Shameless self-promotion: Coaching thoughts

[ClayK]

High school hoops 101: Scheduling - NewsBreak

The most underrated aspect of high school coaching is scheduling. Depending on the state, somewhere between one-third and two-thirds of the schedule is controlled by the coach – or should be. (Keep the athletic director out of it if all possible, as he or she may make decisions based on favors...

newsbreakapp.onelink.me

 

[Peninsula Pete]

Informative article Clay. Thank you. Two other scheduling dynamics that could be discussed in the same forum are (1) the merit of foundation games or scrimmages that don't count towards your record and also (2) whether or not you are able or want to schedule nonleague games for all 2 or 3 levels of your program versus just "one off" games for each level.

 

[ClayK]

Thanks.

Scrimmages and Foundation games are a good chance to play everyone and try out some things to see how they work against live opposition. It's hard to practice schemes when you're working against your own players who know what they are.

Top teams tend to play more in events or tournaments than middle-tier teams, and it sometimes does leave the lower levels scrambling for games. But it has to be about the varsity, so I'd say you don't need a lot of three-level scheduled preseason games.

 

[dnambisan]

High school hoops 101: Scheduling - NewsBreak

The most underrated aspect of high school coaching is scheduling. Depending on the state, somewhere between one-third and two-thirds of the schedule is controlled by the coach – or should be. (Keep the athletic director out of it if all possible, as he or she may make decisions based on favors...

newsbreakapp.onelink.me

Excellent article, Clay! Few people realize that there is a fine balance between sandbagging (lining up weak teams to get a "winning record" - seen so many coaches do this it is not even funny) versus playing somewhat better teams so that your team gets better from the experience and realizes what is required to get to the next level; versus getting all macho/cocky and playing high caliber teams and getting blown away by 40+, only to get the players on the team demoralized and parents and administration extremely pissed at you. And yes, how to navigate that in your scheduling and yet improve the team and the program is the hallmark of a smart coach!