No Possessions Off.... Every One Of Them Count!!!!

It was only one possession, Why does my coach scream?
My poor ‘D’ allowed a basket, But what does one hoop mean?
As the pass comes my direction, I fumble it into the stands,
My coach’s voice rings loud and clear, “Always use both 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 scores an easy 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 one and we’re having fun, I know we’ll get it back!
The 2nd half is much the same, So it is really no big deal,
That my lazy and careless pass, 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 their fast breaks.”
I step to the line for a one and one, The game is in my hands.
I can’t believe I missed it short, And hear cheers from their fans.
After the game I pouted, Knowing what I could have done,
Realizing the value of each possession, Damn, we lost by one.
by: Alan Stein

~Coach T
#DoMore
#BleedBlue

Practice What You Preach...

Players dont want to be motivated, they want to be inspired. They want to see the rewards from working hard and see that it is possible to make it all the way to the top. When they inspire to be great, they take the initative to make it happen. They take the proper path in search for greatness. I had a conversation with a friend of mine the other nite, who just got a promotion from coaching the defensive line for Louisville football to now coaching the defensive line for the Chicago Bears. We discussed his path to success and what it took to get to where he is today. The little steps that he took to get there was what inspired me. Sending letters and emails to coaches and also going to different camps and always learning and finding different ways to become better at what it is he does. I found myself thinking about the steps that I have been taking to become a basketball coach. From being a volunteer varsity assistant to being a varsity assistant to being the head coach of junior varsity, the little sacrifices that I have made, the way that I can reach the kids and relate to them is what I thought about the most. I thought about how kids come to me or send me a text wanting to get in the gym to get better, wanting to work on their craft, wanting to learn more and ask questions and pick my brain. That means the world to me. I had a 9th grader just last nite send me a text on facebook asking me for my opinion on what I think he needs to do in order to play Division I basketball and my answer was pretty simple. Number one thing and the most important thing is to maintain his grades and keep them at an 80% and higher. That takes a lot of effort and dedication in itself. If a player can commit to that, then from there its all about your will. How much work do you want to put in? How bad do you want it? Players need to work on any and all weaknesses they have in their game. Ball handling, footwork, strength, even confidence. A lot of players just feel like they need to work on shooting and getting that perfect jump shot but in reality, they need to study film. Learn proper footwork. See where to be on the floor during certain plays or where the ball should go on certain possessions. Things like that are big. Basketball IQ is missing these days but all it takes is a little understanding. Teach them the right way and not just the individual way. There is a lot to know and learn about this game but you must take the time out to get the knowledge. Im still learning and will continue to learn and lead by example. I have a lot of work to do. But soon enough, I will see that its well worth it. Back to work.

~Coach T
#DoMore

Year number 2.... Lets get back to work!!!

Basketball Dreams Skills & Conditioning Training service is committed to coaching youth about basketball, sportsmanship, hard work and dedication; teaching fundamentals of the sport, teamwork, and character, and providing them with the tools to become successful and productive citizens. This training offers an in-depth approach to effectively prepare players to compete at a high level on their select or school team. Coach Terry Nowden (Gates Chili Junior Varsity Boys Head Basketball Coach.) is the instructor for all skill sessions which are held at any available facility that has a safe and controlled enviorment for the youth. Ball-handling, shooting, offensive moves, post moves and defensive skills are some of the areas covered in the skills sessions. This year, we are also including plyometrics and agility into the training sessions so that we can maximize each players skill set and also boost confidence and strength. Coach T also trains in life Skills, education and college preparation and can guide them in these areas as well. We do accept all ages, male or female. Please feel free to call or email Coach T to set up your training   session today. Pricing is one flat rate of $50 per player for the whole off season. Dates and times will be posted soon so please, continue to check in with Basketball Dreams 78. Feel free to email me at coachtnowden78@gmail.com or call (585) 353-0945. DO MORE>

~Coach T

#DoMore

#BleedBlue

@coachtnowden_78   

Ambition...

Ambition

You are the fellow who has to decide
Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside.
You are the fellow who makes up your mind
Whether you’ll lead or linger behind
­Whether you’ll try for the goal that’s afar
Or be content to stay where you are.
Take it or leave it; here’s something to do,
Just think it over; it’s all up to you!
What do you wish? To be known as a shirk,
Known as a good man who’s willing to work,
Scorned for a loafer or praised by your chief,
Rich man or poor man or beggar or thief?
Eager or earnest or dull through the day,
Honest or crooked? It’s you who must say!
Whether you’ll shirk it or give it your best.

~Coach T
#DoMore