The Soldiers To Sidelines Basketball Coaching Certification Seminar offered a unique opportunity for veterans, service members, and military spouses to transition their leadership skills from the battlefield to the basketball court. This week-long seminar, powered in part by the Wounded Warrior Project and guided by some of the sport’s most respected coaches and leaders, focused not just on the technicalities of basketball but also on the development of leadership, discipline, and teamwork—qualities deeply embedded in military training.
Day 1: The Foundations of Coaching
Harrison Bernstein, founder of Soldiers To Sidelines, opened the seminar with an inspiring welcome, setting the tone for a week of growth and learning. He introduced key members of the team, including STS Basketball Director/Athletic Director Leigh Klein and guest coach Tom Crean. Coach Crean was the former head men’s Basketball Coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia and currently serves as an ESPN analyst. He shared invaluable lessons on personal discipline, mental toughness, and problem-solving—traits essential both on the court and in life.
Crean’s session emphasized the importance of selflessness, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to the unexpected—skills honed in military service and essential in coaching. He highlighted that coaching is more than just leading; it’s about helping others succeed. His insights on the overlap between military leadership and coaching resonated deeply, offering a solid foundation for the seminar’s participants.
To finish day 1 of the seminar, Leigh Klein and Assistant Basketball Coach at Prairie View A&M, Todd Shelton, presented a unifying theory of basketball based on space, numbers, and time. They demonstrated the practical application of this theory by emphasizing the significance of different spots on the floor and coordinating actions. The team also discussed various basketball strategies, including the Circle Motion, 2 Out, Draft Drives, X Cut, Triple Side, and Double Side concepts.
Day 2: Player Development, Coaching with Purpose, and Offensive Systems
Day two featured US Virgin Islands National Team Head Coach Edniesha Curry, who shifted the focus toward player development. Coach Curry stressed that successful coaching goes beyond tactics; it involves nurturing the mental and physical growth of players. Her session focused on creating environments that foster leadership, emphasizing the importance of catering to the individual needs of young athletes. By connecting deeply with their players, coaches can inspire greatness not just in sports but in life.
Chris Oliver, CEO of Basketball Immersion, concluded the evening discussing offensive systems with emphasis on the importance of creating a learning environment in basketball, focusing on team behaviors, basketball decisions, and fostering psychological safety and confidence among players. He discussed the significance of changing shapes, creating advantages in offense, and decision-making in basketball. Chris also introduced the principles of play, with space being the primary focus, and encouraged players to understand these principles to make better decisions on the court. He discussed the concept of ‘advantage’ in basketball, the importance of shot selection, and the need to recognize and seize opportunities as they arise. Coach Oliver also introduced the concept of “neutral” in basketball, the importance of breaking down basketball into trios and duets, and the need for players to be active and avoid becoming passive.
Day 3: The Power of Defense, Film Breakdown, and Military Transition to Coaching
Defense became the central theme on the third day, with Coach Billy Donovan, Associate Head Coach of Clemson University, taking the reins. He underscored the significance of a strong defensive system, discipline, and determination. Donovan’s approach to defense was not just about stopping the opponent but creating an uncomfortable environment for them. He introduced practical drills to help coaches train players to excel defensively, advocating for consistency and charting progress through metrics like defensive stops and contested shots.
Donovan’s advice on creating a defense-first mindset, coupled with strategies to motivate players through film study and detailed scouting, was invaluable for those looking to implement a structured and disciplined defense in their coaching practices.
Soldier Coach and Assistant Coach at Mary Hardin Baylor University, Uriah Hunter shared his coaching experiences in South Korea and Fort Hood, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, scrimmaging, and skill development. He also discussed his coaching philosophy and the use of a possession chart to assess team performance. The group discussed the applicability of these strategies for younger players and the challenges of transitioning into coaching roles. Coach Hunter highlighted the importance of passion, dedication, and networking in coaching and the need for a supportive network like Soldiers To Sidelines.
To close out day 3 of the seminar, Cam Miller, Director of Operation for Xavier University Men’s Basketball, discussed their coaching strategies, focusing on individual attention and film analysis. Cam explained the use of individual and team film sessions for providing feedback and scouting. He also discussed the use of visual aids like storyboards to help players understand complex concepts.
Day 4: Offense Strategies and the Dribble Drive System
The seminar’s fourth session dived deep into offensive strategies, particularly the dribble drive motion offense. Jessica Mannetti, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Sacred Heart University, broke down the intricate details of this offensive approach, focusing on spacing, movement, and creating advantages. The session was filled with practical demonstrations, showing how to exploit mismatches and use the “drag zone” effectively to create scoring opportunities. Jessica also covered advanced offensive concepts such as the “rack,” “blur,” and “through cut,” equipping the participants with modern strategies to outwit opponents. Her detailed explanations allowed the attendees to visualize how these plays could be executed in real-game scenarios.
Following Coach Mannetti, Howard University Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Kenny Blakeney, presented offensive sets. Coach Blakeney discussed his journey as a coach, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong culture and values, focusing on player development, and using data analytics to understand player strengths and weaknesses. He highlighted the team’s success in 3-point shooting and the concept of “energy-generating behaviors” as a key factor in their culture and success. Kenny also discussed the culture of grassroots basketball, emphasizing the importance of competition and winning and the need to improve the team’s style of play. He stressed the importance of quick transitions, efficient ball movement, unselfish passing, cutting to steal baskets, and paint touches to get shooters wide open shots.
The final session featured basketball Hall of Famer Lon Krueger, who discussed the importance of building a positive and transparent coaching culture. Coach Krueger stressed that players thrive in environments where they feel supported, understood, and motivated. He emphasized the importance of clear communication and shared ownership of success, drawing on his vast experience in coaching teams at various levels.
Krueger also touched on managing conflicts within teams and how to balance individual player development with team goals. His message was clear: fostering a culture of positivity and patience can lead to lasting success, both for the team and for the individual players.
Key Takeaways from the Seminar
The Soldiers To Sidelines Basketball Coaching Certification Seminar was a transformative experience for all who attended. Participants left with a deeper understanding of not only basketball tactics but also the essential qualities of leadership, communication, and personal development.
Some key takeaways included:
- The Importance of Selflessness in Coaching: Just as in military leadership, coaching is about serving others, helping players grow, and fostering a team-first mentality.
- Player Development Beyond Skills: Coaches need to focus on the holistic development of players, nurturing both their physical talents and mental fortitude.
- Building a Strong Defensive Foundation: A disciplined and well-structured defense can be the cornerstone of any successful team.
- Offensive Adaptability: Understanding how to create and exploit offensive opportunities is crucial, with the dribble drive motion offense being a highly effective strategy.
- Fostering a Positive Team Culture: Success stems from creating an environment where players feel empowered, motivated, and engaged.
Conclusion: A New Path Forward
The Soldiers To Sidelines Basketball Coaching Certification Seminar, powered in part by the Wounded Warrior Project, proved that military service members and their families possess the discipline, leadership, and resilience to become outstanding basketball coaches. By translating these skills to the court, they are not only helping to shape future athletes but are also continuing their service to their communities. The lessons learned during this seminar—discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—will undoubtedly influence the participants long after they leave the basketball court.
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