Sunday, May 31, 2009
WHEN YOU PLAY THE RIGHT MATCH UPS
Basketball is a game of match-ups, individual & team...Orlando has owned Cleveland in the regular season the past 2 years...this series was no upset! Guess what else? This season... the Magic are 2-0 versus the Lakers.
Hmmm....
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Saturday, May 30, 2009
ROUTINES ARE IMPORTANT FOR CONSISTENCY
The one thing that every player should do in order to improve their free throw percentage is to come up with a routine at the free throw line. Perfecting your shot is simply a matter of consistency, in other words, try to shoot your shot the same way every time. This is the reason coaches have players come up with a free throw routine in order to help the player slow down both physically and mentally (from game speed) and shoot the same shot every time. Checkout some the routines in the video.
Friday, May 29, 2009
JUST HOW IMPORTANT ARE FREE THROWS?
Free throw shooting is one of the most important aspects of a close basketball game. In close games (6 points or less) the outcome is usually decided by free throws.
Take a look at this video of the National Championship game and notice the score during each segment.
If you watch Douglas Roberts' shot, you'll see that he bends his legs properly, but his shot starts from his arms and body and not from his legs. That is why the shot is short. In addition (and Billy Packer points it out), he leans backwards after the shot not following through the whole shot, which takes momentum off the shot as well. You'll also notice that Derrick Rose backs off the free throw line before the shot is complete. The momentum to push you back might begin before your shot completes, thus taking momentum off the shot. That is why you should stay on the line with your follow-through until the ball goes through the hoop.
Shooting in general needs to start from the legs, because that is where the power comes from. In addition, follow through the shot and hold the follow-through until the ball goes through the hoop. If you lean backwards after the shot or lean from one side to the other, the ball will tend to move the way you lean because you more than likely start the lean before the ball is released.
Like a golf swing, there are a lot of things to think about when shooting and thinking through these things during practice and repetition should make shooting shots (especially free throws) routine in a game and you do not have to think about it.
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SURGERY ON TUESDAY
For those that haven't already heard, Haley is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to repair her broken right hand. It looks as if they'll be placing a pin in her hand to help the bone to heal properly.Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
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THREE STAGES OF CHANGE
Any time you make a change -- whether it's improving your golf swing, moving with your family from one city to another or even changing your shot -- you will go through three stages of change. To maximize your chances of success, it's vital that you understand and enthusiastically and intelligently move through the stages.
Stage One - Letting Go of the Old
As strange as it might seem, the first stage of all changes is an ending.
When Tiger made the changes to his swing in 1997 and 2002, he had to leave his old swing behind. For most people this would be a difficult choice, because Tiger had been wildly successful with that swing. However, he knew the swing that got him to where he was wouldn't get him to where he wanted to go. So he made a leap of faith in order to get better.
"You can't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."
- Andre Gide
Stage Two - Transitioning Between the Old and the New
Stage two is the limbo period between the old and the new. The period of time when the new isn't working well enough for you to be totally comfortable with it, so you begin to think about returning to the old way of doing things.
"It's not so much that we're afraid to change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear. It's like being between two trapezes. It's Linus with his blanket in the dryer. There is nothing to hold on to."
- Marilyn Ferguson
It's the price you have to pay to make the change. If done correctly, the price paid in the transition period is far less than the price paid if you stubbornly hang onto the old way.
Stage Three - Embracing the New
The first stage of change is an ending. The last stage of change is a new beginning, complete with enhanced skills learned during the flight.
"The only joy in the world is to begin."
- Cesare Pavese
Notes on Tiger Woods from the book "Tiger Traits" by Nate Booth.
According to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee is unable to fly. This is because the size, weight, and shape of its body in relation to the total wing-span makes flying impossible. The bumblebee, being ignorant of these laws, goes ahead and flies anyway!
Don’t ever allow negative thought, negative talk or a lack of confidence, to prevent you from spreading your wings and achieving your dream.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Today's workout ended on a bad note...
Let's keep Haley in our prayers this week. She broke her right hand during a scrimmage at the gym this afternoon. This type of break, called a Boxer's Break, is often seen in boxers when they fracture one or more of the metacarpals when the closed fist strikes an object. Force is transferred directly to the metacarpals, and if sufficient enough, they break.
In Haley's case, it wasn't a punch but a basketball that landed just the right way & with just the right amount of force to cause the break.
She just sent me a text and said "I'm gonna get some wicked left hand skills!!!"
LOL... that's our Haley!
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ARE YOU A DE-ENERGIZER?
"Don't do things that take energy away from the team. I call them de-energizers. Sometimes the way you say good morning in the morning can be a de-energizer. If you're going to play in June [Finals], you can't de-energize yourself. Mopiness [drooping], or being late, just little things of not remembering that we're practicing at 10:00 instead of 11:00, or not being ready when practice is scheduled to start, all those things take some energy from somebody. When you're the captain of the team or you're the best player on the team, it's best said that you should be serving us to energize us and not de-energize us." - George Karl, Nuggets Coach on the leadership standard team captains and all-stars must accept and display to be effective leaders.
YOU HAD TO BE BETTER THAN YOU'D EVER BEEN
Until I read this article, I didn't realize just how great Hall of Famer Bobby Orr was.
An eight-time first-team NHL All-Star, Orr was voted the league's best defensive player eight times.
In 1969-70, "Orr became the only player to sweep the league's top awards — MVP, defenseman, playoff MVP and scoring title — and capped it off by scoring the Stanley Cup -- winning goal over St. Louis in overtime."
Despite his dominance on the ice, "Orr bristled at the attentions of superstardom." According to this article, during the 1974-75 season, "he scored 46 goals but probably gave away a half dozen more by insisting that teammates had deflected the puck in."
One of Orr's former teammates says that Orr "brought others with him; he wanted them involved."
"That's what made him so different: It felt like a five-player stampede moving toward you—and at his pace. He pushed his teammates, [because] you're playing with the best player in the league and he's giving you the puck and you just can't mess it up. You had to be better than you'd ever been."
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GAME CANCELLED
Got a confirmation call from Coach Bean this morning stating that they will not be coming to Florida next week after all. Maybe next summer...
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
DON'T BE AFRAID OF GREATNESS
Greatness will not hurt you. Greatness will not embarrass you. Greatness will not trick you. Greatness will not deceive you. Greatness will not harm you.
Greatness is simply the reward you get for the hard work. For the extra effort. For the constant practice. For your preparation.
4:13
TROUBLE SHOOTING YOUR SHOT
Your shot is short.
A lot of times a short shot means you are not using your legs properly, not following through, or an uneven rhythm. Your legs might be fully extended before you release the ball.
Your shot is long.
Look to see if your shooting arm is raised to at least a 45 degree angle, less than this causes the shot to not have any arc. Try raising the ball to a higher shooting position or getting your shooting hand under the ball. Hands might be too far apart, not allowing you to get under the ball. You might not be using you legs at the correct time you are releasing the ball.
Your shot is inconsistently long or short.
Incomplete elbow extension, extend fully on every shot.
Your shot goes to the right of the rim (right handed shooter)
You are not squared up to the basket properly, square shoulders to basket. Ball is in front of your head and elbow is out. Ball should be on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder. Your hand or arm is extending to the right on the shot, extend straight to the basket. Your follow-through isn't crisp & clean.
Your shot goes to the left of the rim (right handed shooter)
You are not squared up to the basket properly, square shoulders to basket. Right hip to far forward, square up to basket. Your follow-through isn't crisp & clean.
Your shot doesn't have consistency and control.
Look for consistency on your follow through with your arm fully extended until the ball hits the rim. Make sure ball is being release from hand properly every time. Use legs for power on every shot. Make sure you are looking at the front of the rim on every shot. Pushing the ball with the guide hand thumb when shooting.
Ball hits rim and spins out right or left.
Look at the release of the ball from your hand, you could be releasing the ball with your ring finger instead of the shooting fork or first two fingers. Releasing the ball with your ring finger could put a side ways rotation on the ball causing the ball to spin out of the basket. Pushing with the guide hand thumb can cause the ball to have a side ways spin on the ball, causing the spin out when ball hits the rim. Start with your hands in the block & tuck position.
If you can eliminate your shots from going to the right or left… you have improved your shooting by 50%
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The importance of leadership when coaches aren't around.
“…Make no mistake, Temeka Johnson was a great leader for us during practice and games and an extension of the coaching staff -- but it was the leadership she gave us the other 21 hours during the day -- or during the off-season when we couldn't be around.
Her senior year, she took the team's four freshman out to dinner the night before our first official practice and told them what to expect from practice. She told them about each coach, her teammates, the structure of our practices and what they needed to do to succeed. She made sure that maximum effort was given in the weight room and during pick up games in the summer. She constantly spoke to the younger players of "the Lady Tiger Way," of handling everything from basketball, to academics, to conducting themselves in the proper way.
She was a guiding force for all of our players during her career -- on and off the court and what she did in terms of leading our team when the coaches weren't around was a major ignition in a run that lead to five consecutive Final Fours…”
- Bob Starkey
LSU Asst. Coach
The Unseen Forces Behind Cornell’s Success
“…In the locker room after the game, Cornell Coach Tambroni awarded just one game ball. It went to our strength and conditioning coach, Tom Howley. It was Coach Howley’s rigorous and detail-oriented workouts that prepared us to win at this stage against a top-tier team. All I could think of at that time were images of my teammates puking during conditioning tests, running a double mile in the Ithaca winter, diving across lines and receiving only a turf burn on their arm or face as a “reward.” Is it worth all of that pain? ABSOLUTELY! It’s these off-season workouts that give us the confidence to tell ourselves that we can compete with anyone in the country…”
- Pierce Derkac
Cornell Lacrosse Midfielder
Only two teams are left standing in Division I lacrosse. Syracuse, and a Cornell team that has not been this close to the NCAA national championship in 21 years. For those of you that have never watched Lacrosse, check out Monday night's championship game.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Coach... I never thought I'd see the day..."
Olivia didn't hold back during today's shoot-around when she said "coach... I never thought I'd see the day that we willingly play in a pick up game with Emmanuel players..." and she's right, who would have imagined? It seems the team we "love to hate" is trying real hard to befriend us of late. With the boys, it started with Garrett & Ben. With the girls, it started at the East Regional tournament when some of the girls asked why we were cheering for Grace and not them. Then at the Final Four, a couple of the Emmanuel girls planted themselves firmly near our team and just wanted to hang out.
And now... we've got 'em asking to come and workout with us...??? I know stranger things have happened, but I'm hoping this doesn't mean I have to start being nicer to towel boy... ;)
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Separate "The Who" from "The Do"
When I worked with Rutgers football, trying to help that school get to its first bowl game, I thought one of the most significant things we talked about was being able to receive coaching. When most players hear something from a coach, they think, "Who I am is wrong," a thought which means they shame themselves and are not able to hear the coaching. They pout when they receive it and go backwards after the coach delivers his message, because they cannot divorce "the who" from "the do."
Being a great mental player means the instruction received from the coach goes to the player's behavior (the do), not his or her identity (the who). In other words, the player should never say, "Who I am is wrong according to Coach but my behavior that he corrected is wrong, which--now that I am aware of it--I can change it." This concept is vital. Knowing this difference is vital.
In my years of testing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I would try to determine if the college player the organization was considering drafting was able to do this very thing: receive feedback and then not shame himself to say, "I'm no good" but to rather say, "I will change the behavior or improve my technique. If you can do this you will be a better player."
- Dr. Kevin Elko
Monday, May 25, 2009
THE LEAST TRAVELED ROAD
Came across a great article this morning that although had to do with business, can certainly be applied to our daily lives, especially with regard to improvement on the court. Here are a few excerpts from the article that really struck a chord:
“…have the fierce resolve to do whatever it takes to make good into great…”
“…have unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end regardless of the difficulties…”
“…what you can be the best in the world at, is what you are deeply passionate about…”
“…disciplined people who engage in disciplined thought and who take disciplined action – succeed…”
“…when confronted with failures, successful people look in the mirror and say, “I am responsible…”
“…value substance over style, integrity over personality, and results over intentions…”
“…pursue with relentless consistency…”
“…nothing great can be accomplished without passion…”
“…great results come about by a series of good decisions…”
“…have the discipline to say “No thank you” to distractions…”
“…remain equally disciplined in good times as in bad times…”
“…understand that building greatness never happens in one fell swoop…”
“…build greatness by a cumulative process—step by step, action by action, day by day, week by week, year by year…”
“…do not succumb to the lazy, undisciplined search for a single silver bullet solution…”
“…no matter how much we achieve, we never feel comfortable or feel that we’ve arrived. We’re obsessively focused on our shortcomings—on what we could do better…”
“…We believe that greatness is not primarily a function of circumstance; it is a first and foremost a function of conscious choice—and discipline. It is up to us…”
- Jim Collins
Author “Good to Great”
The least traveled road in sports is from Good to Great.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
DO YOU HAVE A BEGINNER'S MIND?
There’s a saying: “Minds are just like parachutes: They only work when they’re open.” Want to become a better player? One of the things that you’ll need to help you get there is an open or “beginner’s mind.”
What’s a beginner’s mind? A beginner’s mind is an attitude of openness, an eagerness to learn that is not burdened by ego, needing to be in control or defensiveness. Someone with a “beginner’s mind” is open to looking at herself and willing to try new ways, to learn new things. Someone with a “beginner’s mind” will eventually learn more and develop the competitive edge because of this attitude.
Too many people mistakenly believe that being a beginner and “not knowing” is a bad thing.
Consequently, these individuals avoid situations that put them in this “not knowing” role. Unfortunately the defensiveness that comes from needing to always be “right,” seriously limits you. There are always new and better ways of doing things.
Do you think you have all the answers? Are there areas in your performance as an athlete that could make you faster, stronger or more skilled? Be open to new experiences. Don’t just settle for the status quo. Challenge yourself and all that you know. Approach new experiences with the eyes of a beginner, with an air of curiosity and openness rather than the preconceived notions of an “expert.”
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Saturday, May 23, 2009
DON'T BE A USELESS LEADER
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As a train's source of energy and direction, the locomotive plays a vital role. However, unless a locomotive connects to other cars on the track, it is relatively useless.
A train's value comes from its ability to transport massive amounts of cargo, and doing so requires the locomotive to link up with dozens of freight cars. Traveling by itself, a locomotive would arrive at its destination empty-handed. In that case, its journey would be nothing more than a waste of fuel.
Leaders are like locomotives in that they're blessed with drive, energy, and vision. However, until leaders learn the art of connection, their influence remains minimal. In isolation, their talents accomplish little, and their efforts are squandered.
Let's look at practical ways whereby leaders can make meaningful connections with others.
8 Steps for Connecting with People
#1 Don't Take People for Granted
Weak leaders get so caught up in the vision of where they're going that they forget whom they're trying to lead. Instead, leaders would be wise realize that connecting to people and developing them are the surest ways to gain influence. Results happen through relationships.
#2 Possess a Difference-Maker Mindset
A hesitant and indecisive leader doesn't enliven the hearts or imaginations of people. On the contrary, leaders who influence and inspire have a difference-maker mindset. They connect with others by passing along an infectious confidence in their ability to succeed.
#3 Initiate Movement Toward People
Freight cars sitting on the railroad tracks won't go anywhere by themselves. They will rust and collect dust unless a locomotive makes contact and connects to them. Similarly, most people stay parked due to self-doubt, fear, or absence of vision. It takes the connection of a leader to tap into their potential and rouse them to action.
#4 Search for Common Ground
Anytime you want to connect with a person, the starting point should be shared interests. If you're attentive to the hobbies, histories, and habits of those you lead, then you will find ample areas of common ground. Launch out from these areas of agreement to build rapport.
#5 Recognize and Respect Differences
We are capable of finding common ground with others, but at the same time we need to acknowledge that we're all different. The greatest influencers realize that differences ought to complement rather than clash. When you demonstrate regard for diverse personalities and meet people on their terms, they will appreciate your sensitivity and connect with the understanding you've shown.
#6 Learn the Key to Others' Lives
People have core motivations that vary drastically, and a leader has to discern them to forge a connection with others. Generally, the key can be unearthed by examining what a person has already done in life and by discovering what she aspires to do in the future. Once you've found the key, do not exploit it. Turn the key only when you have the person's permission, and always use it for her benefit - not your own.
#7 Communicate from the Heart
Nothing repels people like a phony leader. Be authentic when you speak, and align your actions and words. People respond to passion, and they will latch onto a vision when it's communicated directly from the heart.
#8 Share Common Experiences
Shared experiences cement a relationship. For this reason, it's wise to be intentional about eating out with teammates after games and hanging out together off the court. The more time you invest in those you lead, the greater the connection you will forge with them.
Summary
One is too small of a number to achieve greatness. No one ever accomplishes alone what she can do in partnership with others. If you're looking to grow as an influencer, start by strengthening your connections with the people around you.
- John Maxwell
Friday, May 22, 2009
DO YOU CONTINUE TO IMPROVE EACH SEASON?
Came across an interesting article this morning on what college recruiters look for in potential recruits. Here are a few excerpts from the article…
“…how is it determined which athletes are chased by colleges? Media publicity? Gaudy statistics? Being on a winning team? All-State honors? How actively the high school coach pushes his players? After all, only about 5% of all high school athletes go on to play sports for college teams, according to the National Federation of High School Associations…”
“…What parents and players don't realize is that just because you score 20 points a game in high school doesn't mean you'll be a good college player, just like every good college player won't make the NBA…”
“…Stats don't matter. What the college coach looks for in evaluation, whether live or on film, is almost always more about potential than overwhelming success at the high school level…”
''…What parents need to understand is that things like points, stats, coach's recommendations, they all fall way below the college coach's own evaluation. That is the single most important part...''
“…prep coaches should take one basic approach when pushing their players to college coaches, no matter what the sport. A high school coach has to be brutally honest [with the player]… you are doing a kid a disservice if you try and put him in a situation where he can't be successful…''
The bottom line is that if you want to reach the next level, it’s not all about stats. Heck it may not even be all about talent either. There are hundreds of talented ballers every year that go unsigned because of personal issues… grades, attitude, work ethic, etc. It’s about potential. And at the high school level, there are very few athletes that are so good they can afford to ignore a coach’s advice on what to do to improve their game.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Guess what came in today?
Yep, the new warm ups arrived and those that came to practice today had a chance to test drive 'em. 4:13
DEMANDING NOTHING BUT THE BEST
You don't win championships by being average or even being above average. You win championships by demanding nothing less than the very best from yourself and from your teammates. It’s an “all or nothing” approach to winning. You’re either a winner or you’re a loser, it’s just that simple.
If it were easy, every team would have a wall full of championship banners.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Winning Hoops Magazine recently ran a survey of several high school head coaches on a number of topics. Among the most interesting results:
“The most successful teams use a full court press. Almost three quarters (74.7%) of coaches with a winning percentage of .800 or greater use a full-court press as a primary defensive strategy. That number falls to 51.1% of the least successful coaches.”
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HOOPS CAMP 09
So far the entire Grace GV team and two from Maranatha have registered to attend the 09 READY Camp on June 26-27. Still have a few spots available for either boys or girls in 6th through 12th grade... spread the word... www.ready4thegame.com4:13
WHAT WILL THEY REMEMBER ABOUT YOU?
The quality and effort of your performance will be remembered by all who were at the game long after the score is forgotten. Play with that thought in mind.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NOBODY IS JUST BORN WITH IT
"This is the NFL. People see guys out there playing on Sunday afternoons and they see us having fun and dancing in the game, but they don't realize how much work it takes it takes to come into the league.
I come in and work every day. You go to work from 9 to 5, or 7 to 3. I come to work (practice) from 7 to 6 every day. I got an hour lunch break before I go back to work just like you do. So, it's the same exact thing. You work behind a desk in an air-conditioned office and I work in the weight room and run until I’m drenched in sweat on the practice field every day. I go home at night physically bruised and beaten, totally exhausted. I wish more people understood what it takes to get to the highest level."
- Leon Washington, NFL running back discussing his life in professional football
IN THE ZONE
"It's like an out-of-body experience, like you're watching yourself. You almost feel like you don't even see the defense. Every move you make, you feel like.. gee that guy is slow. You're going by people. You don't even hear the regular noise you hear. It's muffled. You go to practice the next day and you say, 'Why can't I do that every night?' Guys have wanted to bottle that feeling."
- Joe Dumars
No one has been able to define what it means, but everyone knows it exists. It's when everything - the physical, the mental, and the emotional - all come together. Everything seems to click.
Athletes refer to the state of being in the zone when everything comes together, when one does great things, and when mind and body are able to stretch to the limit to accomplish greatness. This state involves total immersion and focus, such that distractions and noise are absent.
Often, at times of peak performance, athletes find themselves "in the zone." For basketball players the basket seems bigger and wider. They can't miss. For baseball players, they report being able to see the baseball bigger, more clearly and in great detail. Football players describe a feeling of being invincible with the ability to run all day through their opponents without being touched. In the zone, your confidence is high, worry is non-existent and you cannot fail.
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WOODEN ON SUCCESS
"True success can be attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing that you did everything within the limits of your ability to become the very best that you are capable of becoming. Therefore, in the final analysis only the individual himself can correctly determine his success."
"You may be able to fool others, but you can never truly deceive yourself, except, perhaps, for a short time."
"You must have patience and realize that all worthwhile objectives take time... In the search for success you will constantly find yourself beset with adversity and you must have faith if you expect to reach your goal."
- John Wooden
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mental Skills Separates Good From Great
Michael Jordan discusses the importance and development of his mental game.
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
DESIRE
While most players waltzed into the locker room the required 90 minutes before game time, Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird used to be seen on the floor by at least 6:00, more than two hours before tip-off.
In the loneliness of Boston Garden, with only attendants and a few Celtics season ticket holders present, Bird shot more than 300 practice shots. He'd start with 6 to 10 free throws, move out on the court a bit, and then start firing away at a comfortable pace as teammate Joe Qatato hit him with perfect passes.
Then the "Parquet Picasso," as he was dubbed, would speed up the routine and by the end of the workout throw up rapid-fire shots, many featuring the Bird "drop back a step" maneuver that guaranteed him an opening from every angle. "I really don't count my shots," Bird said. "I just shoot until I feel good."
The shooting practice was reflective of Bird's desire and his love for the game. "That's the number one thing, the desire," he explained. "The ability to do the things you have to do to become a basketball player. I don't think you can teach desire. I don't know why I have it, but I do."
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REMIX
And by the way, take a close look at the video and see if you recognize the girl in the video.
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
KOBE ON MISSED SHOTS
“If I miss four in a row I don’t dwell on it or let it get to me. I just know the fifth one is going in. And if I miss that fifth shot, well then I know I’m way overdue and that the sixth shot is going in. And if I miss that sixth shot… well then I absolutely know that that seventh shot is money. If I miss the seventh, then I know number eight will definitely be the one. I always stay positive and never allow my mind to accept the possibility of a miss on my next shot.”- Kobe Bryant
HOOPS NUTRITION
A common cause of early fatigue during exercise is dehydration. Dehydration can be prevented by using these guidelines from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association:
Hydration Guidelines
Pre-Court
• Drink 17 to 20 oz of fluid 2 to 3 hours prior to playing
• Drink another 7 to 10 oz fluid 10 to 20 minutes before playing
• Record baseline weight to assess fluid losses
On the Court
• Drink at least 7 to 10 oz of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes
Post-Court
• Record post-exercise weight to assess fluid losses
• Within 2 hours of finishing training or competition, drink at least 20 oz for every 1lb. of weight loss
Pre-Court Fuel
Basketball players need guidance on what to eat before they train or compete. The pre-event meal is important because it keeps the athletes from feeling hungry, helps the athlete prepare mentally for competition and provides fuel and fluids to the muscles. Each athlete needs to experiment to identify what foods feel best, both physiologically and psychologically.
Here are a few tips to consider when planning a pre-event meal:
Eat familiar foods. Never try a new food on a game day. Experiment with foods only on practice days.
Athletes should try to eat 2 to 4 hours before the game to give their body enough time to digest the food. The closer the athlete eats to a game or practice, the smaller the meal should be.
Consume high-carbohydrate foods. Good choices include whole-grain bagels, breads, fruits and energy bars. These foods tend to be easily digested by most athletes. If an athlete tends to experience stomach problems, eating smaller, more frequent meals will help. Some athletes tolerate liquid meals, such as Gatorade Nutrition Shake, better than solid foods.
For staying power, include some protein-containing foods with the high-carbohydrate foods at the pre-event meal. Examples include slices of turkey, chicken, lean beef, fish, yogurt, beef or turkey jerky or nuts.
Once the athlete has finished their pre-game meal, they should sip fluids during the period leading up to the game to help ensure they begin play well hydrated.
Recovering From the Court
High-carbohydrate foods are essential for replenishing muscle energy stores after practice or a game. Carbohydrate-rich foods along with some protein must be consumed within 30 minutes after a practice or a game.
Along with fuel, fluids must also be replaced post-exercise. Research suggests that 20 oz of fluids per 1 pound of weight lost due to sweat needs to be consumed to get the player back to baseline. Adopting these two simple post-exercise recovery strategies will help maximize the ability for the athlete to train and compete at her best.
GC ELITE CAMP
(Hannah, Olivia, Lea Roper (Kodak All-American), Coach Skovel and Rebecca) The first annual Gulf Coast Elite Hoops Camp wrapped up this afternoon following two days of bumps, bruises, blisters, and of course everybody's favorite... the non-stop scrimmaging.
The competition was pretty stiff. In addition to several of the GC girls participating, there were some pretty decent ballers within the group from Mosley (Deanna & Octavia), Bay (Tanesha), Rutherford (Nicole & Jasmine), Freeport (Danica), Baker (Danni) and Arnold (Leanne & Jessica).
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Friday, May 15, 2009
PREPARATION = SUCCESS
"Every player competes at a certain level, but there are special players who really are able to intuitively understand situations that help win games, whether it's a steal, an offense board at the appropriate time, having the fortitude to shoot the 3 when maybe it's not exactly called for. Those types of things, great basketball players understand. Manu's one of those guys who's been in a lot of situations. He knows what wins -- it’s outworking your opponent."
- Gregg Popovich, NBA coach of the San Antonio Spurs talking about his player Manu Ginobili, Gold medal Olympian and NBA champion.
HYPERIZE - ROYAL
Nike keeps dropping new colorways for highly-anticipated Hyperize. They released the Royal & Black version today.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Which Piece is the Most Important?
When Celtics coach Doc Rivers spoke to his team before their crucial Game 5 of the Playoff series against Orlando this week, he wanted to make sure everyone understood what they needed to win...The lesson of the talk centered around teamwork and why no one single piece was more important than any other, but that the complete picture couldn't be realized until all the pieces of the puzzle were connected.
Without every piece fitting where it had to go, the picture would be incomplete.
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