Big Practice Today!
10-19-06
We gave our team the day off yesterday and I am concerned about how we will react to a day off. Another problem we had last year is that our players were very concerned about pleasing the coaching staff and I believe it took away from their ability to be creative and play with no fear. We will see when scrimmages begin…
During film today, we have incorporated some funny movie clips into our session. I learned this from Phil Jackson (who probably learned from someone else). The goal is to keep our guys loose and break up the pattern a bit. It is important to not do this too much because of the message it could send. The approach to practice should be the same as it is on games, but we also want to make sure that we break off pattern… and I think our guys will enjoy it. Perhaps they will learn a bit from the Great Chris Farley or Will Farrell!!!
I spoke to a group of about 60 Ft. Wayne businessmen yesterday and I was amazed at the interest in our program. Many of them are either IU, Purdue or Notre Dame supporters, but I think they are beginning to see that we are doing the right things to build a winner. That is the whole key. We must give them something to cheer for.
Tomorrow we will have the IPFW Basketball Tip-off Luncheon and it should be a great event. It is sold out (300 strong) and it will be neat to see the look on our players’ faces.
On another note, I want to make sure that I give a shout to my Detroit Tigers who have made it to the World Series and will play either the Mets or the Cards. We’ll see tonite.
More to come…
October 21st, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Dane-
I’m an IU senior from the Fort Wayne area and I just happend to run across your blog tonight. I just wanted to leave a few words of thanks for your years at IU, you are one of my all-time favorite players. I saw a couple IPFW games last year and it’s clear you’ll turn that program around. Good luck this season, and go Hoosiers (and, for you, go Mastdons)!
October 21st, 2006 at 11:28 pm
Hi Coach Fife,
I had a few questions for you. First, what are your goals for the upcoming season both as a team and as a head coach. Also, what is your favorite part of coaching thus far into your young career? I know while watching you at IU, I always thought you’d fit the mold as a good coach, becoming better and better as you go. If that defense of yours rubs off on the players then watch out!
Also, just wondered what your thoughts are on your alma mater’s new coach, as well as how you think Coach Davis will do at UAB. Coach Davis was a great guy and I think he’s going to have success down there.
Thanks and good luck this season,
David Jones
October 22nd, 2006 at 9:18 am
Dane, how is your relationship with Coach Knight been since he left IU, and does he ever call you or do you ever talk to him?
If not, why not?
I’d think he could be a great help to a young, inexperienced coach such as yourself.
Do you think he’d ever schedule your program?
As for your Tigers, they’re going down in four or five to the Cards.
October 22nd, 2006 at 10:20 am
Justin,
Thank you for the note. Your support is appreciated. Best of luck to you down in Bloomington. It is a great place!
Dane
October 22nd, 2006 at 10:30 am
David,
Great questions. Our first goal is to improve everyday. Next, we want to get more wins than we did last season. It is important to understand that building a program that has never won (at the D-1 level) takes time. We have to establish something that has never been. On the other hand, I am very excited to be a part of this building process and that in itself has been the best part of the job. Also, I have great people to work with, coaches and players alike.
To answer your question about Coach Sampson, I think he will do a great job. He has been very helpful to me and he simply wants to win… and he will.
I also think that Coach Davis will do very well at UAB. He is a great coach and I truly believe that. He is responsible for me being here. Had he not hired me at Indiana, I am not sure where I would be coaching.
Thanks, David.
Dane