My thoughts on Rick Majerus...

The first time Rick Majerus called me I literally got chills throughout my body.  This was THE Rick Majerus calling me.  This was the guy who coached Utah to a National Championship game, the guy who I stayed up way past my bedtime to watch coach the midnight West Coast ESPN games, the guy who's book I read when I was in high school.  He was now calling me... asking to recruit one of my players to play for him at St. Louis University.  And yes, he literally asked my permission to recruit John Manning.  That's not normal for a college coach, but then again, there wasn't much that was normal about Rick Majerus.  I started training John at age 10, the kid is like a little brother to me, so for Rick to do that really means something.

Rick Majerus died the other day.  December 1st, 2012.  I'm finding this more difficult to handle than I would of thought.  For the past few days I keep thinking back to all of the conversations I had with him throughout John's recruiting process and the practices and games I was fortunate enough to see.  For those of you not very familiar with Rick, simply Google his name.  You'll find all sorts of interesting articles.

For a few months during John's recruiting process Rick would call me about once a week.  Usually around 9 or 10pm and the conversation would be about 30-45 mins long.  I loved every second of it.  It was like a basketball education that not many people ever are fortunate enough to receive.  I didn't do much talking, much more listening.  Rick told me all about his philosophies on the game, on coaching players, on helping raise young men.  He was as proud of the success of his players off the court as he was on the court.  Truthfully he bragged about how well his former players were doing after college, but whenever he talked about the success his teams had on the court he simply stated it and moved on.  Rick kept saying to me that I should come out to SLU to visit and see the campus and get to spend some time with him.  He would tell me about a restaurant in St. Louis we could get a great meal and talk hoops.  Then he would say "I look forward to growing our friendship over the years".  An odd thing for a college coach to say.  Most coaches will say anything for a recruit, but for some reason Majerus seemed completely genuine.  That's because he was.

Probably my favorite conversation I had with him was when the phone rang one night around 10pm.  I answered the phone and he said, "Hey Alex, it's Rick Majerus, I just wanted to call because I've spent the last hour breaking down film on John and wanted to talk with you about it"... without hesitation he went right into a half hour lecture about things like John's footwork on a hook shot going right vs. going left, and the 5 reasons why John's guards struggle to get him the ball in the post... It was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, this man just watched film on John and was able to pull out details about the angle of his toes when shooting a shot.  He was talking about details that no one else had ever mentioned or noticed about John.  Everyone always talks about how detailed Rick is, but until you hear it or see if first hand, you could never appreciate it.

Once John committed to SLU I got the opportunity to see a few practices and games.  Going to a practice run by Rick Majerus is a mix between Andrew Dice Clay and Einstein.  The most foul mouthed comedy one second followed by a moment of pure brilliance.  For a basketball junky who doesn't mind some dirty jokes, it's the greatest thing in the world.  I wish I could write some of the things I heard him say, but as a professional and business owner who works with kids I wouldn't feel right.  We'll say this, he's very creative when calling someone a body part...

Last season I flew out to SLU for the weekend of the Washington game.  I got there in time to see practice Saturday the day before the game.  The first thing I noticed was that there was tape all over the floor, probably an extra 30-40 lines.  It was everything from driving lanes to trapping angles, every piece of tape explained the game beautifully.  The practice was as sharp as anything I've ever seen, it was everything that I had been told about Majerus coming to life.  The details were amazing, communication was flawless, traps were set with 10 toes on the lines (pieces of tape), players moved in ways that you normally see choreographed dance teams going through a routine.
After practice I got to go in the locker room / film room (one big area, two rooms right next to each other)... Best way to describe it was like on CSI or some TV cop show where the obsessed psycho killer has hundreds of photos or newspaper clippings all over the walls.  It was a different kind of obsession here, every detail about Washington's team was posted on big sheets of paper on the walls.  Leading scorers, shooting percentages, players tendencies to go right vs. left.  John had another sheet of paper that broke down every post player on Washington's team and every detail about them.  I'm not sure, but boxers or brief's may have been on there.  The preparation for this game was on a level that I had never seen before.  John's calm candid reaction... "yeah, it's like this every game".

The next day at the game SLU blew out University of Washington, a top 25 team.  The execution of what I saw the day before was flawless. What they had prepared for was happening exactly as Majerus crafted it in practice.  SLU players were always one step ahead and it showed.  It was the most incredible example of preparation and execution I had ever seen, and now that Rick has passed, I probably won't ever see anything like it again.

I knew when John signed with SLU that there was a chance that he wouldn't get four years with Majerus. I was certainly hoping he would get more than one though.  It's disappointing in one sense that he didn't get more than a year, but truthfully, one year with Majerus is better than four with a lot of other coaches.  The changes I saw in John over one year with Rick were tremendous.  I'm eternally gratefully that one of my favorite players that I've ever worked with got the chance to spend a year with Rick Majerus.   That's an opportunity that most don't get.

I didn't have to chance to know Rick Majerus for a very long time, or get to spend a lot of time with him.  But the short time that I got to know him I will value for the rest of my life.  He made a tremendous impact on me that I am eternally grateful for.  But most importantly I am thankful that one of my players was able to spend a year with Rick and see the positive impact that he was able to leave on John.

Thank you Rick.

I've never received a thank you letter from a coach before after the recruitment of a player. 85 players have gone to college from Evolution and Rick Majerus is the only coach to send a letter.  He's as unique and genuine as they come.

Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com

Want to talk about this topic?  Email me: alex@evobball.com

Patience... development takes time.

If there is one thing I've learned over the past 10 years its patience.  Not necessarily for things like laziness, bad attitude, static on the radio, etc.  (I think static on the radio might be the thing I hate most in life).  But I've learned to not rush development for a number of reasons.  Every player develops at a different pace and their mental and physical maturity is a major factor why.  You have to work with a player and where they are mentally and physically to not force the issue.

Shooting is a great example.  Often I'll get kids at a pretty young age (5th/6th/7th grade) and we'll begin to work on their shooting mechanics.  After 5 or so sessions, sometimes we'll get stuck at a point that is beyond mine or the players control... It could be lack of strength, it could be the size of their hands, it could be the size of their whole body.  But the point is that until they get bigger and stronger there's going to be a few parts of their shot that isn't right until they get a little older.  There's no forcing that issue, it just takes patience and continue to work on some other parts of their shot.

Another situation I'll run into pretty often is having to be patient with a players mental state.  Probably the easiest way to describe it is middle school boys.  Generally speaking MS boys are not the most serious group.  They value "cool" more than they value true development.  Laughing and goofing off with their friends is pretty high on the priority list, and shooting a 3 pointer with bad form is more fun than shooting a 7 foot shot with perfect form.  Now as much as I can ask them to be serious and focus on becoming a "real basketball player" I usually know that's not going to happen until they get to high school.  It's not a light switch where a kid is going to wake up one day and magically take basketball serious.  But if we keep promoting to them the benefits of doing things the right way, eventually they will get there.  So instead of boring them to death with slow paced drills and in depth detail, get them in a group with their friends, let them have fun and have them work on competitive drills that move at a fast pace.  Even if they are making mistakes, put them in situations where they are having a great time but developing some part of their game and working hard at it.

Probably the most important point I want to make about having patience is for parents to understand that if they are not going to speed up the process by getting frustrated.  I often times see parents get frustrated when their child can't do something right, or are not taking the time to practice on their own.  Just keep in mind their physical and metal limitations.  By no means am I saying don't guide them in the right direction, but understand why they may not doing what you expect of them yet.  If they are not going out and practicing on their own, then don't fight it, embrace it.  Find a group of friends or teammates who can get out together and have some fun.

One last thing to think about concerning patience with the physical aspect.  When I was an 8th grader (6'5") I remember being in practice and my coach doing a drill to try to get me to explode when jumping up to the rim.  In a big booming voice he kept yelling "EXPLODE" and I swear I was trying as hard as my goofy 14 year old body would allow me to.  But I couldn't, I simply could not explode and jump any higher.  I was trying and at that age I thought I was doing something wrong, but I wasn't, my body just wasn't ready to explode yet.  I don't blame the coach for trying, if anything I thank the him for pushing me.  But it just wasn't going to happen that day.  A year later as a freshman in HS I dunked it for the first time in a practice.... Patience.


Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com

Want to talk about this topic?  Email me: alex@evobball.com

Parents coaching from the stands...

Parents I kindly ask you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't coach your child from the stands.  I've been watching basketball games as a coach and trainer for over a decade now and have never (ever) seen a time that anything good happened from a parent coaching from the stands.  This is a slightly controversial subject, but something I don't want to shy away from.  My job is to help kids develop and become the best they can be, and this is something that I see that holds kids back.

Here's a few of things that I see that negatively affect your child when you coach from the stands...

1. If your child is listening to you, then they are not listening to the coach.  If they are not listening to the coach there's a good chance there's going to be a nice spot for them on the bench.
2. Most kids are embarrassed by their parents coaching from the stands.  
3. You wouldn't go to your child's classroom and yell out the answers during a test would you?  Then let them do this on their own as well.  A game is a chance for your child to show what they can accomplish on their own.  
4. If you're coaching from the stands I promise the coach knows your doing it.  There's no quicker way to get on a coaches bad side than to coach from the stands.  
5. RESPECT!  Show some respect to the coach and let them do their job.  You're teaching your child to not respect their coach.
6. I hear this a lot:  "The coach is a moron, they have no clue what they are doing".  That may be true, but they are still the coach and you need to respect that.  If it is really that bad, then don't have your child play for that coach next season.  
7. I believe that a big part of athletics is teaching your child the game of life.  In life you're not always there to protect your child and help them make the right decisions you just have to rely on the fact that you've taught them well enough.  Same goes for basketball... If your child has prepared and you and the coach has taught them well enough in practice then they should have the opportunity to perform on their own in the games.  
8. WHAT IF YOU'RE WRONG???  What if you're telling your child to do something from the stands and it's opposite of what the coaches game plan is?  It happens more often than you think.  When I was coaching AAU about 8 years ago I actually had a parent telling their child to shoot the ball because they were open.  That kid (a post player) could not have made that 15 foot shot if they shot it 20 times and they knew it.  I didn't want them to shoot it, but the parent is screaming for them to shoot right behind me.  Yup, I kicked them out of the stands.  

Parents, I know you want to help your child succeed and it's your parental instinct to want to do so at all times, even during the games.  You should help your child succeed, but not during the game.  Talk with them before the game, talk with them after the game, but during the game, that's the coaches job and the player opportunity to perform on their own.  What's wrong with just cheering positively from the stands?


Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com

Want to talk about this topic?  Email me: alex@evobball.com

My coach has "favorites"...

Of course they do, every coach has "favorites".  But why is that, and how do you become one of your coaches favorites?

Coaches always want the same thing, kids who listen, follow instructions, play hard, execute the offense, play defense, rebound, and simply can score.  These are the attributes of players who help a coach win games which is the ultimate goal.

So here's a list of things that would make you a "favorite" of your coach:

1. Attention to detail.  There's nothing that drives a coach crazy like having to repeat the same things over and over again.  Don't make your coach re-teach something, listen the first time.
2. Paying attention when the coach speaks.  When your coach is talking, your eyes should be glued onto them hanging on every word.  If you have a basketball in your hands do not play with it, put it under your arm or between your feet so your not tempted.  
3. Always hustle and play hard. We all know coaches like players who are the hardest workers, so be one of those players.  If your coach is having to make comments to you about your effort it is pissing them off.  That's a sure fire way to not be one of their favorites.
4. Show up to everything. Every single practice, game, workout, preseason, in season, out of season, etc.  SHOW UP.  Be there for everything the coach offers and it will show dedication. If your coach sees that you're dedicated then you are more likely to become a favorite.
5. Production.  When you go in the game are you producing?  Take a look at your stat line.  If you're a post player and you only have 1 or 2 rebounds then you are not producing.  If you're a shooting guard and you're only scoring a few points a game then you're not producing.  When you are on the court, make things happen... points, rebounds, steals, take charges, play defense.  Do something that the coach can look at the stat sheet after the game and see that you're clearly helping the team win.
6. Limit turnovers.  This is one very much over looked way to get on your coaches bad list.  Trust is a very powerful thing in life and when your coach can't trust you to take care of the ball you are not gong to get a lot of opportunity to play.  If your coach can't trust you to take care of the ball you're not going to be a favorite.  
7. Enthusiasm.  If you are the loudest, and most enthusiastic player in the gym you are also going to likely be a leader.  Coaches always need leaders and this is always a great way to become a favorite of your coach. 
8. The obvious.  Are you the tallest, fastest, best athlete, best ball handler, best shooter, etc.  There are certain things that you have to have to win basketball games and size, speed, and athleticism are some of the major ones.  If you're blessed with one of these things, you're lucky... if not you better be the most focused,  dedicated, hardest worker on the team.  

Now, here's a list of things that would quickly NOT make you one of the coaches "favorites":

1. Poor attitude
2. Lack of hustle and effort
3. Lack of focus (doesn't follow instructions)
4. Bad body language
5. Missed practice, games, or out of season workouts
6. Missing layups
7. Turnovers
8. Can't score, rebound, play defense

Whatever you do, don't get into the habit of blaming your coach for your failures.  Take control by looking in the mirror and seeing what you are doing right or wrong.  Go through the above lists and see what you do and don't do.  Be honest with yourself and if you more resemble the attributes from the first list then you're probably one of your coaches favorites.  If you have some of the issues in the second list, then that's probably why you are not one of your coaches favorites.  

One last thought... Some of what makes you a "favorite" is out of your control (size, speed, athleticism) but if you really look at the above lists most of it is not.  You are in control, it is your choice!

Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com 

Want to talk about this topic?  Email me: alex@evobball.com

My Tennis Ball Theory:

So if someone was to stand in front of you and toss you 5 tennis balls, how many would you catch?

Probably 1... maybe 2.


The human brain definitely works the same way.  If you give a person too many things to think about at once, something is always forgotten.  Over the years as I've worked with kids, one of the things that has become very clear to me is that you can only give a kid one or maybe two things to think about or focus on at once.  If you give them too much to think about they are never going to be able to remember it all.

So... same as the tennis balls, when you want someone to remember something, just give them one or two things to think about.  With basketball training we are constantly asking players to do specific things with their bodies (footwork, knees bent, follow through, eyes up, etc).  If we ask too much of them they are never able to remember it all.

The way to deal with this is simple... focus on 1 or 2 things at a time.  In the case of of teaching shooting (which is one of the most detailed parts of basketball) we have to really break it down and focus on one part of the shot at a time.  For example, just focusing on the follow through until a player can get  comfortable with that piece of their shot where they no longer have to think about it (it just becomes habit).  Once they are comfortable with the snap of the wrist and the follow through, you can add another aspect to the shot.  Little by little you will build each part of the shot and put it together until they are shooting the ball properly.

On occasion I will have a parent or coach ask me when watching a kid workout a question like, "Don't you want them to rip through below their knees?"  I have to gracefully answer them and explain that, YES I do want them to rip through below their knees, but I'm not telling them that now because I've already given them one or two other things to think about.  Once they get comfortable with those other aspects, then I'll ask them to rip through below their knees.

This is not just specific to basketball.  It works the same with the rest of life too, sort of like why I have to put reminders in my phone all the time...


Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com 

Want to talk about this topic?  Email me: alex@evobball.com