game for at least the first quarter. Then the game became entertainment. Special basketball skills were displayed at half-time to get the audience ready for a show. Routinely the Red Heads shot and made free throws while on their knees. They often dribbled the ball while on their knees. Most of the shots were beyond description. Faye Mason held the ball between her ankles, jumped and kicked her legs back. The ball would fly up, over her head, and often go into the hoop. The Red Heads became the most innovative women’s basketball team ever. Only the Harlem Globetrotters were comparable.
Records
The Red heads played superb ball. They competed against men’s semi-pro and amateur teams, and won 80 percent of the time. From 1936-1973 they never won fewer than 100 games a year. In 1953 they won 134 games. In 1972, multiple All American Red Heads teams won 558 games and lost 84 games, and they were all against men’s teams. Lorene More scored 35,425 points while she played with the team for 11 years. Since they were barnstorming from town to town, the word got out that they were not just good but spectacular. The team wouldn’t have made it if they had played poorly. Each town reported to the next town on the team’s amazing abilities.
Where are they now?
They are no longer donning their red wigs, or flirting with the referees or opponents. But the contribution of the All American Red Heads is not forgotten. In 1986 their reign ended, but their influence has dribbled its way into basketball history. In June of 1999, the All American Red Heads were honored with their own exhibit at he Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Women’s basketball became an Olympic sport in 1976. An attempt to establish a national professional league was made in 1978. But three seasons later it died. Another unsuccessful attempt was made in 1984. Call it lack of sponsorship, lack of publicity, who knows. But, today we have the WNBA. When watching today’s pro women play, remember the struggle, and support those teams. Remember that a team of red-haired women barnstormed the country and kept women’s basketball alive in the 21st century.
Carrie Fleharty is a Library Media Specialist for a high shcool in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She loves sports, and recreational activies, but often she can be found on the computer hounding away a story, an article, an essay or a poem. Carrie's mom was one time recruited for the Red Heads. Carrie often wonders how much different her Mom's life would have been if she had been given this opportunity to play. She loved basketball.
Pro-Style Basketball Goals: How to Select the Right System (by Bill Gibson)
There are many reasons for wanting to find a pro-style system when preparing to purchase a basketball goal. These reasons are important to consider when checking out the various options and features offered by each manufacturer.
The Minimum Requirements for a Professional Basketball System
One of the primary reasons that people are interested in the pro-style basketball systems is because they, or their children, aspire to become professionals in the game. Of course, it only makes sense that a proper professional basketball goal is used in practice or training. For this reason, having a pro-style goal serves a greater purpose than just providing a sense of authenticity when shooting basketball hoops. While shopping around for the right system, be sure to check that the basketball goals being considered fulfill at least the minimum criteria to be considered 'professional'. The standard features of a pro-style basketball goal should include:
Shatterproof tempered glass or acrylic backboard;
Flexible, breakaway basketball hoop;
Weather-resistant structure, including a specialized rustproof coating and nylon bushings where metal meets metal;
Height adjustment mechanism to set the precise level of the basketball hoop;
Thick, sturdy padding around the post of the basketball goal;
Must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for safety in basketball goal design.
The Bells and Whistles of a Basketball Hoop
The various basketball goal manufacturers offer numerous additional features that can make their system an even more desirable choice. Often, consumers find they prefer basketball hoops with special conveniences or key advantages when undertaking such a considerable investment. Some of these extra special features can include:
Motorized height adjustment;
Portability;
Nighttime basketball hoop lights
Easy do-it-yourself installation;
Guarantee of durability
Portability is a concept that many people generally do not associate with basketball goals. Most people assume that once they install their goal, it will at best add to the resale value of their home when they move because it will have to stay there. This is not always the case because some basketball goal manufacturers have designed the system to allow for portability. With many of these systems, the goal post footings are simply unbolted from the anchor installed within the concrete supporting the basketball hoop. Thereafter, the whole system, minus the old concrete and anchor, can be reinstalled at a new location. It is nothing more than a matter of pouring new concrete and laying in a new anchor for reinstallation.
Professional Basketball Hoops are not just for the Wealthy Pros
For many people looking to purchase a basketball goal, cost is often a consideration. The special features of pro basketball goals are obviously going to make them more costly than a basic portable or simplified residential system. The pro basketball hoops tend to range anywhere from around $700 to as much as $2,000 or more, with the higher-end goals including such options as motorized height adjustment and hoop lights. However, because many of them are designed for portability, an investment into a professional basketball system can be considered long-term, and worthwhile for individuals serious about their training.
Always an avid sports enthusiast, Bill Gibson had become especially interested in basketball to the point he got involved in the industry.
He can now be found either writing articles about his passion or enabling others to participate in his interest. His website can be found at http://www.basketballgoalstore.com.
The Minimum Requirements for a Professional Basketball System
One of the primary reasons that people are interested in the pro-style basketball systems is because they, or their children, aspire to become professionals in the game. Of course, it only makes sense that a proper professional basketball goal is used in practice or training. For this reason, having a pro-style goal serves a greater purpose than just providing a sense of authenticity when shooting basketball hoops. While shopping around for the right system, be sure to check that the basketball goals being considered fulfill at least the minimum criteria to be considered 'professional'. The standard features of a pro-style basketball goal should include:
Shatterproof tempered glass or acrylic backboard;
Flexible, breakaway basketball hoop;
Weather-resistant structure, including a specialized rustproof coating and nylon bushings where metal meets metal;
Height adjustment mechanism to set the precise level of the basketball hoop;
Thick, sturdy padding around the post of the basketball goal;
Must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for safety in basketball goal design.
The Bells and Whistles of a Basketball Hoop
The various basketball goal manufacturers offer numerous additional features that can make their system an even more desirable choice. Often, consumers find they prefer basketball hoops with special conveniences or key advantages when undertaking such a considerable investment. Some of these extra special features can include:
Motorized height adjustment;
Portability;
Nighttime basketball hoop lights
Easy do-it-yourself installation;
Guarantee of durability
Portability is a concept that many people generally do not associate with basketball goals. Most people assume that once they install their goal, it will at best add to the resale value of their home when they move because it will have to stay there. This is not always the case because some basketball goal manufacturers have designed the system to allow for portability. With many of these systems, the goal post footings are simply unbolted from the anchor installed within the concrete supporting the basketball hoop. Thereafter, the whole system, minus the old concrete and anchor, can be reinstalled at a new location. It is nothing more than a matter of pouring new concrete and laying in a new anchor for reinstallation.
Professional Basketball Hoops are not just for the Wealthy Pros
For many people looking to purchase a basketball goal, cost is often a consideration. The special features of pro basketball goals are obviously going to make them more costly than a basic portable or simplified residential system. The pro basketball hoops tend to range anywhere from around $700 to as much as $2,000 or more, with the higher-end goals including such options as motorized height adjustment and hoop lights. However, because many of them are designed for portability, an investment into a professional basketball system can be considered long-term, and worthwhile for individuals serious about their training.
Always an avid sports enthusiast, Bill Gibson had become especially interested in basketball to the point he got involved in the industry.
He can now be found either writing articles about his passion or enabling others to participate in his interest. His website can be found at http://www.basketballgoalstore.com.
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