Author Neil Gaiman informs "rules" translatable into the coaching profession. We will never find shortcuts to success.
1. You have to write (coach/practice).
2. You have to finish what you write (develop a soup to nuts integrated program).
3. You have to send it out to somebody who could publish it (compete/play the game).
4. Refrain from rewriting except to editorial request (believe in and sign your work).
5. When it comes back, send it out again (it won't always be pretty).
6. Start the next thing (evolve).
Frustration and coaching are partners. Return to Michael Useem's BIG FOUR questions from The Leadership Moment.
- What went well?
- What went poorly?
- What can we do differently?
- What are the enduring lessons?
We have developed ways to generate more extended defensive pressure. While part of that is scheme-oriented, the bigger factor is improved conversion. Teams have to shrink the 'golden moment' between scoring and converting into aware and alert defense. That demands practice and repetition.
"Failure" can be ingrained or a one-off (had a bad day). When players don't shorten the pass (come to the ball), aggressive defenses thrive. When teams "play the edge" they play into the defense's hands.
Good spacing alone is insufficient. Above, note how the offense ineffectively plays two on five. Creating multiple actions includes combining paint touches and ball reversal.
Against pressure, living on the edges includes dribbling into traps and lacking core skills like back-dribbling and crossovers (we started practice with that last night).
"Movement kills defenses."
'Stagnant' half court offense often includes poor spacing and/or lack of movement. Work on spread principles starting with 2 on 2 core actions (give-and-go, pick-and-roll, cut and pass - both face and back cuts). We set too many ball screens and too few off-ball screens. That reflects poor coaching.
"Play like your hair's on fire." Not many teams are talented enough that they can just 'show up' and win. Similarly, there's no on-off switch to flip. Effort and mental engagement are non-negotiable. Maturing players learn how to play with force and block out distractions.
There is no secret. Without effort and engagement, "odds are you won't live to see tomorrow" in the postseason.
Lagniappe: Study how elite players use off-ball screens to separate.
