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Sunday, October 30, 2022

Basketball: Shared Language (Sunday Second Helping)


Shared vocabulary, our basketball language, is a vital component of team sport. Language should be simple and unable to be misunderstood. 

Here are a few examples that we used and why:

1. FOUR. Four paid homage to Dean Smith and North Carolina's 'Four Corners' delay offense, masterfully operated by point guard Phil Ford. The goal wasn't simply to run clock but to maintain possession either by the ball handler getting advantage and attacking the basket or hitting a cutter as defense became impatient, often going for a steal. 

2. MIDDLE. The defensive priority was "No Middle" as in no dribble penetration or no pass penetration into the post or paint. Many modern offenses are designed to 'penetrate and pass' (drive and kick) setting up perimeter scorers. Players understand the challenge of ball containment to limit the need for help, rotation, and recovery. 

3. ZIPPER. If you watch any NBA game, a lot of sideline out of bound (SLOB) plays start with a 'zipper cut'. Many options occur off the play and as players mature, they can 'freelance' and develop others. 


This was a wonderful "ad lib" where the inbounder got a return pass and hit the initial screener for a layup. 

GOLDEN STATE. Golden State used 'corner rip' action to get a layup or dunk off an inbound play. I've shared it numerous times because 1) it got the ball inbounded and 2) often generated a quality shot. Its multiple actions included a cross-screen and a sequential diagonal screen. 


SPECIALS. Specials was toward the end of practice where we played three-possession games (O-D-O, offense-defense-offense) beginning with a free throw, BOB, SLOB, or ATO (after time out). Specials simulated "close and late" games where games were often decided. 

A team's shared vocabulary can be expansive, but the more words, the more opportunity for confusion. Coach to the level of the players taught. But as Pete Newell said, "they aren't cattle." The players are capable of learning the who, when, where, what, why, and how. Providing them that foundation gives them a chance to have success at the next level. 

Lagniappe. BE. 
Sommelier Richard Betts has a tattoo of the letter "B" on his arm. Someone asked if it stood for 'Betts'. "No," he said, "it reminds me, don't be a jerk." 





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