What a difference a week makes

Right now our time in the gym is very limited. We usually spend the first four days of each week conditioning and lifting, then scrimmage on Friday. The first week, the scrimmage was awful, but that's what I expected. I told them that if I freaked out on the first week about how we played my priorities were skewed. However, I did tell them that if they played the same way the next week I would freak out, and with good reason.

To their credit the guys really did a better job of transitioning on offense and defense, taking better shots, boxing out and sharing the ball. The funny thing is we didn't work on any of that stuff all week. We did, however, get in better shape physically and mentally in a week's time, and that makes a world of difference. The whole key to the fall offseason is not to be ready to get in district form as soon as possible, or to even be game ready. I don't want to teach them plays right now, but I want to teach them how to play, and to be a better conditioned athlete both mentally and physically.

I'm really hammering home the fact that to get to the next level we have to have an edge. Our edge isn't going to be athleticism or skill level, because our region represents the best the state has to offer in skilled athletes. Our edge will be that we will be tougher, stronger and in better shape, both physically and mentally, because the difference will not be who has the better athlete, the better rebounders, or the best shooters. The difference will be who will still have their legs to get the rebound, and the focus and mental toughness to take the shot when the game is on the line.

Small world

Found out shortly after creating this blog that a friend of mine, John Harmatuk, had created one as well. He is the basketball coach at Cypress Springs High School in Houston, and should have one of the best teams in the state this year. He and I share a lot of thoughts and opinions about many things. However, we have a totally different approach as far as how we run our programs. The great thing about it is, neither one of us are wrong. Although neither one of us agree much with what the other one does, we do learn from each other. You can read his blog at http://coachtuk.blogspot.com.

Getting back into the swing of things

It has been a hectic week but a good one thus far. Between unexpected students, family illness, and one of our very own being hospitalized, it has been a very busy start of the new year. I was busy taking care of personal business the first two days but am glad to be back.

It has been too hot to go to the track. I need these guys to be in shape both mentally and physically, which is why we do the things we do during our offseason. However, common sense prevails when the thermometer is over 100 degrees. Physical and mental conditioning is not worth jeopardizing a kids health. There will be plenty of time for conditioning on the track when the weather allows. Until then, its lots of weights, plyometrics and skill development.

The kids are off to a good start with their work ethic. During our weight sessions there has been hardly any chatter among them. This means that they are working too hard to be talking and visiting, and that is a good thing.

Welcome

Hopefully this will be a great means by which those that are interested can keep up with our team and program. I plan to update as much as possible, as time permits.


We are looking forward to getting started with our offseason program when school starts next week with plenty of conditioning and weight lifting to get the guys mentally and physically ready for the grind of the season. I am looking forward to it and hope they are as well, especially the 2 mile runs and the 200m sprint buildups!

We have eight 10-12 graders in 7th period offseason to start this year and only 3 freshmen. These numbers are low, but they are all guys that we feel can contribute to our program in some way.

Coach B.