We will work hard on trying to create an attack mindset this morning.  One of the hardest things to teach is developing a mindset of always being "offensive."  Create the mindset of being confident in what you are doing and building on a ton of reps.  

Coach Bennett is one of the best coaches to walk the sideline.  Currently his son, Tony Bennett is doing a BigTime job at U. of Virginia.  They have to be one of the best father / son combos ever.  Coach Dick Bennett is revered for his ability to teach the game and is probably most known in the coaching circles for giving us "Pack-Line" defense.  Tony Bennett is regarded as one of the very best in the country as his UVA Cavaliers statistically dominate opponents on the defensive end of the floor.  If you want a defensive clinic this winter watch the Cavs. play.  

Taken from a Dick Bennett Clinic:
Success is determined by

• How a person sees himself (Humility)
  
• How he feels about what he does (Passion)
  
• How he works with others (Unity)
  
• How he makes others better (Servanthood)
  
• How he learns (Thankfulness)
  

Leadership is about taking people to where they don’t think they can go…


What to do to keep from losing?

• Prevent turnovers
  
• Take good shots
  
• Don’t give up uncontested shots
  
• Make free throws
  
• Don’t foul
  
• Do not give up second shots
  

Here is the first practice plan for the Early Bus Series!  I love being in the gym with athletes that want to get better.  

One Possession

 It was only one possession,
Why must my coach scream?
My poor defense caused a basket,
But what can one hoop mean?
As the pass comes my direction,
And I fumble it into the stands,
My coach’s voice rings loud and clear,
“Catch with your eyes and hands!”
C’mon coach, its one possession,
Our team will be OK,
It’s just the first two minutes,
I mean damn, we’ve got all day!
 
In the beginning of the 2nd quarter,
Their center is strong and stout,
He gets a put back for two, quite simply due,
From my failure to block out.
It was only one possession,
I didn’t commit a crime,
My team is ahead and I’m playing well,
And there’s still plenty of time!

As the halftime buzzer sounds,
I watch the ball bank in,
I know I will hear it from my coach,
Asking why I don’t defend.
But it was only one possession,
Coach – don’t have a heart attack,
We’re only down by one and we’re having fun,
I know we’ll get the lead back!

The 2nd half is much the same,
So it is really no big deal,
That my lazy pass on the perimeter,
Results in an easy steal.
I quickly sink a jumper,
I’m greeted by high fives and slaps,
But the next time down, I give up a lay-up,
While suffering a mental lapse.

It’s only one possession,
C’mon coach just chill out!
It’s crazy to see you so mad,
As you consistently scream and shout:
Victory favors the team,
Making the fewest mistakes.
Singles possessions are the key,
And will cut down on their fast breaks.”
 
I step to the line for a one and one,
The game is in my hands,
I can’t believe I miss it short,
And hear cheers from the other team’s fans.
After the game I sit at my locker,
Wondering what more I could have done,
Only to realize the value of one possession,
What a shame we lost by one.

What will beat you:

1)      An inconsistent mental approach
2)      FT%
3)      Giving up easy buckets (transition)
4)      Not believing details matter
5)      Not executing defensive cycle
6)      Selfishness

Mistakes – Listen, apply, and improve
Roles – Understand, define, fill, and accept

3 things Wooden said about captains / leaders

1)      You must be hardest workers – price of greatness is responsibility
2)      Take care of the stuff off the floor
3)      Let coaches take care of the rest

A couple bullets for players!
·         Guards try to create space / posts try to take up space
·         Catch ball with your feet, eyes, then hands – in that order
·         Shot Fakes – 2” shot fake, keep eyes on target and up, knees bent

“You are always a better athlete if you’re in a stance and in proper position.” DM
“Peace is not the absence of trouble, trial, or torment, but the calm in the middle of it.” DM