It’s that time of the year again.
High school and college coaches have been working hard in preparation to officially tip off the 2011-12 season — and I couldn’t be more excited.
I am truly a big “hoops” fanatic, and to be honest, I could care less whether or not the professional players come to their senses, and realize the nine-month gig they have with the unbelievable amount of money coming their way is probably something they ought to hang on to.
The NBA, based on what I’ve heard from those involved during this ridiculous “lockout” period, ought to stand for “No Brains Anywhere.” What is the difference between one or two percentage points to these overpaid players? Oh, you’ll only make $6 million to $7 million a year if the league or television revenue gets a certain percentage of the pie as opposed to the $15 million you think you deserve?
Let me guess, that extra cash you may have to forgo to keep the season and your job afloat will really be a restriction as far as paying for your house. If I hear one more professional athlete, making the kind of money I will never see in my lifetime, suggest that he’s not willing to work under the current salary structure because he has to feed his family, I’m absolutely going to scream.
Thank God for the high school and college players. We’ve already seen some great starts by our local collegiate teams, and I know the same will be said for the scholastic squads.
And with that, it’s time to resurrect my favorite column to write in the “Coach’s Corner.”
As many of my readers already know, I spent a few seasons occupying a chair that local head coaches now will be sitting in for the nest few months. My days as a varsity basketball coach were some of the more enjoyable times spent during my educational tenure as a staff member with the Fairview Park City Schools.
The challenges for coaches, at any level, are many — from program organization, including those unenviable tasks of equipment inventory and preseason fundraisers, to compiling daily practice plans that will enable the team to be as well-prepared as possible for any and all situations that will surface on game day.
Now, in retirement, I really appreciate teams playing the game the way it was intended to be played, with coaches teaching and emphasizing the fundamentals. Basketball is a game of repetition; coaches who devote a certain amount of minutes to the game’s necessities every day in practice, will see the rewards of such attention to detail.
To those new to the “Coach’s Corner,” this column will attempt to bring the insight and perspective of one who spent nearly 14 years on the bench coaching this great game, from the CYO levels up to high school varsity.
I will also attempt to interject a few strategy-like editions in the many weeks to come as to why certain teams do certain things at both ends of the court. We will address the fundamentals of the game, introduce certain drill ideas for coaches to utilize in their practices, along with some tips regarding special plays and defensive alignments.
I would also like to hear from you the reader, coach, player, parent or fan. It has been well-advertised that this column would like to entertain topic ideas from the readers. If you have something on your mind, let me know, and I will address it in this space.
Overall, the topics will vary week to week hoping to provide some “food for thought” for everyone to ponder. This column is meant to entertain and educate, while at the same time, and if there is a need or a request to do so, I will quickly point out behavior by youngsters and adults that might not be in their best interest.
Basketball and coaching played a very important role in my life, but it was the kids and the people overall that truly gave me a chance to become a better teacher of the game, and most importantly, become a better person.
Coaching is a gift that comes to a select few. It is the coach’s example that will establish the foundation for which student-athletes hope to build a rewarding experience upon.
And so, coaches and players, keep in mind that important old adage: "It's not what you do, but how you do it that matters. This will be my first coaching tip to start the 2011-12 season.
I say with pride and experience, rather than with ego and arrogance, not everyone can do what we coaches can do. Coaches, treasure that gift. Players, value the lessons taught to you by your coaches in learning to do things the right way.
Such is the formula for a successful year. Good luck to all teams!
Contact Holzheimer at
(216) 986-2361.