Greetings Everyone
Hello to all:
This is my official link to you, the fans and basketball lovers alike. In the next 6 months, I look forward to giving my thoughts on basketball topics as well as topics on everyday life. This website is dedicated to giving fans and friends the inside track to my basketball program including daily practice updates, pregame and postgame thoughts, tips that may help you and my past playing and coaching experiences.
Please note that while I certainly enjoy being a part of this blog site, there will be times when I will not be able to answer your mail promptly and my postings could be distanced apart. However, it is my goal to serve and provide you with what you are looking for in a blog site. Questions are encouraged, thoughts are appreciated. I wish you well and it is my hope that you will enjoy being part of this site. Thank You
Dane Fife
October 17th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
Hi coach Fife. I have a few questions to ask you. Im 19 years old and currently coaching a 7th grade boys basketball team. The middle school is very strict in what you do and how you run practice. Can you give me some pointer on what drills you do in your practice? Also, you are a young coach yourself, can you give me some guidence on how to become a great coach like yourself and what it takes to coach for a D-1 college?
Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon.
Scott Caldwell
October 19th, 2006 at 7:35 am
Scott,
Those are some very good questions. First, with young kids, you should always be sure to focus on the fundementals of the game. Even at the college level, we do not let our guys slip on working to improve the basics of the game. This includes: holding your follow through on the shot, dribbling with each hand, layups and passing.
Some drills that we do in practice are drills that you probably are aware of. We do 3-man weave, defensive slides while passing the ball back and forth and while we get loose, we have the ball in our hands- dribbling. Be sure to stay on them about the things that are important to you and never let them slip.
Scott, I appreciate the compliment on being a great coach, but I am far from great. I think that greatness comes with experience. In the meantime, I am trying to learn from the best and what seems to be getting me by is my ralationship with our players and ability to communicate. Remember this: Good players make good coaches. Even more than this…. Good people make good coaches. This is crucial in sports. The foundation of your team should have solid character. All of our players at IPFW are good people first. If your team has a player that is not on board, then he/she will drag the fence-riders with them, essentially creating a divide in your team.
As far as what you need to do to become a coach at this level. First, you must be relentless in your work ethic. You have to want it more than the next guy. Next, you must pay the price in order to get involved with the right program. I was very fortunate that Coach Mike Davis asked me to join his staff at Indiana. Otherwise, I was out in open waters trying to find my way like most people have to do. Keep in mind that timing is everything on this. You may not find a great situation right away, probably having to start as a volunteer or something of that nature.
If you will call our Director of Basketball Operations, Dan Bere’, he will get you some more drill that we do. His number - (260) 481 0542.
Thanks, Scott. Take Care.
Dane
October 24th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
Hey coachingman - you can also check out 43drills.com for sports drills. The site looks really new and there isn’t a lot there yet, but its probably worth checking out.
Good luck with the blog, coach. If you ever have questions about WordPress I’d be happy to talk with you. I’m running four WordPress sites right now and I love the program.
Looking forward to the IUPUI/IPFW game in Indy on 12/16; one of the few times in my life that I won’t be rooting for you but it is one of my favorite games of the Jaguars’ season.
October 31st, 2006 at 3:39 pm
Hoosierplew,
Thank you for the information. So you are a Jaguars fan? Coach Hunter and staff are doing a great job. The NCAA’s are on the horizon for the Jaguars. Is there any way that you might be able to root for the Dons’ in Indy???
DF
November 9th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Rooting for IPFW is out (I’m a dedicated Jaguars fan) but I am excited to see the matchup.
DF— I guess I understand. Can we talk you into to wearing some Mastodon gear? You can still root for the Jags…