Basketball: The One-Inch Frame, "Know Your NOs" and Zone Offense

Anne Lamott wrote a brilliant book about writing, Bird by Bird. She shares a tip about "the one-inch frame," ultrafine focus on a topic or individual. That reminds me of prior discussions about a penny. 

Look through the one-inch frame at your team. What do you see? 

"There is always a pecking order." - Eric Spoelstra 

Be great in your role. On every team, including the NBA, most players are role players. If you are unhappy with your role, work hard to become more to do more. 

What is our health, injury, and mental outlook? 

The graph shows influenza trends across the US in 5-24 year-olds. Influenza-like illnesses are taking their toll on players, school absence, and practice attendance. Influenza B predominates. Last night's practice varied between 8 to 10 players (of 13 on the team). 

Who maintains our energy level? 

The coaching staff has the first responsibility for maintaining high enthusiasm and energy at practice. In my opinion, the point guards are the second order energy source, and team leaders third. Our top two point guards are out with illness and this affects us. 

What are our strengths and weaknesses? 

Three games into the season, we have imbalanced scoring and transition defense issues. A good shot early in a possession is better than a poor shot later.  

Are we connected? 

Connection implies group accountability, player and ball movement. It implies defensive communication, help ("the ball scores"), and rotation. It implies caring about each other and for each other. We're not connected as well as we need to be to be good.

What does our team need now? 

We need to get healthy, get everyone practicing, and on the same page. 

Lagniappe: "Know your NOs."

- Small guards, "Do not cut into traffic" looking to get the ball in the trees. You cannot get "blue sky" there to shoot the ball. 
- "Never cut to an occupied post." You violate spacing and bring defenders to the ball.
- "Never get in the way of the driver." Remember the Silver Rule, "Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you." 

Lagniappe 2: "Make them pay for extending their defense." via @HalfCourtHoops

Richmond | Delay Keep Backdoor pic.twitter.com/hcMsdghlK1

— Half Court Hoops (@HalfCourtHoops) January 7, 2020

Lagniappe 3: Zone Offense Concepts

Clock pressure the middle via cutters. 

Syracuse's Jim Boeheim on attacking his 2-3 zone. 

Spacing is critical to avoid passing through defenders. 

When the ball goes to the middle, 5 has her shot and everyone must relocate into passing lanes.