Parent Repot

1. Every player has an exam which is due no later than the last practice of the year (Monday, Dec 30.) I have received one so far.

2. Every player must bring a bag to practice containing:
      A. First aid kit (team issued)     
      B. Ice packs (team issued)
      C. Jump rope (team issued)
      D. Play book (team issued)
      E. A basketball
      F. Basketball shoes
      G. A pen or pencil
     
They must also bring a bottle of water. The players have been told this more than once yet come unprepared for practice. Basketball shoes are not to be worn to the gym. They must be carried. This keeps the floor cleaner and dry.

3. I play favorites. All coaches do. I favor players who give the team the best chance to win by playing defense and shooting the ball, who have great attitudes, who work hard every day, who embrace their role (regardless of what that role is) and who support the Destroyer's culture of team work. Games such as last weeks make it hard to narrow down my week's favorites to 5 starters! I love being in that situation.

4. As far as playing time goes, if your child is playing hard on defense in practice and in games they will play. If not, they won’t play much. This is hard for me because I am an equal playing time coach. And I have to get rid of the attitude of entitlement that developed in summer league and the preseason and, at the same time, hope to cure the standing around on defense. I plan each game to go for equal time for the first three quarters and then play those who earned it in the fourth quarter. Last game EVERYONE earned 4th quarter time. All the girls did THAT well on Double D. Our Havoc still needs a lot of work.

5. To be a good defensive team we must do four things: 
      A. Stop penetration (passes and drives) in to the paint 
      B. Stop the other team's lay-ups 
      C. Contest all shots 
      D. Rebound

6. Good defense takes mental toughness.

The girls must:
      A. Understand how to get into position
      B. Understand how to get into position very quickly
      C. Understand how to get into position very quickly with a high level of aggression
      D. Understand how to get into position very quickly with a high level of aggression and be able to THINK the game.

      We are still trying to reach the first step for most of the girls in Havoc and most are nearing the second in DD. My goal is to get most of the girls to level C for both by the playoffs. I will also introduce an aggressive 23 zone and a sagging helping man to man before the playoffs. Those most likely will not reach more than level A before summer.

7. If your child isn’t getting the playing time they feel they deserve, use that experience as a teaching tool. Teach them how to own it. Teach them what they can do in the future to possibly get a different outcome. This year the magic bullet is working hard on defense.

8. Thank you for not coaching your child from the sideline. The only ‘voice’ a player should receive instructions from is the ‘voice’ of their coaching staff.

9. Keep cheering for them. I love that our parents are the loudest in the gym. Keep applauding the makes as well as the misses and the effort as well as the achievements. I have the best parents in the game!

10. Tell your daughter often that you love to watch her play.

11. I love the our team parents do not berate the referees. The referees are doing they best they can. Remind the girls that no matter what the call the refs are ALWAYS correct.

12. Don’t push your child too hard. (That is MY job.) It is OK to encourage. It is OK to suggest.

13. Please review their weekly report card and goals with them before the game. Have them read and review the information in their play books. They get new stuff most weeks and we don't have time to read it over in practice.

14. Hold your child to a very high standard of excellence but don’t force them to ‘get up extra shots’ or get in extra workouts. That has to come from them, not you. If they choose to do those things on their own, be supportive. Help make it happen. If they choose not to, if they choose to only do the bare minimum, they will eventually learn a potent life lesson (not make the team, not get much playing time, etc.).

15. Please encourage your child to tell ME any issues, questions or concerns they have. If they don't understand something I need to know so I can find a way to work thru the confusion.

Robin

Here is a copy of the exam