Coaching Basketball

January 12th, 2010

Having a team that is focused on playing the game of basketball is a slam dunk to building a sport that will enhance one’s childhood or youth. If you are getting ready to coach the game, knowing the fundamentals of the game is where to start. By doing this, you will be able to bring all of the players into fast action.

The game of basketball begins by having two opposing teams of five players on the court. The main objective of basketball is to have each team work towards throwing the basketball through the hoop. Every time this is done, the team will win a specific amount of points. Whoever has the most points in the end will win the game. This main objective also has several rules and regulations that are applied to it in order to win. For example, whoever has the ball has to dribble the ball within a specified area. If the rules are broken, it gives the opposing team the ball. The teams will function together either defensively or offensively when they are playing, depending on who has the ball.

Basketball first became a popular sport in 1891 in the United States. It was used in order to keep rugby players in shape during the off-seasons of the game. The idea of basketball was quickly adapted throughout YMCA gymnasiums, slowly setting the rules and regulations to the teams that are popular and seen today. It has become such as popular sport that it is now internationally known with a national basketball association that supports the sport on a professional level.

Coaching basketball today has become an art in understanding how to get teams to work towards the main objectives that have been established throughout the United States over time. By keeping the main objective in mind, and helping teams to develop from here, you will be able to ensure that everyone dribbles to their own success.

How to Ensure 2009 is your BEST Year EVER

February 7th, 2009

In my experience, now is the perfect time to be thinking about how to improve and grow your business in 2009. It’s time to review your progress during the last 12 months and begin to think strategically about the year ahead.

Many times entrepreneurs spend their every waking moment running the day-to-day operations of their business. Very little time, if any, is designated for thinking and planning. And yet, 80% of businesses that have a business and marketing plan, and use it, will reach their goals.

In order to “get there” you first must take the time to figure out where you want your business to be in the next 12 months. Do you have certain revenue goals? Staffing goals? Vacation or number of days you want to be able to take? How much money does your business have to generate in order for your to take out the “salary’” you desire? How many people do you have to employ, and what skill sets do they need to have in order for you to take time away from the business?

By spending the time now, before the New Year really gets going, business owners can ensure that come January, their road ahead is clearly in sight. Entrepreneurs should also begin strategically thinking about the long-term. These days, that can mean three to five years, but for those business owners who are thinking about retirement, planning now for retirement is essential.

In the world of entrepreneurship “retirement” is probably the wrong word. In fact, I know of few entrepreneurs that ever retire, but in any case, what do you want to do with your business when you want to go off and do other things?

Whether you’re planning on selling your business, handing it down to Junior, or simply closing its doors, pre-planning is essential for a smooth and effective transition.

By developing and implementing a strategic marketing system and staffing it appropriately, you can cover the bases.

Following are our four favourite reasons to develop a system for your marketing:

1. You get really clear on who you are and why certain prospects should do business with you.

2. You identify areas and markets where the greatest opportunities exist, and develop strategies for capitalizing on them.

3. Your entire team will get a clear shot of the big picture and how it positively impacts them.

4. Your business will show higher profits.