REFUSE TO BE ORDINARY: 10 Championship Traits What does a champion look like? Surprisingly, a true champion may not be the kid who holds the trophy over his head. A champion is a student infected by a dream whose passion, discipline, competitiveness, poise, pride, humility, character, confidence, and courage separate him from the ranks of the ordinary. The author is not a celebrity coach who has written a book trying to cash in on a recent national championship. He's a blue-collar teacher/coach whose entire career has been spent in the trenches of public education devoted to the grassroots mission of helping boys become men. REFUSE TO BE ORDINARY takes the reader inside the locker room, inside the huddle of final timeouts, inside the American classroom, and inside the head of a veteran teacher who was inspired by the unique young men and women he taught and coached. Through specific reflection and personal stories of inspiration, this book reveals an intense slice of American amateur athletics never before documented with such a specific lens. 10 CHAMPIONSHIP TRAITS DREAMS - Champions dream in high definition. PASSION - Champions self-ignite. COMPETITIVENESS - Champions crave challenges. DISCIPLINE - Champions embrace repetition, habit and sacrifice. POISE - Champions relax. PRIDE - Champions care. HUMILITY - Champions show gratitude. CONFIDENCE- Champions visualize victory. CHARACTER - Champions choose right. COURAGE- Champions conquer fear.

Fine Tuning Your Zone Attack Offense contains 50 zone offensive concepts and an additional 50 drills to teach basic key fundamentals and zone concepts, illustrated in 180+ diagrams. If your zone offense needs some refining or you are interested in creating your own offense, the concepts in this book are the place to start. In addition to zone offense concepts, the author takes a look at common zone defenses and their strengths and weakness. Also included are ideas about the importance of team play, teaching zone offense and additional material. Over 25 years of coaching experience is behind the ideas in Fine Tuning Your Zone Attack Offense. The ideas in this book have all been used in actual games by Coach Sivils en route to winning over 460 career varsity wins.

Can you imagine coaching on the sidelines in a girls State Championship high school basketball game in a large NBA arena, down by one point, and the clock painfully ticking away with only 12 seconds left? Or, can you imagine the adrenalin rush when your starting guard hits a prayer of a shot with little time left, sealing the ultimate victory and prize in high school sports. Finally, can you beigin to imagine the pure and overwhelming joy as your team celebrates at mid-court in a wild dog pile, just seconds after the final buzzer sounds? Well, on March 14, 2008 I experienced all of these "topsy-turvey" emotions, and more, when my underdog high school girls basketball team rallied and came from behind to win the first ever California State Championship for St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. My book, "Backcourt: The Anatomy of a State Championship Season," is a creative nonfictional story spanning 15 years of my coaching perseverance that always had winning the state championship as a major priority.

Sound offensive basketball, regardless of the style or type of offense, involves several key principles that include spacing, moving the ball, moving people, offensive rebounding and cutting and screening. This short book covers the basics of sound cutting and screening. Cutting and screening are the hardest of all offensive basic building blocks to defend. The principles described in this book apply to any offense. There is always more for a coach to learn and the principles included in this book will help any coach improve the offense he or she already runs. The principles and concepts in this short book are illustrated with both diagrams and photographs. Also included are simple drills to improve the basic skills and fundamentals needed to improve the skills required to effectively execute cuts and screens.

Strength & Honor. Not just words from the movie Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, but a code that NBA superstar and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant seems to live by. He even signs fan letters with this mantra. That's because Kobe embodies everything that makes a real warrior. "Veni. Vedi. Vici." That phrase is Latin for "I came, I saw, I conquered." More words the warrior Kobe follows. These phrases are glimpses into Kobe's true nature, the philosophy that guides him, and the warrior's path he walks each day of hislife. There is a reason why excellence is a way of being for this superstar. This is the real essence of the real Kobe Bryant. In this spirit, sportswriter and author Pat Mixon has written an unauthorized look at Kobe Bryant. But THE KOBE CODE takes a uniquespin on the traditional biography. Rather than simply recap the history of Kobe, this intriguing & fascinating book provides insight and perspective into how Kobe approaches his life, both on and off the court, and what makes him really tick.And, you'll learn what really separates Kobe from other NBA players and where his inner drive is derived. Additionally, by highlighting Eight Principles For Success pulled from various stages or situations in Kobe's life, this exciting new book allows the reader to apply some of these practices to their own life. You'll also discover why Kobe considers himself a"talented overachiever" as well as feeling like "an outcast" all his life.And, once and for all, you'll understand why Kobe has been so incredibly misunderstood. THE KOBE CODE will change your perception of this NBA superstar. Using life lessons from Kobe's example, THE KOBE CODE will teach you how to increase your confidence, overcome your daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize your goals. To add more depth to learning about Kobe's life, you will also discover things that the general public doesn't necessarily know or isn't common knowledge, such as: -What is Kobe's Workout Schedule? What is his diet? -How does Kobe spend a Game Day? You'll learn how he spends all the hours leading up to a Home Game. -Kobe's mental approach. Learn what truly sets Kobe apart. You'll discover what Kobe does to prepare his mind and focus related to the mental aspect of basketball. -Find out why Kobe believes in making shots, not taking shots. -How Kobe prepares. You'll watch his Film Study and you'll see his practice sessions. -What Kobe does off the court- where and how he spends his time & what things besides basketball interest him. -Lastly, you'll discover Kobe's thoughts on retiring. THE KOBE CODE can teach you how to walk the walk of the warrior life. It's a proven road map that you can use to achieve any goal you desire. This inspiring and practical book is almost a spiritual guidebook, a warrior's manual, or possibly even a modern day "The Art of War" handbook. And, like Kobe, this book is on the leading edge and Interactive. You'll have YouTube videos to watch that are embedded within this eBook or you can follow links to YouTube's site directly. You'll also have the opportunity to pop out via a link to websites and read articles from Kobe's past. So, are you ready to adopt a gladiator mentality and step inside the arena?

When James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891, he couldn't have imagined the soaring popularity and how inventive the game continues to be. Played on all continents and just about every country on earth, "hoops" provides a ton of athleticism and excitement to players, coaches and fans alike. With this third book from best-selling author Adam E. Murray, you will find some of the most memorable words ever spoken about the game. In "129 Greatest Basketball Quotes from the Game's Most Famous People," you will some pure gems you are not soon to forget. From world class athletes like Lebron James and Michael Jordan to coaches like Phil Jackson and John Wooden to celebrities like Zac Effron and Ashley Judd, to writers such as Jim Murray and Dave Barry, you will be taking a deep dive into a vast pool of basketball's greatest messages from this hand-picked collection. In it, you'll learn: ---What Shaq believes was the reasons for his 40% free throw percentage... ---Who Michael Jordan's true heroes of his life are (Hint: NOT athletes) ---What Charles Barkley would have caused had he not played basketball ---What Ice Cube's going to buried with (Yes, it has to do with hoops) Plus 125 other brilliantly entertaining quotes from players, coaches and celebrities. Love the game of basketball? You're gonna love "Basketball: 129 Greatest Basketball Quotes from the Game's Most Famous People." Here's to putting more hoops into your life

Think you know everything about the Boston Celtics? Think again The follow-up to the original Boston Celtics IQ, this test will strain your brain even harder. Volume II contains five chapters and 200 brand new trivia questions that will stump even the most seasoned Celtics fans. No Celtics topics are off-limits. Are you a Celtics Hall of Famer, or should you start rooting for a lesser franchise like the Lakers or Knicks? It's time to find out - test your skills, wrack your brain, it's the ultimate Boston Celtics IQ test.

You, the basketball coach, are vitally interested in the teaching of fundamental drills for effective development of the individual player and the team. This book will serve you as an invaluable assistant coach. Whether you have been coaching basketball for a year or fifteen years, you will discover drills to fit your style of play. Coach Pin-holster, one of the most energetic and promising young coaches in the country, has included drills that cover all phases of the game. Each chapter begins with the simple drills and progresses to the more complex drills. This sequence will greatly aid the coach in using the book as a guide to overcoming player and team weaknesses. As an aid in helping to organize daily practice schedules, as a conserver of time, and as a source of a wide variety of basketball drills, this book fills a great need. In drawing from its contents, you will be aiming at a more balanced, efficient team and also at a higher figure in the all-important "wins" column.

Politics have always been a part of youth and high school sports. However, in recent years several new dynamics have developed that have increased the pressure on coaches in every sport. As a result, all across America good people are leaving the coaching profession at an enormously high rate. Carl Pierson uses his two decades of coaching and his political science background to offer real world examples and practical advice on eternally troubling topics like picking teams, playing time, powerful parents, booster clubs, and so many other issues that today's youth and high school coaches have to contend with. The Politics of Coaching is nothing short of a playbook to help coaches navigate their way through the perilous, stressful world that has become coaching. To learn more visit www.politicsofcoaching.com "Required reading for every aspiring and current head high school coach in the country." Steve Svendsen-Football Coach Magnolia High School, Texas "Carl says what most people are afraid to say or even admit in the world of coaching. He does a remarkable job in addressing tough situations and answering the difficult questions. When you need help in frustrating situations, you will turn to his book time and again. There will be no unread chapters. I dare you to try and find a book like this out there, it doesn't exist...until now " Debra LaPrath - Girls Head Soccer Coach Maria Carrillo High School, Santa Rosa, California Author - Coaching Girls' Soccer Successfully (Human Kinetics 2009) "Coaches no longer need to be on the defensive. The Politics of Coaching puts coaches in control of relationships with parents, boosters, and administration." Jeff Jennewein-Boys Basketball Coach West Plains High School, Missouri "This book is a great read, especially for a coach who aspires to run their own program. Regardless of the sport, politics are now a part of the game more than ever. Having this book on the shelf is a must if you want to know the ins and outs of dealing with off the field issues that arise on a daily basis. The Politics of Coaching will make you more prepared and a better coach." Steve Warren-Head Football Coach/Athletic Coordinator Abilene High School, Texas

Frank J. Basloe grew up in Herkimer, New York, where YMCA director Lambert Will developed the game of basketball. Basloe's classic memoir, I Grew Up with Basketball, offers an eyewitness account of the humble roots of the imposing enterprise that is professional basketball today. At age sixteen, Basloe began his career as a promoter and managed several teams that regularly toured New York, New England, and the Midwest, including the Oswego Indians and Basloe's Globe Trotters. Until the 1920s and the advent of the New York Original Celtics, New York Renaissance, and Harlem Globetrotters, Basloe's clubs reigned supreme among barnstormers. I Grew Up with Basketball is a fascinating and entertaining memoir of basketball's infancy and, for some, fuels the debate about the game's true origins by providing a counternarrative to the sanctioned history offered by the Hall of Fame. Though James Naismith's original concept is acknowledged, Basloe credits YMCA director Will for altering the game to be more exciting and fun to play as well as establishing early rules of play. This rare firsthand glimpse of the early days of basketball is complimented by Michael A. Antonucci's introduction, which tracks the game-from Basloe's Globe Trotters to LeBron James-and its trappings as a business vehicle.

Between 1915 and 1940 the amazing Edmonton Grads dominated women's basketball in Canada. Coached by J. Percy Page, they played over 400 official games, losing only 20; they travelled more than 125,000 miles in Canada, the United States, and Europe; and they crossed the Atlantic three times to defend their world title at exhibition games held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Meticulously researched and documented-including capsule biographies of all 38 women who played for the Grads over the years and over 100 photos-the story of the Edmonton Grads will enthrall fans of sport history and women in sport. [CTV interview: http://tinyurl.com/6pxg5aq]

The Golden Age of Basketball - Volume II by Steven A. Roseboro continues the retrospective of one of the greatest Decades in NBA History; Volume 2 begins with the seminal NBA Draft of Michael Jordan, Akeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and John Stockton, followed by Jordan and Patrick Ewing leading the 1984 United States Olympic Basketball Team to the Gold Medal in Los Angeles. In the 1985 Laker-Celtic NBA Championship rematch Superstars Bird and Magic were upstaged by ageless wonder Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose MVP performance at age 38 led the Lakers to their first Championship victory vs. the Celtics in 9 tries. Bird's Celtics would regain the Title in 1986, only to watch Magic storm back in 1987 & 1988 to lead the Lakers to the first Back-to-Back NBA Championships since Bill Russell's Celtics in 1969. The next wave of NBA Superstars took their place at the end of the Decade, led by the incredible Jordan, the MVP of the 1988 season. Gritty Isiah Thomas would close out the Eighties by leading his blue-collar "Bad Boys," the Detroit Pistons to the Franchise's first NBA title in 1989. These brilliant performances by future Hall of Famers Magic, Bird, Kareem, Isiah, Jordan, Olajuwon, Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Dominique Wilkins and Clyde Drexler are captured by Mr. Roseboro on over 100 action photos where you can reach out and touch the intensity of the competition .

Larry Legend features the fascinating Horatio Alger-like story of Larry Bird - baseball superstar and 19998 NBA Coach of the Year - the man whom "Magic" Johnson called "the only player I feared and the smartest player I ever played against."

The book, Basketball and Baseball Games: for the driveway, field or alleyway, is an interactive book for all those who enjoy getting outside with friends, families or neighbors and enjoying a fun-filled game of basketball or baseball. Whether at your portable or garage hoop, down at the park, court or back in the alley. What makes the book unique is that it contains a variety of original and beloved games for fewer players of 1 to 10. It includes basketball trivia and space to create your own games! Basketball and Baseball Games is the perfect gift for any age young person or the young at heart.

The Butler Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA National Championship basketball game against Duke University upon defeating Michigan State on April 3, 2010. With only 4,500 students, Butler was the smallest school to play for a national championship since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Coached by Brad Stevens just three years into his position as head basketball coach the undefeated Bulldogs were a hometown team, playing before a hometown crowd on the national stage. Two days later, Butler lost narrowly to Duke, 61 59, but their run for the championship had become a national phenomenon. From her vantage point as a Butler professor, acclaimed writer Susan Neville observed (and participated in) Hoosier Hysteria firsthand. In Butler's Big Dance, she intertwines her recollections of the events with interviews, anecdotes, and photographs to bring readers a taste of the on-campus and courtside excitement of the Bulldogs David-and-Goliath bid for the national title."

Featuring over 200 articles and 125 illustrations, "The Lost Century of Women's Basketball" is a time capsule of media reports from the birth of women's basketball in the 19th century.

High school, college, and athletic club teams played in leagues and competed in tournaments long before the modern era of women's sports. After a wild first decade, this brief flourishing of women's basketball was tamped down by social pressure and the wide-open full-court game was tamed by a partitioned court and restrictive rules that remained intact until the passage of Title IX in 1972.

This volume includes coverage of Eastern women's college teams at Smith, Wellesley, Vassar, Cornell and Bryn Mawr, the first intercollegiate basketball game between the Universities of Stanford and California, the outbreak of Hoosier hysteria in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and reports from across the country about this popular new sport for women.

Women began to play basketball within a few weeks after YMCA instructor James Naismith unveiled the game on March 11, 1892. The sport quickly spread to YWCAs, athletic clubs, high schools, and colleges across the country.

Basketball released women's competitive passions more than any other sport. For players in the heat of a contest, scrambling on the floor and tussling over a loose ball were natural athletic reactions. But to many 19th century observers it was a shocking display unlike anything they had ever seen before, a disturbing eruption of unbridled physicality that society had tamped down for centuries.

The clash between ladylike decorum and athletic abandon troubled many educators, social commentators and sports authorities. Young women were expected to remain proper and demure in all public settings. While golf, tennis, bowling, ice skating, and other individual sports inspired acceptably feminine behavior, the action-packed team game of basketball, often played before a boisterous all-female audience, permitted a Victorian girls' night out, and by many accounts the girls went wild.

Scandalous reports of name-calling, hair-pulling, cheating, arguing with referees, and fighting on the court were sensationalized in the press. Gymnasium balconies surged with loyal supporters clad in team colors, yelling organized cheers and exchanging volleys of taunts with rival fans. Critics of women's sports were not the only ones who were alarmed. The same women who pioneered the game sought to rein it in soon after it was unleashed.

This volume includes excerpts from Senda Berenson's influential booklet for Spalding's Athletic Library, the basketball chapter from the first comprehensive book written about American women's sports, and rare insight into the women who pioneered the game: Lucille Eaton Hill of Wellesley, Kate Anderson in Chicago, Helen Freeman in Iowa, Clara Baer in New Orleans, Lucile Hewett in Utah, and Margaret Livingston Stanton Lawrence, daughter of the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, in New York.

This volume includes teams or reports from: Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia and Hawaii,

The Lost Century of Sports Collection (www.LostCentury.com) publishes illustrated anthologies from America's sporting heritage. Other books in the series include The Lost Century of American Football, The American Football Trilogy, Football Linemen, and Daughters of the Lost Century.

Cowboy Up As the dark clouds of World War II were looming on the horizon, an American original named Kenny Sailors was capturing the attention of the country and leading the University of Wyoming basketball program on an astonishing run to the NCAA championship. Sailors, pioneer of the modern jump shot, took New York's Madison Square Garden by storm while leading the Cowboys to a national championship. Before the confetti was cleaned up, the All-American was off to war. The Wyoming treasure would return to campus in Laramie and later became one of the NBA's early stars. Cowboy Up weaves the brilliant tapestry of Wyoming's rich hoops history -- from the program's original championship team of the 1930s to high-soaring Flynn Robinson and the dazzling Fennis Dembo -- around Sailors' remarkable story. If you love basketball history, then you need to get acquainted with Sailors and the golden age of the Cowboys.

On a March afternoon in Cleveland, St. Bonaventure battled powerful Kentucky for 40 minutes and two overtimes in the first round of the 2000 NCAA Tournament. Though the Bonnies would lose that day, the moments that accompanied that game provided St. Bonaventure's proud alumni a vast sense of pride. For a men's basketball program that was once considered an elite entity, it was fulfilling return to glory. No one could have envisioned then that St. Bonaventure basketball would endure lowest of lows almost exactly three years later. The St. Bonaventure basketball scandal of 2003 created national headlines and rocked to its core a proud institution. The university president schemed to allow an ineligible player, by NCAA standards, on the court, leading to series of damning events. Victories were forfeited, a team in turmoil quit on its season, several of those involved were fired and a the president of the board of trustees, ripped by his role in the sorry state of affairs, committed suicide. As student-managers, we closely witnessed the circumstances that led to the upheaval. We were in the locker room, the coaches offices and on the team bench. We were there for all the corruption, deceit and greed. We were there when an ill-conceived plan came tumbling down in the harshest of manners and St. Bonaventure's lost ways became a punchline across the country.

Chris O'Connell's teams have often displayed a firm grasp of basketball fundamentals. This book will give players, coaches, and parents a look into the making of a good basketball player and effective basketball play. We hope you can use this book to improve your ability to develop basketball skills.