Scott M.

I run entire practices without a basketball. I run entire practices without dribbling. I do not allow my team to shoot 3-pointers. I play strictly man-to-man defense until at least mid-season. I won't play my best player if he can not play within the offense. And we were 12-1 and conference champions last year.

My basketball philosophy is simple. Play with discipline! It is such an easy game to coach if you start with discipline. You work your butts off on defense and then you reap the rewards by getting easy transition baskets or high percentage shots off crisply run offensive sets.

I have actually been compared to Gene Hackman in Hoosiers when I outlawed the 3-pointer and would not allow a jump shot until there were 10 or less seconds left on the shot clock.

I begin practices and sessions with a solid run and stretch followed by fundamentals. At least 4 different fundamental drills before we move on to MPC (Middle of Practice Conditioning). Then I will get in to the days lesson plan, which we rep over and over, with the "don't waste a rep" mantra, until it is crisp! Then, as in softball, I end the practice or session with something light to maintain morale and confidence.

I love coaching high school basketball because the game is so cerebral and intense at this level. And the quick decision making required give you a rush because there literally be 1 second difference between hero and goat!

Was a varsity letterman in track and tennis in high school. I played tennis for one year in college. I was rated in the USTA out of high school.

I create separate session plans based on player needs and ability level. I always include an emphasis on agility and athleticism in my sessions.