Winter League - Jamboree Impressions

We had a great set of games over the weekend and I was really pleased with the early progress. Right now almost all of the kids are so focused on running motion that they aren't quite able to play at their full speed, but the commitment to the offense is very encouraging. In fact, the understanding of the offense is much higher this year than it has been in year's past at this time. In addition, the atmosphere in the gym was so positive. It really makes it a lot of fun when we have a great group of parents supporting the program. As coaches we certainly noticed a great vibe on both Saturday and Sunday.

We'll add another post on Friday with a link to a web page that will list the team assignments, schedules and standings throughout the program. I also know there was some confusion on what exactly some of the rules for each division and we'll clear those up later this week as well.

Below are some specific things we'll be focusing on in each division over the coming weeks. Let me know if you have any questions.

Coach Pat

YELLOW DIVISION - Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We were really excited at the way the boys were reversing the basketball from side to side when the defense was taking away drives to the basket. Beyond just continuing to become more comfortable with running motion, we'd like to see the boys do a better job of setting screens to get teammates open. If we can get the guys focusing on getting their body in front of the defensive player (instead of just running to a spot) more scoring opportunities will follow. Defensively we want to start to work on going under screens instead of chasing players to limit cutting and driving opportunities.

ORANGE DIVISION - Saturdays, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The focus here will be more on the cutter than the screener. We want guys waiting for screens to be set and then cutting hard to the open spot. Right now we're getting a little impatient and leaving early which negates the effectiveness of the screens and hurts spacing. We also want to have the guys utilize back door cuts more to keep the defense honest. Speaking of defense, patience is the focus there as well. We're getting a little overextended by pressuring the ball too far away from the basket. We want to focus more on technique and personal accountability to keep from giving up easy baskets.

WHITE DIVISION - Sundays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
You may feel like the kids are playing a little slower than usual (especially some of the more advanced kids in the program), but I think that's because we've thrown a lot at them mentally. A couple of guys only had one practice under their belt so the focus will be on getting everyone up to speed with moving without the ball. Another are of focus on offense will be trying to limit the unnecessary dribble. We're trying to break the habit of catching the ball on the perimeter and just dribbling in place or dribbling to another spot along the 3 point line. If guys are dribbling we want them going to the basket. Those stand still dribbles limit movement and can sometimes cause guys to miss passing opportunities which slows down the offense and lets the defense recover. Defensively, we'll focus on playing your man where he is, not where he's going. Sometimes guys get into the habit of moving before the offensive players because they know the motion offense. As guys get more comfortable in the offense, they'll be able to recognize how to beat those who cheat on defense, so we want to change those bad habits before they start to cost their teams.