Fast Five: Messages to Players...Coaches' Eyes

"They're not cattle." - Pete Newell

Players need to know "why". Understanding "why" you do something obviates 'memorization'. 

1. "Performance-focused" and "feedback-rich" environments create understanding.
   
   Spacing is offense. Repeat until done well.
2. Establish symmetry goals. 372. Get three consecutive stops, seven times a half, both halves. Offensively, avoid three consecutive possessions without scoring. 
3. Players should start to understand the game through "coaches' eyes". They should identify mistakes real time. 
4. Punish opponents' mistakes. Don't break the press to advance the ball. Attack the press to score. Your defender "loses" you? Cut to score.
   
   Defensive transition without total concentration? Layups.
5. Allow no easy shots. Contest without fouling. Hard 2s. Competitive play. Be hard to play against easy to play with.