Of Basketball Paradigms and Paradoxes

par·a·digm

ˈperəˌdīm/

noun

noun: paradigm; plural noun: paradigms

1.

technical

a typical example or pattern of something; a model.

"there is a new paradigm for public art in this country"

synonyms:

model, pattern, example, exemplar, template, standard, prototype, archetype "why should your sets of values be the paradigm for the rest of us?"

While the highest levels of basketball undergo a "paradigm shift" to "PACE and SPACE" or "THREE and D" basketball, most of us face a pedestrian challenge, getting players to SEE THE GAME and EXECUTE THE GAME. We struggle against COMPLEXITY and the temptation to overfeed our players already sated from their last meal.

 

 

When specifically surveyed, many players simply think that athletic superiority outranks a more holistic approach. They don't appreciate the grand distinction between "KNOW THAT" and "KNOW HOW". Knowing rules of grammar doesn't per se create good writing.

I saw a player get a clean catch ten feet from the basket with a clear path for a layup. She shot and missed instead of making a strong unopposed move to the basket. In a twenty-point win, that passes as insignificant. Don Meyer would say, "what is unacceptable in defeat is unacceptable in victory."

Players need a model of high expectations with a framework of more teaching and avoidance of overcoaching.

Symmetry is underappreciated in basketball. Offense demands separation to get easy shots. Defense demands denial of separation to encourage 'hard 2s'. Basket attack gets rewarded with easier shots and free throws. Failing to protect the basket efficiently allows easy baskets and the twin scourge of free throws and foul trouble.

par·a·dox

ˈperəˌdäks/

noun

noun: paradox; plural noun: paradoxes

1. a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.

   "a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity known as the information paradox"

   • a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

     "in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it"

     synonyms:

     contradiction, contradiction in terms, self-contradiction, inconsistency, incongruity;

Basketball is a simple game replete with paradox. Although many accept that the game is eighty percent mental, our teaching disproportionately emphasizes physical execution. Although the average player must spend ninety percent of the game without the ball, we focus on developing 'ball skills'. We all understand and emphasize defense, but must devote the lions' share of practice to offense because of the difference in skill demanded. Even the best players must at times subjugate their individual skills, sacrificing and sharing for the welfare of the greater good - the team. The designed growth of the individual (player development) ultimately has meaning only within team play.

It's harder than it looks. This parental comment (referenced elsewhere) defines that. “How hard is it to coach? All you do is come up with a drill or two, and sit there in your chair and watch games. Anyone could do it.”

The 'know that' versus 'know how' contradiction shows up with positives and negatives. Periodically, we see outstanding rebounders who simply "get the ball", unencumbered by block out concepts. Every game I see players 'see' a play (e.g. a free run to the basket) whose awareness is betrayed by failed alertness as they fail to rotate or rebound timidly.

Success requires the implementation of the big picture refined through the vitality of the small details. Putting the outcome cart before the "process" horse corrupts both the players and the process. Players want to win; the best players concentrate on giving their best mental and physical effort every practice, every repetition, and every possession.

I can literally bore the few readers left to tears ranting about the fools' gold of more games and fewer practices, system versus non-system coaching, analytics versus the 'eyeball test', psychology and visualization versus quantitative mental toughness (Carlstedt protocol). But my plea is to see that as 'all politics is local', so are all programs. Take the briefest step off the treadmill and ask the question, "can we do it better?"