First Week of Practice

I can't believe my senior basketball season is finally here. On Friday, October 30, we officially started tryouts. We had been doing lifting and conditioning for the previous months, but this was really it. My last, first high school practice. I was so excited.

The first few days are always a little tougher and it was no different this year.  It's all about adjusting to being on the court for 3 hours, getting back into basketball shape, and developing that team chemistry. The first day was intense. Coach came in and made her statement: "This year there will be no excuses."  I completely understand where she is coming from.  Being state champions is a big thing.  The whole year everyone will be giving us their best game.  So, we have to be prepared and I completely agree with her "no excuses" policy.  Also new to us this year is that after every practice Coach is going to annouce who would be her starting five based on performances at that day's practice. This is something risky to do, but it is going to help a lot with forcing people to stand out. It has created a lot of competition so far and I am excited and think the idea will increase our intensity every day.  And you know what they say, "You play how you practice!" 

The first few days we did a lot of conditioning and playing up and down.  Working on getting in the best physical shape is essential to our success.  My least favorite conditioning drill by far would be the 20 four line drills we have to complete in 20 minutes as it is very hard.  But it is all worth it.  I know it is.  Getting in shape is definitely going to be key for us this season.

In the later part of this week, we worked on our offenses and defenses. It was a bit rough for everyone to transition as all summer everyone has played under different teams and coaches. I know for myself I had forgotten some of the plays we used the last few years.  But it's all about mentality.  Having the right mentality to figure things out and think on the court.

Today was our last day of practice before our first scrimmage.  We will be heading to Reynoldsburg this weekend for a three-way scrimmage.  I am so excited to see how things come together for the first time. I know it might not be the best but I am just ready to play against people besides my own teammates!  Wish us luck.