Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Essence of Success

Coaching Toolbox shares a succinct, targeted article from Coach Dave Milhollin. It's worth reading and rereading.

Even so, I want to restate the key points.

"Basketball is about getting more and better quality shots than your opponent." - Pete Newell

Defensively, we want to allow ONE BAD SHOT. (That implies limiting penetration, separation, contesting each shot without fouling, and rebounding assiduously).

Offensively, we want great possessions generating high-quality scoring chances, meaning attacking the basket and getting separation. Spacing, cutting, screening, and passing facilitate that.

Every good team learns to apply and to defeat pressure, both physically and mentally.

Play the game right as much as possible and "the Score Takes Care of Itself."

I seldom discuss winning; I often discuss process. When players arrive on time, ready to go, "get after it", and have reasonable guidance and priorities, they succeed, by the "Wooden definition."