Shaka Smart Coaching Philosophy - Final 4 Part 1 of 5

Three Priorities in Starting a Program

1. Develop relationships – “This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work.”
2. Build a staff – “The most important decision a new head coach makes.” Looks for “work ethic, loyalty, and personality”.
3. Recruiting – “Different and challenging wherever you go”

Recommendation to Young Coaches...

“Work as many camps as you can to build relationships. When I was a graduate assistant, I worked camps at both the University of Dayton and at the University of Florida…those relationships I built with the staff helped me in my career.”


Special thanks to www.winninghoops.com for some of the material on Coach Smart.

Bruce Weber's Keys to Building a Program

I've heard Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber at clinics on a couple occasions. He always refers to his keys to building and maintaining a program when he presents. Here they are:

1) Have kids play hard. Don't give them the choice to not play hard.
2) Play as a team. Play to win.
3) Have a flexible system.
4) Lift weights and condition.
5) Defend. Spend at least one hour of practice on defense.
6) Teach your players how to play.
7) Have competitive drills. Have them love to win and hate to lose. Practice game habits at game speed. Have efficiency; drills conducive to your system.