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Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Basketball: Tips That Win

Kevin Eastman is a guy who's often, "the smartest guy in the room." He's a former NBA coach and executive, an author, and a speaker. He reads two hours a day.

First, a tip from him: 

1) This belongs under the framework of "movement kills defenses."

2) Use symmetry to create advantage. For example, "spacing is offense." The corollary is on defense, "shrink space" by loading to the ball. 

3) Become more efficient. Run practice at a higher tempo. Name regular drills. Move from action to action faster. Watch video at a higher speed, e.g. 1.25 to 1.5x normal. 

4) Read every day. Fiction, non-fiction, basketball, not basketball. Author Matt Haig says "every story is about somebody searching for something." Isn't that what every coach and player does? 

5) Win the 'special situations' battle. Practice situational basketball with three possession games, time and score, starting with a BOB, SLOB, ATO, or free throw. We called that 15 minute scrimmage time, "specials" and we out-executed teams when we were fortunate to be 'close and late'. 

These practice activities didn't make us a 'championship team' in middle school. They did help develop two D1 players (over six years), who played in three state championship games (not for our local team). 

6) "Never be a child's last coach." Coach everyone. Respect everyone. Think B+ (be positive). 

7) Be Helen Mirren. Asked what was necessary to become successful, she answered, "Always be on time. Don't be an a*hole." 

8) Contain the ball. Find or develop players who apply ball pressure to prevent dribble or pass penetration without fouling. Failure to do so results in "draw 2" situations, help and rotation, and inevitably to open shots. 

Lagniappe. Choose to complain about BBIQ or do something about BBIQ. 

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