As tournament time approaches, the difference between winning and losing and advancing to the State Tournament, is often a result of handling close games, dealing with adversity and the ability to execute in a charged atmosphere. Here are a few thoughts that may make a difference as you prepare for the Regional playoffs.

Late Game Preparation

1. Take a few minutes every day to work on late game situations. Do not assume your players will know what to do. I try to address the following:

1. Know how to deny a star player from receiving the ball in a key possession.
2. Know how to foul so it is not flagrant and gives you an opportunity for a steal.
3. Signal a foul without alerting the other team.
4. With a three point lead and less than 10 seconds to go, your players should know if you want to foul or take a chance and defend against the three.
5. When you are behind late, get the ball to the basket. It will usually result in a high percentage shot or a foul that stops the clock and allows you to pressure.
6. Know how to intentionally miss a free throw and secure the rebound.
7. Practice plays for late in the game when you have to go the length of the court, inbound from the sides or inbound from under the hoop.
8. When you have the last possession, do you call a timeout or signal a play or shot you want.
9. On a late game shot by your opponent, do you want to send everyone to the boards for a rebound or leak a player down the court?
10. Do players understand the term, “time and score?”
11. Do your players understand how to play “keep a way” to keep from being fouled.

You can certainly add more situations but I believe that the basics I have addressed will give your team a sense of confidence in their ability to hold the lead or come from behind.

Adversity

1. The ability to deal with adversity and turn adversity into a positive may make all the difference in a big game. Calling a timeout after losing your point guard to fouls and confidently saying to a backup, “Johnny/Mary it’s your game now, just like practice. Dominate on defense and be hard with the ball. Let’s go put this away.”

1. Place the backup or another player in a position of responsibility during practice in anticipation of losing a key player. Create different situations until the backup has success and leave him/her with that success in mind.
2. Practice a couple of days with music blaring in the gym and coach from the sidelines just like it is a real game.
3. Practice without allowing your star to shoot outside of five feet or only after a steal or an offensive rebound.

Preparation

I like to have a few execution keys (you don’t want to give them too much) and really focus on our preparation of those keys.

1. Defense
   1. How to handle the dribble over (pick and roll).
   2. How to fight through screens.
   3. When to double down in the post.
   4. How to trap without the foul.
2. Offense
   1. Make a fake to make a pass.
   2. Turning their pressure into our attack.
   3. Late game IQ.

I hope this helps and good luck to everyone!

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Congratulations to the Atuqtuaq Family, our 2010 Champions!

(Above)He got the most points for creativity with his hairstyle!

(Above)Edith Nageak was our tourney MVP.  She cheered the loudest on day 1 and played the hardest on day 2!!

(Below) Harold did a great job of taking advantage of being the tallest player in the tournament, and the Aalaak team played hard all weekend!

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Challenge Life and North Slope Borough Healthy Communities would like to introduce the very first edition of the Northern Lights Children’s Workbook!

For more information contact Mike Hajdukovich or Al Sokaitis.

Special thanks to: Flora Rexford, Roger Watkins, Mike Hajdukovich, and Al Sokaitis.

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UAF Men’s Basketball will be running the 2010 summer team camp and Challenge Life will be offering an opportunity to enhance your teams’ experience with a specially tailored Challenge Life supplement package.

Please contact Mike Hajduke, or Al Sokaitis for further details!

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Please come out and join us for the fun!

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Tumiqqaaq!

“The First Step”

What is the first step? The first step is a program that promotes activity and rewards weight loss. The first step is a six week program where the goal is to lose six pounds but rewards the biggest loser in each division with a special prize. You can participate as a team (3 – 4 individuals), a family (2 – 6 individuals), or on your own.

What are the activities? The activities are up to you. You can participate in city league basketball or get together with a group of friends for dance aerobics. Participate in the many “Challenge Life” activities or take a walk with the family. If you would like a workout program and you’re not sure where to begin, go to the Challenge Life website (www.challengelife.org) and try one of our varied workout programs.

What are the rewards? A longer life, more energy, sleep better, lower your risk of coronary heart disease, strengthen your bones, reduce stress, rev up your metabolism, improve your physical appearance, lower your blood pressure and much more. Oh, and “Challenge Life” will throw in the following incentives:

First Place: The first place individual and group in each division will receive a round trip ticket on ERA Alaska.

Second Place: “Challenge Life” workout gear.

Where and when do we sign up? Sign up and weigh in will take place at the Barrow High School basketball games the weekend of January 29 and 30. The weigh in will be conducted by the Barrow High School cheerleaders outside the gymnasium.

Health, An American Epidemic

A “health time bomb” is ticking in the United States. The ten leading causes of death in the United States include five examples where diet and an inactive lifestyle play a major role. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease all have a strong relationship to diet and lack of activity. Diet and activity also play a significant role in the “quality of life” of Americans. Fiscally, at a time when our country is struggling with debt, health care is placing a tremendous strain on the economy. If we use diabetes as just one example, the total direct medical cost in the United States in 2007 was $116 billion. We have a problem!

In Alaska, health issues are even more pronounced. Recent statistics taken from Trust for America’s Health, 2007 and Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, 2003 reveal the following statistics:

In 2002, the number of Alaskan Natives (20 years or older) diagnosed with diabetes was 15.3% of the population compared to 7.3% of the rest of the population.

According to the 2000 census report, the national average for life expectancy in the United States was 76.7 years. Alaskan Natives have a life expectancy of 69.4 years.

What We Can Do!

Health for your heart: You can lower the risk of heart disease by walking 20 minutes, three times a week.

Weight Loss: You need a combination of cardio and strength training for 45 minutes, 5 – 6 days a week. Of course, eating healthy makes a big difference.

Take the “First Step”

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