Inside the UConn Huskies' Success
Hurley Coaching Clinic, Huskies' Playbook, Elements of Successful Programs
Dan Hurley’s 4 Core Principles for Defense
Dan Hurley is arguably the best coach in college basketball right now. In this coaching clinic, Hurley shares the team defensive principles for his two-time national championship UConn Huskies team.
1) Strength of the “Pack“
None of your behaviors, mindset, the things you’re saying – those things can only make the “pack” stronger. You cannot allow yourself to do anything that’s going to make the pack weaker.
2) Consistent improvement
A focus on the daily process. Be obsessed with getting better, as a player and as a person.
3) Relentless Competitive Effort
We should never question if you’re passionate enough or competitive enough. You better be a “dawg” or you’re never going to continue to take the next step to excel.
4) Mindful communication
Have some emotional intelligence when you’re communicating with others. Have self-awareness, like if you’re playing like trash, then you probably shouldn’t be barking at other people. Have situational awareness. Ask yourself, “Is this a good time for me, if I’m a leader, to jump on a teammate who’s struggling?”
SSG of the Week: UConn Toughness 2v2
Here’s a small-sided game Coach Hurley uses as one of their “toughness tester” drills. Teaching defensive players to get back into the play when a small advantage is gained by the defense. If you’re a peel switch team, adapt the drill to fit your defensive philosophy.
Get the full coaching clinic, “Dan Hurley: UCONN`s Defensive Principles” now!
Shared Characteristics of Successful Basketball Programs
This week on A Quick Timeout podcast, I shared 3 shared elements of every successful basketball program. I’d encourage you to listen and evaluate whether these elements are present in your program.
Also available on Apple Podcast.
GameChanger App
This app is literally a game changer for basketball coaches, especially for your summer scrimmages! Free live video streaming, advanced scorekeeping, live game and season stats, automatic highlight clips, team management - all in one place. Save time and money with the GameChanger App!
UConn Huskies’ Playbook
Exclusive for A Quick Timeout+ members, a PDF playbook from Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies back-to-back championship teams.