One of the phrases I have always used when talking with other coaches and to remind myself often is-
It doesn’t matter what you, the coach thinks…
It REALLY matters what the players think!
In other words… IF THE PLAYERS DON’T BUY IN – YOU’RE IN TROUBLE!!
Of course, this goes without saying for everything we teach but SO MUCH MORE in the Run and Jump Press.
A few years back I received an email from an NCAA II coach. He installed the Run and Jump Press, led the nation in steals, won the league and went onto the NCAA Tourney. It was a program changer and he wanted to thank me. The next season with (8) returners, the players didn’t want to buy in. OK season but not near as good!
So HOW do we get the players to BUY IN! Well first and foremost, the coaches and staff MUST BUY IN! Yes, you see it DOES matter what you think. As I told you in previous articles, this is a defense you need to jump in with both feet. The commitment is GREAT, and the rewards are MANY! I truly believe that too many times, we as coaches struggle to make the total commitment especially if we are operating OUTSIDE THE BOX! So how do I know this?
After (3) National Collegiate Championships, (6) Final Fours, (2) International Gold Medals, (7) Conference Championships, all of which we pressed well, I still lost my way when I had some teams that didn’t want to BUY IN. I began to question myself. Question the system that had given us so much success. I was not having much fun and lack of success soon followed. So YES coaches, I certainly DO understand this.
Whether you Run and Jump Press or NOT. Simply remember that operating OUTSIDE THE BOX takes total commitment. I cannot promise you total success, but I CAN PROMISE you a boatload of fun. Teams that BUY IN, will have incredible memories to cherish forever.
COACH EDDIE ANDRIST 