From FM 100-5 14 June 1993, "ACCORDING TO DOCTRINE. . . ."
The commander's intent describes the desired end state. It is a concise expression of the purpose of the operation and must be understood two echelons below the issuing commander. . . It is the single unifying focus for all subordinate elements. It is not a summary of the concept of the operation. Its purpose is to focus subordinates on the desired end state. Its utility is to focus subordinates on what has to be accomplished in order to achieve success, even when the plan and concept of operations no longer apply, and to discipline their efforts toward that end.Brian Hines in "First, Fast, and Fearless" describes it more succinctly:
"It is a statement, in your own language, about what must happen for the mission to succeed and what the end state looks like."
In basketball, we combine our philosophy (this is why we play), culture (this is how it works here), and our identity (this is who we are) into an integrated force. When done well, leadership and followership create a functional family, where members value the good of the whole over their own concerns.
Before every tournament and every game, I ask the TEAM, "How do we play?" They answer, "we play fast." But underpinning that, they know that means conditioning, intensity, competitiveness, and productivity during practice. The overarching goal though, is translating that work ethic into the central aspects of their very valuable lives.
But 'fast play' creates only a framework or skeleton upon which to layer their creativity and initiative to accomplish higher quality play. Detail-oriented practice assembles the puzzle pieces together. Sometimes they don't always fit because I haven't adequately taught integrative basketball works. Giving them the tools of basketball innovation presents the challenge for leadership.
But creating detailed expectations, we emphasize PASSING and CUTTING, denying POST ENTRY and CUTTING to the BALL are critical. SURROUND the PIVOT FOOT, trap into the GLASS BOX, and SPRINT into SCREENS, WAIT to CUT, and always LOOK AHEAD matter.
Last night we dispatched an opponent who defeated us last season, as we generated 66 shots and 19 steals in a thirty-two minute game. We need to rebound better, use hand discipline to limit fouls, and we will shoot better.
It wasn't perfect. But they understand how we play. "We play fast."
