Our Program Philosophy

We believe as coaches we take on a huge role and responsibility. Coaching is a profession in which one can make a lifelong impression on a young person's mind and heart. Below are behaviors the Penn Yan Lady Mustangs coaching staff will exhibit to help provide our athlete's with a positive experience in our program:

• Want to win! Be a competitor with high standards who consistently has an ascending level of expectation. Coaches will encourage every player to continue to work to improve their game.
• Teach the skills needed to excel at the game of basketball along with commitment, discipline, determination, courage, perseverance, loyalty, teamwork and sportsmanship to be successful in life.
• Be as fair, consistent and honest as possible in every situation: Please note, fair does not mean equal playing time.
• Be approachable to both players and parents.
• Always put the “team interest” ahead of “individual interest.”
• Attempt to create an environment where all players know their role on the team, and everyone is reminded that they are important to the team.
• Demonstrate positive behaviors and be positive role models for all student athletes both on and off the court.
• Show respect to officials at all times: keep in mind how officials are treated reflects on our program.
• Work together with other coaches in the program in a positive manner.
• Speak of the program and our coaches/players in a positive manner.
• Be present at all fundraising events, practices, games, team events etc.
• Be available and willing to work in the off season (AAU, Summer League, Camp, LMST, Open Gyms etc.)

Focus Points at Each Level

Modified:

• Playing time is equal for all athletes
• Players should have experience in all positions
• Fundamentals should be the main focus: shooting form, passing, dribbling with eyes up, seeing the floor
• Basic understanding of Boxing Out
• Basic understanding of Post move sequence
• Basic understanding of help side defense
• Basic understanding of “player to player” defense
• Basic understanding of zone defense
• Fast Break sequence: numbers 1-5

JV:

• Players who are producing play while keeping in mind to reward those who are working hard (aka: playing time is not equal)
• Positions should be narrowed down
• Players should have a sound understanding of fundamentals and should be focusing on strategy: reading defense, anticipating, playing basketball
• Players should have a sound understanding of help side defense
• Players should have a sound understanding of “player to player” and zone defenses
• Players should be boxing out consistently
• Fast Break sequence: numbers 1-5

Varsity:

• Players who are producing play while keeping in mind to reward those who are working hard
• Focus is on strategy
• Fundamentals should be polished and second nature
• Players should be able to read passes, anticipate, and play basketball!
• Players should have a solid understanding of the game including fast break number system
• Players should be highly competent in all defenses: help side defense, player to player, zone, full court press
• Players should be boxing out on every shot!

Off-Season Philosophy

It is our belief that in the off season, each player should have an equal opportunity to get better and work on individual and team skills. Our off season opportunities include Penn Yan AAU tournaments, AAU practices, JV and Varsity summer leagues, Open Gyms, Lady Mustang Strength Training (LMST), and St. Bonaventure Team Camp. During these off season opportunities, our program philosophy includes the following:

• All players will receive equal playing time no matter their skill level
• Our goal in the off season is focused on improvement! Winning is not our priority in the off season. Of course we love to win! But, our main priority in the off season is to provide each player with an equal opportunity to improve and get better!
• We encourage players to work on skills/moves/strategy they might not be comfortable trying during the season! The off season is the time to get out of the comfort zone and try new skills!
• It is OKAY to make mistakes! The off season is the time to try new skills, build confidence, and improve as an individual and as a team!