I was finally able to get out and see some games last week. I still have a lot of catching up to do, so many players to still see. I noticed the trend that lower level and some varsity teams are playing maybe 6-7 players the whole game. This is something that alarms me a little. I am not taking sides but having been on both sides of the fence, having a kid that played and a coach it is difficult. I am super competitive myself but I do think that lower level coaches need to be "skill developers, confidence boosters, and really bring along players". If your lower level coach knows that he is not judged by Wins/Losses and by player development his job will be way easier. His true job performance will be in a few years, when they are on Varsity.
I was taught and still believe that lower levels are the most important to any program, it's how I've always viewed it. If there are only two levels: JV and Varsity. You are already limited on how many kids you can have in your program. There are 6'3 frosh kids sitting on your bench with the potential to be 6'8 or above, then you must play him, in my opinion. The awkwardness and coordination issues aside, big men take longer to develop. We had players at schools that were border line kids, maybe even not making our teams, that ended up being All League players. If the ultimate goal is BUILDING something that lasts a long time, then I was taught build it from within. It is stronger and way more gratifying. Problem today is INSTANT GRATIFICATION!
I still believe that the best players, from any era or generation played on their own. Motivated by wanting to get better. To many players are just putting in the bare minimum and expecting greatness. When I recruited (even for my travel teams now) I need to see a young man that is motivated to get better and works on their game everyday. PERIOD. If you're that type of player then I want to hear from you. Moreover, we want you!
Lastly, a note to Parents/Administrators: Take your coaching staff out to for a great holiday dinner. Tell them you value them. Tell them they are important. The values/morals there teaching the kids is important, way more then winning is. For 99.9% of kids playing HS Basketball this is there last time playing organized basketball. Have compassion and let them COACH your child without interference or hostilities.
Have a great HOLIDAY HOOP season. God Bless, Coach Malecki
Icemen
I was taught and still believe that lower levels are the most important to any program, it's how I've always viewed it. If there are only two levels: JV and Varsity. You are already limited on how many kids you can have in your program. There are 6'3 frosh kids sitting on your bench with the potential to be 6'8 or above, then you must play him, in my opinion. The awkwardness and coordination issues aside, big men take longer to develop. We had players at schools that were border line kids, maybe even not making our teams, that ended up being All League players. If the ultimate goal is BUILDING something that lasts a long time, then I was taught build it from within. It is stronger and way more gratifying. Problem today is INSTANT GRATIFICATION!
I still believe that the best players, from any era or generation played on their own. Motivated by wanting to get better. To many players are just putting in the bare minimum and expecting greatness. When I recruited (even for my travel teams now) I need to see a young man that is motivated to get better and works on their game everyday. PERIOD. If you're that type of player then I want to hear from you. Moreover, we want you!
Lastly, a note to Parents/Administrators: Take your coaching staff out to for a great holiday dinner. Tell them you value them. Tell them they are important. The values/morals there teaching the kids is important, way more then winning is. For 99.9% of kids playing HS Basketball this is there last time playing organized basketball. Have compassion and let them COACH your child without interference or hostilities.
Have a great HOLIDAY HOOP season. God Bless, Coach Malecki
Icemen
