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Monday, November 14, 2022

Basketball: Random Thoughts


Here's a passage from an email advertisement from "Coach Mac." It shares many truths.

1 "To really improve passing, you need drills that involve decision-making.

These drills teach your players how to:

a) Read the defense

b) Understand the movements of their teammates

c) Figure out which type of pass to use in different situations

d) Lead their teammates to open space

e) And plenty more

All of which "technique-based" passing drills don't do.

The takeaway:

If you want your team to cut down on turnovers, make the transition from 'technique' drills to 'decision making' drills."

2 Hat tip to Brett Vroman for suggesting Basketball (And Other Things) by Shea Serrano

In his "Frankenplayer" chapter he raises, "Shooter" divided among:

  • Catch-and-shoot (Klay Thompson)
  • Shooting off screens (Reggie Miller)
  • Shooting off the dribble (Steph Curry)
This reminds coaches and players that we need a skill set not just a skill. And raises the question of what drills/activities develop these skills. And it suggests the value of defense and fatigue that degrade shooting percentage. 

Some of the elements in the chapter are "out there" including hair (he didn't even mention Artis Gilmore) and some "unmentionables." 

3 Quotable Quote. "If you get a job in the industry running errands or making coffee, you better make the best coffee they've ever had." - Shonda Rhimes, writer

I remind players, "it's always showtime." You have to be on time, prepared, and show up. Great players deliver consistency over time with: 

ACHIEVEMENT = PERFORMANCE x TIME 

Most of us won't get Wally Pipped but mediocrity begs the question of whether an organization can do without us. 

Lagniappe. 
It's more than a rhetorical question. Most of us probably think our way fosters a good culture whether it does or doesn't. Could we even agree on the most important few? Some that I'd keep near the top:
  • Communication in all things
  • Distributed leadership (the team owns the culture)
  • Prioritize player development for all



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