Basketball Program Development Series by Brian Rea
Contributor: Coach Brian Rea
Topic: Basketball Program Development
Article: #1
Basketball Program Development Series – Introduction
Basketball is a simple game, but enjoying success and building a successful program is hard work. It takes a plan and a vision to make it work. Even with a plan and a vision you are not guaranteed to succeed. That is where Basketball Program Development comes in. It’s not just a “one time” thing you do when you take over a job. It’s not just rules and guidelines you use with your team or program. It’s not even a set of ideals, philosophies or guidelines that you run your program by. Basketball Program Development is a year-round endeavor that is constantly changing and evolving to continue to grow your program as the players, the game, and the times change.
This Basketball Program Development Series will focus on all aspects of developing a program (with the focus being on a HS Basketball program) from top to bottom…and everywhere in between. Many of the thoughts and ideas are original and used in my program today, some of them are hybrids of ideas from others with my own twist, and then some things will be things that I have picked up from other great leaders through clinics, practices, conversations, readings and research. Hopefully there will be something that is of use to you that you can take and implement or tweak to fit within your program. Maybe it will help you become more successful, or maybe it will refresh your basketball memory…Whatever it does, I hope that you gain some insight or motivation from it that can propel you to new heights as a basketball coach and leader of young men and women.
Topics in this series will include (but not limited to):
• Program Philosophy – Why is it so important?
• Program-Wide Basketball Principles – What’s Important Now!
• System vs. Flexible – Round peg, Square hole
• Rules & Guidelines – How much it too much?
• Year-Round Program Development – What do I do, and when?
• Program Fundamentals Every Player Should Know
• Basketball Program Curriculum – Your Basketball Lesson Plans!
• In-Season & Off-Season Program – Preparation IS Separation!
• Basketball Camp – How to promote your program AND make it better!
• Pre-Season Coaches Checklist – What to do prior to your first game
• Speed, Strength & Conditioning – The backbone of on-court success
• Youth Basketball Program – “Feeding” the Program!
• Public Relations – How to win from within!
• Practice Planning – Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!
• Scouting – What do you really need to know about your opponent?
• Coaches Expectations & Duties – Delegating Responsibilities
• Pride Point System – A way to get your players involved & invested
• OTI’s & Building Competitiveness – Never miss an opportunity to improve!
• Evaluations – Feedback is key!
• Off-Season Player Handbook – It may get lost, but at least you tried!
• Uniquely Me – Bringing new and unique ideas to your program!
• Motivation & Leadership – How to building selfless & strong leaders
And the list will continue…
Final Thought…Gimme 5!
There is ONE thing that we do in our program (and try to do within the school as well) that helps us in our quest to build a Championship level TEAM and PROGRAM, and it is very small and widely overlooked…We High-Five!
The one thing Championship Teams do more than the rest is High-Five. We have adopted this thought in our basketball program and make it a point of emphasis on a daily basis on and off the court. We feel that the High-Five is a great tool to use because it serves a few key purposes;
• It shows that I am happy to see you, and am glad you are a part of my team
• It is a way to express excitement
• It says I care about you
• It shows that no matter how tired I may be, I have the energy and heart to raise my hand up above shoulder level to give you a high-five…because I care about you and this TEAM!
Until next time, Happy Hoopin’ & Best Swishes!
Follow Coach Brian Rea on Twitter!!!
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Payson-Seymour High School (IL) – 105-39 Record in 5 seasons @ Payson / Elite 8 Qualifiers in 2013
Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Board Member (District 16)
Email: coachbrea3@gmail.com
Played College Basketball @ Quincy University (2 Years ’96-98) & Aquinas College (2 Years ’98-’00)
Head Basketball Coach for 10 Seasons and counting (All in the State of Illinois)
Have sent 7 players to play in College basketball programs
Personal Speed, Strength & Skill Trainer
Click on the pdf link to download the basketball program development notes:
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