We can learn from everyone but especially first-level thinkers. Jim Crutchfield may not be a household name, yet has an elite track record. He doesn't leave a paper trail. He's the antithesis of self-promotion, the stealth fighter of coaching excellence.
To do extraordinary work, you have cherish ordinary work.
Via the West Liberty athletics site: "Taking the head coaching reins in 2004 after several years as an assistant basketball coach and head tennis coach at West Liberty, Crutchfield enjoyed an incredible 13-year run. The 2-time NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year has compiled the highest winning percentage in college basketball history (359-61, .855) among coaches with 10 or more years at NCAA schools."
He creates winning programs and has a history of creating offensive juggernauts. "In 2013, the Hilltoppers became just the second team in Division II history to average more than 100 points per game in four consecutive seasons."
Notes from a video sent by Herb Welling:
Intensity fluctuates...his goal is to maintain high energy
"How good can we be if we ever get up to that level of energy?"
"The Process" allows players freedom and responsibility to execute the game.
1. Vision (develop the ability to see the game)
2. Analysis
3. Reaction
What's the problem - lack of 'skill' at the above. Coaches respond by controlling the game.
Werner Herzog, MasterClass
1. See (can't run down the floor mindlessly...head on a swivel...see everything)...plays a lot of situational basketball practice (e.g. 80-80 two or three minutes remaining). We have all seen key games lost by loss of awareness (score, time, timeouts, what we're doing offensively or defensively).
2. Analyze..."if one guy presses, we all press." If someone forces the dribbler to pick up the ball, then teammates need awareness to deny. Everyone can react to any situation. Hard! Do I double team? You decide based on the sum of the inputs available to you...does this create advantage? It can when team rotation exists...
3. React...have the alertness and awareness to make plays when plays are available.
Crutchfield believes in early and consistent offensive attack...
From CoachesNetwork.com
A picture is worth a thousand words; a video even more. Working from a 1-4 set initiates the attack.
Crutchfield's teams use a myriad of "simple" fundamental actions:
First, I'd suggest noting the spacing and the reads of the opposite post. Just a few actions:
-Attack from the elbow
-Inside outside action
-Pinch post-like action
-Backdoor action off the initial cut
-Flex-like action
-DHO into return pass
-Back cut off Flex-like action
-Scissor DHO
Lagniappe: Do what you can, not what you could. via @coachliamflynn
Really like this Side Out of Bounds play from the @Raptors. A lot of off ball screen misdirection prior to getting into Spain PNR. I also like how rip screener in Spain Action is first the inbounder, then screens for PNR creator, before eventually setting the rip. #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/JGrMqsgpul— Coach Liam Flynn (@coachliamflynn) January 4, 2019
