Take These Principles to the Bank

Learn across domains. Many principles hold across sports.

1) Scoring arises from initial spacing, player and ball movement, and the scoring moment.

2) Exceptional teams play harder for longer.

3) Sport rewards aggressiveness with good fundamental skills. 

2 AREAS OF FOCUS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

I’m often asked where do you start with working with young players. The 2 areas I have our trainers focus on is AGGRESSIVENESS AND FOOTWORK.

Getting players to be competitive and aggressive will give them a foundation that will lead to… pic.twitter.com/4j64zYYEuW

— Steve Dagostino (@DagsBasketball) May 4, 2025

We had lost a middle school basketball one-point game to a small but highly aggressive team. Before the rematch, I emphasized quicker decision-making, ball movement, and aggressiveness. We led 22-2 at the half and the visiting parents said we had gotten new players. Same players but a new attitude. 

In volleyball, the more aggressive team usually wins. Players lacking confidence will seldom play aggressively. 

Lagniappe. Volume passing drill. 

Lagniappe 2. Develop a collection of phrases to calm and reassure teams. 

10 Things to say when your team is stressed pic.twitter.com/NeNojU3yY0

— Always Keep Learning (@AlwaysKeepL) April 15, 2025