When I played intramural with some friends, we got a couple black guys and they pretty much won the game for us. We weren't bad as individuals, but they were that much better. I wonder if they thought the same about us... although we moved well, spread around, and defended decently.
Then think about forming a better team, there is nothing wrong with combining the better players from crappy teams to make an uber one. Everyone wants to play on a winner, heck in kids sports here in Austin parents are stacking teams.... LOL - it is life to want the best... DD
Are you being serious? He can't coach the current players into becoming better players while in his team, he has to break it up? seriously? Give an example of what you (or in this case, HE) would say to the "pathetic" players, and what he would say to the "better team", were he to break up the current team and build a better one like you're suggesting, please.
If you're team sucks defending 1 on 1, then switching to Man defense isn't really going to do anything. Forget practicing plays, just drill that zone defense into your team's head. I've seen unathletic teams keep up with talented athletes because they could do these two things: 1. Play Zone 2. Shoot 3's
This was my original attitude. But, when you lose games because your team mates create stupid turnovers, get out rebounded and out HUSTLED. How can you not be a little annoyed?
^ OK, fine. You can be annoyed, mad, upset, angry, or whatever you want to feel, but your attitude towards your teammates counts. Other teams might be good or better than you, but that doesn't mean you need to take out your frustration on being negative and telling us that they suck. We're not all born Dreams or Jordans, Pauls, Nashes, or Shaqs, man, we can work at getting at least close to how they play. Instead of: " DAMN IT! Y'all are causing stupid turnover and they're getting all the #)*#&^$ REBOUNDS! Y'all SUCK!", change it to: "OK, Guys... listen up close, and listen up well. We need to work on rebounding, we were outrebounded [stats here]... here's what we're going to do for practice this [week, day, etc.]... also, we need to work on [another deficiency]. For now our [good aspect of the game] is pretty good, so we will leave this as is. Let's play as a team and correct all our problems. Do you guys see what I mean? Does anyone have anything to add that we can work together to fix and WIN the next game? Maybe you saw something I didn't. Let me know if I am also doing something wrong or that I can fix of my own game. " ^ How is that?
I went through the same ish, at one point you simply realize they will never give 100% or play with their heads straight. All the talk won't help if they don't really have the heart to get better and eliminate their mistakes. I agree with DD, try to find some guys on local playgrounds or some of your friends that can play decent and want to contribute. You'll never be happy playing with guys that play half-azzed, it will crack you up every game and practice.
Great and all. But we want to put the ball in the basket, and stop the other team from doing just that. Staying positive is great, but "lets try this next game" won't cut it unless i get something to work with first. Any ideas? Or do you only correct grammar etc?
I already gave you some suggestions about your attitude towards your players, which you've dismissed as "annoyed," and here is what you at first pointed out as the deficiencies in the skills of your players, with which you should work: Work with your non-rebounders and teach them how to box out. Work with your non-passers and teach them how to pass. Work with your non-catchers and teach them how to catch the ball. These should be fundamental skills every basketball player should know, it is your duty as a coach to help them improve it. I only correct what I see incorrect... so your grammar was first, your attitude was second, and your immaturity (which is third) will need more help than what I can do on a forum's thread. Your defensive attitude further proves you probably should not coach, but at least there are people here helping you out. edit: the suggestions are for practices, not for in-game coaching... that would be too late to teach
you've got players that not only can't play ball, but aren't athletic...im not sure you can do anything with that... I'd simplify it for them as much as possible. Play zone, but don't put too many rules around it, just keep it simple. Stay between the man and the rim. don't go too far out, let them shoot, rather than drive. You or your friend are going to have to go Orlando Tmac on the other team and just let the other guys help wherever they can....If possible, try to replace one guy. Maybe there is someone ready to quit or not really interested? One more capable player (pg?)may be all you need. I'm not sure how you act during the game, but you've got to be a QB out there and direct guys like that. If they aren't spacing the floor then point them to the right direction. Anchor the middle and shadow them to back them up, and so on. Or if your friend is better at it, then have him direct traffic.
Just pick me up dude. I'll play Center, you move to the 4. We'll shut down the inside, you're buddy can do his thing at the 2, and most importantly...we'll win.
Thank you for the help, but i didn't ask for a life coach. My attitude is generally not seen by the other players. I keep to myself for the most part. I play my heart out only to lose to the same team because my team mates coast, they let me down. Why should their inability to play impact my outcome? I'm trying to make them better. Have you not been in a similar situation?
Swoly, not everyone is equal in talent, athletically, emotionally, or intellectually. Some people are NEVER going to be any good at basketball, ever.....doesn't mean they can't have fun playing the game. If the OP wants to put an uber competitive team together, then he should factor that in when he builds his team. That is how all sports work, Travel baseball, soccer, basketball etc....even at the kids level..... Some people have "IT" some never will.....doesn't make em bad people....just bad basketball players.... DD
They might, or they might not, some people are just not good at sports, or some people that are athletic are just too stupid to get the movement off the ball portion of the game. Look, it is your life, if they are friends, play and lower your expectations, if you just want to win, build a team of like minded players and go for it. Nothing wrong with either option. BTW - I am coaching an AAU team right now, and we have not lost a game in 2 years...... DD
I understand this, sir. I do, but it also doesn't mean they can ignore their defects (in basketball skills) and not work on them. That's true and I agree with you on that point, but it seems that the OP isn't playing just to "have fun," and his frustration is showing. Can you, however, answer my initial question I directed to you? It's sad that your attitude, whether positive or negative, isn't seen by the other players, but you can post all the negative stuff here. Could you show them these comments, and see what they say? EDIT: To answer your question, YES, I have been in similar situations, but I deal with them there and then instead of waiting until I have to ask a bunch of strangers.
Are you kidding! this really has nothing to do with my attitude. My attitude doesn't lose games, bad defense does. What I'm doing benefits the team, i vent my anger and learn tactics at the same time. I came here to find a way to help improve our sets, did you miss that part. No, wait don't bother answering that.
