NO OPEN GYM TODAY!!!

I read my last post and realized it wasn't clear. No open gym today either. Enjoy your last day of summer vacation everyone and have a fantastic start up to school. Go Eskimos!!!

NO OPEN GYM SATURDAY MORNING

Hey Everyone... Last weekend before school starts. Sorry, I am not opening the gym this weekend. Taking three days off for everyone is a good idea. Lots going on, so go out and enjoy the Labour Day Long Weekend: Silverbacks play tonight - go out and cheer local product and a one time Synergy member Cole Nisse; the IPE is on - Jansen kids are showing their cows on Saturday - good place to have some fun; weather should be okay - lake activities are still a possibility. What ever you choose, have a GREAT weekend. I am looking forward to the start of school and our Fall Program. Cheers all!!!

OPEN GYM TIMES UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS

CHECK TIMES AND GYMS BEING OPENED


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 - SHUSWAP MIDDLE (SMS) 8:30 AM TO 10:30 AM
MONDAY, AUGUST 27 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 - SHUSWAP MIDDLE (SMS) 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 - ????? CHECK BACK
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 - SAS (Sullivan) 7:30 AM TO 9:30 AM

OPEN GYM STARTS AGAIN - COMPETITIONS!!! - UPDATED SUNDAY, AUG. 19TH

PLEASE CHECK "OPEN GYM TIME" PAGE FOR OPEN GYM TIMES AND CHANGES. CHANGES CAN HAPPEN DAILY. TERRY MICHELES OPEN GYM TIMES ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO POOR TURNOUT. I HAVE ADDED MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY OPEN GYM TIMES SO THAT OUR SR. PLAYERS CAN DO WEIGHTS. OTHER PLAYERS ARE WELCOME TO USE THE GYM FOR WORKOUTS.


I posted info on open gym time below this morning. We had five guys show up this morning. Alton, Noah and Evan did weights. Gr. 9's Rhys and Connor did a shooting workout.
GREAT SHOOTING COMPETITION!!! 3 pt competition ... can't miss two in-a-row.... miss one, then you get another shot ... hit it - keep going... miss two in-a-row... you're done. Last record two years ago (not sure if it has been broken) was 256 3's without missing two in-a-row. The record was, or is held by Buddy Heal (NBA player). Steph Currie hit 75 the first time he did it and Clay Thompson hit 144 the first time he did the competition. Vlad I. from TRU hit 56 3's before missing two in-a-row and Evan T. Smith had a record of 47 3's before missing 3 in-a-row ... until today! Today, Evan broke his own record and is challenging everyone to beat his new mark at 76 makes for 85 attempts. In front of three other players and his coach, Evan hit 76 3's before missing two in-a-row!!! That is awesome! He also hit 91 for 100 free throws... Let's break his records. Players must shoot in the presence of witnesses ... How many free throws can you hit in-a-row? And... How many 3's can you hit before missing two in-a-row? Compete and get your scores out!!! Jordie MacTavish had to make 100 free throws in-a-row before he would stop practicing. It drove Ms. Nau crazy because she was the one shagging balls for him. He would get to 99 in-a-row, miss 100, and start over again. However, she was glad to help him strive for his goals.... Other players in SA tried to make 100 FT's in-a-row ... they were unsuccessful. Can you match Jordie's mark?


After a great week of Camp at the Hoops Are Hot in the Shuswap... we will be opening the gym again. I am right now... as I type... at SAS (Sullivan). Guys are in the weight room and they will be working out in the gym. Smoke is so bad that as I look across the gym it looks like a hazy smoke has made its way into the gym. I hope reprieve is on its way. Gym is open today until 10:30 AM. If we can't go outside today or tomorrow, I might open the gym again. Stay tune!


REMINDER... Open gym is for players (boys and girls) going into grades 9 - 12; however, I don't mind younger players to attend as long as their skills are good and they can compete with the older players. I don't want anyone getting hurt. Cheers

OPEN GYM SHUTDOWNS!!!

DON'T FORGET ... HOOPS ARE HOT BASKETBALL CAMP AT SAS (SULLIVAN CAMPUS) IS NEXT WEEK FROM AUGUST 13 TO AUGUST 17. GRADES 8 - 12 FROM 9:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON AND GRADES 7 AND LOWER FROM 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM.


Mr. Michell contacted me on the weekend when I was on the lake boating. He said that Monday open gym from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon is will NOT be running anymore. Not enough interest was shown consistently; therefore, the gym will not be open on Mondays. He didn't say anything about Wednesdays; however, I will assume that if interest dies off there, it too will be shut down.


Read the previous post about open gym times when Mr. Neid and I open up the gym. We have "Standards" pertaining to what open gym must look like. Training is a part of out open gym expectations, along with play/games... Read the blog to make sure you understand what is expected. We are into August... We as coaches should not be explaining to players what is expected at open gym times. Work on you game - both your strengths and weaknesses, and then apply what you have worked on in your 1 on 1 games, 3 on 3 games, 5 on 5 games...


When I get back from the national tournament with our U17 Boys' Team, I will open up SMS, so that I can work while players are in the gym. Check "Open Gym" page for details.


HOOPS ARE HOT CAMP IS NEXT WEEK!!! REGISTER EARLY OR AT THE DOOR. THE CAMP IS ANOTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON YOUR GAME, GET BETTER, AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH BASKETBALL THIS SUMMER.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OPEN GYM TIMES THEN PLEASE READ...

First of all, please read the Post I made on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. The Post clearly states, at length I might add, how open gym works in the summer. Saturdays are workout days with the opportunity to compete in half court games near the end. All players are welcome; however, our standards for open gym time must be met. For example: yesterday, Evan did his shooting and finishing workout for 90 minutes then played 1 on 1 in the low post and high post against Gavin, who in turn completed a 75 minute workout in the weight room with coach limber and then a post workout on the floor. After they trained and worked on skills, their 1 on 1 games were purposeful, competitive, and were played equal to the game. We want our guys playing/training at a standard that is equal to, or greater than the game itself. We want our guys training and competing at a standard that is "above the line" whenever possible.
We want our habits during open gym times to change and move in a different direction from the past. Do not come to the gym without a plan and if you need help with a plan, see one of the coaches. Yes, we want you to play 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, etc...; however, do not begin open gym time with games. Train! Work on your game. A minimum of 45 minutes is required during open gym to work on skills, and when working on skills, we expect your training to be equal to, or greater than the game. Don't go through the motions.
I snapped yesterday at Saturday Open Gym! We had a great turnout, however most players jumped into 1 on 1 games immediately with no warm-up, or workout before hand. I do not want to waste my time when I leave my home, my wife, my youngest son on a Saturday morning, or anytime for that matter, to open the gym for "PLAYERS" who continually repeat the same habits over and over again during open gym times and then carry those habits over to the games we play during the season! I am tired of watching the same habits repeated over and over again... Lefties not using their right hand, righties not using their left hand, players taking too long to make a decision (ball sticking), too much dribbling, guys driving when they should be shooting, missed shot after missed shot because of poor shooting mechanics, the list goes on and on...!
We want all players to attend open gym; however, we have set standards for open gym times. Players need to train and work on their games before playing. Forty-five minutes (45) that's all that is required, then players can play half court games. On Saturdays, once again, guys can train and play half court games. On Tuesdays and Thursday, after the first 45 minutes, we jump into half-court games ( 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4, & 5 on 5) until 8:00 PM, then for the last hour  we can compete in 5 on 5 games.
Read... Read ... Read... the information in this blog and in the emails sent out. Success is a lot easier at the younger levels. Our boys going into grade 12 this year had lots of success in grade 8 and at the junior level... The competition gets a lot more difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally at the higher grades. One way to prepare and combat the higher level of competition and stress is to become more skilled. Continue to train your strengths and work on the skills that you are week at. Plain and simple... become a better player today than you were yesterday.


Just playing is a waste of time. Yesterday, I saw several 1 on 1 games and a 2 on 2 game where players were doing the same things over and over again with little or no success. Guys where playing in their comfort zone. Don't get me wrong, guys were working hard, but they were working hard doing the same bad habits over and over again. The majority of our players like comfort. Comfort is a result of fear which leads to failure, frustration, under-achievement, mediocrity and unhappiness. Discomfort/getting out of our comfort zone leads to success. Once again our two worst enemies are happiness and personal fulfillment (read articles in "Building Culture"). Work on the skills that you are week at. Do not waste my time at open gym. Like I said, I am getting tired of seeing the same poor habits that I see during our season repeated over and over in the games we play during the Synergy and school seasons.
Playing hard and sweating doesn't equate to success on the court against good teams. Players/teams need to be incredibly skilled and prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally to compete against the better teams.

OPEN GYM THIS MORNING...

Reminder... Open gym this morning at Sullivan from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM - weights and gym are available.

REMINDER... U17 PRACTICE TODAY AND THURSDAY THIS WEEK

We will be practicing from 7:00 PM to 9:00 tonight (Tuesday) and Thursday this week. Players can show up early to do our pre-practice workout at 6:30.

OPEN GYM ON SATURDAYS

Hey Everyone... I am still opening the Sullivan gym on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 for those who can make it. It is open right now. Enjoy the day. It looks like it will be a nice one!!!

REMINDER... SENIOR PRACTICE THIS WEEK AND NEXT

Our Sr. Golds/U17 Synergy Team is practicing this Thursday; plus, next Tuesday and Thursday to get ready for the Club National Tournament in Langley. So, no open gym in the evenings on Tuesday and Thursday. College players and any grade 11/12 wanting to tryout for the Golds in the Fall are welcome to come out and practice. Practices are from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. We will scrimmage from 8:00 to 9:00 ... both half court and full court ... 3 on 3 + 5 on 5 games. Cheers

Sr. PRACTICES THIS WEEK!

Tuesday and Thursday this week and next week are set aside for Sr. Practices. Our U17 Synergy Team is preparing for the National Club Tournament in Langley on Aug 8 - 12. There will be no open gym for the next three weeks on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I will be inviting former Golds out to scrimmage with our guys on Thursday for the last hour. Any college players are welcome to come and practice with our guys. After the Hoops Are Hot Camp, I will open the gym again to close the summer out.

OPEN GYM MONDAY NIGHT

Mr. Michell is opening Sullivan from 10:30 to noon as far as I know. I will open Sullivan from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A couple of opportunities tomorrow.

SUMMER OF SEPARATION ... OR KEEPING UP!!!

Good early...ish... morning workout today. Seven guys.... Three seniors... a vet... and three grade 9's. Lots of shots getting up. Guys in the weight room. Mentorship program was on today... Evan worked with Beckett ... Great work!!!

REMINDER ... OPEN GYM TODAY

Open gym today is from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at SMS. Players who want to do a longer workout can show up at 6:30. One on one games begin at 7:15... 3 on 3 begin at 7:40 ... 5 on 5 or 4 on 4 half court games begin at 7:50... full court games begin at 8:00. High School players ... grades 9 - 10 - must show up for the whole time between 7 - 9... Older players (alumni, etc...) can show up anytime. Open gym guidelines apply! See below... Guidelines come from Texas A&M Women's Coach Bob Starkey. These guidelines are a part of a number of great programs across the country. We don't want to be good ... We want to be great...


Keys to a good summer should include:

1. Commitment: As coaches, we will make the gym available but it is up to the player and the team to make use of it.  During our Final Four run at LSU, the players would drive Starkey and his coaching staff crazy to open the gym for them.  Seimone Augustus would play 2 hours of pick up with the Lady Tigers and then drive across town and play pick up with a boys high school team.  Several of their players would head to the rec center to play with men after pick up.

2. Concentration: It is not enough just to walk in a gym and play.  The great players/teams go into each opportunity knowing there are specific things that they need to work on and they must have a high level of focus during pick to improve upon those areas.  Habits can be developed and improved upon in the summer --good ones and the bad ones -- based on the commitment and concentration of the player(s).

3. Effort: The average player goes through the motions in pick up and in their summer workouts.  They will give a little effort at times but nothing consistent.  And that is largely why they are "average" players.


PLAYERS... IT IS YOUR JOB TO MEET WITH COACH LIMBER AND I SO THAT WE CAN HELP GUIDE YOU IN YOUR SUMMER WORKOUTS. WE WILL TELL YOU WHAT WE THINK YOU'RE GOOD AT, AS WELL AS TWO ASPECTS OF YOUR GAME YOU NEED TO WORK ON. YOUR JOB... IT TO WORK ON IMPROVING YOUR GAME OVER THE SUMMER. A PROGRAM FOR ALL PLAYERS WILL BE SET UP TO FOLLOW.


 GOLDS' GUDELINES FOR PLAYING AND WORKING OUT AT OPEN GYM TIMES:

1. ALWAYS PLAY MAN TO MAN DEFENSE
Good pressure on the basketball (even if you get beat on the drive)
Get a hand up on every shot ... Closeout with feet/hips/shoulders square to sidelines
Make contact, blockout, and finish the possession
Get in the passing lanes
No switching

2. RUN OUR OFFENSIVE 
Spacing: High and Wide ... Low and Wide... 5 out... 4 - 1 ... 3 - 2...
Minimize your dribble usage
Take good shots... hunt 9's, 8's and 7's
Set good screens to get your teammates open
No ball screens
No plays or entries

(This is also a great opportunity for your veteran players to teach your new players our motion offense rules.)

3. START WITH HALF COURT GAMES
Even if you have enough for 5/5, start with a couple of half court games
Will help us to develop our man defense and offense principles

4. UTILIZE CONVERSION
After half court games, finish up with full court games

5. GET BACK ON DEFENSE
Even 4/4 games can be played full court

6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY
3/3, 2/2, 1/1
Play, play, play

7. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
Encourage teammates
Upperclassmen teach our freshman how we play
Help younger players to understand offensive/defensive principles

8. PLAY HARD
Is there any other way?!

MAXIMIZE OUR SUMMER PICK-UP GAMES... HOLD OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE... DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, OR SOMEONE ELSE'S TIME...

1.  PLAYERS PICK THE TEAMS

Gives players a chance to know where they stand with their teammates.  Makes captains give thought as to who they think can help them win. First player... "I GOT GAME!!!" Pick your team... Second player to call "I GOT GAME!!!" Picks his team ... play... Some one off says "I GOT NEXT!!!" ... Picks his guys and gets ready to compete...

2. PLAY SHORT GAMES

Play  7 to 9 points.  2's are worth 1 pt. and 3's are worth 2 pts. This creates a greater sense of urgency and can cultivate more intensity.

3. VALIDATE THE WIN WITH A FREE THROW

After a team gets to the point total needed to win, a player (selected by the losing team) must hit a free throw for the victory to be complete.  Otherwise OT is started for that game is at 0-0 and is played first to 3 pts. wins... followed by another free throw. The same process is repeated.

4. NO SUBBING DURING THE GAME UNLESS A PLAYER IS HURT. PLAY THROUGH FATIGUE.

Use each game as an opportunity to become more fit.

Extra players choose teams amongst those left over on the sidelines

One player must call next and choose his team.

If players are needed ... losing team shoots 3 pointers for spots.

Winning teams stay on... PLAY THROUGH FATIGUE...

THERE WILL COME A TIME

WHEN WINTER WILL ASKS,

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THIS SUMMER?”

OPEN GYM TIMES TODAY

I WILL BE OPENING SMS TWICE TODAY... 10:15 AM TO 11:30 AM ... AND 7:30 PM TO 8:30 PM TONIGHT.
REMINDER THAT SULLIVAN IS CLOSED THIS WEEK AND I WILL OPEN THE SULLIVAN GYM ON SATURDAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 10:30 AM ...

NO OPEN GYM TONIGHT!

With Sullivan closed and Thursday being my day to supervise this week, there will be no open gym tonight. I will open SMS tomorrow night from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM for shooting workouts... and I will open SMS on Thursday night from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Players who want to do a longer shooting workout on Thursday night can show up at 6:30 PM.
Seniors... Reminder... Record all workouts - what you are doing (plan/workout), how many shots you attempt, how many shots you make - also... keep a daily journal - What went well today.... What I (you) need to work on... How can I help someone else get better/improve? ... Another Reminder... Attendance is taken at every open gym... If you can't make it, I hope you are putting time in to prepare somewhere else at times that work for you. Driveway hoops, playground hoops, hoops on dirt all work well to help you prepare.
Mental Preparation ... This Blog has some great articles to read... Reading posts, pages, information on this blog will help in your mental preparation. Seniors, a lot of what is in here can act as reminders for you.
Enjoy the heat!!! Cheers

SULLIVAN GYM CLOSED ALL WEEK...

THE SAS SULLIVAN GYM IS CLOSED ALL WEEK (JULY 16 - 20) AS CUSTODIANS ARE CLEANING THE SCHOOL. I WILL OPEN SATURDAY MORNING (JULY 21st) FROM 8:30 - 10:30. I MIGHT BE ABLE TO OPEN SMS SOMETIME THIS WEEK, SO CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY OPEN GYM TIMES.
SENIORS ... MAKE SURE YOU ARE RECORDING YOUR WORKOUTS - TYPE OF SHOT + SHOTS ATTEMPTED + SHOTS MADE ... YOU SHOULD ALSO BE RECORDING YOUR WORKOUTS - EXERCSE + LBS + REPS. - KEEP A JOURNAL ... THREE THINGS THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR JOURNAL DAILY ARE: 1) WHAT WENT WELL? WHAT WAS GOOD ABOUT TODAY? 2) WHAT DO I NEED TO WORK ON? 3) WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE OUT? HOW CAN I HELP MAKE SOMEONE ELSE BETTER?

PREPARATION... USE OF OPEN GYM TIME

First of all... read the previous post; then after reading this post, read the updated post in the "Coach's and Player's Clipboard" - everything is linked together . Now... for those of you attending open gym, good on you. You are doing what is expected - "Showing Up! Getting players out is half the battle when preparing to excel; so, for those of you "showing up" ... good on you. For those of you who live far away, or who are working and are unable to attend our open gym times, we expect you to be putting in time where you are, when you can do it. Reminder... players your age, who want to compete at a high level - make that - at an elite level - need to be putting in fourteen to sixteen hours per week of specific work that pertains to their craft... in our case, it's basketball (skills, strength, fitness, agility, and mental preparation - just reading this post aids the mental side of your preparation). If you attended the TRU Camp here last week, you heard coach Clark emphasizing that when it pertains to practicing/preparing, we need to "practice equal to or greater than the game" in order to compete at a high level. Too often players just... "show up" without a plan, or idea of what to do. Some shoot around... go through the motions... do what they want to do... instead of ... doing what needs to be done. Yes, ... "Doing Work" is difficult; however, if an individual wants to get better and rise above average or mediocrity, then one has to "show up" to open gym with a plan. Plan to prepare and "do work." You have heard it before, "failing to plan, is planning to fail." When at open gym, what is your plan? What are you going to do for forty-five (6:30 - 7:15) or fifteen (7:00 - 7:15) as part of your warm-up/workout? Guys who just go through the motions and do what they want are wasting our time. Playing is great and needs to be a part of our preparation; however, training / practicing is equally important. The Golds need to change the way we prepare ... GAME SPEEDS... GAME SHOTS... GAME SITUATIONS... GAME PREPARATION... These fundamental ideals must resonate in our open gym times and your training as we prepare to get better. Remember, the goal each day is to get a little bit better. Improvement each day will result is greater confidence and a higher level of play. Doing the little things we don't want to do such as skill development, training, practicing, working on our weaknesses, and recording/charting our shot attempts and makes, is going to help to improve our mental toughness. When you are in the gym, work at a higher rate. Going through the motions and just wanting to play are not going to make you the kind of player we need, nor the kind of player we want. Yes, just showing up and playing will result in some improvements; however, training - practicing - working on our weaknesses and charting our shots will make us better players. Train and practice equal to or greater than the game, and at a higher rate will undoubtedly give us the ability to compete at a higher. Success at the higher level will be determined by so many other factors - ... one being togetherness and our ability to work as a TEAM. Attend open gym times together and we are working towards our standard or "team"...
Reminder... Attend open gym with a plan to do work - chart all shots and record all workouts (journal) - communicate your workouts to your teammates (hold each other accountable) - 14 to 16 hrs. of purposeful work each week - get a little bit better each day - work at a higher rate. We should be shooting 300 - 500 shots per day. The workout I designed provides players an opportunity to get up 750 shots. Workout at a high rate and at game speed... then you are giving yourself a chance to be able to compete at a higher level.
I hope to see you at the next open gym.

STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN, OR GET GOING?

It's the second week of summer and camp ended last week. Are you having a tough time training? If you missed a day, you are starting over. Read and re-read the two short articles found in the "BUILDING CULTURE" page... "Our Two Worst Enemies" and "Event + Response = Outcome" ... The "R Factor" is what our guys need to focus on during this off-season. The way we respond to events determines the outcomes we experience, and for many of us, reaps havoc on our emotions. There are "Six R Factor Disciplines" that Urban Meyer teaches his football players... Make them apart of your daily lives. "We can't control the Events and Outcomes in our lives; however, we can control our Responses." How we respond right now... today... tomorrow... one week from now... or at the end of summer... will determine our path and the possible outcome at the end of next basketball season. "NO REGRETS" boys ... "No Regrets." Embrace discomfort... push through the pain! Every individual faces adversity ... so does every team... average players/teams are destroyed by it... good players/teams survive it... great players/teams embrace it/rise above it/get better because of it! DO WORK! GET IT DONE! Don't give into your personal pleasure and comfort. Avoid the easy way out because it will prevent you from obtaining what you search for and what you possibly could become. Read the article every day ... before bed and before you go to work.

GET STARTED ON YOUR OFF-SEASON TRAINING

Great week of camp. I appreciate Coach Clark travelling to Salmon Arm to run a camp for us. I learned a lot as a coach and I will continue to study and learn during the off-season. PLAYERS... If you want to get better and be prepared for our season beginning in November, then ... TRAIN...! Skills, weights, fitness, agility. Get to the gym, the weight room, the fields, the forest... Reminder... senior players at an elite level should be putting in fourteen to sixteen hours of off-season training in. The outdoor courts at SMS are good enough... I think a player who wants to get better, needs to work on his or her game continuously and consistently. Check out the "Open Gym" page.

SHOOTING PRACTICE AT SULLIVAN TODAY

SR BOYS AND GIRLS.... AND ANOTHER SERIOUS PLAYERS WANTING TO SHOOT... THE GYM AT SULLIVAN WILL BE OPEN TODAY FROM 3:30 TO 4:45.

OPEN GYM TODAY....

I AM OPENING / SUPERVISING SAS (SULLIVAN) TODAY FROM 3:45 TO 5:15 FOR ANY OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED. ALL MUST PLAY BY OUR GOLDS' OPEN GYM GUIDELINES. SEE GUIDELINES POSTED BY MR. NEID'S OFFICE.

OPEN GYM GUIDELINES

Just had a great conversation with Coach Clark about summer hoops, open gym time, and what players need to be working on. Bob Starkey is the Women's coach at Texas A&M and he posted a great article about the off-season, working out, and what to do during open gym opportunities. I copied his thoughts and pasted them to the "Open Gym Guidelines" page on my blog. Players... you need to read these Guidelines as we will be adopting them for our open gym times this summer. Below is a synopsis of what will be expected when a Gold attends open gym opportunities:


Thoughts are from Bob Starkey - Women's Basketball Coach at Texas A&M - (I have tweaked them to fit our program)

Keys to a good summer should include:

1. Commitment: As coaches, we will make the gym available but it is up to the player and the team to make use of it.  During our Final Four run at LSU, the players would drive Starkey and his coaching staff crazy to open the gym for them.  Seimone Augustus would play 2 hours of pick up with the Lady Tigers and then drive across town and play pick up with a boys high school team.  Several of their players would head to the rec center to play with men after pick up.

2. Concentration: It is not enough just to walk in a gym and play.  The great players/teams go into each opportunity knowing there are specific things that they need to work on and they must have a high level of focus during pick to improve upon those areas.  Habits can be developed and improved upon in the summer --good ones and the bad ones -- based on the commitment and concentration of the player(s).

3. Effort: The average player goes through the motions in pick up and in their summer workouts.  They will give a little effort at times but nothing consistent.  And that is largely why they are "average" players.


PLAYERS... IT IS YOUR JOB TO MEET WITH COACH LIMBER AND I SO THAT WE CAN HELP GUIDE YOU IN YOUR SUMMER WORKOUTS. WE WILL TELL YOU WHAT WE THINK YOU'RE GOOD AT, AS WELL AS TWO ASPECTS OF YOUR GAME YOU NEED TO WORK ON. YOUR JOB... IT TO WORK ON IMPROVING YOUR GAME OVER THE SUMMER. A PROGRAM FOR ALL PLAYERS WILL BE SET UP TO FOLLOW.


 GOLDS' GUDELINES FOR PLAYING AND WORKING OUT AT OPEN GYM TIMES:

1. ALWAYS PLAY MAN TO MAN DEFENSE
Good pressure on the basketball (even if you get beat on the drive)
Get a hand up on every shot ... Closeout with feet/hips/shoulders square to sidelines
Make contact, blockout, and finish the possession
Get in the passing lanes
No switching

2. RUN OUR OFFENSIVE 
Spacing: High and Wide ... Low and Wide... 5 out... 4 - 1 ... 3 - 2...
Minimize your dribble usage
Take good shots... hunt 9's, 8's and 7's
Set good screens to get your teammates open
No ball screens
No plays or entries

(This is also a great opportunity for your veteran players to teach your new players our motion offense rules.)

3. START WITH HALF COURT GAMES
Even if you have enough for 5/5, start with a couple of half court games
Will help us to develop our man defense and offense principles

4. UTILIZE CONVERSION
After half court games, finish up with full court games

5. GET BACK ON DEFENSE
Even 4/4 games can be played full court

6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY
3/3, 2/2, 1/1
Play, play, play

7. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
Encourage teammates
Upperclassmen teach our freshman how we play
Help younger players to understand offensive/defensive principles

8. PLAY HARD
Is there any other way?!

MAXIMIZE OUR SUMMER PICK-UP GAMES... HOLD OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE... DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, OR SOMEONE ELSE'S TIME...

1.  PLAYERS PICK THE TEAMS

Gives players a chance to know where they stand with their teammates.  Makes captains give thought as to who they think can help them win. First player... "I GOT GAME!!!" Pick your team... Second player to call "I GOT GAME!!!" Picks his team ... play... Some one off says "I GOT NEXT!!!" ... Picks his guys and gets ready to compete...

2. PLAY SHORT GAMES

Play  7 to 9 points.  2's are worth 1 pt. and 3's are worth 2 pts. This creates a greater sense of urgency and can cultivate more intensity.

3. VALIDATE THE WIN WITH A FREE THROW

After a team gets to the point total needed to win, a player (selected by the losing team) must hit a free throw for the victory to be complete.  Otherwise OT is started for that game is at 0-0 and is played first to 3 pts. wins... followed by another free throw. The same process is repeated.

4. NO SUBBING DURING THE GAME UNLESS A PLAYER IS HURT. PLAY THROUGH FATIGUE.

Use each game as an opportunity to become more fit.

Extra players choose teams amongst those left over on the sidelines

One player must call next and choose his team.

If players are needed ... losing team shoots 3 pointers for spots.

Winning teams stay on... PLAY THROUGH FATIGUE...

THERE WILL COME A TIME

WHEN WINTER WILL ASKS,

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THIS SUMMER?”

NEW VIDEOS TO WATCH

Watch the University of Texas at Austin Commencement Address 2014 by Admiral William H. McRaven... The message is powerful and the strategies are linked to PGC's 5 Ways to Become Mentally Tough.... It is a must watch!


The other new video to watch... Both parents and players must watch the video - Bigger Than Basketball... Shannon Hecker sent it to me... Our Sr. Golds played Yale at their home tournament and Bradley Braich lit us up for 65 points. Tripled teamed ... he knocked down three's... The video addresses the reality of what is happening to our youth in society and in the game they love... Talk to our kids... listen... open the lines of communication... This is a MUST SEE video. Thanks Shannon!

REVISED POST FOR U15 AND U17 PRACTICES

U15 PRACTICES AT SULLIVAN ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS WILL BE FROM 3:45 - 5:45... PLAYERS CAN TAKE THE BUS FROM JACKSON TO THE SULLIVAN CAMPUS.


U17 PRACTICES... WE WILL START PRACTICES AT THE USUAL TIME ... 7:00 PM AND END AT 8:30; HOWEVER, ... THOSE PLAYERS WHO CAN SHOW UP EARLIER, WE WILL DO A 25 MINUTE SHOOTING AND FOOTWORK WORKOUT... 6:30 TO 6:55

• 6:30 - 6:55 WILL BE SHOOTING TECH AND FOOTWORK
• 6:55 - 7:00 PRE-PRACTICE MEETING... IF I PULL OFF 5 MINUTES OF TALKING... THAT WOULD BE AMAZING!!!
• 7:00 - 8:30 TEAM PRACTICE

6:30 - 6:55... SHOOTING TECH AND FOOTWORK ROUTINE

• MIKAN ... MAKE 25
• ELBOW LAY-UPS ... MAKE 10 RT - 10 LT ... 10 REVERSE EACH HAND... 10 SPIN EACH HAND
• SHOOTING: TOSS FROM UNDER HOOP... (SCORE 3 FROM EACH SPOT ... BOTH SIDES OF HOOP)
• SHORT CORNER + SHOT FAKE COUNTER
• WING + SHOT FAKE COUNTER (RT AND LT)
• ELBOW + SHOT FAKE COUNTER (RT AND LT)
• 3's FROM 7 SPOTS

*** COMPLETE THE ABOVE AND YOU ARE SUPER HUMAN... OR ... RUSHING THE WORKOUT. 

BASKETBALL GAMES AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Games tonight at Sullivan from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for our U17 - Grads - and Senior Men's League Players.


I have lots of "REMINDERS" on the Video Page ... Check them out boys. If I were a player, I would look at them every day. Communicate... talk about what you heard and how what you heard relates to the kind of TEAM you want to play on. We need to "Communicate Daily" with our Teammates about our Shot Selection and the kind of shots we want to take. Lots of good stuff... Check it out!

SYNERGY PLAYERS ... AND PARENTS... CHECK OUT VIDEO PAGE

USE THE VIDEOS FOUND IN THE VIDEO PAGE TO ACT AS REMINDERS... WHAT YOU DO ON AND OFF THE COURT SHAPES YOUR CHARACTER AND INDICATES WHO YOU ARE. ARE YOU INGAGED? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING BETTER? DO YOU WANT TO LEARN? HOW DO PEOPLE, WHO ARE VESTING TIME INTO YOU, PERCEIVE YOU?  JUST POSTED ANOTHER PGC VIDEO THAT LOOKS AT "HOW NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION AFFECTS PERFORMANCE" ... STUDENT-ATHLETES... CHECK THIS OUT. ARE YOU BEING THE BEST STUDENT YOU CAN BE ON AND OFF THE COURT??? ARE YOU A  GOOD LISTENER??? WE ALL GET TO PRACTICE THESE SKILLS EVERY DAY... WHAT ARE YOU LIKE IN THE CLASSROOM WHEN THE TEACHER IS TRYING TO TEACH YOU, OR WHEN YOU, AS A STUDENT, ARE WORKING ON ASSIGNED WORK?

TRU TOURNAMENT IN KAMLOOPS THIS WEEKEND

Our Synergy Boys' Teams are travelling to Kamloops this weekend to compete in the TRU Spring Basketball Tournament. All Teams get three (3) games. U17's there are no play-offs...


U12/U13 Team: 
Friday
5:30  vs Kams Hoops (black)


Saturday
8:00 AM   vs Jr. Coyotes (11's) ***this game might be changed to 10 AM  ... stay tuned
1:00 PM   vs Kam Hoops (white)
6:00 PM   vs Pro-Hop


U14 Team:
Friday
4:30   vs Pro-Hop
8:30   vs UNBC


Saturday
3:00 or 4:00 U14 Play-offs


U15 Team:
Friday
4:30   vs Westsyde


Saturday
11:00 AM   vs UNBC
6:00 or 7:00  U15 Play-Offs


U17 Team:
Friday
5:30  vs Phantom 1


Saturday
9:00  vs Jr. Coyotes 1
1:00  vs NW Timberwolves

UNIFORM RENTAL CHEQUES DUE TOMORROW

Reminder that our uniform rental cheques are due tomorrow at practices. Parents, please write a cheque for the amount of $110 and post date the cheque for July 3, 2018. Your cheque will be returned once the uniform is turned in and in good condition.

OPEN GYM AT SMS TODAY AT 3:45

DO WORK... WORK ON YOUR GAME. YOU CAN TRAIN OR PLAY. ASK ME FOR HELP IF YOU WANT. OPEN GYM WILL BE FROM 3:45 TO 5:15...
SENIORS ... HAVE FUN AT THE DANCE TONIGHT. SEEK OUT BALANCE!

OPEN GYM AT SMS TODAY FROM 3:45 TO 5:15...ISH

HIGH SCHOOL GUYS AND GIRLS ... WANT TO DO WORK BEFORE YOU HIT THE BOOKS AFTER SCHOOL? SHUSWAP GYM WILL BE OPEN FROM 3:45 TO 5:15 TODAY... WORK OUT/PLAY... DO EVERYTHING AT GAME SPEED.


REMEMBER ... "5 WAYS TO DEVELOP MENTAL TOUGHNESS"
1. GET OUT OF BED EARLY EVERYDAY... DON'T HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON
2. MAKE YOUR BED... WHY? BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO... IT WILL BE YOUR FIRST WIN OF THE DAY
3. WORKOUT... AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR BED, OR GET TO THE GYM
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL... WHY? BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO ... IT'S TOUGH TO DO WORK AFTER SCHOOL
5. EAT SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T LIKE...


MAKE THESE FIVE STRATEGIES HABITS... A PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINES...

SPRING BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP 2018

Great week of camp so far. We have 42 campers attending two three hour sessions during the week - 21 campers in each session. A big thank you goes out to our student coaches: Evan, Silas, Jackson, Colin, Steven, Noah, Rhys, Matthew, and Shane... All have done an outstanding job coaching and working with our young athletes. I am extremely proud and pleased with each of you!!! What is happening at camp this week is truly an example of what Synergy is all about! Great Job!!!


Camp ends on Thursday. Monday Night Instructional Spring League begins April 9th. Grades 4 - 6 will practice and play from 5:00 to 6:30 and Grades 6 - 8 will practice and play from 6:30 to 8:00. New athletes are welcome. Cost of the program is $65.00. New registrations will be accepted on April 9th at the door. All practices will take place at Shuswap Middle School. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Smith at synergybasketball2014@gmail.com