At Dr. Dish Basketball, we always love hearing from our customers to see how they're utilizing our machines - especially now during the global pandemic.
Recently, I was fortunate to catch up with Wethersfield (IL) Head Coach Todd Hansen to discuss his team's training. Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Wethersfield is only allowed to meet for one-on-one instruction. This means no scrimmages, no games, and no contact with players. All of that being said, Wethersfield is still getting battery every day.
In 2017, Coach Hansen recalled reading one of our blog posts about "How Pine City (MN) was revolutionizing High School Basketball. “I remember reading about this team in Minnesota who was undersized, but shooting a ton of 3’s. Similar to what professional teams do. It got my attention and had been in the back of my mind ever since” said Hansen.
Fast forward 3 years, and Coach Hansen has a team focusing on the same philosophy:
“Our gym just got new flooring. Coincidentally, the flooring is different color in the lane, and past the 3 point line. I tell my players to try and only take shots in those areas, and avoid long 2’s.”
With this new philosophy, he knew they needed a more efficient way to train. In February of 2020, his program upgraded to the Dr. Dish Complete Trainer (CT). Little did they know, their training was about to be altered in a big way.
For a majority of the Spring, their school was locked down. The players were unable to use the machine.
Then, Summer meant outdoor only training. Again, no Dr. Dish was available.
Currently, coaches and players are only allowed to do one-on-one training. With that, the Dr. Dish has been invaluable. “Each girl uses the Dish twice a week. They get 200-300 shots up in a half hour. We’ve taken over 8,000 shots in 5 weeks.”
However, Coach Hansen is about more than just sheer reps. “I knew the girls we’re missing competition. I developed a point system for them to compete internally. They aren’t used to competing with one another, but it’s been great. Sometimes I’ll throw little comments at them...
"Hey, so and so had a pretty high shooting percentage this morning...you will have to be on today if you want to get any points!”
The point system created allows players to earn points in each workout. The coaches total the points weekly, and have a running total from all workouts, with prizes up for grabs.
Aside from the competition, Coach Hansen has already noticed substantial improvements.
“This machine is going to make a difference in our program. I no longer have to be our rebounder. Now, I can focus on coaching, breaking down our players shots, footwork, and form. Our shooting percentages have already gone way up.”
Although Wethersfield had a previous shooting machine, it was nowhere near as advanced as the CT.
“With other machines, there is really no interaction. This one, the kids love the technology. Anything with a touch screen they get excited about. It allows them to track their percentages and always see their stats.”
Although the equipment has been a big factor, Coach Hansen is very proud of his players' commitment.
“They are coming in when no one knows, and putting in the work. They are getting better day in and day out. Other than their parents and I, no one else is aware of how hard they are working, and how much they are improving. I am proud of them, and excited to see where the hard work leads.”
We are always encouraged by stories of how our users are maximizing their machines. During these difficult times, coaches and players are faced with one question. Even in the midst of all this uncertainty, how will we get better? Coach Hansen and the Wethersfield girl’s team have found their answer to this in the Dr. Dish CT. While the CT is the best shooting machine on the market, it is only as valuable as the time players spend using it.
Are you looking to join Wethersfield, and a number of the top D1 and NBA teams in the nation as a part of our #DrDishFam? Click the link below to get pricing on the Dr. Dish. For as little as $3,000 down, you could have a machine in your gym as early as next week. Call us today for more information on all models, and our interest free financing options for schools.