Little vs Big
 

I have always sweated the small stuff in coaching, because the small stuff is what makes you win and lose. One of the biggest changes I have made in how I coach is dealing with the small vs big issue. I deal with all small stuff in practice, big stuff in games. Big stuff may include a succession of small things that in totality become big.

Why the change? I want players to play, and sweating all the little things throughout a game causes players to look over at the bench on every error or potential error. They stop playing and start second guessing, because the coach is second guessing. No game will be turnover free, you will give up at least one offensive rebound per game, you will take at least one ill advised shot every game. Do any of these once in a game, it is a little thing. Do them multiple times in games, it is a big thing and we worry about it. Do them in practice, hit the deck for pushups :)

How's this one Coach?

Criticize and Critique in Practice...Encourage and Compliment during the game.

I would like to see more coaches adhere to this, especially at the younger levels.

RD