I've known Felicia for years both professionally and personally and when she first approached me with her idea for this clinic I was instantly excited because I knew she would leave no stone unturned in putting together a tremendous weekend -- and she certainly delivered.
There were several key topics for the weekend including:
1. Positioning Yourself as a Valuable Part of the Program
2. Recruiting...Finding the Right Fit
3. The Art of a Good Practice Coach
4. Effective on the Bench Coaching
5. Think Like a Head Coach
6. Presenting a Scouting Report
Each topic had two to three presenters. I found this very important because it allowed the coaches at the clinic to see that there are more than one way to do their job.
I walked away with three prominent thoughts:
First, I wished I could have had access to this type of clinic when I was a young assistant coach.
Second, I was able to bring back so much information to share with our staff and improve our program.
Third, I was going to make sure I attend next summer whether I was a presenter or not.
I am both honored and excited to have been asked to again speak at the 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium in Chicago, IL. The date is April 29 through May 1 and Felicia has put together another incredible group of speakers that can give you great insight into being better at your job.
A STEP UP (Athletic Symposium To Elevate Professionals & Uplift Performance) is a labor of love for Felicia who has spend a life time of helping people.
This is not an X & O clinic -- there are tons of them out there for us to all go get the drills and plays. But I know of nothing out there that is specifically designed for assistant coaches to help them better function in the variety of roles that we have in our programs.
Felicia, of course, wanted to add some "basketball" to the weekend and last year got us in to observe an Atlanta Dream practice where their coaches stayed after to talk hoops with us. And she has really stepped that part up this year as well. On Friday, April 29, 2011 as Mike Procopio of ATTACK ATHLETICS (Where the Pros Train) will do a two hour on court demonstration with NBA predraft prospects for Symposium participants. Mike has trained several NBA All-Stars including Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo & Tracy McGrady.
For more information:
I will blog more in the months to come especially as topics are assigned but it is important to know that there are limited spots available. Last year in Atlanta the max out number was 200 and it filled up quickly.
