How much coaching is enough? We're writers, creating characters. Build players (depth, skill) and character. The first rule? Don't be boring while creating memorable players.
Author Judy Blume, from MasterClass lesson on Creating Characters
I have ideas about what isn't enough. When players don't give feedback, communicate poorly on the court, don't understand the goals or the plays, I haven't coached them enough. "What is not learned hasn't been taught." Regardless of whether it's my 'fault', I'm accountable for it.
I think the 'standard' layup lines are not enough.
Alternative layup drills. We worked on these yesterday (six players, two coaches).
Left. Wing attack. Emphasis on separation, rip through with ball protection (out of defender's strike zone), explosive attack and finish.
Right. Dribble handoff/dribble at with decision making. Coach defends poorly (direct DOWNHILL drive), well (pass to roller), overplays (back cut) with layup.
Recognize that some players (increasing in my opinion) have learning disorders (especially dyslexia and attention deficit), learn slower without a defined disorder, or have less experience or aptitude for a new language. Build our teaching and feedback skills.
For example, we instruct a player to force the dribbler left. She has dyslexia and problems with spatial instructions. Instead, direct her to force the player toward the benches or the bleachers. Some players need different instructions. They may be embarrassed to share their problem.
What's overcoaching? Have you watched games where every possession the coach yells out something like "Blue. Eagle. 15." Then the team runs some play...leading to his kid shooting. Teach young kids to play not run a million plays. Basketball requires both discipline and freedom, execution with creative expression.
In Thinking Volleyball, Mike Hebert shares a Japanese college coach's approach:
“Our players practice 8 to 10 hours a day,” he responded. “Last year we practiced 363 days.” “Why did you decide not to practice for two days?” Sherry asked. “One day was national holiday,” he said. “And the other day I sick of team.”
I'd call that overcoaching...
My way is never the best way, just another way. Finding balance matters. It may take a lifetime to write Goldilocks.
Lagniappe:
Four ways to score. Are you a scorer, facilitator, screener? If a player wants to become a scorer, discover multiple ways to score. Fall in love with perimeter shooting and you limit yourself. Drive without shooting skill and defenders will lay off. Free throws, inside moves, putbacks, scoring in transition, scoring off the pick-and-roll all are viable alternatives. Very few "one-trick ponies" become proficient scorers. Find versatility of attack.
