Winning Hoops

January 13, 2014

Tournament Tough

As coaches and performance training professionals, we live and learn. During our first trip to the state tournament, we were just happy to be there. We felt like we belonged, but in hindsight we didn't do all the little things we could have to put o...


January 13, 2014

How Jim Crutchfield created one of basketball’s most explosive offenses at West Liberty

There's no telling what coaches might give to learn the secrets behind West Liberty's high-octane offense, but none of it would matter. You can't have them. It's not that men's basketball coach Jim Crutchfield isn't willing to help his colleagues. T...


January 13, 2014

Staying in postseason shape

As we head toward the postseason, the stakes grow higher and higher. With March Madness looming just around the corner, coaches and players alike are looking for every advantage. Just as coaches meticulously prepare scouting reports and game plans, ...


January 13, 2014

Getting on board with new technology in basketball programs

When Kyle Murphy began working at Hudl nearly seven years ago, it was led by no more than a handful of employees. The staff there today numbers more than 100, and Hudl has grown into one of the leaders in helping coaches analyze game film. That type...


January 13, 2014

Keys to developing young post players

Even though post play has been somewhat diminished with the dribble-drive offense and the high screen and roll offensive sets, it's still a skill that must be concentrated on and emphasized. There will never be a lack of importance for a player who i...


January 13, 2014

Great ideas come from unexpected places

Great coaches are students. Period. I make that distinction because I've never met a first-rate coach that lived a bubble, burdened with tunnel vision toward the game. Sure, they're masters of their craft, but they've also come to appreciate the val...


January 13, 2014

Going his own way

John Hutchcraft isn't much for scheming and play calling. If a player has the ball and they're open, shoot it — it's that simple. Some coaches might scoff at that philosophy, but it's difficult to argue with a coach who has nearly as many champion...


January 13, 2014

Blueprint for improvement

Every year around this time, I get a ton of questions about what both teams and individuals should be doing to maximize improvement during the offseason. By this time of the year, you should be deep into offseason training or getting ready to jump in...