Coaching Tip of the Month - September, 2003

"Balance is perhaps the most important word for a player or coach to keep in mind." 
Coach John Wooden, Hall of Fame Player and Coach

One of the keys to success in basketball and life is balance.  Balance and quickness should be emphasized in every basketball situation. 

There are many types of balance that must be attended to in order for any player to be effective in reaching their potential.  Some of the most important areas are:

1. Basketball Balance 
   • Physical - Players must learn how to get in a quick stance and maintain a quick stance with balance in order to attain maximum quickness.
   • Offensive and Defensive - Both individuals and teams must strive for balance between scoring and preventing opponents from scoring.  
   • Transition - On offense, teams must strike a balance between offensive rebounding and establishing their defense, especially having a safety back on defense.  On defense, teams must establish a balance between gaining possession of the ball (primarily through rebounding) and pushing the ball up the court on the fast break.
   • Inside and Outside - Again, players and teams should strive toward achieving a balance between inside scoring moves and plays and outside scoring opportunities.  
   • Players - A team should have a balance of players that can excel at the primary basketball skills; ball handling, shooting, rebounding, and defending.
   • Team and Individual - Even though the primary focus in a team sport such as basketball must be on team play, there should also be a balance between that team play and individual play.
2. Life/Personal Balance
   • Emotional - One of the most challenging balance areas requires us all to keep things in perspective in order to achieve consistency.  
   • Mental - Basketball is a game of finesse and reason, even though quite physical in nature at times, therefore mental balance is required for optimal achievement.
   • Work and Play - The time honored balance between doing what is required and what we prefer to do is always a struggle.  
   • Self and Others - One of the great lessons of a team sport is to reduce the importance of self in order to serve others.

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Coach Jerry Krause, 502 E Boone, Spokane, WA 99258