I just got finished sitting courtside for the day at the NY State Empire Games and watching 6 teams of high school players from all over the state compete.  These "all-star" teams made for some great action and the level of play for kids that don't normally play with each other was excellent.  But what else caught my attention was who was in the crowd; nearly 50 college coaches and scouts from all over the country.  Since NY and most major metropolitan areas are hot beds for talent, this was an easy way for not only Division 1 coaches to see players, but all levels.  Also what I found interesting were the number of parents talking to the coaches.  I am sure this was a unique opportunity for the parents to get an idea of their child's ability and potential.  Sometimes these types of tournaments and events get a bad reputation but the opposite is generally true.  How else are coaches who have limited resources to recruit ever going to see certain players play?  They take what they see in events like this and then keep track of a players high school season, and together this helps them make decisions on scholarships and recruitment.  My advice is you as the parent/coach to do research on your local AAU or travel team programs and if appropriate, make sure your child is getting the exposure they deserve.  Remember, try to be realistic and listen to these coaches feedback and input.  You can save a great deal of time by trying to get your child to a level of college that they not only can excell at on the court, but off the court as well. 

Posted by Bill Sniffen at 07:08 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

As the summer hits the half way point, I know we are all involved in many fun activities, but as a basketball player and coach, what should we be doing?  The great thing about basketball is that you can work on so many individual skills on your own throughout the summer.  Make sure you spend enough time working on your weaknesses, but don't forget your strengths as well.  If you can spend 5 days a week doing at least one drill a day, maybe do 3 days of weaknesses and 2 of strengths.  Where can you get individual drills?  Of course check on our site for our coach's ideas.  Also, most towns and school districts offer 1 week basketball camps that are inexpensive and convenient.  Even if you pick up one drill at these camps it will help when it comes time for basketball season in the fall/winter.  For you coaches and parents, even if your child is not involved in travel teams, AAU, camps or summer leagues, you can still take them to see games so your younger players can see higher levels of play.  Be sure to point out different things, and not just the dunks and no look passes.  I tell my players sometimes to watch how the first player off the bench plays when they come in, do they look to change the game with their offense or their defense?  As a coach, watch what teams do out of time outs and end of periods.  Maybe you will pick up tips on how to manage your games when the time comes.  Dean Smith once told me at a clinic that when he scouted great players, he always found himself scouting the way a coach on all levels managed the game and took little things back to apply to his teams as well.  The more you put into off season work, the more you will get out of the upcoming season!

Posted by Bill Sniffen at 01:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)