Xs and Os

Summer workouts...better for me than being a kid in a candy store...

We've all seen games won and lost on execution, as Xs and Os worked at the right time. Tell me something I don't know...

We've beaten a few superior team narrowly just because Xs and Os and timely execution matter. 

Well-executed Xs and Os enforce spacing, open lanes, facilitate cutting and passing. 

In the post-season against 'man' D, we ran this simple double downscreen play out of 'Horns' 5 possessions and scored 7 points (3 hoops and 1 of 2 free throws) in a game we won 45-42. The opposition (who had an enormous size edge) then switched to zone. If the initial pass from 5 isn't made, then cutters continue to the corners and corners come to the wings with the next option 5 iso. 

After the game, the opposing coach had the temerity to tell me, "if we made shots, we would have beaten you." Really? Social awkwardness truly is the curse of genius. 

I have a love-hate relationship with Xs and Os, because execution of fundamentals is the mortar underpinning all success. All want lies in the "not having." 

Players who 'get it'...spacing, setting up cuts, screening the man properly, coming off screens 'downhill', finishing with authority...make us look smart(er). Teach them to SEE THE GAME. 

Points for me to remember: 

1) Keep it simple.
2) Keep it fun. They're kids. 
3) Add value.
4) Build trust. 
5) Anchor to fundamental excellence.