Coach McGannon
"It begins with the positionining of the feet and good body balance. We spend a lot of time getting the players to understand the messages that come from the brain to the feet. The emphasis will be on teaching the quick and proper execution of the fundamentals AND on being considerate of others. We stress conduct, attitude, attention and effort. Our subject is not just basketball, but helping aid in the development of the full personality." comment from Coach Wooden that also describes the core values of Basketball Basics.
"Composure + Skills = Wins" Coach McGannon
CORE VALUES: Limit the number of players to NO MORE than 12-16 in the gym Provide strong fundamental instruction based on the game's key skills Weave into the instruction basic life skills that apply ON and OFF the court SUMMER CAMP 2009 DATES NOW AVAILABLE @ http://mybasketballbasics.com/summercamps.aspx. Class L All State player, Fairfield Prep, Fairfield, CT Division 1 player, Dartmouth College 6’9", 240 lbs. Our College coach, Gary Walters, was a starting guard on the Princeton teams of the 1960's with Bill Bradley that reached the Final Four in the NCAA tourney. Coach Walters is the current athletic director at Princeton. The discipline, work ethic and understanding of the game we were taught is part of Basketball Basics' approach to teaching all players. Outstanding coaching and mentoring: worked with or played against the following coaches: Dean Smith (North Carolina), Pete Carill (Princeton), Jimmy Valvano (NC State), Bill Raftery (Seton Hall), Gary Walters (Dartmouth, Providence, Princeton), Jim Calhoun (UConn), George Blaney (Holy Cross), many others. Terrific organizational skills. These camps are designed to build fundamental skills. As Coach Wooden says, "to teach the quick and proper execution of the fundamentals." Father of 3 young children ages 13, 10 and 7. Very patient and encouraging. Founder of Basketball Basics. Instruction can be conducted anywhere in the state. Based in Spring Lake, clinics run in West Michigan, Lansing, Detroit, Traverse City. Out-of-State instruction run in North Carolina, New York and Conneceticut to date. Please inquire concerning logistics. Strong instructional element with older groups on the mental side of the game: practice and game preparation, understanding strengths and weaknesses, handling disappointment, balancing school and athletics, time management skills, managing expectations, developing poise and composure and other key mental elements that separate good players from great players |
Outstanding Fundamental Instruction
Coach John Wooden of UCLA is referred to frequently in Basketball Basics camps and clinics. His organization, skill development and motivation created the benchmark against which coaches are measured. Among the many quotes Coach Wooden is credited with, my favorite is below. These traits apply both on and off the court.
"Be polite at all times. Never criticize, nag or provoke a team mate. Be a team player always. Never be selfish, jealous, envious or egotistical. Earn the right to be proud and confident. Never expect favors. Do not alibi or make excuses. Never lose faith or patience. Courtesy and politeness are a small price to pay for the goodwill and affection of others. Acquire peace of mind by becoming the best you are capable of becoming."
As Coach Wooden’s quote describes, Basketball Basics will be as focused on off-the-court skills as on strong fundamental skills on the court. The two go hand in hand. Relevant issues such as listening skills, being on time, hard work, respect for others, building self-esteem, learning from mistakes, managing choices, balancing school and sports, developing poise and composure, handling disappointment and building strong character traits will be woven into the instruction.
I have been blessed with terrific coaching and mentoring as a player and student, and equally blessed with the opportunity to share this knowledge. I hope to have that opportunity with your kids, they will get strong
on-court instruction and reinforcement of the life skills described here. - Coach Jim McGannon
Coach McGannon and his family: Laura, son Henry and 2 daughters: Elise and Laine
Help your student-athlete BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the competition.
BEFORE: Know their goals, roles, needs and accept them.
DURING: Model poise, confidence and correct behavior. Focus on the team.
AFTER: Give them all the time and space they need. Be a confidence builder.
Basketball Basics is highlighted in the
Dartmouth Newsletter below, scroll to page 5 for the article.
http://tinyurl.com/1981-May-2009-Newsletter