SBP E-Learning Wraps Up with Live Culmination Episode

As they always say in life, "Practice makes perfect"

And in last night's cumulative episode of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) e-learning module series that ran for six weeks since first airing last June 24, one of the things that were heavily emphasized is the importance of having an efficient practice as it will determine how good the team will become the actual games themselves. Former national team coach Jong Uichico was joined in by SBP Director for Operations, Butch Antonio who served as the episode's co-moderator. They also had different coaches from different regions of the country to join the discussion. 

A big chunk of last night's episode was allotted to the discussion of the importance for coaches to have a master plan for their practices. Uichico, whom Antonio regarded as the man behind the SBP's e-learning initiative for coaches, began by saying that "Practice is like a classroom" and that as a coach, you should be prepared in terms of what you want to teach, why you want to teach it, and the way you want to teach it. Coaches should also consider the amount of time you want to a lot for teaching it. That way, your practices will not only be organized but also efficient. 

The discussion also revolved around the breakdown of what a basic mater plan should have. For Uichico, a master plan should begin weight weeks prior to the team's first game of the season and that, progression should be made every week until such time when you see that the team has already grasped what you have been trying to teach. This included when you should start incorporating team strategies, playing 3 x3 until the players are ready to play 5x5 basketball.

The multi-titled champion coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) also noted the importance of giving players a break after four days of practice as it has been said by experts that after the fourth day of practice, that's when the players' energy begins to go down. Uichico also reiterated the importance of the mental well-being of players as they receive tons of knowledge during practices. The discussion also involved going back to the fundamentals as a coach asked about what to do when a certain player said that "He's good to go from the fundamentals" In that aspect, Uichico went the distance and quoted  what the late and great Kobe Bryant said on why he's a great basketball: "He never gets bored about the fundamentals"

If there's one takeaway from last night's discussion that both players and coaches should consider, it's this: practices are an important aspect not just in basketball but in any sports for that matter. 

Screenshot is from the Facebook page of the SBP