Success in Basketball Means Time Away From the Court, Boca Ciega Coach Says

girls basketball coach Michael Hall knows that to win, it takes work.

So Hall wants his players to stop working.

Basketball is pretty much a 12-month a year job. There really is no offseason. But Hall is of the mind that players really need time off and that time off will actually benefit the Pirates.

"I really do believe in time off," Hall said. "These girls have been in AAU and summer leagues, they've been going just about since the [2010-11] season ended."

The Pirates summer league at Keswick High School -- which Boca Ciega finished undefeated -- ended late last month. So Hall has basically told his girls no basketball for another month, until likely Sept. 12.

"I believe a variety is good for them and time away will be good and make the team better," Hall said. "When you walk away from something you get a good break. When you struggle with math and walk away and take a break, when you come back it is easier.
"It gives me a chance to take a break, too."

When the girls return to school in early September, it won't be long before they will begin getting ready for the basketball season in November, a little over three months away.

Hall will have the girls take part in three workouts a week. Two days will be working out with weights and conditioning and the third day will be an open gym.

There will be practice games in the Wildwood League to be played on Saturdays as well.

"We'll really get it going again in September," Hall said. "The girls need time off, they need to have other interests that makes them better people and better basketball players, I really believe that."