Every story doesn't end well. Learn valuable lessons from the pain of others to avoid suffering an unhappy ending. We've all been there.
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
Years ago a strong team entered the postseason as favorites to go deep. The day before their game, a player "stole" another player's boyfriend. The team fragmented and got a first round knockout....not exactly textbook Wooden "team spirit" block in the Pyramid of Success. Play for the girl next to you.
"Happiness begins where selfishness ends." - John Wooden
A player showed continual selfishness, unwillingness to pass or play team defense. His coach set up an inbounds play in practice, with the player the inbounder. He then ordered his teammates off the court. "Now play." Preach TEAM and unselfishness from day one.
"On time, on target" applies to both offense (passing) AND defense.
Study is an essential part of the job. A team implemented a post doubling strategy for a sectional championship same. They practiced it (left) and published it internally within the game plan.
It required 'x3' to rotate down as x4 doubled across. It didn't happen and 4 scored three layups because nobody helped the helper. "The help can never be beaten." The team lost by a point. I never double the post across because of this painful lesson.
Inconceivable. "Never presume anything."
Good teams make unforgivably bad plays.
Gear up. Don't wind up with a rock in the shoe.
The Scouts' motto is "be prepared." "I forgot my __________." I hear this season every year; you do, too. Lay out your gear for practice/games in advance. Don't wait for the last minute. Uniform, sneakers, extra socks, extra shoe laces, medical supplies (ankle braces, mouth guard, contact lenses, solutions, inhaler, tape), water, snacks, hair stuff, and any other personal products. Take a "Fail Safe" approach. Have a checklist. It's your responsibility, not your parent's.
We all have our nightmares. What's yours?
Lagniappe: from Dylan Murphy in the Film Room, defensive theory and practice.
Defending off-ball screens requires communication and savvy. "Lock and trail" or "top lock" is never easy against elite NBA shooters.
