Love how Pete Bell was acting like Bobby Knight

If you watch Nolte's mannerisms in the film, you can tell he followed Knight around for a season. I mean, it's still vintage Nolte but it's not '48 Hours' Nolte... It's a bit more subdued in ways... But his walk and hand gestures(Even his haircut) etc are 100% Bobby Knight lol. And as you mentioned, ESPECIALLY the kick.

I think Nolte has said that Knight was his inspiration for Coach Bell. In particular for his tirade in the locker room at the beginning, and his rantings during the game. But also some of Bobby Knights better qualities, like his dedication to keeping his program clean, and making sure his players made the grade in school.

Ironically, not only was Bobby Knight in this movie, but he legitamitley got hot at the refs during the game, and was in a shouting match with a reporter for they started filming.