Korean Basketball League(KBL) Pre-Draft Tryout Camp for Foreign Players will be held from July 19th(Thu) to 21st(Sat), 2007 at Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.
The players who are interested in playing in Korea for 2007~2008 season, which will start from the middle of October 2007 to the end of April 2008, and meet the qualifications below, fill out the application form and send a fax or e-mail the required documents to KBL office by May 21st, 2007.(Korea Time)

A. Qualifications
1. Must have at least a high school diploma
2. Must be at least 18 years of age
3. Height limit : Under 6¡Ç10¡È(208cm) (Measured without wearing shoes)

B. Required Documents
1. KBL Tryout Application Form (must be signed by player)
2. Resume (with a recent photo)
3. Personal data (stats must be official game stats)
4. A copy of university / college / high school diploma (or copy of transcript)
5. Letter of Clearance from previous team (as required by FIBA)
6. Letter of Recommendation (if available)
7. Character Reference from 3 non-family members (optional)

C. Application Deadline
KBL tryout application form should be arrived at KBL office by May 21st, 2007.(Korea Time)

D. Pre-Draft Tryout & Draft
1. KBL will draft 20 foreign players for 2007~2008 season.
2. This is an invited-players-only pre-draft camp. KBL Technical Committee will screen all the application documents at the beginning of June and players that are invited for the pre-draft tryout will be informed in the middle of June.
3. All the invited players will be asked to send a registration fee of US$100 (non-refundable) to secure a spot at the tryout.

E. Compensation & Condition
1. The term of player¡¯s contract is from September 1st, 2007 to March 31st, 2008(7 months contract). Each player will receive the net amount of US$25,000 per month during the regular season. Players will additionally get paid a net bonus of US$300 for every winning game as a winning bonus.
2. In the playoffs, players will be compensated for his extended services on a pro rata basis with the monthly payment of the net amount of US$25,000. The players will additionally get paid a playoffs incentive bonus.
3. The clubs shall provide a dormitory room, meals during the season, and a round trip of airline tickets(business class) for each player.
4. A player once can invite one of his relatives during the season. The clubs shall provide a round trip of airline ticket & his(or her) board and lodge for the maximum of 7 days.

F. Inquires
: Any questions regarding this event should be directed to following number and address.
Attn: Jun-hee Woo
KBL Center 5th Fl. 2 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul, Korea 135-010
Tel: (822) 2106-3042, Fax: (822) 2106-3094
e- Mail: draft@kbl.or.kr

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arlington, Texas -- The Texas Basketball League and Empire Sports Group will be holding the 2007 Texas Pre-Draft Camp in Arlington, Texas. This will be a 2 day basketball tryout that will test the players basketball and athletic skills in front of local and national basketball scouts, coaches and team representatives. The men's camp is scheduled for April 27-28 with the first day focused on drills and test with the last day focused on free and controlled games using TBL rules. Special hotel rates and shuttle arrangements have been made for the participants to help keep travel expenses to a minimum. Space is limited. We are seek 144 basketball players to start our inaugural season, so there is alot of basketball opportunity for incoming basketball players unlike any other semi-pro basketball leagues. All applicants must be eligible to participate in the Texas Basketball League and may pre-register by submitting the official registration, disclosure, and release forms. Applications forms are available upon request via email. No incomplete applications will be accepted. For more information contact Texas Basketball League by email at info_texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com

All who participate most come with a letter of recommendation. Teams want players who are good people on and off the court. We limit camps to only 100 participants per camp. Camps fill very fast and there will a limit of 20 per position.

Next Camp: Triton College River Grove, IL (Chicago)
Date: April 15, 2007
Cost: $100
Scouts: IBL, ABA, USBL, and International Scouts

Contact Number: 1-877-661-0076

Intended for placement in Europe/Overseas, and other leagues such as USBL, ABA, CBA, IBL, and the WBA. Agents looking for prospective players will be in attendance.

Scheduled Activities:

Skills Testing
Performance Testing
Injury Assessment
Nutritional/Conditioning Programs
Team Scrimmages
Championship Game

Placement/Combine begins promptly at 6:PM, Thursday, June 8th and runs thru Saturday, June 10th at the Danville Area Community College
Players are responsible for transportation, housing, and meals. Placement/Combine Cost: $300.00
Must register by 4:30PM, Thursday, May 25th. (No late registration accepted)
Payment with CC by phone- 1.217.431.2010 (Monday thru Thursday, 7AM-4:30PM CST) or by mail (Money Orders only) payable to "ProSportsDoc"
Call the Sleep Inn & Suites for hotel reservations by 4:30PM CST, Thursday, May 25 to receive the special combine rate.
1.217.442.6600 or 1.800.424.6423 Request the ProSportsDoc Combine rate.

Application/Registration (Copy and send with payment and game or highlights video if available.)
Name DOB

Address City State Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone email address

Agent's name (If represented) Agents's Phone/Cell

Positions played (Circle) 1 2 3 4 5

Height Weight

List any/all injuries

List any/all medical condtions (asthma. diabetes, allergies, etc.)

Do you have a valid passport? Y/N

Pro Experience years #teams

Last Pro team
Stats; PPG RPG APG

College
Stats; PPG RPG AVG

High School
Stats; PPG RPG AVG
It is highly recommended that if available, you include a game film or highlights video with your application.

All applications/registrations, with payment and video (if available) must be received no later than Thursday, May 25th. to participate in this combine. No Exceptions!

Mail your application/registration packet to;

ProSportsDoc
1207 East Main Street
Danville, ILL. 61832
For additional information regarding the combine call Dr. Robert Bartosh 1.217.260.6339
For a listing of near-by airports, please click on "Contact Us" page.

PRO SPORTS DOC "ONE-ON-ONE" SPORTS SKILLS & PERFORMANCE SESSIONS

CATEGORIES

1. COLLEGIATE; THOSE PLAYERS ATTENDING 4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
2. ROOKIES; PLAYERS RECENTLY GRADUATED LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE PROS
3. SEMI-PRO/PROFESSIONAL; PLAYERS CURRENTLY IN THE PROS DESIRING TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE-THEREBY INCREASING THEIR INCOME AND LENGTHEN THEIR CAREERS.
4. HIGH SCHOOL; THOSE STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12.

*TO ALL AGENTS; THESE SESSIONS ARE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND GAME SKILLS OF THOSE PLAYERS YOU MAY CURRENTLY REPRESENT AS WELL AS INCREASE THEIR CAREER LONGEVITY, ELIMINATE ANY INJURIES THEY MAY HAVE CURRENTLY AND REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF NEW INJURIES TO OCCURR. AS A RESULT, THEIR MARKETABILITY INCREASES AS DO THEIR CAREER SPANS AND OPTIONS FOR TEAM SELECTIONS. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

TO ALL BASKETBALL COACHES; THESE SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOUR PLAYERS . WE CAN DEVELOP A PROGRAM FOR ONE PLAYER OR FOR THE WHOLE TEAM . IN THE EVENT OF WORKING WITH MORE THAN A FEW OF YOUR PLAYERS, DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL AS ARRANGING FOR US TO COME TO YOU FACILITY IN THE INTEREST OF TIME AND LOGISTICS.

TO ALL ATHLETES; THERE ARE NO SERVICES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO YOU LIKE OURS. WE WILL WORK WITH YOU "ONE-ON-ONE" ANALYZING YOUR PHYSICAL ABILITIES , YOUR GAME SKILLS AND ADDRESSING ANY ON-GOING PROBLEMS YOU MAY BE HAVING THAT ARE AFFECTING YOUR ABILITY TO PLAY-- SUCH AS BACK, KNEE, ANKLE OR SHOULDER PROBLEMS TO NAME A FEW. WE THEN TAKE THIS INFORMATION AND BASICALLY "RE-MAKE" YOU. THE END PRODUCT IS THAT YOU BECOME 'FASTER-STRONGER-SMARTER' --AND INCREASE YOUR POTENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS. SESSIONS CAN BE ARRANGED TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE. FOR ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US EITHER THROUGH EMAIL OR BY PHONE.

LOCATION --ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN DANVILLE, ILLINOIS.

COST:
COLLEGIATE/ HIGH SCHOOL $250.00
ROOKIE (SEMI-PRO/PROFESSIONAL) $500.00
SEMI-PRO/PROFESSIONAL $1000.00

IF THE SERVICES THAT WE WILL PROVIDE YOU DURING THE "ONE ON ONE" SESSIONS WERE PAYED FOR SEPARATELY, THE TOTAL COST OF THE SESSIONS WOULD RANGE FROM THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ($3500.00) TO OVER FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($4,000.00) PER ATHLETE. *ALSO NOTE, THE SERVICES PROVIDED ARE NOT INSURANCE REIMBURSABLE.

PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY MONEY ORDERS ONLY

THE INTENT OF "PRO SPORTS DOC" IS TO CONTINUALLY OFFER THE HIGHEST QUALITY PROGRAM CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. WE ADDRESS EACH ATHLETE INDIVIDUALLY, INSURING THAT MEASURABLE AND OBSERVABLE GAINS ARE MADE BY EACH PARTICIPANT IN THE AREAS OF SPORT SKILLS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE. OUR PURPOSE FOR THESE SESSION IS TO MAKE EACH PARTICIPANT--FASTER--STRONGER--AND, SMARTER! IMPROVING YOUR PLAY INCREASES YOUR CHANCES FOR GREATER FINANCIAL REWARDS AND CAREER LONGEVITY. YOU HAVE OUR WORD ON THIS!

APPLICATION

COLLEGIATE ( ) ROOKIE ( ) VETERAN/PROFESSIONAL ( ) HIGH SCHOOL ( )

NAME:
CURRENT ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE/COUNTRY:
ZIP/POSTAL CODE:
RESIDENCE PHONE #:
CELL/MOBILE#:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
CURRENT OR LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED:
CURRENT YEAR IN SCHOOL OR YEAR GRADUATED:
CURRENT SPORT AND/OR LAST TEAM PLAYED FOR:
POSITION/S PLAYED:
CURRENT HEIGHT:
CURRENT WEIGHT:
AGE:
GOALS:

PLEASE MAIL APPLICATION WITH MONEY ORDER -(ALSO A GAME VIDEO OR CD IF AVAILABLE) TO:

PRO SPORTS DOC
1207 EAST MAIN STREET
DANVILLE, ILLINOIS 61832
U.S.A.

June 23-24-25,2006 at:

PANATHINAIKOS A.C. STADIUM

(Apostos Nikolaidis)

Alexendras Avn. 160 --Athens, Greece

The Draft will take place in Athens, Greece with Coaches

and Club Executives from the following European Country

representing their team:

1)Greece; 2)Italy; 3)France; 4)Cyprus; 5)Spain; 6)Israel;

7)Poland; 8)Germany; 9) Turkey; 10)Sweden;11) Finland; 12)Austria;

13) Portugal; 14) Belgium; 15) Denmark; 16) Norway;

17) England; 18) Switzerland.

On the first round of the Draft (Saturday June 24) a

team can choose one Player; on the second round

(Sunday June 25) a team can choose a second Player.

Only Player with 2005-2006 stats can be registered.

European Players must had played with a first or second

Division Team's in Europe. Players from Regionalliga or

third division team's are NOT accepted. USA Players must

have graduated from College First Division NCAA. Also,

Players that played in the ABA, CBA, NBDL, USBL, WBA,

IBL and with a European Team in the season 2005-2006.

We will reserve the right to accept or deny a Player Registration. Teams will be coached by European Coaches.

Before filing a Registration Form, a Player must e-mail us:

a) Name; b) D.O.B.; c) Height; d) e-mail address; e) Position

you play (only one); f) name of the team you played for;

g) Team-Website. We will then e-mail you back to let you know

if you can register.

Agents and Players cannot register at the Camp as security

won't let them in. The Fee for each Player is of $400 in USA

funds. In the fee is included a t-shirt and transportation from

Hotel to the GYM and vice versa. Limited space available is also based on first come first served. Registration Fee must reach us by and not later then June 9,2006, if spots are still available. Payment must be made by Money Order Only.

Upon Registration approval by us and at your request, we will

provide you discount Hotels.

We won't be responsible if there is no room available because you failed to make an early Reservation.

The Camp is Organized by: Teta Stefanou Organization with the cooperation in USA of De Risio Basketball.

PROGRAM:

Friday June 23,2006--9:00 a.m. --Warm-ups and Drills will take place

10:00 a.m.--- Games will start. All Players

will play one game each of 35 min.

Saturday June 24,2006 -9:00 a.m.-Warm-up

10:00 a.m.--Games will start. All Players in

different team will play one game.

Of 35 min. each.

Sunday June 25,2006 --9:00 warm-up

-10:00 a.m. --Games will start. All Players will

play one game of 20 min. each.

Players chosen by Coaches Only

will play an All-Star-Game .

e-mail address is:

derisio@hotmail.com

March 24 - 25, 2006
Life University
1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA 30060

The World Basketball Association will hold its Free Agent League Tryouts on March 24th & 25th, 2006 at Life University in Marietta, Georgia. This camp will be conducted in order to give free agents an opportunity to be exposed to the 14 teams in the WBA. There will be a Free Agent Selection Draft held directly after the camp.

Last season, approximately 40 players were drafted by the 12 teams in the League. This season, 66 players will be drafted, as each team will select in 8 rounds. Drafted free agents will report directly to team training camps after the Free Agent camp, joining vets and protected players for preparation for opening night. Teams participating in the 2006 WBA are...

Eastern Conference: Anderson, SC; Gainesville, GA; Greenville, SC; Macon, GA; Peachtree City, GA
Central Conference: Tuscaloosa, AL; Cleveland, TN; Marietta, GA; Murfreesboro, TN; Rome, GA
Western Conference: Biloxi, MS; Arkansas; Mississippi; South Haven, MS; Slidell, LA
The WBA is a stepping stone for you aspiring pro players! In 2004, numerous players moved on to professional playing jobs overseas, as well as, in the CBA and NBDL - even the NBA - as former WBA players David Young was drafted by Seattle and Kyle Davis was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Nets. Currently, Josh Powell is playing with the Dallas Mavericks and Damien Wilkins with the Seattle Sonics.

Make your dream a reality with the WBA League Tryouts!

WHEN: March 24-25, 2006
WHERE: Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060
View and print street map
View and print driving directions
Schedule

Friday 8:00 am - Registration
10:00 am - Health Seminar - Rebound fx - NBA and CBA guests
11:00 am - Teams assigned
12:00 noon - Drill
2:00 pm - Scrimmage
5:00 pm - Break
6:00 pm - Games
Saturday 9:00am Practice / Games
12:00 noon -Lunch
2:00 pm - Games
4:00 pm - Games
5:00 pm - Games
Fees:

Registration fee - $150 (before February 28, 2006 - Fee must accompany registration form)
Late Registration - $175 (after February 28, 2006 - Fee must accompany registration form)
Walk-up - $200.00
Hotel Information:

Drury Hotel
1170 Powers Ferry Place
Marietta, Ga 30067
Call 404-992-7056 and ask for Willis Blake
For more information, contact Paprice Kendall at 404-531-0037 or
paprice@wbaball.net / director@wbaball.net.

By Mail:

United States Basketball League
46 Quirk Road
Milford, CT 06460

By Phone:

Office: (203) 877-9508
Fax: (203) 878-8109

****** CURRENT FREE AGENT CAMP INFORMATION ******

April 11th - 12th
University of Nebraska Kearney

All lodging and transportation to and from the tryout camp is the responsibility of the player. The team will not pick up any players at the airports or bus stations.
Camp cost is $125.00 (non-refundable) per player with pre-registration. Payment types include – Cash, Money Order, Cashier’s Check. Send payment to:
Nebraska Cranes USBL
609 Platte Road
Kearney, NE 68845

To qualify for pre-registration cost:
payment must be received buy April 10th in the mail.

No player will be allowed to participate without payment in hand.

Camp cost day of tryout - $150.00 (non-refundable)

Hotel Information:
1st Inn Gold
Kearney, NE
(308) 234-2541 – Tom
Tryout Player Special Rate $30.00 plus tax

Players are to be in the lobby of the 1st Inn Gold at 9am sharp on the morning of April 11 if they need a ride to the gym. Players who have their own car must be registered at the UNK Gym at 9:15am. The bus will leave promptly at 9:15 and will not return to pick up anyone.

The camp includes 4 sessions. 10am and 1pm each day. Players chosen to stay for veteran camp will have to be prepared to stay in Kearney indefinitely.

All players need to prepare to leave town after the tryout camp if they are not chosen to stay for veteran camp.

All players will be required to sign a physical waiver releasing the club for all liability, in the event of an injury.

* * * ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL BRIAN WALSH @ 308-698-0176 * * *

Saturday, February 25, 2006 from 5-9 p.m.
&
Sunday, February 26, 2006 from 10am-2pm.

The Tryouts will be held at Medgar Evers College:
The City University of New York
1150 Carroll St.
Brooklyn, NY 11225-2201
between Nostrand and Rogers Avenue
Subway Station: President Street 2 or 5 Train(s)

The cost is $50 for all college students whose eligibility has expired in 2006 (valid proof required: College ID, Transcript or Receipt for payments) and $100 for all others. Payments are non-refundable, payable in cash, money order or certified/cashier’s bank check (Absolutely no personal check will be accepted).

Those interested in attending should
CONTACT THE BROOKLYN KINGS AT (718) 775-7524 TO SIGN UP TODAY!!!

Checks can be made out to: The Brooklyn Kings Basketball Club, LLC
mailing address: 7014 13th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11228

All Participants will receive a complimentary practice jersey shirt upon payment. Tryout fees refunded if players make opening game roster.

By Steve Mergelsberg

Coaching is much more than just following a set of principles or a well-established program. Coaching is interaction in young people’s lives. The athlete who comes into the weight room is the same person who is a student, a family member or friend to someone. They are the same person in all areas of their life. The same personality, ideals, character, flaws, and struggles. It is the responsibility of the coach to help his players make right and mature decisions in all areas of their lives. To develop character, discipline, self-motivation, self-worth and an excitement for life.

To achieve this objective you must raise the standard that they and others have set for themselves. Then help them reach for those standards by developing appropriate relationships with them that are based on respect, care and character. When character development is the foundation for your program, athletes will get the most out of their athletic experience. And, the interesting thing is when that happens; you also get the most out of your athletes and their training, for that is what champions are made of.

The most successful coaches are not necessarily the ones who win the most games. Coaches who have successful experiences focus on team cohesion. The desire to see the athlete learn and the ability to effectively improve their skill is the key to an effective coaching program. I am committed to using all of my knowledge, abilities and resources to make everyone on my team successful. My focus is to promote an atmosphere of teamwork, mutual respect, and commitment. By achieving this we will be successful, and we will also win.

Steve Mergelsberg has over twenty-two years experience coaching on the interscholastic and professional levels. He is currently an assistant coach at Rutgers-Newark, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ

WINNING HOOPS, SEPT./OCT. 2002

The following article was provided by Steve Mergelsberg, Assistant Basketball Coach, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, N.J., U.S.A.

The Triangle Offensive is the brainchild of current Los Angeles Laker assistant coach Tex Winter. The Triangle is based on execution of the fundamentals and court spacing to produce the best high-percentage scoring opportunities. It is impossible to teach the Triangle or any offense if your players cannot execute basic offensive skills. At the high school level, players will struggle with the basic fundamentals of the Triangle such as spacing, crisp passing, changing speeds, cutting and most important, reading the defense.

Basic Concepts

While the Triangle offense can be complex and intricate, the basic concepts can be easily adapted into, lower levels of competition. Once your players accept their roles in this offense, you'll be on your way to success. The simpler version of the Triangle offense relies on the same basic concepts as Winter's - good spacing and movement. Players must be 15 to 18 feet apart so the defense can't crowd an area and make your player's passes ineffective, forcing the offense to break down. In the original Triangle, all offensive movement is in reaction to what the defense does. High school players will have a difficult time just dealing with the fundamentals needed to run any offense, so don't rely on your players being able to read defenses. Instead of being preoccupied with what the defense is doing, have your players focus on running the Triangle and let the opponents attempt to read it.

Basic Triangle Alignment (Right Side)

As you can see by the basic alignment in diagram [1], this triangle is on one side of the floor. Opposite the triangle are two players in what is called the "tandem" side of the offense.

The numbers in the diagram do not represent positions, only players. You must forget the normal assumption that guards play out front, forwards at the wings, and centers in the low post.

I tell my players that they are not 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s or 5s but v everyone is a 15! (If you add up all the numbers it totals 15). Your players must play all these positions when using this offense.

Tandem Entry

Player 1 has the ball. 2 runs to the free-throw line extended from the block area. 1 can pass to 2 and cut for the handoff or keep the ball and use 2 for a pick. If 2 hands the ball off to 1, 2 can roll to the basket for a perfect pick-and-roll. On the triangle side, 3 and 4 will go to the block area and set a double screen for 5. 5 will take his or her assigned defender behind the screen, then pop out toward the tandem side looking for a pass from 2, providing he or she didn't handoff to 1.
If 5 doesn't get the ball, he or she continues the route to form the triangle. Without the ball, 1 continues to the corner looking for a pass from 2 and a jump shot. 2 can also pass to 1, slide down the lane and play a two-player game with 1 because that side of the floor is open. 2 can always turn and face-up with the defender for a one-on-one situation. 4 slides up to the tandem post while 3 pops to the top. If 1 has the ball in the corner, 5 ducks into the lane and gets a pass from 1 for an easy layup or dish-off. After the player movements, notice that the triangle and tandem are now on the opposite sides of the floor. For simplicity, try to have every entry with the triangle and tandem on the same side.

Triangle Entry from Corner

5 has the ball and passes to 4 in the corner to start the series. 3 steps up to set a pick for 5. 5 cuts off 3 looking for a pass from 4. If 5 fails to get a pass from 4, he or she runs a route and curls around 2 looking for a pass from 4. If 5 still doesn't get a pass, he or she drifts to form the triangle on the left side. As 5 is running through the lane, 3 sets a pick for 4 trying to set up a pick-and-roll.
If nothing materializes from the corner entry, 4 dribbles to the top as 3 goes to the block area to form the other half of the tandem. Players 5, 2 and 1 makeup the triangle on the opposite side.

Triangle Entry from Post

5 passes to 3 in the post. 4 runs baseline looking for a backdoor pass from 3. As 4 cuts across the baseline, 1 forms a double screen with 2. 4 curls and looks for a pass from 3. If 4 fails to get a pass, he or she proceeds to the top to form the triangle. 2 flares out to the corner and 1 becomes the triangle-side post 5 can cut off 3 for a handoff or play a two-man game with 3 as soon as 4 clears out. If nothing happens, 3 dribbles out and 5 goes to the post to form the tandem side. 3 also has the option to face-up and go one-on-one with the assigned defender.

Triangle Options

Triangle Post Option 5 has the ball, 1 sprints toward 5 for a pass as 3 steps and locks out his or her defender and steps into the lane looking for a quick pass from 1 for a layup.
Tandem Backdoor Option. 2 sprints toward the baseline, then jab steps and runs to get a pass from 5 at the triangle elbow. 1 takes two or three steps to the left and cuts toward the basket looking for a pass from 5.
Tandem Screen-And-Shoot Option. Players proceed as in diagram 6. As 4 is just about to curl around the screen, he or she backpedals to the corner looking for a skip pass from 3 for the jump shot.
Triangle Pop-And- Shoot Option. Players proceed as in diagram 2 above. 1 passes to 2 and cuts while looking for the return pass. 3 and 4 set a screen for 5. 5 runs the normal route behind screen, but instead of coming over the screen, he or she pops to the corner looking for a skip pass from 2 for the jump shot. If 5 fails to receive the pass, he or she should come over the screen looking for the pass and shot at the free-throw line area or try to go under the screen for an easy layup.

As a new and inexperienced coach, you have much to prepare for in your first season. Of course, you are excited and eager about your first head coaching position. You most likely have planned what you are going to do and believe that you are ready. But are you truly ready? Have you thought about the why's and how's of everything you will do as a coach? It is important as you get started in coaching to develop a philosophy. For that matter, even experienced coaches may want to re-evaluate their philosophy.

Many coaches do not believe in the value of developing a coaching philosophy. They do not realize how a philosophy can have an impact on their daily coaching procedures and strategies. However, a coach's philosophy is actually a very practical matter. In fact, every coach, whether he's aware of it or not, follows certain principles based on his/or her own playing experience. Most of our basic philosophy comes from former high school and college coaches. This is a natural start because it is the approach with which we are the most familiar and comfortable.

It is also reasonable to assume that the philosophy of a person's everyday life, thinking, and actions would be applied when it comes to coaching. For example, a salesman discovers that one of his clients is dishonest. He decides to sell to a competitor despite the fact that he will make less profit selling the same product. This may not sounds like good business practice, yet many people are willing to adhere to their principle even if it means making less money. How many coaches would stick to principles of sportsmanship or fair play rather than win the game? There may be a gap between what a coach thinks is the right thing to do in every day life and the action he takes on the field or court.

In your effort to form or analyze your own philosophy of coaching, first know what a coach is. A coach can be many different things to many different people. A coach is a mentor, a teacher, a role model, and sometimes a friend. Most of all, a coach must be positive. A positive coach has the following traits:

Puts Players First

A positive coach wants to win but understands that he is an educator first. The development of his players is his top priority. He avoids thinking that the game is about himself rather than his players. He must have an unwavering commitment to what is best for the athletes.

Develops Character and Skills

A coach seizes upon victories and defeats as teaching moments to build on self-confidence and positive character traits such as discipline, self-motivation, self-worth, and an excitement for life. The desire to see the athlete learn and effectively improve his skill is key to an effective coaching program.

Sets Realistic Goals

He focuses on effort rather than outcome. He sets standards of continuous learning and improvement for the athletes. He encourages and inspires the athletes, regardless of their skill levels, to strive to get better without threatening them through fear, intimidation, or shame.

Creates a Partnership with the Players

A positive coach involves the team members in determining team rules and recognizes that communication is crucial to building effective relationships with players. He develops appropriate relationships with the players based on respect, caring, and character.

Treasures the Game

A positive coach feels an obligation to the sport he coaches. He loves the sport and shares that love and enjoyment with the athletes. He respects opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push his team to do its best. There is not a level, where as a coach, you cease teaching the game. As long as you teach, teach in a positive manner. You will produce the best players an, ultimately, the best results.

It is extremely important to develop a philosophy with the following in mind:

Your Approach Should be Educationally Sound

Your drills should serve a purpose and not be used merely for "killing" time. They should be structures to provide the necessary repetitions for each athlete and should be relative to the athlete's ability level.

Your Approach Should be Appropriate for Your Players

You may learn a lot of new offenses and defenses and they may be excellent systems, but are they suited to your players? Use an approach that is developmentally appropriate for your players.

Your Philosophy Must be Ethical

In basketball, for example, many coaches instruct players to fake an injury in order to stop the clock. This is unethical. Consider what you do in all aspects of coaching. Coaching from an ethical standpoint is extremely important. Remember, you are a role model for your players.

Stick With Your Philosophy

Most coaches, especially on the high school level, have to develop the talent on hand. There may be some years in which athletes may not possess the ability or skill to fit into your philosophy. You cannot change the players, but you can alter your approach.

Is There a Better Way of Doing What You Are Doing?

Apply this question to all aspects of your coaching philosophy as it affects the offense, defense, motivation, etc. Keep an open mind. Learning should be a life-long pursuit, and this should definitely apply to your coaching philosophy.

Explain Why You Do the Things You Do

To instruct and to motivate your athletes, you have to justify what you do. Can you? You need to be able to do so. The days of just simply saying, "Well, this is the way we are going to do it," are long gone. There is no way that you can justify anything associated with your program or team to athletes and parents without explanation.

Your Coaching Philosophy Should be Compatible With Your Personality

Are you a risk taker? Are you patient or impatient? Are you deliberate or aggressive? You will be more successful if your philosophy and personality are in sync.

Sportsmanlike Conduct Should be a Top Priority in Your Philosophy

There are situations in some games that could be considered unsportsmanlike by opponents, officials, or fans. Running up the score, playing starters long after the outcome has been determined, and taunting are just a few examples. If any of these are tolerated within your approach to coaching, you may need to make some changes.

After considering the factors I have mentioned, develop your own philosophy by putting it into written form. It is extremely important to be able to express and to explain your approach to athletes, parents, and supervisors. A written document can also give you something concrete to re-examine and to evaluate annually. I have included my "Personal Coaching Philosophy" for you to examine.

Please feel free to email me at stevemerk2000@yahoo.com with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Good Luck!

Steve Mergelsberg is currently in his first season as an assistant coach at Rutgers University-Newark. Previously, he spent four years coaching professionally , after a four-year stint as head coach of Paterson Catholic H.S. in New Jersey. Steve has been a constant contributor to coaching journals, including articles on the triangle offense, coaching philosophies, and amoeba defenses.