Camp Guard'em

[SoonerNorm]

http://www.soonersports.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=4540200

 

[SoonerNorm]

http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210422351&DB_OEM_ID=31000

 

[TheMont]

I love the emphasis on not fouling. Let's hope it pays off!

Everything I've read in the offseason leads me to believe that Derica will contribute significantly more this season.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Derica plays smart and makes very few mistakes. She needs to show ability to create her own shot. If she does that, she can play well.

 

[j2d2]

I wish Sherri would stretch Guard Em to two weeks. I think we have enough offensive firepower to hold our own so defense would win us more games.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I wish Sherri would stretch Guard Em to two weeks. I think we have enough offensive firepower to hold our own so defense would win us more games.

I agree. Defense and rebounding is where we really need to improve. A few extra days of practice might make a big difference.

 

[j2d2]

Look what it did for the men.

 

[SoonerNorm]

One thing I didn't understand, if a player commits a foul, they have to write their name on a board. I don't think that will get anyone's attention. Fouls are serious with this bunch. It can be stopped with corrective action but names on a board seems weak to me.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

One thing I didn't understand, if a player commits a foul, they have to write their name on a board. I don't think that will get anyone's attention. Fouls are serious with this bunch. It can be stopped with corrective action but names on a board seems weak to me.

I must admit Norm, that does sound surprising. Perhaps it is due to some agreement between the girls to stop the fouling - so seeing their name on the board may force them to confront their error in a way that motivates them to get it under control.

And honestly, in a practice situation what else can you do? Have them sit out practice? What good would that do? Generally any kind of physical punishment (even like running the arena steps) is discouraged in today's society. So perhaps with the commitment they have made to each other this works better. Sherri is a very smart coach, so I will give her the benefit of the doubt on this one.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I must admit Norm, that does sound surprising. Perhaps it is due to some agreement between the girls to stop the fouling - so seeing their name on the board may force them to confront their error in a way that motivates them to get it under control.

And honestly, in a practice situation what else can you do? Have them sit out practice? What good would that do? Generally any kind of physical punishment (even like running the arena steps) is discouraged in today's society. So perhaps with the commitment they have made to each other this works better. Sherri is a very smart coach, so I will give her the benefit of the doubt on this one.

If Sherri really thought named on a board will solve the problem, why not start that 2-3 years ago? I admit that I'm old school but I can still remember how effective after practice laps were. If this works, great! If not, it will give the impression Sherri is weak on team discipline.

 

[sybarite]

By now, Sherri has been coaching for a few years with some success. She has probably learned a lot about what works and doesn't work. It isn't surprising that she would try something different in an attempt to get a focus that has been difficult to get.

If running laps were the answer, it would seem that they would remember that throughout the year, if they were afraid of running laps. But, how effective is negative reinforcement? Most people that become successful and consistent learn to do something that has positive aspects. I have seen expressions by the girls that they have learned to appreciate defense. I can remember celebrations by the players when they held a team without a shot. There has to be a pride and an acceptance of the direction of the effort rather than a fear of reprisals.

I can remember times last year when the team got a spark when Maddie would steal a three-point attempt out front and start a fastbreak. Everyone felt good, usually Peyton was because she got the points. That positive attitude about defense will probably go further to develop a mindset than any negative reinforcement.

 

[j2d2]

Writing their name on the board would serve to (1) stop their play-interruptions irritate,(2) call everybody's attention to the offending party, (3)emphasize the transgression so as to call the offender's attention to the emphasis. Ought to be enough to work. If not, then stadium steps would.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

Fouls seemed to happen last year when players reacted in haste without thinking. In some cases sort of out of revenge. You made me look bad by stealing the ball so I will "get it back instantly". I'm not sure that will be easy to fix.

Obviously self-discipline is needed - and being smart.

Will this work? I at least hope we improve quite a bit on the foolish fouls.

Time will tell.