What Coaches Can Learn From Watching “Coach Carter”

Ask most basketball coaches and even leadership experts, and they will all agree that “Coach Carter” is among their introductory or opening-day motivational films. There are great lessons not just about the sport, but in life in general that can be picked up from this much-loved flick. Here are some of them.

Image source: netflix.com

One is the importance of showing players respect. Players will reciprocate respect if the coach is willing to give it. In the movie, coach Carter insisted on having every player in the team call one another “sir.” The players were initially uneasy with this, but they eventually came around and saw that this meant treating everyone on equal footing.

Secondly, being punctual is a key aspect of practice. Arriving on time for practice sessions is an important manifestation of passion for the game, discipline, and respect for both the coach and the team.

Another lesson is that teamwork means working as a unit. The struggle of one player is the struggle of all. In the film, a remorseful player desperately wanted to come back to the team and was instructed by coach Carter to do an impossible number of push-ups. His teammates stepped up to help him finish the task. A great team is one where the members can count on each other.

Finally, “Coach Carter” showed the value of education. Carter understood that his players were student-athletes and that the word “student” comes first. The film played up the importance of learning throughout the film, more than it did basketball and winning. Carter even initiated a lockdown of the school gym when he found out that his players weren’t meeting their grade requirements.

Image source: fanart.tv

Bob Mims, CPA, is a golfer, sports fan, and fitness enthusiast. A former basketball coach, he has been a sports enthusiast for most of his life. More sports and fitness reads here.

Galactic Empowerment: The Fierce Femmes Of 'Star Wars'

With the addition of the sequel trilogy and “Rouge One: A Star Wars Story,” women have taken over the role of saving the galaxy from the forces of evil. Below are the fierce femmes of the “Star Wars” saga.

                               Image source: starwars.com

Padme Amidala

Chronologically speaking, Padme Amidala is the prototype Star Wars heroine. In the end, she was tragic as she was beautiful. She was also a go-getter, being able to hold a high position in the galaxy before being romanced by one Anakin Skywalker.

Leia Organa

Leia Organa, Princess Organa, then General Organa – Leia is the hands-down most iconic of all the “Star Wars” women. She has had by far the most number of unforgettable moments, from her first kiss with Han to her golden bikini at Jabba the Hutt’s hideout.

 

                                Image source: popsugar.com

Rey

Even after “The Last Jedi,” a lot of questions still persist about Rey. She has become the most mysterious character in “Star Wars” today. While every bit as alluring as the other women in this galaxy, Rey holds the innocence of a teenager, which many young girls can relate to.

Jyn Erso

The leader of Rogue One, Jyn Erso played an integral role in the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire. Also a tragic character, she was as feisty and tough as they come. Many will remember her sacrifice.

Former basketball coach Bob Mims CPA is an avid golfer, fitness enthusiast, and cinephile. Check out this blog for more on his interests.

Basketball drills and fundamentals for young players

Basketball is a fun, popular sport, and many young people are interested in learning and playing the game. Countless training camps of different tiers are being held all over the world, both by seasoned professional players, teams, and coaches. But one thing is for sure: everyone starts with the basics. Here are some beginning drills for committed young players.

Image source:basketballonfire.altervista.org

The first thing to develop is form shooting. This drill is slow and methodical, but nonetheless crucial in promoting muscle memory among young players. Whether via one-hand or two-hand form shooting, this is done near the basket, as close as the layup area. Constant form shooting practice should develop one’s ability to take the shot following actual game pace. Shane Battier used to warm up with 50 one foot shots when playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. One critical thinking point is the mental aspect of shooting. When executing a shooting drill each shot must have the player mentally say “I’m going to make it” when releasing the ball.

Dribbling two balls is another important fundamental to learn early on, as it improves ball-handling especially on the weak hand, freeing up the player to focus more on in-game decisions. A lot of young players can dribble on their dominant hand, but clever defensive plays by opponents force them to freeze their dribble and prevent a designed play from being realized. Young players can begin with pounding the balls, then progress to in-and-out dribbling as well as between-the-legs and behind-the-back. If a player can dribble the ball, they can play with any talent level.

The wall-passing drill teaches players, especially ball-handling guards, to pass with both hands. Players will learn how to put a spin when passing, whether doing a chest pass, bounce pass, or overhead pass. To maximize this drill, players should stand about 15 feet in front of a cement or brick wall and practice these passing drills.

Image source:stack.com

Players will eventually have to play one-on-one basketball to develop both their offensive and defensive stance. While matchup is important in actual games, playing with bigger, bulkier opponents will help young players develop their overall stamina, as well adjust better to opponents. Setting rules such as dribbling limits or doing only layups develop both their strength and skills.

Bob Mims CPA is a former basketball coach and now a sports and fitness aficionado. He is also an ardent follower of SEC Conference college football and a huge fan of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels. More reads on sports and fitness here.