2018-2019 Linn-Mar Girls Basketball

I’m with you.

Linn-MarGirlsBasketball Welcometothe2018-2019Linn-MarGirlsBasketballSeason!ThefollowingpacketofinformationisdesignedtointroduceplayersandparentstotheguidelinesandexpectationsoftheLinn-MarGirlsBasketballprogram.Whileatfirstglancethispacketmayseemabitoverwhelming,Ihavefoundthatthemoreinformationprovidedatthestartoftheseason,thefewerroadbumpswewillexperiencealongtheway.Tothatend,thisplayermanualisanattempttoorientourplayers,parents,andcoachestoourprogramstandardsforthe2018-2019basketballseason.

COACHINGSTAFFINTRODUCTIONSNateSanderson,HeadVarsityCoachThisseasonwillmarkmy16thfullseasonasavarsitygirls’basketballcoach,andmysecondhereatLinn-Mar.Priortomyarrival,IwastheheadcoachatSpringvilleforsevenseasonswheremywifeandIcontinuetolivewithourtwoyoungdaughters.BeforemovingtoSpringvilleIspentsevenseasonsastheheadcoachatLouisa-MuscatineHighSchool.InadditiontocoachingbasketballatLinn-Mar,IworkforBreakthroughBasketballwheremypositionisundergoingatransitionfromproducingbasketballcoachingDVDstooverseeingthatprocess(whileothersdomostofthelegwork).IalsodosomeworkwithThriveOnChallenge,acompanythatconsultswithcoachestohelptheirteamandprogramcultures.InAugust,Istartedco-hostingaweeklypodcastcalled“CoachingCulture”withThriveOn’sfounderJ.P.Nerbun.MywifeDonitaandIlivejustoutsideofSpringvillewithour4-yearolddaughterAdelaideandheryear-oldsisterMcKinleigh.AdelaideisinalldaypreschoolthisyearbutlovesbeingatbasketballgamesandpracticeswhereshecanspendtimewithherbestfriendMaceyMillerandtheotherbasketballgirls.BrittanyRobinson,AssistantVarsityCoach&JV/VReserveCoachThisisCoachRobinson’sfirstyearwiththeLinn-Margirlsbasketballprogram.Shewillbeourfull-timeVarsityAssistantCoachandwillcoachtheJV/VReserveteam.CoachRobinsonworksforasmallcompanycalledHotShotsNuclearMedicine.SheisalsoactivelyinvolvedIowaPreps,anAAUorganizationthathasrecentlyrelocatedtoHiawatha.PriortojoiningtheLinn-Marstaff“CoachRob”workedfortwoyearsasavarsityassistantbasketballcoachatDecorahHighSchool.DuringhertwoyearsinDecorahshealsoworkedasapara-educatorforthedistrict.Shegraduatedin2016fromWaldorfUniversitylocatedinForestCity,IAwithabachelorsdegreeinSportsManagementwhereshealsoplayedbasketballandranclubtrack.ChadTompkins,HeadJuniorVarsityCoachCoachTompkinsentershisfourthyearatLinn-MarwhereheteachesmathandistheheadJVcoach.Healsoservesasanassistantfreshmanfootballcoach.PriortocomingtoLinn-

Mar,CoachTompkinstaughtandcoachedatJeffersonHighSchoolinCedarRapidsfor12years.Duringthattimehecoachedbasketballforelevenyearsatmultiplelevelsincludingheadfreshmangirls,assistantvarsitygirls,headJVgirls,headsophomoreboys,assistantvarsityboysandheadJVboys.Healsocoachednineyearsonthefootballstaffatvariouslevels.CoachTompkinsandhiswifeMelissaliveinMarionwiththeirtwosonsTyler(8)andKellen(5).Inhisfreetimeheenjoysspendingtimewithhisfamily,andpassingonhispassionforgolfandhuntingtohistwosons.KelseyRastetter,AssistantJuniorVarsityCoachCoachRazisenteringherseventhseasonastheJVAssistantfortheLions.ForthelastfiveyearsherroleduringthedayisservingasaStudentSupportAssociateatWestfieldElementary.Sheisalsoamentorforstudentsattheelementary.You'llalsofindherworkingatnumerousothersportingeventsatLinn-Marthroughouttheyear.CoachRazisahugesupporteroftheUniversityofIowaspecialteamsprogramandtheirpunter/touchdown-throwerColtenRastetter.StephanieHasken,HeadFreshman-SophomoreCoachThisisCoachHasken’sfourthyearwiththeLinn-Margirlsbasketballprogram.Duringherfirsttwoseasonssheservedasavarsityassistant.ThisyearwillbehersecondastheHeadFreshman-SophomoreCoach.CoachHaskenteacheshealth&fitnessatthehighschoolandcoachesgirlssoccerinthespring.SheisalsoactivelyinvolvedinLinn-Mar’sFellowshipofChristianAthletesgroup.PriortobeingatLinn-Mar,CoachHaskentaughtPE&healthatGrundyCenterwhereshewasanassistantvarsitycoachforbothgirlsbasketballandgirlssoccer.Shegraduatedin2013fromCentralCollegeinPella,IAwheresheplayedbothsoccerandbasketball.SheisworkingonanonlineMasterofArtsdegreeinCoachingandAthleticAdministrationthroughConcordiaUniversityinIrvine,California.JoniWitzel,AssistantFresh-SophCoachThisisCoachWitzel'sfirstyearwiththeLinn-Margirlsbasketballprogram.CoachWitzelandherhusband,Larry,havelivedintheLinn-MarSchoolDistrictforover15years.BothofherchildrengraduatedfromLinn-Mar.CoachWitzelisasubstituteteacherintheLinn-MarSchoolDistrict.SheisaboardmemberofFellowshipofChristianAthletesandisactivelyinvolvedwiththeLinn-Marhuddle.

ALOOKAHEADAT2018-2019ThisseasonwewillcontinuetoworkonestablishingastrongfoundationfortheLinn-MarGirlsBasketballProgrambyfocusingoncreatingamemorableandmeaningfulplayerexperience.Thisseasonweexpecttohavebetween35-40girlsoutforthehighschoolprogramthisyear.AsweenteredYearTwothissummerwehaveseenthegirlsbecomemuchmorecomfortableinoursystemsandourculture.Theprocessofimprovementcontinues,butwehadnumerousplayersinvestalotoftimeandenergyinouroff-seasonprogram,andweareexcitedtoreuniteandcontinueourgrowthtogether.Thoughtheconferencegraduatedsomeoutstandingplayersfromayearago,IexpectanumberofconferenceteamswillberankedinthepreseasonincludingCityHigh,WestHigh,CedarFalls,Prairie,Washington,Xavier,andWesternDubuque.Inaddition,ournon-conferencescheduleincludesthreeteamsintheuppertieroftheMAC(PleasantValley,Bettendorf,andMuscatine).Aswasthecaselastseason,therewillnotbeanynightsoffforusatthevarsitylevelthisyear.Aswecontinuetomovetheprogramforward,ourexpectationswillfocusexclusivelyontheexperiencewecreateforoneanotherasateam.Theplayershavebeenquiteclearindescribingthetypeofexperiencetheywanttohavethisseason.Aboveallelse,theywanttohavefun,tofeellikeafamily,andtogetbetterasbasketballplayers.Muchofoureffortwillbefocusedonhelpingthemtocreatethattypeofexperienceonadailybasis.Ifwecangetthatrightwewillabsolutelycontinuetoimproveasateamthroughouttheyear.

BASICEXPECTATIONSFORPLAYERSANDPARENTSThispacketofinformationisdesignedtomakeyoufamiliarwiththerulesandexpectationswehaveforourplayersthisseason.Wealsohavehighexpectationsforourparentsbecauseweknowyouplayavitalroleinthesuccessofourprogram.Weunderstandthatwecannotsucceedwithouttheserviceandsupportofourparents.WehopetheDNAofourprogramisbasedonourtwocorevales:Love&Effort.Whilewespendasignificantamountoftimetalkingaboutthesevalueswithourteam,wealsowanttoinviteparentstoparticipateinourculturebyfindingwaystobesupportiveofyourdaughters.Love–Loveisawordthatisnottypicallyusedinasportscontext,butitisthebestwordtodescribehowweexpectourplayersandcoachestointeractwithoneanother.Thewayweencourage,support,andappreciateoneanotheriswhatmakesthebasketballexperiencespecial.Itiswhatwewantourteamstobeknownfor.Whatdoesthatlooklikeasasportsparent?

• Supportyourdaughter’seffort,commitment,andsacrifice.Supporther

investmentintheprocess,hergrowthandcharacterasaperson,andherdedicationtotheteamregardlessofwhatshecandowithaball.

• Bekindtothemediaandthankthemfortheircoverage.• Introduceyourselftoothersandthankthemforcomingtoourgames.

• Celebratetheeffortandcontributionsofeveryplayer,notjustyourown.• Findwaystoservebyhelpingwhenneeded(scorebook,laundry,snacks,etc).

Studiesshowthatwhatplayerswantmostfromtheirparentsistohearthesewords:

• “Iamsoproudofyou.”• “Ilovetowatchyouplay.”

Studiesalsoshowthataplayer’smostdreadedtimewiththeirsportsparentisthecarridehomeandthecoachingthatcomeswithit.Inthepreseasonsurveywithourplayerstheywerenearlyunanimousintheirresponsetothebestwaytheirparentscansupportthemthisseason:

1) Bethere2) Besupportive3) Bepositive

Finally,researchindicatesthatanathletes’sinnerdialogueisshapedbythevoicestheyhearmostfrequentlyandmostintensely.Inabasketballcontext,thatismeansthevoicesthataremostlikelygoingtoimpacttheirinnerdialogue(andconsequentlytheirconfidence,mistakeresponse,etc.)arethoseofhercoachesandparents.Thisisnotaresponsibilitythatwetakelightly.Infact,it’sanopportunitytoenhanceyourdaughter’sperformancebyhelpingherpositivelyreacttopressuresituations.Yourchild’ssuccessorlackofsuccessinsportsdoesnotindicatewhatkindofparentyouare.Buthavinganathletethatiscoachable,respectful,agreatteammate,mentallytough,resilient,andtriestheirbestISadirectreflectionofyourparenting.Effort–Whenourplayershearthisphrasetheyunderstandthatweexpectthemtodoeverythingwithgreateffort.Whetherwearewatchingfilm,liftingweights,practicing,eating,orplayingsomeofourteamgames–weexpecttogiveourbesteffortatalltimes.

Asparentswegreatlyappreciateallthatyoudotosupportourteamandthisprogram.Herearewaysthatyoureffortscancontributetoourplayersexperienceexperience:• Beacrowd-builder.Invitepeopletoourgames–bringpeopletoroadgames.• Hostorhelpprovideateammeal.• Communicatewhenthingsaregoingoutsideofbasketballthatareaffectingyour

daughter(sickness,strugglesathome,intheclassroom,etc)• Volunteerintheconcessionstand,attheyouthtournament,etc.• Positivelypromotetheprogramthroughsocialmedia.Wewillcontinuetopost

updates,stats,andvideosonoursocialmediaoutlets:o Facebook.com/LinnMarGBBo Twitter.com/LinnMarGBB

Youarethemostinfluentialvoicerepresentingourprogramtothepublic.Pleasebegoodrepresentativesofyourdaughters’effortstoexcelatherrole.WeencourageyoutocelebratehercommitmenttotheTEAMregardlessofwhatherrolemaybe.

Keepinmindthatbasketballisanimperfectgame,played,coached,andofficiatedbyimperfectpeople.Wetrustthateveryoneisgivingtheirbestefforttosucceed,butmistakeswillbemade!Thereforeweaskthatevenwhenwemissalayup,callabadplay,oranofficialblowsan“obvious”callthatwegiveourbestefforttoacceptitandmoveon.InJulianEdleman’sbiographyhedescribesTomBradyatbeingthegreatesteveratmovingonimmediatelyafteradisappointmenttowhateverisnext.Ihopewecandothesame.Allparents,players,andcoachesarerepresentativesofLinn-MarandtheGirlsBasketballProgram.Oureverywordandactionreflectsupontheschool,yourdaughter,thisteam,andthecommunityofLinn-Mar.Pleasechoosetorepresentuswell!Ascoacheswewillstrivetodemonstrateourcommitmenttothisbasketballteambybuildingpositiverelationshipswithourplayers,bytakinganinterestintheirlivesoutsideofbasketball,andbybeingorganizedandpreparedforeverypracticeandeverygame.Wewillbecommittedtoourathletestotheextentthatweexpectthemtocommittoourprogram.Andintheprocesswewillenjoythegreatestrewardofanyprofession–helpingouryoungplayersdevelopintosuccessfuladultsandencouragingthemtousetheiruniquequalitiestomakeapositivedifferenceintheworld.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcernsastheseasonprogresses,pleasedon’thesitatetocontactus.Asacoachingstaff,wewouldaskthatanyconversationaboutyourdaughter’splayingtimebeconductedrespectfully,andattheappropriatetime.Theseconversationsshouldnottakeplaceonagamenight,orinthemidstofapractice.Ourpreferenceistofirstcommunicatewiththeathletedirectlyonhowtobestimproveherskills.Pleaserememberthatourroleascoachesistomakedecisionsthatarebestfortheteam.Wewilldoourbesttobeconsistentandfairwithallathletesandstakeholders.Pleasefeelfreetocontactuswithanyquestions,concerns,orcelebrationsastheseasonprogresses.Hopefullywecanworktogethertoencourageourathletestoaccomplishtheirverybest.Lookingforwardtothestartofsomethingspecial!NateSanderson Nate.Sanderson@LinnMar.k12.ia.uswww.BreakthroughBasketball.com/Sanderson 319-621-4342(cell) BrittanyRobinsonbrittrobinson22@yahoo.com563-419-6592ChadTompkinsCTompkins@LinnMar.k12.ia.us319-213-1890(cell)KelseyRastetterKRastetter@LinnMar.k12.ia.us563-880-8826

StephanieHaskenSHasken@LinnMar.k12.ia.us563-570-1506(cell)JoniWitzelJoni.Witzel@gmail.com

"Greatnessisnotaboutsomeonewhohastheabilitytobegreat.Greatnessshowsupwhensomeonemightnothavethatabilitybutfindsawaytosucceed.”

-MikeSingletary,formerNFLHeadCoach

Be a Crowd-Builder

As a coaching staff we are committed to pursuing a compelling vision for our program that creates an authentic basketball community. Our goal is to play a style of basketball that our friends, families, relatives, and neighbors will enjoy coming to see. We strive to create a basketball community brought together by their support for our TEAM. We hope that every player within our program, from first grade through 12th grade, will play and conduct themselves in a manner that makes both the “Have To’s” and the “Mights” proud. A Basketball Community If we were to look at a basketball community as a series of concentric circles, at its center would be The Core. The core of the community is the players and coaches. They are the ones who are directly involved in the game itself. Surrounding The Core are the Have To’s. These are the fans who, due to their association with a member of The Core, may feel an obligation to attend our games. They may be

parents and family, band members, friends, etc. Their loyalty to a particular member of The Core keeps them in the stands for as long as that player or coach is on the team. Finally, we have The Mights. The Mights are a loose association of individuals who might come to a game sometime to see a member of The Core play. They are not as devoted as the Have To’s, but share at least a minimal interest in the team’s results. Together, these groups form a basketball community. We believe that the following characteristics will make our basketball team attractive to all those within the community, regardless of how well they may, or may not, understand the game of basketball. We believe that HOW we play can turn the Have To’s and the Mights into “Want To’s.” One coach described these various stakeholders and community members coming together in this way, “When we have become theirs, and they have become ours.” This is our desire – to conduct ourselves in a way that the community will embrace, and to seize a purpose that is greater than making a ball go through a circle. We strive for a significance that transcends the game of basketball in the values that we teach, the legacy that we leave, and the difference we make in our school, the community, and the world. We believe the following values will bring our community together: Play Hard. When C. Vivian Stringer was building the women’s basketball program at the University of Iowa in the 1980’s, she noticed that Iowa fans turned out for games despite the team’s modest record during her first few years. In her autobiography she wrote, “Even before our results were really there, Iowans showed that they appreciated the effort we were giving to it.” Effort is something that is recognizable by fans of all ages. One does not need an intimate understanding of the game to recognize when a team is playing hard. It is a characteristic that earns the respect of opponents, officials, and fans on both sides of the gym. Love Each Other. A second characteristic of an attractive team is that its members play together. There is a traditional African proverb that says, “To go fast, go alone. To go far, go

The Mights

Have To’s

The CORE

together.” It is possible for five individuals to play basketball at the same time, without ever playing together. Togetherness is evident in how team member interact while on stage. Are they encouraging? Do they talk? Do they grab each other when they are down? Do they high-five after great plays – do they go to one another after mistakes? Do they acknowledge when their teammates create opportunities for others to score? Sherri Coale, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Oklahoma University, calls this Championship Behavior. All great teams demonstrate togetherness on the court. It is obvious when togetherness is present, and when it is not. We desire to be a team where The Core

cares for one another. As Jerry Staton, Head Football Coach at Albia High School says, “Success on the football TEAM is not that hard to figure out: Players Who Care About Players Players Who Care About Coaches. Coaches Who Care About Players Coaches Who Care About Coaches. Play with Passion. Playing with passion simply implies that the participants care deeply about their activity. They want desperately to succeed, to compete, to win. Not everyone will eat, breathe, and sleep basketball as I do. However, when players are committed to doing whatever is necessary to accomplish a goal - great things are possible. Passion is also contagious. As Kevin Eastman, Assistant Coach of the Boston Celtics said, “People see passion. People feel passion. People follow passion.” No one will care more about our basketball team than those in The Core. By making basketball the most important thing that we do, when we are doing it, we have the opportunity to attract people to our basketball community. Play for FUN. An extension of playing with passion is playing the game to have fun. We want basketball to be an experience that our kids and our fans will enjoy. As a program, we assume the following about FUN:

1) Playing basketball is FUN. 2) Improving is FUN. 3) Competing is FUN. 4) Winning is more FUN than losing.

Sports offer a different kind of fun than hanging out a friend’s house, or messing around in the driveway. We hope that our players experience an intrinsic reward from simply playing such a great game. We will enjoy improving as players, and as a team. We will enjoy competing regardless of outcome, and we hope this will be satisfying for both players and fans. We will enjoy how we play – five players working together as one. We also recognize that winning is more fun than losing, yet we will never compromise our purpose in pursuit of our objective. Pete Carril, former Head Coach at Princeton University described building a basketball community this way: “You have to turn on the fans. They will not accept a slovenly effort, or players who don’t care. But they will root for guys who work hard. Through your effort and intelligence, you get people into the gym.”

The CORE

The Want To’s

Our Ultimate Goal... “Close Down the Town.” Ultimately, we want to create a culture that will enable us to play in the state tournament in Des Moines. We hope that when we go productivity will decrease at local businesses because people are either in Des Moines to watch us live, or are watching online while they “work”. During those years when our talent level is weaker, we hope that our culture will still allow us to be a competitive, well-respected team that inspires others by how we play. However, regardless of our record we want these values to permeate everything we do.

LOVE & EFFORT

“Great teams are made of great teammates.” - Brad Stevens, Butler University

SCHAIPE:ThePlayer’sResponsibility

Allsuccessfulathleteshavecertaincharacteristicsincommon.Theyareusuallytheoneswhoworkthehardestinpractice.Theyareusuallytheoneswhoworkthelongestandthehardestintheoff-season.Theyoftenreceivemostoftheattentionfromtheoutsideworld,andtheyareusuallytheoneslookedtoasthe“leaders”oftheirteams.However,experiencetellsmethatbeingexpectedtoleadcanbeanuncomfortablesituationformany.Fewplayersarecomfortabletellingotherswhatthey’redoingwrong,orwhattheyshouldbedoingright.Fewplayerswanttheresponsibilityofmakingsuretheirteammatesaredoingwhattheyaresupposedtodo,whentheyaresupposedtodoit.YetthisisthemostvaluableingredienteverysuccessfulTEAMmusthave–bold,vibrant,intentionalplayersleadingANDfollowing.TheverynatureofSCHAIPEprovidesaframeworkforindividualstomentallypreparetobesuccessfulineachday’schallenges.SCHAIPEemphasizestheindividual’sdailyresponsibilities.Theyare:

ToplaywithSpiritandenthusiasm. ToCommunicatewithteammatesandcoachesatalltimes. ToHustleinALLgamesandpractices. TohaveapositiveApproachtoeverythingwedo. ToImaginegamesituationsandfuturegoals. TobePrecise–doingeverythingexactlyrighteverysingletime. ToEnhancetheexperienceofthosearoundthem.

Withouttheseattributesaplayercannotsucceed.Itissimplyimpossibletoachieveourbestwhenanyofthesevaluesareneglected.TomakethemostofeveryopportunitywemustcommitourselvestoSCHAIPE’ingatalltimes.SCHAIPEisamentalapproachthatmustpermeateeverythingwedoonandoffthecourt.Itishavingacertainphilosophyofhowthegameshouldbeplayed,andhowtointeractwithallofourteammatesinlife.SCHAIPErequiresanindividual’sbesteffort.Itrequiresindividualstotalk,toworktogether,toencourage,andtocelebrateoneanother.Itrequiresplayerstodothingsthecorrectway.Itrequiresplayerstomonitortheirattitude,theirdemeanor,andtheirtoneofvoice.Itrequiresplayerstointentionallyattempttoimprovetheexperienceofeveryonearoundthem.SCHAIPEisaformulaforindividualaccomplishmentandTEAMsuccess.WewillSCHAPIEeverythingwedoonthebasketballcourt.Hopefullyasweexperiencesuccessonthecourtwewillbegintoadoptthesevaluesoutsidethegymaswell.Asmembersofthisbasketballprogram,wemustbelievethatforus,thebestwaytoconductourselvesistobeSCHAIPE’d.ItistheONLYwaywewillbecometheveryBESTthatwecanbe.SCHAIPE’ingisnotalwayseasy,butitisworthwhile.Wemustbelievethatotherteamswillnotbewillingtoworkashardaswewill,thattheywillnotknowasmuchaswedo,andthattheywillnotbeascommittedtoeachotheraswearetooneanother.Thiswillgiveustheadvantageinthegameofbasketball.Weacknowledgethatwecannotmakeeveryoneactthisway,believethisway,orfeelthisway.Onlyourplayerscanmakethatchoiceforthemselves.However,ifweallchoosetoSCHAIPEourselves,andothers,we

willhaveabetterTEAM,abetterprogram,andinthelongrun,amorefulfillingandsuccessfullife.Whenplayersareallowedto“dotheirownthing,”toooftentheysuccumbtohumannature.Mostofusarelazybynature.We’drathernotrunextrasprints,orshootmorefreethrowsafterpractice,orcallSuzytomakesureshewakesupformorningpractice.Mostofusarecontentdoingonlywhatisrequired(andoftenonlywhenthecoachiswatching).Mostathletessimplytrytogetthroughpracticeinsteadofgettingsomethingfrompractice.However,tobeaspecialplayer,andtobeagreatTEAM,playersmustexpecttodomorethantheirshare–theymustexpecttodomorethanwhatisrequired.Inourbasketballprogram,wewillteachourplayerstoSCHAIPEthemselvesandothersbyemphasizingthefollowingvaluesonadailybasis.Thesevaluescomprisethecoreofwhoweareandhowwewillbesuccessfulonandoffthecourt.SpiritGoodteamspracticewithenthusiasmandzest;badteamspracticewithafeelingofdrudgeryandmonotony.Toperformatourbest,wemustintentionallymanufactureacontagiousenthusiasmthroughoutthegym.Thismustbeadailyoccurrence.Itmustbecomeahabit,evenwhenyoudon’tfeellikeit!Infact,it’swhenwedon’tfeelparticularlyenthusiasticthatweneedspiritthemost.Playersshouldplayandpracticeinsuchawaythatdemonstratestoeveryonethattheyenjoywhatthey’redoing.Spiritcomesinmanyforms,including:

• Usingyourvoicetomakenoise • Clapping • Givingreminders • Givingconstantencouragement(Goal:2positivecommentsperminute) • Celebratingyourteammates.Celebratingvictories.Celebratingdoingthingsright. • Givinghigh-fives • SMILE☺ “Youcantellbythewaysheshootstheball,thejoyshetakesfromeachplay,that

SHELOVESTHEGAME.”

“Successisgoingfromfailuretofailurewithnolossofenthusiasm.”WinstonChurchill

CommunicationCommunicationisaskillthatmustbelearnedandpracticed.Formanyitdoesnotcomenatural.Infact,bynaturemostofusaretoopreoccupiedwithourownthoughtsandresponsibilitiestotalkonthebasketballcourt.Forustobemosteffective,wemustworktogetherasaunit.Thattogethernessiscementedbyourcommunicationwithoneanother.

WeteachcommunicationwiththewordN.I.T.E.:

Names-Usethemoverandover.Peoplelovetoheartheirnames.Anameislikeaspotlight;putothersinthespotlightasoftenaspossible.Tobemosteffective,namesshouldbefollowedbyreminders,encouragement,etc.Namesalertandcaptureattention,especiallywhentheyprecedethestatement.

Information–Providerelevant,specificinformationaboutwhat’sabouttohappen.Informationandchatterarenotthesamething.GivinginformationiscommunicatingwithMeaningfulTalk.Meaningfultalkcanbeassimpleasspeakingwhatyouaredoing,whatyouseethedefensedoing,etc.

ToneofVoice–Peopleoftenrespondtotoneovertheactualmessage.Howyousaysomethingisjustasimportantaswhatyousay.Thereforespeakwithanencouragingtoneofvoice.Thiswillhelpyourteammatesreachtheirpotential.

EyeContact-Thisisespeciallyimportantwithyourcoaches.Coacheswillcoachbetterifyougivethemeyecontact.Eyecontactbuildstrust.Goodcoacheswilldemandeyecontactfromtheirplayers.Playersshouldalwayspositionthemselvestogivetheircoacheyecontact.Coacheswilltrustplayersmoreiftheydemonstratelistening.Thispowerfultoolcanhavethesameaffectonteammates,teachers,parents,friends,etc.

Reminders–ArecriticalBEFOREtheyareneeded.Helponeanotherrememberresponsibilities,tendencies,etc.Remindersshouldincludespecific,conciseinformationandbedeliveredusingNITEstrategies.

What’sbeingsaidwhennothingissaid?Silencecanbewonderfulattimes,butathletesandcoachesmustalwaysrememberthatnon-verbalcommunicationcanhaveapowerfulaffectonothers,bothpositivelyandnegatively.Spiritandapproachareoftencommunicatednon-verbally.Thatis,theplayer’sfacewillrevealfeelingsshewouldneververbalize(I’mbored,Idon’tcare,etc.).Ajoyfulsmileenergizesteammatesandcanbecomeinfectious.Similarly,afrustrated,bored,orindifferentexpressioncandeflateateammate,adrill,orevenanentiregymwhenleftunchecked.Theathletemusttakeresponsibilityforhernon-verbalcommunicationtoensurethatsheiscontributingtoourenvironment,notcontaminatingit.Andyes,sometimesyouneedtofakeit‘tilyoumakeit!

HustleHustlesimplyputis“doingmorethanwhatisrequired.”WhenrequiredtogetfromPointAtoPointByouhaveachoiceastohowquicklyyouwillgetthere.Hustleissprinting,evenwhenyou’renot“ontheclock.”Hustlemeanscompetingineverythingyoudo,regardlessofwhatthescoreboardmaysay.HustlemeansNEVERwalkingonthegymfloor.Hustleismorethanjustplayinghard.It’smorethanafloorburn,ordivingforalooseball.Evenlazy,selfishathleteswill“hustle”ingames.Truehustleisanattitudeaboutlife.Itisaleadershiprequirement.Itistheconvictionthatyouwilldomoretomakelifebetterforothers.Youcannotleadifyoudonothustle.Peoplewon’trespectyourwordsiftheydon’trespectyoureffort.Hustlingiscontagious,justlikeloafingiscontagious.Ifyouhustle,yourteammatesdon’thaveanexcusenottohustle.

Mostpeoplearecontenttodoonlywhatisrequiredofthem.Specialplayersconstantlylookforwaystodomore.LeadersandSCHAIPE’rsdon’tjusthopeforgreatteammates,theyintentionallysearchforwaystomaketheirteammatesbetter.Theyorganizedrills,theyinvitepeopletoopengym,theyhelpsomebodystrugglinginaclass.Inshort,hustlersandleadersexpecttodomorethantheirshareforthebenefitofall.Truehustleisanall-the-timething.

“Ifweonlydowhat’srequiredthenweareslaves.It’sonlywhenwedomorethatwe

trulybecomefree.”MartinLutherKing,Jr.ApproachApproachisyourmethodofdoingsomething.Itisyourmentaloutlookonanimpendingtaskorevent.Wehaveanapproachtoeverythingwedo.Yourapproachisevidentinyourdemeanor.93%ofwhatiscommunicatedisdonewithoutwords.Howyoucarryyourselfallthetimerevealsyourapproach,andconsequentlyyourcharacter.Therefore,youmustlearntomasteryourbodylanguagesothatyouarecommunicatingconfidenceandjoy.Youshouldcarryyourselfinawaythatmakesotherpeoplewanttofollowyouorbelikeyou.Thisisespeciallytruewhenthingsaren’tfun,orthingsaren’tgoingwell.Duringthesetimesyourapproachrevealsyourmentaltoughness.Canyouovercomethechallenges,conflicts,anddifficultcircumstances?Yourapproachsaysmoreaboutyouthananythingelseyoudoorsay.Itsaysmorethanyourstats,yourgrades,yourresume,etc.Thisiswhyrecruiterswanttoseeyouintworevealingplaces:onthebenchandinyourleastfavoriteclassbecauseitisherethatYOUwillberevealed.SomeApproachestoChooseFrom…• Doeverythingtoimprove,tomaster,tocreategoodhabits,togetbetter • Doeverythingtoimpressthosewhowatchyou(inyourhustle,precision,etc) • Playeverythingtowin • Alwaysmakeapositivestatementinhowyoudothings • Doeverythingtogetsomethingoutofitsothatit’snotawasteofyourtime • Knowthepurposebehindeverythingyoudo • Doeverythingtodemonstratethatwhatyouaredoingtrulymatters • Decidetomakeupformistakesbyplayingharder(animating)immediately

ImaginationWemustengageourbrainstovisualizesuccess.Averageathletesoftenoverlookthisskill.However,specialplayersunderstandtheimportanceofimagination.

Herearefourwaysimaginationcanmakeasignificantdifference:

Remember–Remembergames,plays,andemotionsfromseasonspast.Don’t

forgetthepainofanembarrassingloss.Don’tforgetthejubilationofabigwin.Letthesememoriesmotivateyourefforts.

Rehearsal–Athletescanfooltheirbrainsbyvisualizingtheirplay.Findtime

duringthedaytodaydreamaboutdoingeverythingexactlyright–maybebeforebed,inthecar,etc.Yourbraincanget“repetitions”withouteversettingfootinagym!

Practice–Inpracticeitisessentialtoimagineyouropponent.Witheveryserveyoushouldimagineanopponentpreparingtoreceive.Youshouldvisualizewhatthisserveorshotwilllooklike,feellike,incompetitionevenwhenyouareinpractice.

Dream–SetBIGgoals.Dreamaboutwhatyouwanttoaccomplish.Tell

someone.Dreamwithyourteammates.Strivetobeourbest! "Whenyou'rethrowingagainstBaileyandWilliams, that'swhyyouwork inApril,MayandJune,"Manningsaid."That'swhyyouthrowalotintheoff-season,withnobodycovering.Youpretendit'sChampBaileycovering.Youhavetothrowaperfectthrowandrunaperfectroute."-PeytonManningPrecisionPrecisionisdoingeverythingexactlyright,everysingletime.Itisaquestforperfection.Todothingspreciselymeanstodothemthecorrectway.Toooftenplayerssettleforsomethingthatis“closeenough.”However,tobesuccessfulwemustbeconstantlyworkingtoimprovethewaywedothelittlethings.Wewanttomasterpropertechniquesandfundamentalssothattheybecomethenaturalhabit.Wemustconstantlyseektolearnfromourmistakes,andimproveourexecution.“Repeatingthesamebehaviorbutexpectingadifferentoutcomeisthedefinitionofinsanity.”Specialplayerspayattention,notonlytothedetailsoftheirownassignment,butalsotothedetailsofothers.Leadersareconstantlyremindingandencouragingteammatestodothingsright,100%ofthetime.

“Developaridiculousattentiontodetail,todoingtherightthing,tomakingeverypracticecount,andtoconcentratingoneveryshot.”–DickDeVenzio

EnhancementLiterallymeanstoimproveortomakebetter.Greatplayersmaketheirenvironmentsbetterforeveryonearoundthem.Theirgoalistoleavetheirenvironmentbetterthanthewaytheyfoundit.Inlifeyouarealwaysaffectingyoursurroundings.Youareeithercontributingorcontaminating.“Mindingyourownbusiness”isNOTcontributing!Mindingyourownbusiness,orlettingothersdotheirownthing,iscontaminatingbecauseitbreedsselfishnessandself-centeredness.MarkTwainoncesaid,“Therearepeoplethatbringjoywhentheyenteraroom&therearepeoplethatbringjoywhentheyleavetheroom.”Youshouldstrivetobesomeonepeoplelookforwardtoseeing,tosittingnexttoonthebus,toplayingwithonthecourt.Enhancingthelifeandexperienceofanotherisoneoflife’sgreatestjoys.Inbasketballtherearecountlesswaystoenhanceyourcoachesandteammates.Ifyouwanttobeaspecialteammate,aspecialplayer,aspecialperson–lookforwaystoenhancetheexperienceofothers.Hereareafewexamples…WaystoEnhance

• Putsomeonebeforeyourself • Servesomeoneelse • Giveconstantencouragement • Givesincerecompliments • Noticeothersdoingthingsright • Introducecompetitionintodrills • Helporganizeplayers • Explaininstructionssothecoachdoesn’thavetorepeatthem • Demonstratekindness,patience,andcareforothers • Giveeyecontactandnod • Showinterestinyourteammatesoutsidethegym • Celebrateyourteammatesdoingtherightthing,doingthingsright,notjustforthe

specialplays(that’swhatfansarefor) Astoryaboutenhancement…Twogamesintothe2010-2011ChicagoBullsbasketballseason,startingsmallforwardLuolDengwasstrugglingattheoffensiveend.Hewasmissingeasyshots,layups,freethrows,almosteverything.However,hewasworkingharddefensivelyandontheglass.Histeammate,DerekRose,noticedandsenthimatextmessagebeforetheirnextgame:

“Ilethimknowwe’vegothisback,”saidRose.“He’soneoftheleadersofourteam.Isaid,‘Wedon’tcareifyoumissshots.Aslongasyouplaydefenseandhustle,we’regoingtobeagoodteam.’”Dengwentontoscoreacareer-high40pointsintheBulls’nextgame.TheChallengeisthis…Youwant tohave theapproach thatyour teammatesarehavingabetterpractice,abetter experience, because YOU are in practicewith them today. Youwant to carryyourselfinsuchawaythattheirexperiencewouldbeworseifyouweren’tthere.

LeadingandFollowingAthletesareresponsibleforSCHAIPE’ingthemselves.IfitiseasyfortheplayertobeSCHAIPE’dthatday,thentheymustactivelyseekoutateammatethisisstrugglingtoSCHAIPEthemselvesandhelpthem,encouragethem,etc.IfitisdifficultfortheplayertoSCHAIPEthemselves,thentheymustseekoutaplayerwhoiseasilySCHAIPE’dandfollowthem.

Eachdayplayersmustmakethechoice,“AmIleadingoramIfollowing?”Ifyouarenotleading,thenyouMUSTchoosetofollow.Leadersmaychangefromdaytoday,buteveryoneMUSTchoosetoleadorfollow.PlayerswillNOTbeallowedto“dotheirownthing.”Thispointisabsolutelycritical.

Wewanteveryonetolead.Wewanteveryoneledintherightdirection.Everyonecanlead.Everyonecanfollow.Ifyou’renotleading,andyou’renotfollowing,thenyou’regoingyourownway.Andifyou’regoingyourownway,thenyou’renotgoingwheretheTEAMisgoing.Andifyou’renotgoingwheretheTEAMisgoingthenyou’renotpartoftheTEAM.Andifyou’renotpartoftheTEAMthere’snoreasontohaveyouontheTEAM.

SCHAIPE’ingcanhappenincrementally,andcanbemeasuredinthefollowingway:

SCHAIPEselfdaily SCHAIPEapartner SCHAIPEagroup

SCHAIPEabasket SCHAIPEaTEAM SCHAIPEaProgram

WhenathletesdotheSCHAIPE’ing,coachescandothecoaching.

JohnWoodenonSuccess:“Successisthesatisfactionthatcomesinknowingwegaveourmaximumeffortatalltimestobecomethebestthatwearecapableofbecoming.”Wehavelittlesayoverhowbigorfastorskilledouropponentswillbe.However,wedocontroloureffortandourpreparation.Wewillneverfailifweknowinourheartsthatwedidourverybest.Thatisallwecando.Thatisallweexpect.

“Onlyonepersononearthknowsifyouhavemadeyourbesteffort.Theonlypersonwhoknowsisyou.”

LUGNUTsFormercollegebasketballcoachJohnWooden,winnerof10nationalchampionshipsatUCLAduringthe1960'sand70's,usedtheanalogyoftheLUGNUTtodescribetheroleofhisbenchplayers.Thepartofthecarthatgetsthemostattentionisusuallytheengineandtheexterior.Theenginemakesthecargofast.Theexteriormakesthecarlookgood.However,verylittleattentionisgiventothesmallerpartsofthecarthatareessentialforthecartorun-liketheLUGNUT.Itdoesn'tmatterhowbeautifulacaris,orhowlargetheengine,iftherearenoLUGNUTs,thecarwillnotgofar.Inbasketball,mostmediaandfanattentionisfocusedonthe5-8athleteswhoplaythemostminutes,scorethemostpoints,etc.Iftheyplaywell,thewholeteamlooksgood.However,wehavefoundthatourmostsuccessfulteamsunderstoodthevalueoftheLUGNUT.LUGNUTsareessentialforteamsuccess.Theyaretheplayerswhodonotgettheirnamesinthepaper.Theyarerarelyrecognizedinthestartinglineup.LUGNUTsaretheplayerswhoarewillingtoservetheteambypracticingashardastheycaneveryday.Theyunderstandtheirmissionistomaketheirteammatesbetterbypushingtheminpractice,andencouragingthemalways.TeamscannotsurvivewithoutLUGNUTs.Woodenusedtheanalogytoteach"allroleswerevitaltooursuccess,thateveryoneisconnectedtothemissioninsomeimportantway.Themansittingatthefarendofthebench,andthepersonwhotightensthelugnutsbothcanmakecontributionstotheirteam'ssuccess.Ifthelugnutscomeoff,theracecarcrashes.”Remembertheanalogyoftheiceberg.Mostseeonlythepartoftheicethatisabovethewater.However,thestrengthoftheicebergliesunseenbelowthesurface.TheTitanicsankbecausethecaptainunderestimatedthestrengthofwhathecouldnotsee.Thesamecanbesaidofabasketballteam-mostpeopleonlyseewhathappensabovethewaterduringthegames.MostdonotunderstandthataTEAM’sstrengthresultsfromwhatisdoneinpractice,inthelockerroom,ontheteambus,etc.ItisinthoseunseenmomentswhereLUGNUTshavetheirgreatestimpact,andwheretheteambuildsitsstrength.Asweapproachthecomingseasonwewillhaveanumberof“benchplayers”onourteam.Someofthemwillplaysubstantialminutes.Othersmaynot.However,forthemtobecomeeffectiveleaderstheymusteachhavetheAttitudeofaLUGNUT.Iftheyapproacheachdaywiththeintentionofgivingtheirverybesteffortandmakingtheirteammatesbetter,regardlessoftheplayingtimetheyreceive,wewillbesuccessful.Iftheychoosetoputtheteamfirst,andarewillingtodowhateverisnecessaryforustoaccomplishourteamgoals,wewillbesuccessful.Inshort,weareaskingthemtobeservantsthatourracecarmightachieveitspeakperformance.“Championshipplayersseethemselvesaspartofaunifiedteamworkingtowardacommongoal.Theyrealizethateveryonemustbepullinginthesamedirection,

otherwisetheteamwillpullapart.”JeffJanssen,SportsPsychologist,UniversityofArizona

ThisYear’sTheme

I’m with you. There is a story in Bob Goff’s book called Love Does that has resonated with me for years. He describes a time when he dropped out of high school so he could move to the mountains and become a park ranger. On his way out of town in his VW bug he stopped by his friend Randy’s house to say goodbye. Randy was a Young Life leader at his high school and had become good friends with Bob. Upon hearing about his plan Randy makes a profound decision of his own. He decides to join Bob on his adventure. He slips back into the house, grabs some clothes and a sleeping bag, and jumps into the car with Bob. Then Randy utters his signature line of their journey, one that he would repeat following the ensuing disappointments and debacles the two would face in their week on the road together… “Whatever happens, Bob, I’m with you.” As I am challenged by Daniel Coyle’s book The Culture Code and the importance of belonging cues in fueling a successful team dynamic, I cannot help but return to Randy’s line… I’m with you. That is our hope for this year’s team – that no matter what happens, we will be together. We will face adversity – there will be challenges on and off the court – but we will choose to face them together. The players have written about what this theme means to them, and repeatedly they return to the same notion that was so meaningful to Bob Goff on his wayward adventure… No matter what, I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine. If there is a secret formula for creating a memorable and meaningful sports experience, this may be it - an unwavering commitment to support one another no matter what. I can assure you this will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. No matter what happens, I’m with you.

“Determinethatthethingcanandshallbedoneandthenweshallfindtheway.”AbrahamLincoln

PracticePolicies

Itisthebeliefofthecoachingstaffthatthemostcriticalcomponentofoursuccessonthecourtispractice.Wewillneverplaybetterthanwepractice.Thereforeitiscriticalthatwepracticewiththesameintensityandeffortthatwewouldexpecttogiveinagame.EveryoneisexpectedtogivetheirbesteffortineverypracticeforthebenefitoftheTEAM.Eachplayermustacceptherroleduringpracticeandperformthatroletothebestofherability.BecausewebelievethateachplayerfulfillsavitalroletotheTEAM,allpracticesandfilmsessionsaremandatory.Playingtimeisearnedatpractice.Therefore,itisabsolutelyessentialthatallplayersattendeverypractice.Inordertoreinforcethisbelief,weareinstitutingthefollowingattendancepolicy:

ExcusedAbsenceswillinclude:

a. SchoolAbsence.Ifaplayerisabsentforanyportionoftheschooldaythatisnotpre-approvedbytheoffice,theplayerwillnotbeallowedtopractice.

b. SchoolFunctions.Schoolfunctionsthatcannotbescheduledatanothertime

willbeexcused.Studentshavemanyresponsibilitiesintheclassroom,andtootheractivities.However,itisexpectedthatplayerswillschedulemeetings,practices,testmake-up,etc.aroundbasketballpracticewheneverpossible.Pleasenotifytheheadcoachinadvancewhenpotentialscheduleconflictsarise.

c. Injury.Ifadoctor,becauseofinjuryorillness,withholdsaplayerfrom

practice,sheisstillexpectedtocometopracticetocontinuetolearnandtoencouragetheTEAM.Playerswillconsultwiththetrainingstafffortreatmentasnecessary.

d. FamilyEmergencies.Obviouslytherearesituationsinlifethatwecannot

alwaysanticipate.However,ifaplayerisgoingtomisspracticeforafamily-relatedreason,pleasecontacttheheadcoachbeforethebeginningofpracticeifatallpossible.

Allotherabsences,unlessspecificallyclearedbytheheadcoachinadvance,willbeconsideredunexcused.

ConsequencesofUnexcusedAbsences:Unexcusedabsencesandotherdisciplinaryissueswillbehandledonanindividualbasisatthediscretionofthecoachingstaff.Possibleconsequencesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,suspension,conditioning,temporaryreductionofrole,ordismissalfromtheteam.

2) Playerswhomisspracticejeopardizetheirstartingstatusand/orplayingtime.Team

repetitionsarecriticalforoursuccessonthecourtandcannotbeduplicatedthroughmakinguppractice.

“Thepathofleastresistanceisrarelythepathofgreatestreward.”

3) Playerswhomisspracticemaybeaskedtomake-upthepracticesessionbyattendinganoptionalpracticeorworkout,doingabookreport,orhelpingwithalowerlevelpractice(middleschool,youthleague,etc.).Thosewhomisspracticeduetoillnessorschoolfunctionswillnotberequiredtomake-uptime.

4) Playersmanynotstartthefollowinggameaftermissingapre-gamepracticefor

anyreason.Note–Ifthereisaweatherdismissalandtheadministrationstillallowsustopractice,anyplayerwhochoosestogohomeratherthanstayforpracticewillnotbepenalizedinanyway.

Important:Thesepoliciesapplytoallpracticesandfilmsessions.Thisincludesweekend,holiday,andmorningpractices.

PracticeRules

1) BeonTime:Playersaretobeinthecentercourtcircle,dressedandready(shoes

onandtied)forpracticebeforethebuzzersoundstobeginpractice.2) AbsolutelyNOPROFANITYwillbetolerated!3) Allplayersmustwearareversiblepracticejerseywithat-shirtorcutoffshirt

underneath(thatisnotblackorwhite)toallpractices.4) ProductiveComplaining-FindingSolutions.Ifaplayerhasacomplaintthey

shouldbringittothecoachingstafforcaptainsattheappropriatetime.Weareavailabletomeetwithorlistentoplayersanytimeduringtheday(beforeorafterschool,beforeorafterpractice,onthebus,etc.).Wehopethatplayerswillcommunicatetheirfrustrationswiththecoachingstaffsothatsolutionscanbefound.However,complainingduringpracticeiscounterproductiveandweaskthatitbekepttoaminimumduringthattime(seethenextpagefortipsoncomplaining).Ourgoalwithallfrustrationsistochangecomplaintsintosolutions,andthatcanonlyhappenifplayersandcoachesworktogetherforthebettermentoftheteam.

5) TherewillbeabsolutelyNOTEXTINGorcellphoneusewithoutpriorpermission

duringpracticehours.

“Achievingexcellencerequiresagreatdealofhardwork.”JimTressel-TheWinnersManual

PracticeExpectations

Inorderforustobecomethebestteamwearecapableofbeing,wemustmakethemostofourlimitedpracticetime.Weexpectourplayerstogivemaximumeffortduringeverypractice,andallfilmandweightliftingsessions.Weexpectallplayerstosetasideanydistractionsfromthedayandtofocussolelyonbasketballduringthistime.Aswehaverepeatedlysaid,playerswillbeexpectedtoworkhard,carefortheirteammates,andpursueexcellencewithinoursystemofplay.Belowarethebasicexpectationswehaveforallathletesduringourpracticesessions:

Live&ProtectourCulture:Themostimportantaspectofourbasketballprogram

iswhowebecome,andwhoweareasateam.Aspreviouslymentioned,ourmostimportantvaluesareLove&Effort.Weexpectthesetopermeateeverythingwedotogetherasateam.

CONCENTRATE:TheprimaryfocusduringpracticeshouldbeonBASKETBALL.

Researchindicatesthat“concentratedrepetitions”arethesinglemostefficientwaytolearnmotorskills.ThismeansplayersmustbeAWAREofwhattheyaresupposedtobedoingandhowtheyaretodoit.

Communicate:Playerswhoarenotactivelyparticipatinginadrillorgameshouldbeactivelycommunicatingwiththosewhoare.Playersthatarenotengagedwhileoutofadrillwillnotfindthemselvesinthedrill!

ConcentrationincludesActiveListening:Whenacoachspeaks,playersareexpectedtolistenwiththeirfullattention.Sideconversations,interruptions,bouncingbasketballs,oranyotherdistractionswillnotbetolerated.Eyecontactshouldbegiventocoachesandteammateswhoarespeakingatalltimes.

EFFORT:Playersareexpectedtogivetheirbesteffortmentallyandphysicallyatall

times.

ENCOURAGE:Practiceswillbehard.Theywillbedemanding.Practicesaredesignedtoteach,tochallenge,andtoprepare.“Nothingiseveraccomplishedwithoutenthusiasm,”soplayersareexpectedtobepositiveandtoencourageoneanotherforthegoodoftheTEAM.

SERVICE:Becausewehaveplayerswithawiderangeofknowledgeandexperience

itisimportantthatwetakeresponsibilityforeachotherwhenitcomestoorganizingourpractices,drills,etc.Wemustbeinthehabitofhelpingoneanother!

Whenplayersvaluepracticetime,practicetimebecomesmorevaluable!

“ThereisnopathtoACHIEVEMENTOtherthanDOINGYOURBESTRIGHTNOW.”

MentalHealthWednesdaysAsweprogressthroughtheseasonwewillinvestagreatdealoftimeinthegrowthanddevelopmentofourplayersbeyondwhattheycandowithabasketball.Forthepastthreeyearswehavededicated45minuteseveryWednesdaytobuildingouruniquecultureandlearningmental,relational,andleadershipskillstohelpourplayersgrowaspeoplewithinthecontextofthegame.Wewillcontinuethatthisseason.OurMentalHealthdayswillincludeallplayers,9th-12thgrade.Playerswillbedividedinto“MentalHealthGroups”thattheywillmeetwithweeklyfordiscussion,activities,etc.Thesegroupswillbecomprisedof5-6playersfromdifferentgradelevelstoencouragesharing,relationshipbuilding,andmentoring.Belowisasampleoftopicswecoveredinpreviousyears:

• BuildingYourConfidence• NavigatingOutsideExpectations• HandlingPressure• PlayingPresent• EmbracingYourRole• ControllingYourInnerMonologue• ThePowerofHighFives• HowtoBuildaBasketballCrowd• MistakeResponse• LearningtoCompete• ThePowerofAppreciation• TheBeautifulGame

Ourweeklylessonswillinvolvevideos,activities,discussions,andeventheoccasionalinterviewwithsomeoneoutsideofourprogram.Wehavefoundthatdedicatingtimetoteachourcultureandtolearnaboutthemental-emotionalsideofperformancehasbeenextremelybeneficialforourathletes.

TeamAssignmentsOurgameschedulewillbecomprisedofthreelevelsthisseason:

• Varsity• JuniorVarsity• Freshman-Sophomore

JV/VReservegameswillbescheduledasnecessaryforplayerswhoarenotintheregularrotationatthevarsityorJVlevels.ThosegameswillbecoachedbyCoachRobinsonandwilllikelybescheduledonMondayorThursdaynightsoncewedeterminewhichotherschoolswillhaveenoughplayerstoparticipate.IMPORTANTNOTEIn2017,TheMississippiValleyConferencechangedthedesignationsforthelevelsingirlsbasketballtoallowcoachesmoreflexibilityinassigningplayerstotheirteams.Therearemoreandmoreschoolswhodonothaveenoughplayerstofieldanexclusivelysophomoreorfreshmanteam,sotheconferenceloosenedtherestrictionsonwhomayparticipateateachlevel.Wewillbeabidingbytheseguidelinesmovingforward.Accordingtotheconference,levelsmaybeassignedasfollows:

• Varsity–Thetopteamcomprisedofthebestplayersregardlessofclass.Inourcontext,upperclassmenwillnolongerdressvarsitybyvirtueofbeingajuniororsenior.Varsitypositionswillbebasedonskillandabilitylevelirrespectiveofage.

TherewillbesomevarsityplayerswhoarenotintherotationthatwillplaywiththeJVteamtocontinuetheirdevelopment.

• JuniorVarsity–Formerlycalledthesophomoreteam,thisisthe2ndbestteamregardlessofage.

ThepurposeofourJVteamistoprepareplayerstocontributetothevarsitylevelinthefuture.Whilethiswilltechnicallybeconsideredour“2ndbestteam,”therewillbeadevelopmentalaspecttohowplayingtimeisdistributed.Itislikelythattherotationwillbemoreinclusivetoallowmoreplayerstogainvaluablegameexperience.Thatmayincludemorejuniorsplayingatthatlevelthaninyearspast.UpperclassmenthatdonotmakethevarsityrosterwillbeontheJVteam.ThosethatarenotintheregularrotationwillplayinJV/VReservegames.Note–Wearereluctanttopromotefreshmentothejuniorvarsityteamunlesswearecertaintheywillplaymeaningfulminutes.

• Freshman-Sophomore–Formerlycalledthefreshmanteam,thisgroupwillbe

comprisedoffreshmenandsophomoresbeginningthisseason.ThismeansthatsophomoreswillnotautomaticallydressattheJVlevel.Similartohowthevarsity

teamwillbeselected,underclassmenwilladvancetotheJVlevelbasedonskillandability.

• JV/VarsityReserve–PlayerswhodressJVorvarsitybutarenotreceivingregular

minutesintherotationwillplayinreservegames.TheseplayersmaycomefromboththevarsityandJVlevels.

BuildingtheLadderThisisoneofthemostcomplicatedpartsofcoachingisbuilding“TheLadder”thatdetermineswhereeveryonewillplayandpractice.Iwillattempttooutlinetheprocessbywhichwedeterminetheladderbelow.Thepurposeofassigningteamsistwofold:

• Tomaximizethedevelopmentofthoseplayersmostlikelytocontributeatthevarsitylevel.

• Toprovideopportunitiesforallplayerstoreceiveplayingtimesomewhere.Considertheexampleladderbelow:

Varsity(12-15Players) JuniorVarsity Freshman-Sophomore

VarsityStarter VarsityRotation* FSStarter

VarsityStarter VarsityReserve(Jr) FSStarter

VarsityStarter VarsityReserve(Soph) FSStarter

VarsityStarter VarsityReserve(Fr) FSStarter

VarsityStarter VarsityScoutTeam FSStarter

VarsityRotation VarsityScoutTeam FSRotation

VarsityRotation VarsityScoutTeam FSRotation

VarsityRotation* JVRotation FSRotation

VarsityReserve(Sr) JVRotation* FSRotation

VarsityReserve(Jr) JVReserve(Sr) FSRotation

VarsityReserve(Soph) JVReserve(Jr) FSReserve

VarsityReserve(Fr) JVReserve(Soph) FSReserve

VarsityScoutTeam JVReserve(Fr) FSReserve

VarsityScoutTeam

VarsityScoutTeam

Step1–DeterminetheVarsityRotation–Thefirststepinbuildingtheladderisdeterminingwhoislikelytoplayinthevarsityrotation.Thoseplayerstypicallyfillthefirst7-8spotsintheladder.Step2–DeterminetheVarsityRoster–Beyondtherotation,thenextstepistodeterminewhothenextbest5-7playersareintheprogramregardlessofage.Thoseplayerswilldressvarsitythoughtheymayplayatanotherlevel.

Step3–DetermineHowManyVarsityPlayersWillPlayJV–ThosevarsityplayerswhoareoutsideoftheregularrotationwillplayoneithertheJVteamorinreservegames.Thatislargelydeterminedbytheageoftheplayer.UnderclassmenwillplayJVtocontinuetodevelopwithconsistentplayingtime.Juniorsmaybegiventheoptiontochoosetobeafull-timevarsityplayer(andplayinreservegamesiftheyarenotintherotation),orplaywiththeJVteam.BecausethepurposeoftheJVteamistoprepareplayerstocontributeatthevarsitylevelseniorswhoarevarsityreserveswillmostlikelyplayinreservegames.However,therecouldbecircumstanceswheretheJVteamneedsadditionalplayersfromtime-to-timeinwhichcaseaseniormaybegiventheopportunitytoplayattheJVlevel.However,becausethereisno“nextseason”topreparefor,seniorreserveswillgenerallyplayinthereservegames.Step4–DetermineHowManyUpperclassmenRemaintoPlayonJV–JuniorsandseniorswhodonotmakethevarsityteamwillbeontheJVsquad.Thisdoesnotguaranteethattheywillplayintherotation,buttheywillcompeteforplayingtimeatthislevel.IftheyarenotintheJVrotationtheywillplayinreservegames.Step5–DetermineWhichUnderclassmenWouldPlayintheJVRotation–Whenconsideringwhetherornottopullupafreshmanorsophomoreourprimaryconcerniswhetherornottheywouldreceiveenoughplayingtimetowarrantapromotion.Webelieveplayerswilldevelopthequickestbyplayingconsistently.WhileJVpracticesmaybemorecompetitivethanpracticesattheF-Slevelwewillweightheaffectofthepromotionontheplayer’soveralldevelopmentcarefully.Step6–DeterminetheAppropriateNumberofPlayersforJV&F-S–Dependingontheseason,theremaybemoreroomattheJVlevelforunderclassmentomoveup(particularlysophomores).However,thatdependsonthenumberofupperclassmenalreadyattheJVlevel.Insomecases,wemayweighthebenefitofhavingsophomoreleadersattheF-SlevelasagreaterbenefittotheprogramthanpromotingsophomorestobereservesattheJVlevel.Thisdecisioncouldvaryfromcase-to-caseandyear-to-year.Step7–AdjustasNecessary–Regardlessofwhereplayersstarttheseason,thereisalwaysthepossibilityforpromotionduringtheyear.Therehavebeennumerouscaseswhereplayershaveadvancedfromoneteamtoanotherduringtheseason,ormoveduptheladderfromareservetotherotation,orfromtherotationtoastartingposition.Weencourageplayerstoconstantlycompetewithoneanotheraslineupsmayfluctuatethroughouttheyear.Note–Oneoftheimportantreasonsthatwearerunningthesamesystemthroughouteachleveloftheprogramissothatplayerscancontributeatdifferentlevels,orondifferentteamsatanytime.Playerswhoarepromotedmid-seasonshouldbeabletofunctionwithanewteambecauseouroffenses,defenses,language,etcarethesamefromoneleveltothenext.

ImportantNote–Makingacontributiontothevarsityteamisnotexclusivetowhathappensonthebasketballcourt.In2015-2016wepromotedafreshmantothevarsitylevelpriortothepostseasonbecauseshewasanoutstandingteammate,andmadeusbetterinpracticesandgameswithherspiritandenthusiasm.Enhancingourcultureisanotherwaytoearnavarsityuniformparticularlyasweapproachthepostseason.Promotion–Thereareanumberoffactorsthatweconsiderwhendecidingtomakechangestotheladder.Iwilltrytooutlinethosebrieflybelow:1) Excelinyourcurrentjob.Themostimportantthingtodoisbeexcellentatyourcurrentjob,whetherit’sthejobyouwantornot.Ifyouareareserveandyourjobistosupportthevarsityrotationfromthebench–doitwithyourwholeheart.Itisimpossibletoearnapromotionbyneglectingyourcurrentresponsibilities.Embraceyourroleandalwaysdowhat’sbestfortheteam.Failingtodosowillimmediatelytorpedoanyopportunitytoclimbtheladder.2) Demonstrateawillingnesstodomore.Therewillbeoptionsforplayerstogobeyondwhatisrequired.F-SplayerscancometoSaturdaypracticestogetbetter.Scoutteammemberscanstaytohelpvarsitypreparefortheirup-comingopponents.Doingmoregivesyouanopportunitytoshowyourcommitmenttotheteam,tolearning,andyourdesiretogrow.

3) BeexcellentatLove&Effort–andbesupportiveofthoseinfrontofyou.Tobepromoted(ornotloseyourcurrentposition)youmustbecommittedtoembodytheculturewehaveworkedsohardtocreate.Beagreatteammate.Celebrateothers.WewillneverpromotesomeonewhocouldupsetourcultureofLove&Effort.

4) Impressyourcurrentboss.Yourcurrentcoachcanbeaplayer’sbiggestadvocatewhenitcomestoapromotion.IftheFSorJVcoachesthinksomeoneisreadytocompeteatthenextlevelthatendorsementgoesalongway–especiallyconsideringthevarsitystaffwillnotseeeveryonepracticeconsistentlythroughouttheyear.Ifyouearnyourcurrentcoach’srecommendationthatisoftenhowtheconversationbegins.

5) Makethemostofeveryopportunity.Everydrill,everygame,everycompetitioninpracticematters.TherewillbetimeswhenplayersarebroughtuptogivethevarsityorJVteamenoughplayerstodoacertaindrillinpractice–thisisanopportunityforplayerstodemonstratetheycancompeteatthatlevel.Ifyouareareserveplayerthatgetsthrustintoagamebecauseoffoultroubleorinjurytosomeoneintherotation,BEREADY.

6) Makeitobviousyouarebetterthanthepersoninfrontofyou.WehaveanumberofdatapointsthatwetrackthroughouttheyearincludingtheValuePointSystem,WinPercentageinpractice,andgradingvarsitygameswhentheopportunityisavailable.Noneofthesearedeterminingfactorsforpromotion,buttheyshouldconfirmyourperformancewhencomparedtoothers.Thebestwaytokeepyourjob,ortakesomeoneelse’s,istoproveyouarethebetterplayer.

Substitutions&PlayingTimePlayingtimeatthevarsitylevelisalwaysintendedtofieldthebestpossibleTEAMatalltimes.Thoughwetypicallyrotate7-8players,theminutesassignedtoeachplayermayvarygreatly.Itispossiblethatsomeplayersmayplaytheentiregamewhileothersshareminutesasnecessary.Therearecountless,unpredictablevariablesthataffectsubstitutionsonagame-by-gamebasis.Weprefertosettleintoaregularrotationwhenpossible,thoughthatrotationcancertainlychangethroughouttheseason.Itisimportanttonotethatinordertobeconsideredforvarsityplayingtime,individualplayersmustunderstandtheresponsibilitiesoftheirposition,theirrolewhileonthecourt,andthegameplanforthatparticularopponentbeforetheywillbeinsertedintoagamesituation.Thisknowledgeisdemonstratedinpractice.3TierSystem:Playingtimewillgenerallybeorganizedintothefollowing“tiers:”Starters–WewillstarteachgamewiththefiveplayerswhoformthebestTEAM.BasketballisplayedandwonasaTEAM.ThebestindividualplayersareNOTguaranteedtostart.Starterswillhavethefirstopportunitytoplaythemostminutesduringagame.Asateam,andasaprogram,wevalueTEAMsuccessoverstartingstatus.Itispossiblethatwewillusenumerousstartinglineupsoverthecourseoftheseason.WhatweaccomplishtogetherasaTEAMisfarmoreimportantthantheindividualrecognitiononereceiveswhenstarting.

RotationPlayers–Rotationplayersmayberegularlysubstitutedintothelineuptokeepstartersfresh,ortoaddanewdimensiontotheTEAM(rebounding,shooting,runningthefloor,etc.).Rotationplayersmustbepreparedtoplaystarterminuteseverynight.Theirminutesmaybewidelyunpredictablenightinandnightout.Theymustbepreparedtotaketheplaceofastarterintheeventofinjuryorfoultrouble.Rotationplayerswillbeexpectedtoplaywiththesameenthusiasmandeffortasiftheyhadstartedthegame.Theymustunderstandthatsomenightstheywillbeaskedtoplay20minutesormore,whileothernightstheymayplaysparingly,ornotatall.TheinterestsoftheTEAMmustcomebeforeanyplayer’sindividualdesireforplayingtimeforustobesuccessful.

Reserves-TheremainingplayerswhodonotfindthemselvesintheregularrotationplayavitalroletothevarsityTEAM.Thoughtheymayreceiveasmuchplayingtimeastheothervarsityplayers,theyhavemanycriticalresponsibilitiesthatbenefittheTEAM.Undoubtedly,therewillbesituationsduringtheseasonwhenourreserveswillbeaskedtoplayincrucialsituationsandtheymustalwaysbeready.IrecallagameagainstWestBurlingtonyearsagoatLouisa-Muscatinethatwewonbecauseareserveplayercameoffthebenchlateinthegameandscoredthegame-tyingbasketatthebuzzer,thenscoredfivemorepointsinovertimetosealthewin.Everysingleplayermustbereadytocontributewhencalledupon!Important:Startingpositionsarenotguaranteed.Theydonotbelongtoindividualplayers.Rotationplayersmaymoveintostartingroles.Reserveplayersmaymoveintotheregularrotation.Forourprogramtoimprove,wemustcontinuetocompeteforthesepositionseveryday,ineverypractice.

WhoStartsandWhoPlays

ThemostimportantpartofourprogramistheTEAM.Everyonehasanequalcommitmentto,andresponsibilityfor,theTEAM.EveryoneisanequallyimportantmemberoftheTEAM,buteachofuswillhaveourownindividualrole.Forsomethisrolewillbeasastarter,forothersitmaybeasareservewhoplayslittleingames,butwhoprovidesaqualityeffortineverypracticetoprepareusforournextopponent.WeallmustrealizetheimportanceoffulfillingourroletothebestofourabilityforthegoodoftheTEAM.Listedbelowarethecriteriawehavesetasacoachingstaffinrelationtoplayingtime:ThebestplayersateachpositionthatformthebestTEAMwillstart.Wewillplayourbestplayers,nomatterwhatgradetheyareinschool.Thiswillbedirectlydeterminedbyaplayer’sperformanceandproduction,andnotbyaplayer’spotential,pastexperience,etc.However,thebestplayersmayFORFEITtheirstartingpositionorplayingtimeformanyreasonsincluding,butnotlimitedto,thoselistedonthepageentitled“PlayingTimeDisqualifiers.”Othervariablesinfluencingstartingpositionsandplayingtimedecisionsinclude:Anindividual’shustle,attitude,andworkethicinpractice,theweightroom,andwatchingfilm.Weexpectplayerstoperforminpracticeastheywouldinagame.Anindividual’sabilitytoperformtheresponsibilitiesoftheirposition.Thisincludesunderstandingherjob,andexecutingittothebestofherability.Playersmustbeawareoftheirrole,andmustperformthatroleatahighlevel.Whenonthebench,thisalsoincludesbeingawareofwhatoffensiveanddefensivestrategiesarebeingemployedshouldtheplayerbesubstitutedintothegame.Anindividual’shealthandinjurystatus.Wewanttobesuccessful,butwemustalwaysconsiderthehealthofourathletes,especiallyinrelationtotheamountofseasonthatisleft.Whenindoubt,wewillerroronthesideofsafetytoprotectthehealthandwellbeingoftheindividualathlete.Thefourfundamentalrequirementsonemustdemonstratetoplayvarsitybasketballare:

1. Anabilitytogetbackondefense.2. Anabilitytostayinfrontofanoffensiveplayer(tocontainadribbler).3. Anabilitytohandlethebasketballreliably(dribbling,passing,catching).4. Knowledgeoftheplayer’sindividualresponsibilitieswithinoursystemofplay

"Teamworkistheabilitytoworktogethertowardacommonvision.Itisthefuelthat

allowscommonpeopletoattainuncommonresults."

PlayingTimeDisqualifiersBreakingTEAMrulesforgame-daydresscode,conductatschool,attendanceatpractices,walkthroughs,filmsessions,etc.Demonstrateslackofeffort–usuallyevidentonDEFENSEbynotsprintingthefloor,standingupinthedefensivestance,ornotgettingbacktodefendthegoal.Doesnotunderstandorexecutetheresponsibilitiesofherposition.PlayersmustknowWHATtheyaresupposedtodooffensivelyanddefensivelyatalltimes.Thosewhodonotknowtheirresponsibilitieswillnotplayuntiltheydo.PlayersmustdemonstrateenthusiasmfortheTEAMwhileonthebench.Thoseplayerswhodonotapplaudtheirteammates’effort,ordonotdemonstratethattheyare“intothegame”(payingattentiontothegame,duringtimeouts,etc.)willnotbesubstitutedintothegame.DisplayingANYattitudedetrimentaltotheTEAMinpractice,onthebench,inthelockerroom,onthebus,etc.PlayersMUSTputtheTEAMFIRSTinallsituations.Thosethatcomplainorspeaknegativelyoftheirteammatesorcoachesmaydisqualifythemselvesfromplayinginthegame.Failuretomanagefrustration.Whenathletesallowfrustrationtofestertheirperformancewillinevitablydecline.Thisisdetrimentaltotheteam’sabilitytocompeteandwillresultinasubstitutionuntiltheplayerhasregainedcontrolofheremotions.Showingdisrespecttowardcoaches,teammates,officials,orouropponents.Exampleswouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,complainingtotheofficials,receivingatechnicalfoul,playing“dirty,”taunting,usingprofanity,nothelpingothersup(frombothteams),notretrievingtheballfortheofficial,etc.Violatingtheschool’seligibilitypolicy.***Thesebehaviorsmayresultinimmediatesubstitutionsingamesituations.Regardlessofskillorstatus,aplayerwhoviolatesanyoftheserulesmayFORFEITplayingtimeand/orastartingposition.Itisvitalthatplayersunderstandthesepolicies.

***IMPORTANT***

Weexpectplayerstodemonstratecharacter,respect,andintegrityatALLtimes.Wemustalwaysrememberthatourbehavior,ourattitude,andourlanguagerepresentourteammatesonandoffthecourt.Wewanttoliveandplayinamannerthatreflectspositivelyonourprogram,ourschool,andthecommunity.Therefore,playerswhodonotrepresentourprogramresponsiblyoffthecourtmayfaceconsequencesatthecoaches’discretion.Note:AllviolationsaresubjecttopenaltiesassignedbytheGoodConductPolicy.Conductviolationsmaywarrantadditionalpenaltiesasdescribedinschoolpolicy.

Parents&PlayingTimeAsageneralrule,thecoachingstaffisreluctanttodiscussplayingtimeissueswithparents.Icanassureyouthatwehavethoughtthoroughlythrougheverydecisionwemakeinregardtoourstrategy,gameplanning,andplayingtime.Understandthatourresponsibilityistodowhat’sbestfortheteam.Oftenthatwillrequireindividualsacrificefromindividualplayersontheteam.Ifaplayerisfrustratedbyalackofplayingtimewewouldprefertoframethatconversationaroundthefollowingquestions:1)Whatcantheplayerdotoimproveasaplayer?2)Whatcantheplayerdotohelptheteam?3)Whatcantheplayerdotomakeherteammatesbetter?Weprefertohavetheseconversationswiththeindividualplayersbeforeinvolvingtheparentssimplybecausetheplayermustshowimprovementtoearnmoreplayingtime.Thatallowsusthebestopportunitytocommunicatedirectlywiththeplayer,andallowstheplayertotakeresponsibilityforthesituation.Wewanttocommunicatewiththeplayersfirsttohelpthembesuccessful.Thatconversationmayincludeassistantcoachesorcaptainsiftheplayerisreluctanttoapproachthecoachingstaff,butultimatelyweplayerstolearnhowtohavehardconversationsindependently.Wewilldoourbesttobepreparedandtobefairwitheachplayer,butpleaseunderstandthatwewillmakemistakesjustasourplayerswillduringtheseason.Wewillstrivetolearnfromthosemistakesandtoimproveascoachesjustaswewouldexpectourplayerstodo.Wehopethatyouwillcomealongsidethecoachesandplayersastheyattempttocreateamemorableandmeaningfulexperience.Asmentionedbefore–theplayersareveryclearaboutwhattheirparentscandotohelpgivethemthatexperience:1) BePresent2) BeSupportive3) BePositive

“Championshipplayersseethemselvesaspartofaunifiedteamworkingtowardacommongoal.Theyrealizethateveryonemustbepullinginthesamedirection,

otherwisetheteamwillpullapart.”JeffJanssen,SportsPsychologist,UniversityofArizona

LetteringRequirementsPlayersmustmeetoneofthefollowingrequirementstoreceiveavarsityletter.Option–VarsityMinutes1. Appearinatleast50%ofregularseasonvarsitygamesandhaveperfectpractice

attendancefortheentireseason.2. Importantnote-excusedabsencesdoNOTcountagainstpracticeattendance(family

emergency,funeral,schoolevents,etc.).However,otherabsencesmustbemadeuptoqualifyforavarsityletter.Thisincludespracticesoverholidaybreaks,Saturdaypractices,etc.

Option2–ScoutTeamExcellenceThoughtheseplayersmaynotappearinmanyvarsitygames.Yet,theireffortandcontributiontopracticecannotbeunderestimated.InordertorecognizethemfortheirselflesscommitmenttotheteamwemayawardScoutTeammembersavarsityletterattheendoftheseason.Theseplayersmustremainacademicallyeligibleandincompletecompliancewiththegoodconductpolicyandhaveperfectpracticeattendancefortheseason.Option3–FourYearCommitmentCompletefouryearsofhighschoolbasketballwhileremainingacademicallyeligibleandincompletecompliancewiththegoodconductpolicyforallfouryears,andhaveperfectpracticeattendancefortheseason.***Injuredplayerswillbeexpectedtoattendpracticesunlessattendingdoctor’sappointmentsorphysicaltherapy.Percentageswillbeadjustedtoreflectthegamesaplayercouldhaveplayedinwhilehealthyduringtheseason.Forexample,ifSallymissed5gamesduetoinjury,butattendedallofthepracticesduringthistime,shewouldneedtoappearin50%ofthegamesshecouldhaveplayedin.ALLPLAYERShavearesponsibilitytocompeteinpracticewithgreatenthusiasmforthesuccessoftheTEAM.Rotationandreserveplayersmustunderstandthatpartoftheirresponsibilityistopreparethestartersforournextopponent,andtocontributeinwhateverwaysnecessarytoachievesuccessasaTEAM.***Note-Thecoachingstaffmaychoosetoletteradditionalplayersbasedontheircontributioninpracticetothevarsityteam’ssuccess.

TeamCaptainsTeamcaptainsarechosenatthebeginningofeachseason.Playersareaskedtovoteforindividualswhobestdemonstratetheculturewearetryingtobuildwithinourprogram,andwhotheytrusttorepresenttheplayerswhencommunicatingwiththecoaches.Teamcaptainsarechosenregardlessofage,playingstatus,orpreviousexperience.Wewillelectcaptainsatthevarsity,sophomore,andfreshmanlevelsthisyear.Ileanheavilyonourcaptainsthroughouttheseasontoaidindecision-making.Irelyonthemtohelpaddressteamissuesandliveandrepresentourcultureatalltimes.VarsitycaptainswillmeetwithmeonSaturdaymorningsthroughouttheseasontocommunicateabouthowthingsaregoing,theup-comingschedule,andtoaddressanyotherissuesthatmaypertaintotheteam.Captainswillalsobereliedupontobringanyteamissuestothecoachingstaffsothatsolutionscanbefound.Theroleofteamcaptainisatremendoushonorandanimportantresponsibilityforthewellbeingofourteam.Withoutquestion,ourdecision-makingisgreatlyenhancedwhenourcaptainsarepartoftheprocess.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go TOGETHER.” - Traditional African Proverb

GameDayExpectations

GameDayDressTherearetwoimportantvaluesthatarecommunicatedbyhowwedressforgamedays,andregardlessofwhatwedoonaspecificday,thesevalueswillbecommunicatedinwhatwewear.

Unity–Allplayerswillbedressedthesametodemonstrateweareateam,andthatgamedayisaspecialday.Basketballisimportant.Therefore,wewillnotdresslikeeveryoneelseongamedays.Wewillsetourselvesapartbywhatwewear.

RoadGames–ForroadgameswewilltypicallywearourLinn-Martravelsuitstoschoolandonthebustogames.Thiswillbecoordinatedpriortogamedaytoensureeveryoneisdressedalike.HomeGames/RivalryGames/PlayoffGames–Wewill“dressup”forschoolatleastfivegamesthisyear(selectedbythevarsitycaptains).Oneoftheassistantcoacheswillhelpdeterminewhatis,andwhatisnotacceptabletowearonDressUpDays.Onsomedayswewillwearteamshirtstoschool.Thiswillbeannouncedinadvanceanditisexpectedthatallplayerswilldressthesame.ImportantNote:PlayersmaybeallowedtoEARNcasualdress,orajeansday(jeansmaynotbetatteredorhaveholesinthelegs...oranywhereelse,forthatmatter),ongamedaysbyaccomplishingvariousstatisticalgoalsinpreviousgames.Regardlessofwhatwewear,wewanttobedressedthesame(example,all“dressup”orallwearteamshirts),andbedressedinamannerthatcommunicatesthatbasketballisimportant.

VarsityplayersareexpectedtoattendJVgamespriortochanginginthelockerroom.Thesegamesprovideanexcellentopportunitytoseewhatoffensesanddefensesanopponentmayemployinthevarsitygame,andisencouragingtotheJVplayers.Whenattending,wewouldlikeallvarsityplayerstositbehindthebenchwiththeirteammates.NOCELLPHONESwillbeallowedwhilewatchingtheJVgames.

Onsomeoccasions,playerswillberequiredtoarriveearlytovarsitycontestsforfilmreview.Wewillbepreparingourmindstoplaybasketballduringthistime.Varistyplayerswillalsobeaskedtoattendhomereservegameswhenpossible.Theymayalsotravelwiththevarsityreservestotheirawaygames,butwillnotberequiredtodoso.

"If you give anything less than your best, you're not only cheating yourself, your coaches, your teammates, everybody in Green Bay, and everything pro football stands for. You’re also

cheating the Maker who gave you the talent." Vince Lombardi, Former Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers

WalkThrough–Wemayhaveplayersarriveearlyfora“walkthrough”priortohomegames,Saturdaygames,ortournamentgames.Weusethistimetoshootandreviewoffense/defensivestrategiesfortheup-comingopponent.Playersareexpectedtobeonthecourt,withpracticejerseysandshoeson,attheassignedtime.BusTime–DONOTBELATEFORTHEBUS.Arrangetobeboardingthebusfiveminutesbeforethescheduleddeparturetime.Remindyourteammates!!!Ascoacheswewouldpreferthatourathletesridethebushomefromawaygames.Weunderstandthisisnotalwayspossible,especiallyonschoolnights.Ifyourdaughterwillnotberidingthebushome,pleasemakesuretosignheroutbeforeyouleave.Oneoftheassistantswillhavethesign-outsheetforeveryroadgame. SubstitutionsAllplayerswillstandandcheer,high-five,etc.forallplayerscomingoutofagame.Allplayerscomingoutofagamewillhighfivewitheachteammateandcoachonthebenchbeforesittingnexttotheheadcoachtoreceivefeedback,instruction,etc. SchoolAttendanceItisimportantthatallplayersandparentsbefamiliarwithourschoolattendancepolicies.ForplayerstoparticipateingamestheymustbeinattendanceforANENTIREDAYOFSCHOOL,unlesstheirabsencehasbeenpre-approvedbytheoffice.

“Thereisadifferencebetweeninterestandcommitment.Whenyou’reinterestedindoingsomething,youdoitonlywhenit’sconvenient.Whenyou’recommittedto

something,youacceptnoexcuses,onlyresults.”-KenBlanchard

MiscellaneousInformationGoodConduct

AdministrativeRegulationsRegardingCo-andExtra-CurricularConductPolicy502.5-R3

Studentswhoparticipateinco-andextra-curricularactivitiesinvolvingpublicperformanceareprohibitedfrompossessing,using,transporting,controlling,ortransmittingtobacco/nicotine,alcohol,orotherdrugsatanytime(yearround)duringhis/hermiddleschoolorhighschoolcareer.Theadministrationwillsuspendastudentifitisdetermined,asreportedbyschoolpersonnel,thattheviolationdidoccur.Therulingincludesanyactivitiesoutsideofschoolaswellasatschooloratschoolevents(eitherhomeoraway).Suspensionmayalsoresultfromeitherlegaldocumentationorbyself-admittance.Investigationofpossibleinfractionwillinvolveparentnotification.Ifastudentisguiltyofaninfractionandisnotcurrentlyinvolvedinanactivity,thesuspensionwillbecomeeffectiveutilizingtheactivitiestheywereinvolvedinthepreviousyear.DuringMiddleSchoolorHighSchoolCareer:1stOffense:Tobacco/NicotineAlcoholandOtherDrugsSuspendedfromatleast20%ofpublicperformanceswithcarryovertothenextactivity.Counselingrequiredtoreinstatement(suspendedfromatleast33%ofperformancesifnoprogressionincounseling).Mustcontinuetopractice.2ndOffense:Tobacco/NicotineAlcoholandOtherDrugsSuspendedfromatleast50%ofpublicperformanceswithcarryovertothenextactivity.Counselingrequiredpriortoreinstatement.Mustcontinuetopractice.3rdOffense:One-yearsuspensionfromco-andextra-curricularactivities.Counselingrequiredpriortoreinstatementforallthirdoffenses.4thOffense:Permanentsuspensionfromco-andextra-curricularactivities.Counselingavailableforallfourthoffenses.Establishedschool/team/grouprulesmayalsoapplytoviolations.Inorderforthesuspensiontobeputintoeffectitmustbeclearlydeterminedthattheviolationdidoccur.Itisclearthatanadmissionfromthestudentisnotrequiredpriortodiscipliningastudent(Schmahlvs.GlenwoodCommunitySchoolDistrict,2D.P.I.AppDec.26,1979).CourtSystemInvolvement:Studentsadmittingtoorfoundguiltyofnon-trafficmisdemeanorsorfeloniesnotdefinedintheseregulationsmaybesubjecttosuspensionfromco-andextra-curricularactivitiesasdeterminedbythebuildingprincipaland/ordesignee.Theschooldistrictwillcooperatewiththecourtsorotherrecognizedpublicagenciesincarryingoutconsequencesinco-andextra-curricularactivities.

AppealProcess:AsestablishedinBoardPolicies502.5and502.5-R1.Definitions:Carry-Over:Insituationswhentherearenotenoughperformancesremaininginaseasontocompleteasuspension,thesuspensionwillbecarriedovertothenextco-orextra-curricularactivityinwhichthestudenttakespart.Counseling:DirectedbytheLinn-MarMiddleSchoolsorHighSchoolCounselingOfficesorothernon-schoolagenciesthatstudentsarereferredtoorareapprovedbyschoolcounselorsorStudentAssistanceTeam.Anycostforuseofnon-schoolagenciesistobebornebythestudent.Linn-Marcounselingwillincludediscussionofdecision-makingskills,tobacco/nicotine/alcohol/druginformation,andpeerandfamilyrelationshipswithparent(s)/legalguardian(s)invitedtoparticipate.Astudentmayreceiveconfidentialassistanceatanytimeduringtheirmiddleschoolorhighschoolcareer.Possession/Use/Transportation/Control/Transmission:Tobacco/nicotine:personalpossession,use,transportation,control,ortransmission.Alcoholandotherdrugs:Asdefinedbylegalstatuteand/orcourtinterpretation.Possession,transportation,control,ortransmissionmaybedeterminedbypriorknowledgeorintent.Teamrulesmaybemorespecific.PublicPerformanceActivity:Isaco-orextra-curricularactivitywherestudentsareexpectedtoperforminactivitieswhichthepublicmayview.Examplesare,butnotlimitedto,athleticevents,concerts,plays,debates,speechcontests,musiccontests,andpreviewsandexhibitions.Activitiesbeginwiththefirstrequiredmeetingforanyparticipantandendwhenequipmentischeckedin,setisstruck,orthelastrequiredmeetingoccurs,etc.Athleticseasonsaredefinedbystateorlocaldesignatedstartingandendingdates.Publicperformancesaredeterminedbytheadministrationpriortothebeginningofco-andextra-curricularactivities. PolicyTitle:HighSchoolAcademicEligibilityforCo/Extra-CurricularActivitiesCode

502.6Thosestudentsnotacademicallyeligiblemaybeallowedtoparticipateinpracticesatthediscretionofthecoach,director,orsponsorwiththeapprovalofthehighschoolprincipalordesignee.Academicallyineligiblestudentsmaytravelwithco/extra-curricularactivitygroupsatthediscretionoftheathleticdirectororadministrator,butmaynotparticipate.Studentsmustpassallcoursesduringtheprecedinggradingperiodinordertobeeligibletoparticipateinco/extra-curricularactivities.Studentswhodonotpassallcoursesduringtheprecedinggradingperiodshallbeineligiblefora30-dayconsecutivecalendarperiod.Forco/extra-curricularactivities,this30-dayperiodshallbegininthenextgradingperiodthedayaftergradesareavailable.Forathletics,thisineligibleperiodshallfollowtheguidelinesoftheScholarshipRule,281IAC36.15(2).TheScholarshipRulestatesthatthestudentisineligiblefora30-dayconsecutivecalendarperiodinthenext(orcurrent)interscholasticathleticteaminwhichthestudentisacontestant.This30-dayperiodbeginsonthefirstdatecompetitioninthat

sportisallowed,asdeterminedbytheScholarshipRule.Thereisnorequirementthatthestudentcompetedinthesportpreviously.Inordertofulfilltherequirementsofalossofcompetitionpenalty,thestudentmustcompletetheentireactivity/sportseasoningoodstandingaswellasbewithheldfromtheprescribednumberofcompetitiondates.Tobeconsideredamemberingoodstanding,thestudentmustfollowallbehavioral,attendance,andteamexpectations;beanactiveteammemberattheendoftheseason;andtheirnamemustbelistedontheend-of-seasonreportfortheirsport.Ifastudentquitsanactivity/sportteamorisremovedfromanactivity/teambecauseofdisciplinaryreasons,theywillnotreceivecreditfortimeserved.Theseco/extra-curricularactivitiesincludebutarenotlimitedto:interscholasticathleticcontests,musicconcertsorotherperformances,speechandothercompetitions,trips,orperformancesbyLinn-MarHighSchoolsponsoredclubs,teams,andorganizations.Studentswhoreceiveincompletegradesshallbeineligibleuntilallcourseworkissatisfactorilycompleted.Thesecoursesmustbecompletedwithin10daysaftertheconclusionofthepreviousgradingperiod.Studentswhoqualifyforcreditrecoveryshallbeineligibleforaminimumof30dayspendingthecompletionofallcourseworkatapassinglevel.Thisworkwillbemonitoredbytheacademicassistancecounselorwithfinalapprovalbytheprincipal.Theprincipal,ordesignee,isresponsibleforcheckingtherecordsofstudentsinactivitiesatthebeginningoftheactivityandattheendofeachgradereportingperiodtheactivityisinprogresstodetermineeligibilityandwillnotifythecoach,director,orsponsorofineligiblestudents.Allfirst-timeninthgraders(freshmen)willbeconsideredacademicallyeligibleattheendoftheireighthgradeschoolyear.Theacademiceligibilityofincomingtransferhighschoolstudentsduringtheschoolyearwillbedeterminedbythegradesearnedandreportedbytheirpreviousschool.Summeractivitiesareconsideredanextensionofthesecondsemester.Thesuperintendentshallberesponsiblefortheadministrativeregulationsforacademiceligibility.UniformsAllplayersshouldhavepurchasedareversiblepracticejersey.Theseshouldbeworntoallpracticeswithashirt(orcutoff)underneaththatisnotblackorwhite.

Uniformswillbedistributedpriortothefirstcompetitiondate,andcollectedataTEAMmeetingfollowingtheconclusionofthevarsityseason.Pleasewashtheuniformsbeforeturningthemin!

PleaseDONOTDRYtheuniformsinthedryer.Inordertokeepthemintopcondition,pleaseallowthemtoair-dryafterwashing.

DistrictGamesALLPLAYERSintheprogramareinvitedtoattendallregionalgames,homeandaway.Non-rosterplayersmayridethebuswiththevarsityteam.Playersfromlowerlevelsmayalsoridethebustoroadplayoffgamesasspaceallows.TheLastPracticeOneofourbesttraditionshasbeenhostingonelastpracticeafterthefinalgameoftheseason.Thisgivesplayersandcoachestheopportunitytoconnectonelasttimebeforetransitioningtotheirnextseason.Allvarsityplayerswillbeexpectedtoattendthelastpractice.F-SandJVteamsmayalsohavealastpracticeaftertheirlastgame.Thiswillbedeterminedbytheheadcoachateachlevel.

Off-SeasonHoursSummaryDuringtheoff-seasonweoffernumerousopportunitiesforplayerstodeveloptheirskillswithinouroffensiveanddefensivesystems.Sincethespring,wehavetrackedeachplayer’soff-seasoncommitmentbytallyingthenumberofhourstheyhaveinvestedinopengym,summerleague,teamcamps,etc.Foreachhourtheyattendedoneofourbasketballeventstheyreceivedonepoint.Anysummergamesorscrimmagesplayedcountsfortwopoints.Aplayer’soff-seasonhoursarenotfactoredintoanydecisionswhendeterminingteamassignments,startingroles,etc.However,itissometimesusefulforplayers,coaches,andparentstoseehowmuchtimesomeplayershaveinvestedintheoff-season.Wecertainlyrealizethatmanyplayersarealsocommittedtotheirclubbasketballteamsorindividualtrainnwheretheyareplayingandpracticingoutsideofourteam,andwedonotdiscouragethatinanyway.Wealsounderstandthatplayershavecommitmentstoothersports,jobs,etc.thatmaypreventthemfromattendingmanyofourevents.Thislistissimplymeanttoprovideanobjectivelookathowmanyhourseachplayerattendedouroff-seasonofferings,andhelpsustodesignouroff-seasonscheduleinfutureyears.Overall,thisyear’steamhasinvestedover500morehoursthanwedidinthesummerof2017.“Apersondoesnotbecomewholeuntilheorshebecomespartofsomethinggreater

thanherself.”-JimValvano,FormerHeadBasketballCoach,NorthCarolinaStateUniversity

Grade Total Career

Player Hours Hours

MaceyMiller 12 105.5 181.25

OliviaHoskins 12 65.25 132.5

AnnaHuggins 11 61.25 168.25

AshlynStuecker 11 77 156

CarlyPrinty 11 92.75 175.75

ChelseaBuck 11 0 0

JamisonFeldman 11 117 229.75

JeanyToingar 11 0 4.5

MollyChmelicek 11 102.5 172.5

SkylerPresler 11 85 188

TaraCrosby 11 0 3

TessHooten 11 38 38

AbbyThoms 10 136.25 217.5

EmmaCasebolt 10 75 137

HalliePeak 10 67.25 113.75

JadaHealey 10 86.25 122.5

KaitlynBrunson 10 74.25 162

KeeganKrejca 10 72 108.5

MaddyKolek 10 35 81.5

MarissaMiller 10 94.5 175.75

MiaFrese 10 71.25 130.25

SarahMurphy 10 38.75 91

AbbyHoefle 9 30 30

AlexisBeier 9 117.25 117.25

AlisaFriday 9 38.75 38.75

CaelynnObleton 9 55 55

EllaGrove 9 59.75 59.75

IzzyShelby 9 77.75 77.75

KennedyWegmann 9 40.75 40.75

LaurenSpaete 9 35.5 35.5

LibertyNyberg 9 23 23

RyleeJonker 9 2.5 2.5

SkylarGalloway 9 0 0

SydneyRuske 9 52.5 52.5

TaylorStuecker 9 46.25 46.25

TaylorWeber 9 49.25 49.25

HourstabulatedthroughTuesday,October30th.