Winning Hoops

Physically preparing athletes for the season ahead
Most people want to be given a plan, but I think it would help more in the long run to give coaches the principles to build their own performance programs moving forward. Here are three keys to getting players ready for the season: Build a plan t...

Training Never Ends
Across the country, countless players have been putting in work to prepare for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, coaches are eager to see how all the pieces will come together to develop their teams. A new season is an epoch of sorts. It marks a very ...

‘Fanorak’ app promotes fan attendance
Athletic director Ryan Anderson has big, interactive ideas about growing high school fan support. And with the help of a few of his students at Menomonee Falls High School (Wisconsin), he's been able to do just that. Students Connor Schmidt, Jonatha...

Making the case for cuts
One of the most difficult times for any coach is tryouts. Some schools have programs where the numbers dictate the need for making cuts. No coach enjoys this part of the job — not a single one. Making cuts is not only difficult for athletes and par...

Signs add spirit to schools athletic wing
The walls in the athletic wing at Del Valle High School (Texas) were like that of an old hospital — dull, empty, forgettable. In a state that prides itself on athletic prowess, that was something that needed to change, helping to remind students of...

A blue chip program without blue chip players
Good teams don't always need to be loaded with seniors. Last season our team was 28-4 and we started two freshmen and two sophomores with just one senior on our team. Another comment I constantly hear is, "We don't have any basketball players at my ...

Power rebounding: Drills and strategies for improvement
Many coaches agree that rebounding is the most important phase of basketball when it's weighed in comparison to offense or defense. For instance, we may not be a good shooting team, but we would not have to be if we rebounded well enough to get the s...

Rushing the court poses too many risks
But Utah Valley's upset victory over New Mexico State this season showed us why we should consider a universal ban on court storming. It's dangerous and unpredictable, and if allowed to continue it's only a matter of time until someone is seriously h...