Steve Von Schnauzer walked into the tunnel of the Lilac Dome in Spokane, WA, dressed in casual Khaki pants and a “2011 FCAA Furry Four, Boston” T-shirt, observing some players limbering up, some taking shots, and some just chit-chatting or joking with each other as he walked towards the court. He pulled his whistle out of his pocket as he approached the arena floor. Once at the sidelines, he blew the whistle briefly to get everyone’s attention.

Once he had their attention, he headed to the center of the court, having the team form a circle as he addressed them: “Fellas, for those who don’t know who I am, my name is Steve Von Schnauzer and I’ve been assigned to coach all of you for this season. Many of you I know have been here a while, while I’m also aware that some of you are new to the team, whether veteran or rookie to this league. I’m not asking anyone here to be lovers or even best of friends as long as you guys can at least work with each other when on the lumber. Off the lumber, whether you guys get along is up to you!”

He continued: “Now last season, you guys made the playoffs, only to get knocked out by the Bikers in the 1st round! I don’t want to see that happen this year! You guys better limber up now, because in a little bit, the ‘basic training’ will commence!”

For the next 15 minutes, the team got their stretches in, then came 30 minutes of running, passing, and 1-on-1 drills. After that, he directed the team to the arena steps behind the scorer’s table, addressing the Rapids again: “I hope you’re all ready, what you guys were just doing was nothing compared to what I’m going to have you do next! There is 1 word I never want to hear from any of you in my presence and that’s ‘easy!’ Like our opponents, this exercise will be very difficult! It was originally invented for wrestlers, but works well in basketball too, to strengthen your whole upper body, as well as make it quicker and more agile. Many say defense is ignored in the FBA, but not by me! Many of you may not complete this task the 1st time, but by the end of the season, you’ll all be able to do this up and down every flight of stairs in this arena. I’ll lead, then I want you all on your hand paws, hooves, and wings following!”

Coach Von Schnauzer then got onto his hand paws and began ascending the stairs. Several players looked confused by the exercise, but then a few started following, then eventually the whole team until they reached to top. Once the last player made it up there, despite a few stumbles, Steve then said to the team, “Not bad for a start guys, some of you will need some work I see though. As this is the 1st practice, I only had you go up 1 flight. This is nothing compared to what is yet to come, so prepare yourselves! Remember that our opponents prepare for us, we must prepare for them, no matter how weak or strong, big or small!”
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FBA ©  BuckHopper
Rapids GMed by  Nightfirex