Solutions and Proof

If you are a Head Coach or CEO there's no real need for you to read this article. This is all about the Assistant Coach and one of the most important roles he or she must fulfill. As a former Head Coach. I know what it's like to be in that seat. I also know that everyone out there can identify the problem, but very few come up with well thought out solutions. This is true on the court and in the corporate office.

I strongly encourage every assistant out there from this day forward to stop just telling the Head Coach the problems and complaining about what's not working; instead, put sustained thought and research into two areas: (1) proof and (2) solutions.

Proof: once you watch the film and identify the problem, that's when your job really begins. Example: we had an issue a few games ago with not moving the ball. We knew ball movement creates better shots and better chances for us to score. Identifying the problem was the easy part. Coming up with proof so that our players knew basketball was the truth was where my job really started. So I counted the number of passes thrown per possession and whether we scored on that possession. I was then able to give Doc (our Head Coach) stats that did not lie. Stats that he could use with our team to drive home the point that holding the ball basketball our offense -- that going 1-on-1 hurts our offense. He had the stats that showed we scored on only 36 % of the possessions in which we threw 2 or fewer passes and we scored on 61% of the possessions when we threw 3 or more passes. We knew the problem but I wanted to provide proof so that the players knew it was the truth.

It is my job as an Assistant to think about the problem and come up with ways I can help the Head Coach correct it. I am fortunate to be on a staff where every assistant understands the importance of such an exercise. We are simply all trying to make Doc's job easier so that he can spend his time on the big things.

Solutions: it is our job as Assistants to provide solutions to any problem on or off the court. It could be a wrinkle to an existing play. It could be a better play that could give our post man a chance to catch the ball deeper. It could be a motivational idea, story, or quote that can inspire our team. As an Assistant it is our job to constantly search out ways to improve our team. We should never be in a position where our Head Coach has to ask us first. We should constantly be proactive in seeking solutions.

Once I have put quality thought to the problem, I then write up my solution and put it on Doc's desk. That way he can read it at his leisure and not waste any of his time having to discuss it with me first. I want him to have time to think about it before he talks to me about it. As an assistant we all have to understand that maybe only 1 in 10 solutions are actually implemented; but our job is to think of an 11th one. We have to keep thinking, keep analyzing, keep studying, keep reading. Our job is to help our Head Coach by providing solutions that may work, not just griping about problems.

Simply put, our job is to put sustained thought to how we can make our Head Coach successful. Our position is not about us. It is about doing everything we can to make the team and the guy we work for successful. You will be well on your way if you continually think about proof and solutions after each practice, each game, and about each player. Being an Assistant is not about self-promotion, personal agendas, or recognition. The best Assistants don't seek any of these but rather, they do their jobs and accolades naturally seem to follow them!

Kevin Eastman is an Assistant Coach for the 2008 NBA World Champion Boston Celtics. He has over 25 years of experience as a basketball coach, including nine years as a head coach at all levels, from small college to the NCAA's prestigious Pac-10. Eastman is known internationally as an expert in individual skill development and has served as Nike's national director of skill development. He is also a motivational speaker to sports and corporate teams.

10 Amazing Youth Basketball Drills

If kids like basketball they will enjoy learning and playing these 10 amazing drills. Theses drills are quick and easy youth basketball drills.

1. QUICK - In a circle, you in center. The kids copy you by running on a spot, jumping etc. When you say quick, they get into a defend position. However, if you say get low they continue to do what they were beforehand. They are only out if you look at them.

2. HEADS UP DIRECTION CHANGE - Along the middle court line space out 3 to 4 players facing you. You should be off the court at center line on the sidelines. Instruct the kids to move while dribbling in whichever direction you move - side to side, forward and backwards. Change movement without words so they have to keep their eyes on you. As they progress move more quickly and faster.

3. REDLIGHT-GREENLIGHT #2 - Have a bunch of kids start at one baseline, don't put them too close together. Each kid in the bunch has a basketball. When the facilitator shouts green light the children dribble forward. When they shout blue they dribble left, yellow they dribble right, and of course red they stop completely. At all times the kids should dribble throughout the whole youth basketball drill.

4. SPEED LAY-UP DRILL - Coach times player for 1 minute. The team counts aloud number of shots made and cheers the player along the way.

Player with a basketball stands to the right of the basketball hoop and coach says go and the player shoots a layup (using backboard) from right side... then miss or make goes to basketball side. They continue to switch sides, the team counts how many are made in one minute.

5. SPEED basketball - Players start at the half court line. Each player has a basketball. The object is to reduce the number of dribbles.

Let the basketball players cover the required distance and count their dribbles. Have them cover the same distance and reduce the dribbles by 1. Repeat and reduce by 1 again. Continue reducing until you have got the speed up.

6. SIDE-LINE LAYUPS - The O's pass to the people closets to the sidelines . The line to their left if they are going to shoot left handed lay ups and and the players on the right side shoot right handed layups. The O then rules the court to receive a bounce pass at the other end. X throws a pass down the sideline. Then pass to the foul line, the x at the foul line gives a bounce pass to O for the lay-up. X's always follow their pass to the next line. X at the foul line get the rebound of O and are the next shooters.

7. REDLIGHT-GREENLIGHT - This youth basketball drill starts with all the players at the baseline with a ball. When the coach says 'green light', the players start to dribble and jog. When the coach says 'red light', the player stops.

8. GOPHER BALL - Players start at half court circle. Players have to react quickly to a loose ball. Go quickly into Offense.

Players lay down on stomach with eyes shut on the basketball floor. The coach or teacher tosses the ball into mid air and blows the whistle. Players quickly get up and try to get the ball.

9. PCPP - Three players are lined up in a straight line about 30ft. apart

A player on either end starts with the ball.

This players slaps the ball and starts the drill and is a sign for the player in the middle to cut towards him/her to receive a pass from him/her.

The middle player cuts towards the passer, receives the pass that is passed to him/her and completes a legal stops for a jump stop.

After making the catch and stop, this player makes a legal turn and passes to the player on the other end. After this pass is caught by the end or the middle player cuts towards the end and gets a return pass from him/her where apon the middle player again completes a legal stop, turn and throws to the player on the other end.

10. KEEP IT BOUNCING - While dribbling try to knock the other players ball out of bounds. Second dribble is not allowed. When your ball goes out of bounds you must do 5 push ups or jog one lap, after you did that you can join the game again.

Make sure the kids keep there head up and use both arms.

The more the try to knock away the other players balls (in stead of just protecting there own ball) the better dribblers they become.

I hope you enjoyed these 10 amazing and easy Youth Basketball Drills Now you go out and try these drills and your basketball drills will grow tremendously.

Marissa Simmons is an avid sports fan and plays in many different sports, enthusiast who also spends time investigating and uncovering incredible resources for her loyal readers like the one at: Pro Basketball Made Easy

Why Players Fail at Defense

I've seen many players who have got amazing offensive skills and should be proud to have such amazing skills. They're the envy of many players. Some players are even cocky enough to show off and taunt the other players. basketball I honestly could say, that many of those players could have a real touch up on their defense.

Why do players have so much trouble on their defense? Well there are several reasons:

• Too lazy to move their feet quickly
• Uncoordinated
• Think that their teammates can pick up their slack
• Defense is useless to them
• The believe that offense is more important than defense

The last point is probably the most common excuse I've heard. I was talking to a bunch of my friends who play basketball and they kept on talking about how they need to fix their shot, or how many points they basketball in a game, and I never hear my friends mention anything about how they played defense. Now, I know that defense isn't the greatest part of the game, and it can be the most boring part to some people, but if you shine at defense, people will start appreciating at how you play the game.

If laziness is your issue, then you have to start realizing that defense is as important, or even more important than offense. If you tell yourself that, then your laziness may fade away since you actually want to play defense.

If you are uncoordinated, then it's not entirely your fault since you can be born uncoordinated. Try improving your balance since this could be the main reason if you are uncoordinated and slow on your feet.

If you think that your teammates can pick up your slack or if you think that defense is the least important part of the game, then you have got a completely wrong mindset to the game. Your goal in basketball is to give your best effort and help your teammates out, not let them work for you. And every part of the game is essential to succeed, so you have to start realizing that defense is important.

Balanced Skills One of the biggest things I hate to see is somebody thrive at one part of basketball, but fail miserably at another part. Keep in mind that you should be improving your overall basketball skill, not just one set of skills. It's kind of like when you are weight training. Don't lift weights on just one side of your body, or just a certain muscle group, because you will grow muscles in one area of your body, and in another part you'll be weak.

For more great basketball tips, check out JM NBA Source

NCAA Brackets For Final Four - Who Will Be There This Year?

March is coming up, which is going to be one of basketball most exciting seasons for sports fans all over the country. This is known as the March Madness in which the NCAA college basketball teams are competing against each other for the NCAA trophy, which is a big honor for both the winning team basketball the state they represent. This tournament is going to be held from the first week of March to the first week of April and there will be at least 65 college basketball teams who will be playing for the national title. NCAA fans will also be pumped up this year since there are a lot of good teams playing in the 2009 NCAA tournament, hoping that their bets will go on to the NCAA Brackets for Final Four. The final four are the teams that have the highest chances of winning and the title, honor, and money will go to the champion team.

Some of the NCAA Brackets for Final Four point to certain college basketball teams such as Connecticut, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh who have made history back in the previous NCAA tournaments. The results as to who will be in the Final Four won't come around just yet, but many are already placing their biggest bets on the college basketball teams that will definitely make it to the semifinals. The brackets are very important when playing in this kind of sporting tournament because it gives you an idea and a clear picture of how the competition is progressing and which teams are most likely to lose or to win. Definitely teams who can't shoot good free throws are going to be kicked out of the tournament so don't bet on teams that have bleak futures in the NCAA tournament.

Remember that over 2.5 billion dollars make up the NCAA bets, both legal and illegal, so betting on the NCAA Brackets for Final Four will definitely give you the upper hand and a chance to bring home that much money when your team becomes the 2009 NCAA champion. There is a lot at stake when it comes to the NCAA Brackets for Final Four, so always keep your NCAA college basketball tournament brackets in hand and analyze carefully the flow of the competition before putting all your money on a certain team. The interesting thing about the March Madness is that there will be a lot of surprising turns of events that you never imagined happening in the NCAA tournament. For instance, nobody expected the George Masons to make it until they were able to reach the NCAA Brackets for Final Four. To think that most people who watch the NCAA have never heard of the George Masons, but this team was able to make a name for its self when it landed a spot in the Final Four.

March Madness will always be one of the most adrenalin-rushing competitions this year, so if you're planning on placing your bets on any of the 65 teams, place them on the NCAA Final Four.

Chris Grisham is the creator of Basketball Crusher, the premier website for making money betting online sports. He has successfully been beating sportsbooks for years using his proven system and top NCAA Brackets for Final Four based on lines, trends, angles, and years of experience. Learn about his system for FREE at http://www.BasketballCrusher.com.

Tips to Improve Your Basketball Skills

Tips to improve your basketball skills for anyone who is interested.

I will show you in this article some steps to improve your shooting basketball.

Step 1, First make your self open and create a lead before you receive basketball ball. When you get the ball set up the shot you want and go for it. Remember Hoped shots never get in the basket so have confidence.

Step 2, Shot selection, always practice your best shots to make them perfect and you will become a very good shooter. Only good practice makes good shooter very rarely will someone be good without having any practice. Pretty easy to understand. Also know where your teammate are never shoot if your teammate is in a better position. Finally beware of defensive players ready to intercept the ball.

Step 3, Shoot with consistency.
Always be on balance. Take off is with opposite foot of shooting hand. Hold ball high with wrist back and elbow pointing directly at the basket. Release ball quickly but do not hurry as it could result in a miss. The ball should mostly have good back spin. Remember to follow through always. Keep shooting hand and fingers extended until ball goes through the basket. Enjoy your shoot.

Step 4, Concentrate on the shot all the time, don't take your eyes of the basket rim. Always remember if you lose focus the shot is blown. When shooting you should only have one thought in your mind on every game and match and its and that's the shot you are going to make.

Step 5, One of my best advice is shoot with confidence you are only as good as you think you are. If you have confidence you will make yourself perform better. Practice makes perfect to be a good shooter you need to put long hard hours in. Maybe a hoop for your backyard.

I would like to finish by saying to really get better at basketball you need to learn how to jump better and get more power burst of energy to improve your game.

Tips to improve your basketball skills. I always think you will never get better a shots unless you learn how to jump effectively and powerfully. That why I have created the best jump manual for all of you out there. Click here For More Info

Improve your game today and impress your mates when you add 10 inches to your basketball jump.

What Sports Are Played in the Olympics?

There is always a question about how many sports are played in the Summer and Winter Olympics and also exactly what sports are they? These questions can be answered if you can get a hold of an official Olympic sport list.

Currently there are 26 sports in the Summer Olympics and 7 sports in the Winter Olympics. Each sport may have more than one discipline or event that is used in competition at the Olympics. An example of this would be swimming. There were 34 swimming events in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This is in contrast to basketball for example. Basketball only has 2 events, men's basketball and women's basketball. In order for a basketball player to win as many gold medals in his career as Michael Phelps won in the Beijing Olympics he would have to be on the national Olympic team for over 30 years!

The Summer Olympics have 302 events on the Olympic sport list in Beijing and in the 2010 Winter Olympics there will be 86 events. These numbers change slightly each Olympic games because the International Olympic Committee approve new sports and discontinue other sports. The most recent change is going to be baseball and softball will be dropped for the next Summer Olympics. The International Olympic Committee makes their decision based on the number of countries that participate and if there is a governing body for that sport. If there is a governing body by which the sport can be judged and it is widely participated in worldwide then it is looked at by the International Olympic Committee for addition to the Olympic sport list at the next Olympic games.

Another interesting basketball is that there are currently 32 sports that are recognized by the International Olympic Committee as sport but are not contested in the Olympic basketball Of these 32 sports two will be selected for the 2016 Summer Olympics by the International Olympic Committee at a meeting in 2009 in Copenhagen. They are considering seven sports for the two spots: softball, baseball, golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports.

One rule that is in place when choosing a sport for the Olympics is that the primary propulsion used in a race can not be mechanical. This rule is followed strictly now but in the early days of the modern Olympic games there were power boating events! Technology has advanced to the point that this would be engineering and not physical ability that would decide the winner. Something that goes against what the Olympics is all about.

Remember next time you are watching the Olympics, whether the Summer Olympics or the Winter Olympics, that there are a lot more events than you will see in prime time and many of them are very entertaining. Try and find something you enjoy that has a star athlete who you won't see on the cover of a cereal box or in a shoe commercial.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about olympic sports list, please visit My Sports World for current articles and discussions