DAY 1 - INSTILL FOCUS & DISCIPLINE WHEN YOU SPEAK

One of the many challenges coaches face each season, is implementing a sense of focus and discipline among the team, especially with a handful of new players on the roster.  I came across a great reminder from Jeff Haefner at Breakthrough Basketball this morning on the importance of this concept:

Set a precedent on the first day of practice. Establishing your expectations from the very beginning is the best way to not only establish your role within the team but to also let your players know what kind of coach you're going to be.

For example: As your first practice starts and players are milling about blow your whistle and call them to the center of the gym. If they don't sprint to you, they get to run right then and there. After they've run, blow the whistle again. This time all your players will enthusiastically sprint to you. And more importantly, you'll have their full attention for the rest of the year.

(Thanks Jeff Haefner & Coach DeForest)