Differences between Mens and Womens Basketball

Posted by Eitel in For Coaches | 3 comments

The differences between the two leagues WNBA and NBA vary from season to season, and aspect to aspect. No two seasons are ever the same, and therefore by the time you read this, some changes may have been made that will even outdate these findings. Every sport has changes to its game with every new season it faces. These changes are made to bring about fair competition, exciting games for the fans, and to make things fair in the end. While the game could be left the same year after year, it has to adapt, and change to keep up with the times.

Some of the differences: The ball for women ranges in size from 28.5 inches to 29 inches. This is a full inch smaller then the men’s ball size, and while a lot of people believe this can change the game greatly, it simple serves to even the playing field for the competition. Men traditionally have bigger hands, and therefore can handle a larger ball; the weight difference is very minute and doesn’t really play a factor.

Often when you are watching the games, if you watched one and then the other, only a very experienced basketball fan could spot the difference without being told.

In Men’s basketball, a five second rule is applied if there is a defender within 6 feet of the player, in women’s ball the defender has to be within three feet of the player. Women’s basketball is currently less popular then men’s basketball but that isn’t because of the quality, it is because women’s basketball even though it’s been around for awhile, is still fairly fresh and new on the scene and hasn’t become quite as main stream yet. Give it a few more years and it will grow leaps and bounds in popularity.

The team mechanics and styles are also very different. Men will always attempt to plow through things with athleticism and skill, while women tend to analyze a situation and come up with a response. Women’s basketball tends to be slightly more technical and the women’s learning styles are far more different and vocal. Men will ask a question, and answer a question. Nice and simple. Women will ask a question, answer the question, and analyze it. Coming ups with in depth and correct answers that not only help the coaches but also help the players.

In the end, other than a few small measurement differences, and the size and biological differences between men and women, truly the game in essence is the EXACT same. It is a competitive sport, which both men and women play to win, play with their teams, and enjoy. While the technical aspects of the game surely are different, the spirit of the game has no difference between men and women. Both sets of players will give it their all from game to game, and season to season, and fans of both will convey to you the same thing, it’s a pleasure to watch, and has the same enthusiasm behind it, no matter who you are watching!

[info_box]Picture credit: neofx19 • Creative Commons Attribution[/info_box]

Importance of being a Role Model

Posted by Eitel in For Coaches | 0 comments

As a coach it is important to remember that everything that you do both on and off court is imbibed by the minds of your players. It is very important that you consider all of the ramifications of your actions before you actually commit to them because your players look to you for guidance and direction. A coach is a mentor who teaches his players how to develop themselves both physically and emotional.

As Jimmy Valvano the great NCAA coach of North Carolina said,” “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” It is important that as a coach you tell your players that you believe in their abilities to make appropriate and moral decisions. Let your team know as athletes their personal integrity is most important. Discuss with your team what having principles and a code of ethics means. Develop a team code of ethics and post it where your team can see it every day.

It is imperative that as a coach and mentor that you teach your players the founding principles of ethical behavior so that as they mature they understand what it means to make moral, sound decisions for themselves. It is important to teach your players the principles of making wise decisions on and off the court. When your team members are faced with tough decisions like fixing games for gambling purposes or feeling peer pressures with drugs and alcohol your support as a positive role model will help them make the right decision.

As Michael Jordan said,” “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” As a mentor you must expect that you and your players will be good role models during practice, at games, tournaments, during school hours, and when out socially. Athletes are high profile individuals who are often idolized by other children and peers. It is important that your players are acting in accordance with school rules, state and federal laws, and have morally sound judgment. By expecting that your players are going to be good role models and then teaching them how to make sound decisions you will be creating model citizens who can enter the work force with responsible and self-sufficient attitudes.

As a coach you are molding and creating the next generation of people who have the potential to the become caretakers of the future of our planet. Future doctors, lawyers, environmentalist, firefighters, lawmakers, government officials, professional athletes, writers, journalists, and the list goes on into infinity. You as a coach have in the palm of your hand the ability to shape and mold the self-esteem and moral compass of your athletes. Your example of good citizenship and moral fortitude can cause your team to influence their peers to behave with uprightness and ethical behavior which in turn create a more productive environment where positive things transpire.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University said, “I have a rule on my team: when we talk to one another, we look each other right in the eye, because I think it’s tough to lie to somebody. You give respect to somebody.” It is important that you and your team are able to communicate openly with each other and that as a coach you build trust with each of your players. Below is a list of team principles that you can use as a guide post to helping you make yourself and your players the best ethical role models you can be amongst your peers.

Team Principles for Excellence:

• Believe in yourself.
• Set goals and work to achieve them.
• Respect your mind and body: Say no to drugs and alcohol.
• Respect your coach, teammates, and staff.
• Listen with an open mind. Allow others the chance to speak.
• No using foul or abusive language
• No gambling.
• Share experiences, inspiring moments, and knowledge.
• Do not judge others by their race, religion, or creed.
• Do not lie, steal, or cheat.
• Praise good works and actions.
• Have a positive attitude.
• Keep differences off court. No fighting or violence.
• Give everyone a chance to play.
• Do not criticize your teammates but assist with improving each other.
• Education and reading are important.
• Take care of each other and ensure that you follow safety protocol.
• Make a commitment to do your best.
• Be on time to practice.
• Smile and remember to have fun.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Practice the golden rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.

Photo credit: Duchamp

Fans and how to deal with them as Players

Posted by Eitel in For Players | 0 comments

Some people do not understand the game of basketball as either player or fan. While some people think that fans are not absolutely crucial to the overall basketball experience, both fans and players alike make up the entire experience. Players need to respect the fans, and fans need to respect the players.

One issue that constantly comes up is fans and the “know it all” attitude they exert. A lot of fans think that they can sit back in their seat and dictate how things should be done, and that they know who and what would be better for a team. Not every single fan is this bad and it would be unfair to paint all fans with the same brush, but the fans that do exert this fanatical style of attitude can cause problems all around.

When players encounter these hardcore fans, the best thing that can be done is learn to be patient. Never directly enter into confrontations with these fans, nor is a player ever going to benefit from trying to argue with them. These people have made up their mind and will not be willing to change very easily.

Coaches will council their players in how to avoid unnecessary confrontation, and how to brush off criticism that will be hurled at them in many forms. Players will be idolized, and kids will look up to them, but at the same time, players will be insulted and made fun of, and it’s the players that let the criticism and insults roll off them like sweat that will make better players in the end.

Not all fans will have this negative attitude; some will be an absolute delight for players. They will ask for autographs, or even just for a handshake and a few words. These are the kinds of fans that players need to interact with and need to befriend. They will not only carry the team on by cheering for them, they will just be completely loyal and promote the team in various ways and bring in new fans. The positive, understanding, loyal fans are what every team embraces, and much like the team they field each and every game, the team makes sure that its true fans are taken care of.

When and if any of the “aggressive” fans decide to assert their opinions there are proper steps for both players and fans to take. Much like you would in real life, you just walk away if it is possible. Do not antagonize them, and do not try to argue with them.

Most of the issues are evident only in the upper professional leagues like the NBA, but the other leagues will occasionally encounter the blip on the radar that they will have to deal with, and it would be best to have some methods and procedures in place to deal with it. Coaches will guide their players and help them when the guidance is necessary, players just have to remember an open line of communication with their coach and fellow teammates!

Photo credit: MorphoMir

Essential Items in your Sports Bag

Posted by Eitel in For Players | 0 comments

Your equipment bag is one of your most important tools for on and off the court. It contains any essentials that you need for your practice, along with anything you may need for situations that may arise throughout the practice.

Ensuring that your equipment bag is fully stocked is one thing that some players overlook and underestimate the importance of. While ensuring that your equipment bag has the essentials, you also have to ensure that is all it contains, and that valuables and other items are left behind if they aren’t necessary.

While most teams provide their team with water or refreshment of some sort, it is always in a player’s best interest to ensure that they have a bottle of water or Gatorade with them in the practice bag, on a just in case basis. This ensures that the player has their own source of refreshment and that is essential to the practice.

Another highly important item is the equipment itself. You should have your basketball sneakers in the bag, along with a practice jersey, pair of shorts, and any protective equipment that you may require. This could be eye, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.

You may also want to carry some base items like Tylenol. Some players get headaches or minor pains, and while some condemn the carrying of Tylenol, it seems a bit silly to let a headache or minor pain derail your practice or downgrade it’s quality. Being prepared in all aspects includes thinking of the things that you will rarely use, but are prepared for just in case. Just ensure that you adhere to the guidelines on any medications that you will potentially consume, and ensure that if it is prescription based or you have any prescriptions, that you review the use of Tylenol or other medicines with your family doctor before you take them.

Fresh change of clothes will also be a welcome addition to your equipment bag. No one wants to go home after practice, smelling like practice. It doesn’t have to be your Sunday finest, just a t-shirt, pair of jogging pants, socks, and shoes would suffice.

Some minor toiletries are also a good idea. Shampoo, deodorant, and a little body spray, are the minimums that you will need. While they seem like unimportant things that don’t really matter, in the end they will go a long way.

While some of these things may seem trivial and unnecessary, they go a long ways in ensuring that you have the most productive and pleasurable experience. These items are the bare essentials and while there are many other items that could be included, they would do nothing but clutter up your bag unnecessarily. In the end just ensuring that you have the above items will send a message to coach and team that you are ready, willing, and able to do your part in the practice. That will go far in showing the type of person, and player that you are!

[info_box]Picture credit: Mat Honan • Creative Commons Attribution[/info_box]

Maximizing the Benefits of Time-Outs

Posted by Eitel in For Coaches | 0 comments

Fans and players alike occasionally misunderstand the importance of a time-out. It can make or break your game. A poorly timed time-out can derail a good drive, or it can provide that break you need to turn the tables around in your favour. The timing isn’t the only crucial element of the time-out, the actual use of the time is absolutely crucial. You get a small amount of time and you cannot afford to waste it period. It is up to the coach to set the tempo and purpose right off the bat and get done what needs to be done.

Things that are as simple as using the time-out to refresh your players by getting them a quick moment to grab a breath and a drink of water. While they are doing this, the coach could go over some plays, and relay some potential trends observed in the opposition. This could give the team just the right amount of edge and allow them to finish off the game for the win.

It can also be used to allow the coach a moment to bang heads with his players, a coach doesn’t always have to have every answer, and a player might have noticed something and would need to relay the information to the coach.

It is the responsibility of both player and coach to ensure that only the necessary information is relayed and that chatter is cut out entirely, there is plenty of time after the game to socialize with your friends. The time-out is serious, and needs to be treated as such. The pace will be set depending on the condition of the game, if your team is winning; the time out might be either an attempt to “ice” the other team’s defence, or to give your team a quick breather.

“Icing” a defence is a common use of a time-out. The time-out is taken to break-up a defence’s hot streak and cause it to sit around for a short time and cool down. This can work both positively and negatively. It has grown in popularity over the years and recently has become a widely used tactic.

Players need to go into the huddle with a singular mindset. The team as a whole needs to go into the time-out as a whole, and come out showing a united front. While this has been said before, and will be said again, it cannot be said enough. Teamwork is absolutely crucial, on and off the court. If player’s went into a time-out all thinking for themselves and speaking their own takes on every single aspect of the game, then your time-out would be spent arguing, and completely wasted.

If the coach highlights the positives of the game so far, a few improvements, and discusses a quick game plan that maximizes the team’s winning potential, then you are set. Players should just simply take the time to listen, and get a quick breather in!

Photo credit: Dave Shearn