Essay Sample on Developing a Basketball Program

Introuction

While developing a basketball program, the foundation is an important factor to consider (Krzyzewski & Phillips, 2010). Such foundation includes a qualified coach who has the ability to bring a group of qualified players together. As the head coach of the program that I will develop, I must have the ability to motivate players and identifying a group of the effective coaching staff. These skills can only be obtained from a coach who has adequate experience and qualifications. Players will be obtained from different learning institutions to ensure that the team is made up of talented individuals. My coaching staff will be tasked with the activity of using various social media platforms to recruit new players. Both interviews and trials must be conducted in this case to ensure that the new players to be recruited will add a new dimension to the team. Trials are relevant while recruiting new players for any program since they provide the chance of identifying talented players (Krzyzewski & Phillips, 2010).

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Basketball Program: Offensive Principals

Offensive principles are an important consideration in any basketball program. As the head coach of the program, I must be familiar with drills that can be used to improve the offensive skills of players in the program. Use of qualified players from different learning institutions means that I will have players who have the skills of performing insert plays, quick hitters among others. The talent of each player must be utilized effectively to come up with a winning team. I must also be determined to identify the best position for each player and ensure that each position has stiff competition. Such competition will ensure that all players are determined to work hard to avoid being benched.

The best type of offensive principle that I will be interested in coaching in this program will be the fast break offense. This principle has been associated with other successful programs due to its effectiveness in allowing players to gain possession within short periods of time. This principle will also allow the players to improve their dribbling and passing skills. Such skills will lead to smooth play that will be difficult for the opponent to defend. Fast break offense will also allow my players to regain possession quickly once they lose it (Smith, 2008). This will occur during rebounds and blocked shots. The principle will also make it possible for my players to hit the basked occasionally which will increase the winning chances of my team (Smith, 2008). The opponents will also be worn down quickly by this type of offense. Passing these skills to my players will make the team competitive in the various tournaments that it will be involved in. Fast break offense has been used by famous coaches such as Tom Penders, which is one of the primary reasons why I will apply it occasionally in my basketball program (Ripoll, Bard & Paillard, 1986).

Basketball Program: Defense Principals

Dictating the opponent play will be a major consideration in the basketball program that I will develop. I will encourage my players to learn about their opponents before every game to understand their principals, state of plays, drills among other important details. Learning about such information will allow my players to know what to expect before every game. Communication is a valuable defense principle that I will focus on in the program. Players must be able to communicate effectively to disrupt the opponents play and cover the various positions in the basketball court. Talking loudly during the progress of a game is relevant since it will increase the passing skills of my players. Team play is a key aspect of effective defense since it allows the members of a team to prevent being surprised by the opponents. A team that has poor communication makes it easy for the opponent to hit the basket occasionally, which allows them to win comfortably.

Half-court press defense will be used as the preferred system in this program. This system will allow my team to press the opponents in their half court making it difficult for them to hit the basket. Pressing forward will also allow my team to confuse the opponent and disrupt their state of play. This system will reduce the number of risks taken by my players, which will increase their chances of winning games (Vallee & Bloom, 2005). Surprise moves will also become effective as a result of applying this system. The half-court press will be preferred over full court press since this will allow five of my team players to be left in our half-court (Smith, 2008). As a player, my coach used to apply this form of defense and it was very effective in breaking the opponent's play.

Conclusion

The success of the basketball program to be developed in this case will rely on a number of factors. As the head coach, I must ensure that I come up with a team of talented players from different learning institutions. The players must be determined to work together as a team since this will promote effective communication. Focusing on drills that enhance the dribbling and passing skills of the players will improve the chances of the program being successful. Focusing on both offensive and defensive principles will improve the overall team in various aspects. Players will learn how to defend and attack as a team, allowing it possible for the team to win tournaments.

References

Krzyzewski, M., & Phillips, D. T. (2010). Leading with the heart: Coach K's successful strategies for basketball, business, and life. Hachette UK.

Ripoll, H., Bard, C., & Paillard, J. (1986). Stabilization of head and eyes on target as a factor in successful basketball shooting. Human Movement Science, 5(1), 47-58.

Smith, D. R. (2008). Big-time college basketball and the advertising effect: Does success really matter? Journal of Sports Economics, 9(4), 387-406.

Vallee, C. N., & Bloom, G. A. (2005). Building a successful university program: Key and common elements of expert coaches. Journal of applied sports psychology, 17(3), 179-196.