Guys, as discussed this past Sunday I have completed the current power rankings. We went over each category and I adjusted it to this day. So, those that missed this past Sunday took a pretty big hit as there were no excused absences. The power rankings are a very useful tool, in addition to the productivity report that helps in decision making when trying to determine playing time. It serves as a reminder of how you practice and play when we work out and that you should be rewarded for your efforts in meeting my expectations of you. The power rankings are broken down into 5 categories worth a 1000 points each. Those categories are attendance, practice habits, productivity, offense and defense. Below I will list the components that contribute to a players score in each category.

1. ATTENDANCE: the easiest to control. each player is awarded 1000 points, if they are on time and never miss they always have 1000 points. Deductions of 50 points are made for unexcused absences. The only excused absences are family vacations and sickness(missed school due to illness) as our schedule is pretty set and you can plan most other events around it. Even if your injured you should be at practice, so you can learn or even make observations to contribute to the group. Very, very simple. If I'm going to sacrifice my time to be there for you guys, then you need to be there. Being late or leaving early is minus 10 points. Failing to bring assigned equipment is minus 5 points.

2. PRACTICE HABITS: there are 5 sub categories worth 200 points each, they are as follows.

A. Effort, pushes themselves each and every session, self motivated.

B. Being a great team mate when you play.

C. Supportive of others when they aren't working to their potential or shows signs of weakness.

D. Leadership. do you try to be a role model? are you quick to notice when someone is doing a drill incorrectly and politely show them the proper way? Do you focus on others and not just yourself. Do you readily accept and complete assignments to help the group with little follow up.

E. Are you first or last in regard to readiness for the next drill/huddle, or prepping equipment for the next drill? or do you often take a break when others are getting ready for the drill.

3. PRODUCTIVITY: Once games are played and taped, we will utilize a productivity grid to fairly evaluate how well you use your game time minutes. You will be awarded points for all positive and deducted points for all negative statistics, then your total points will be divided by your minutes played. Until we have enough games we will simply add your total for attendance and practice habits and divide by 2. We do this as those are the most important things we do.

4. OFFENSE: 5 sub categories worth 200 points each.

A. Shooting. primarily free throws, jump shots and free throws.

B. Ball handling. not to be confused with dribbling as there is so much more to this category. It not only includes dribbling, but making the correct pass crisply and timely whether it be a post entry, direct pass, lob, skip or bounce, feeding the ball to the pocket for a shooter. delivering the ball timely and not wasting the dribble. dribbling with a purpose. do you understand the value of the ball or possession.

C. Knowledge of all sets and inbounds plays. Knowing the progressions or options on our inbounds plays. In our sets not only knowing what your job is, but everyone's. Calling plays and executing them and getting team mates in proper position for success.

D. Movement without the ball. Knowing how to get yourself and your team mate open at the correct time, setting solid picks, making the proper reads when the opportunity presents itself.

E. Shot selection. Do you take the best shot for yourself and the team? Are you aware of time and score.

5. DEFENSE: 5 sub categories each worth 200 points.

A. Man to man. are you able to effectively dictate what you will allow your opponent to do within our defensive scheme. can you put your man on lock down, do you use fouls effectively and wisely.

B. Knowledge and ability to play all defenses be it man or zone, and know all positions so you can aide the team as needed.
C. Knowledge and ability to rotate properly and timely in all defensive packages. Don't get caught in no man's land. You are always either on a man or in a help and recover position.

D. Boxing out, rebounding and tracing rebounds. do you aid the team in defensive rebounding, we all rebound until the ball is secured. Do you understand when to box in versus box out. Do you read the angle so you can fight for the proper position.

E. Talk. Do you talk on defense at all times. Aside from when you are on ball, you should be in a position to communicate quick enough so your team mates can use your communication to aide our defense.

That sums up the power ranking report and its contents. Obviously a lot of work to produce, but it benefits the players in their development and understanding of what's important in the game. I may do an update at a further date if time permits.

Sincerely,

Coach Charlie