“In a clinic full of veteran Read & React Coaches, we had one coach who will be installing it for the first time this coming season. In fact, it’s only his second year as a coach! I asked the coaches to give him one quick piece of advice and this is the list we compiled together” – Coach Rick Torbett
1 – Don’t go back.
2 – Stick to it.
3 – Don’t be a perfectionist. You don’t have to look “pretty” to be successful.
4 – Sit down with them; explain the big picture – show them the way.
5 – Don’t feel the pressure of getting through the entire system.
6 – Work on Circle Movement every day – get it right.
7 – Stick with Circle Movement even when it’s not perfect.
8 – Don’t let your ego get in your way.
9 – Journal and Reflect.
10 – Hybrid Games: Shell offense & defense until the action occurs – then its “live”.
11 – Use your bench: the Read & React allows you to play more players – do it.
12 – Identify your IQ kids, even if they’re not your best players.
13 – Keep, file, reflect and grade your practice plans.
14 – Bring in a Quality Control person to watch your practices.
15 – Keep things to 10 minutes.
16 – Be concise with communication.
17 – Colors, quick, easy calls if they need help.
18 – Teach all layers to all players, but emphasize playing their strengths and hiding their weaknesses.
19 – Most turnovers happen when players try to do too much.
20 – Let teammates identify their teammates strengths and verbalize them.
21 – Against Zones – customize cutters (Rick), learn your player’s strengths.
22 – Have passion for it.
23 – Celebrate the little things.
24 – Invest time in yourself.
25 – Don’t pigeon hole yourself with something you may have to change later.
26 – Don’t need to be “anti-play”; they can use a quick-hitter as a crutch until the team knows how to start their own possessions.
p.s. – Thanks to Richard Cassella Video Director – Wagner Women’s Basketball for helping compile this list!
