Monday, August 24, 2015

Coach Starkey on Half Court Offense and Generic Thoughts

This article speaks for itself. When we read an article, we should have some 'takeaways'.

Here are some generic thoughts I have on offense.


  • Transition is great, but good teams limit transition and you face only good teams in the post-season. 
  • Core concepts include spacing, screening, cutting, and passing. 
  • If you want to become a scorer, you need FOUR WAYS to SCORE. 
  • Movement kills defense. 
  • You have to match your offensive philosophy to the players you have. Think "infantry, cavalry, and artillery." Infantry pounds the ball inside, cavalry is speed based, and artillery is perimeter scoring. 
  • Offense is not a democracy. The best scorers should get the most shots. 
  • Possession and possessions. "More and better quality shots than the opposition."
  • The quickest route to better offense is better shot quality. 
  • If you aren't a good shooting team, then you better be an excellent passing team to get better shots.
  • Players need to "see the game." Coaches' primary job is teaching that vision. 
  • The game evolves with the rules. Don't live in the past. 
  • Eighty percent of practice should be on the twenty percent that you consider most important. 
  • We all overcoach and under teach at times. 
  • Drills have to teach something that translates to game play. 
  • Small-sided games in small spaces create realism and more touches. 
  • Always get feedback to assess learning. 
  • You can't 'make up' repetitions that you don't get. Create combination drills that blend game situations with decision-making and competition. 
  • "You are responsible for your paycheck." (Minutes)
  • If your first reaction to any situation is putting the ball on the floor, I want you sitting next to me.