On Sunday, February 16, 2025, we had our 1st monthly Zoom Clinic Video Call of the new year covering multiple topics. Coach Marvin Menzies and Gary Clarke presented videos by our coaching staff volunteers and discussed numerous topics.
ZOOM IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, MARCH. 23 2025
[Zoom AI Companion Generated & Edited] Meeting Summary for M2: West African Coaching ClinicFeb 16, 2025 10:12 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) ID: 836 8490 4043 Quick recap Gary and Marvin discussed strategies for instilling confidence in young basketball players, maximizing practice time, and organizing clinics. They also discussed the importance of player safety, proper conditioning protocols, and various exercises and techniques to improve jumping ability and basketball skills. The conversation ended with Marvin sharing strategies for building confidence in younger players, emphasizing the importance of certain basketball concepts, and plans for expanding the coaching network. Next steps
Summary Maximizing Practice Time and Confidence Gary and Marvin discussed strategies for instilling confidence in young players and maximizing practice time. Marvin agreed to address these issues in a future meeting and planned to create a platform for coaches to share ideas. Marvin also mentioned that he would write down the questions Gary had raised for further discussion. Organizing Basketball Clinics and Partnerships Marvin and Gary discussed the challenges of organizing basketball clinics and the importance of reaching the right people. Marvin expressed his appreciation for Gary’s help and mentioned a potential partnership with a school in Ivory Coast, which would require housing and discounted tuition. Marvin also mentioned the possibility of opening another academy in Abuja. Improving Jumping and Jabbing Techniques Jamie presented various exercises and techniques to improve jumping ability in basketball. He mentions plyometric drills, core strengthening exercises, and the importance of proper jump mechanics. Jamie emphasizes the need for recovery, including stretching and hydration, and tracking jump height to measure progress. The discussion then shifts to a video presentation by Justin Tabor on jabbing techniques in basketball, focusing on the triple threat position, proper footwork, and reading defensive cues. Another video is briefly introduced, covering the fundamentals of the jab step. Player Safety and Preseason Conditioning Brice discussed the importance of player safety and proper conditioning protocols in preseason training. He emphasized the need to undertrain rather than overtrain to prevent injuries and allow athletes to adapt to the stress of conditioning. Brice also outlined a conditioning plan for the first week, which includes running half and full-court distances with specific rest times and cutting patterns. The goal is to prepare athletes for practice, not games, and maintain their strength throughout the season. Marvin then took over the discussion, congratulating Coach on his academy’s progress and expressing his anticipation to visit it upon his return. Building Confidence in Younger Players Marvin shared strategies to build confidence in younger players. He suggested using positive reinforcement, setting achievable goals, encouraging self-belief, offering constructive feedback, introducing role models and mentors, and fostering a supportive team culture. Marvin also suggested teaching simple drills and exercises that don’t require equipment, applying fun elements to activities, regularly checking in with players, setting personal goals, and providing written instructions for players to follow when not with the coach. He emphasized the importance of being well-planned and concise during limited practice time. Basketball Concepts for West African Players Marvin discussed the importance of certain basketball concepts for West African players, emphasizing the need to see the ball and play their man, anticipate the ball’s movement, and make the ball uncomfortable. He also stressed the importance of keeping the ball in front, knowing one’s personnel, and adapting to different player types. Marvin also addressed questions about scouting and coaching, and shared strategies for guarding different types of players. The conversation ended with Marvin offering to share more details on these concepts in future sessions. Expanding Coaching Network and Practices The meeting concludes with Marvin and Yannick addressing final points and thanking participants. Marvin promises to send instructional videos to help coaches conduct practices without courts, emphasizing drills that can be done without basketballs. They discuss plans for expanding the coaching network and encourage participants to recruit other dedicated coaches. Marvin stresses the importance of having the right people involved who love basketball and are committed to youth development. He expresses appreciation for the attendees and looks forward to future meetings, with the next Zoom call planned for late March. | ||
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