Decision-making and execution form basketball's "excellence core." The better individual and collective decision-making and its complement "making plays", the more the impossible become reality.
An old man or woman might make flawless decisions but lack the athleticism and skill to translate intent into points. A supremely athletic and reasonably skilled youngster with a low basketball IQ might enjoy some success but will never achieve greatness until decision-making catches up with 'talent'. The great players synthesize playmaking with court intelligence to 'make it happen'.
If we focus entirely on the physical side of player development or the mental side of the game, then we do our teams a disservice. We need to balance skill development with correction and complements to raise players up.
You all know your five senses. Your sixth sense is experience. Part of your basketball IQ derives from playing more and watching more basketball. What do excellent players do that poor players do not? What mistakes do limited players make that you must eliminate from your game?
Ask questions. What do you know? When you hear something you don't understand, seek answers.
Quiz yourself. Think about a basketball topic, like defensive stance, free throw shooting, or cutting. Write down EVERYTHING you know. Do you know a lot or a little? You can create a self-test tool.
While watching a game, note the ebbs and flows, the stops and runs, what makes teams survive and teams die. Last night the Celtics led the Cavs at half by six. In the third quarter, the Cavs extended their defense, and the Celtics failed to respond settling for poor shots and stagnant offense with too much "hero ball."
The game evolves and faster play with better player and ball movement are the new reality. Challenge yourself to grow and evolve with it.
