NOTES FROM TEXAS A&M PRACTICE

Our entire staff had the privilege of spending a few days in College Station with the Texas A&M coaching staff. We were able to sit in on staff meetings, observe team meetings, and attend practices. It was definitely one of the most valuable learning experiences that I have ever had. Coach Gary Blair was so open and genuine to us and really allowed us into his program to learn, ask questions, and grow. All of his assistants Kelly Bond, Vic Schaefer, and Johnnie Harris were also very helpful to us and answered all of our questions and much more. Here are just a few observations from their practice:

→ They take 2 different 4 minute breaks during practice.
→ All managers always had 2 balls in their hands and a towel around their neck.

→ Players, coaches, and managers would roll the ball across the floor while someone was talking so as to not to make noise.

→ There was always a shooting drill right after a break.

→ There were numerous shooting drills incorporated into practice. Everything was done at game speed and game spots.

→ Managers tell players what color they need to flip to before a drill or scrimmage begins.

→ Managers track all turnovers during practice.

→ The drills always stop when allotted time is up and they move on to the next thing.

→ All defensive drills are done at the end of practice when they are most tired.

→ They find male practice players from the kinesiology department who want to be coaches.

→ Their entire defensive philosophy begins with ball pressure.

→ All punishment running is done during breaks or after practice so they don’t waste practice time on it.

→ Stretching is done on their own before practice so they don’t waste time.

→ Trainers bring water to the players on sideline during breaks so it is not a cluster around the water cooler.

→ There is a different free throw shooting game or drill everyday.

→ When there is an injury the team just picks up and moves to the other end of the court while the trainer takes care of the injury.