Despite his speed and base stealing prowess, Rickey Henderson wanted base-running signals like everyone else. Manager/third-base coach Tom Trebelhorn gave him the green light to steal. But Rickey insisted. Henderson gets on first, Trebelhorn flashes the signs, then brushes his palm across his chest, cancelling the signs. Rickey steals second. The sequence repeats and Rickey steals third. Trebelhorn says to Rickey, "I thought you wanted signs." Henderson answers, "You gave the take off sign, so I took off."
Coaches define boundaries between control and freedom. Some players instinctively know situations and skill, reflected in shot selection. Others need guidelines. Championships are won and lost when players forget, ignore, or color outside those lines.
When do we "greenlight" a player shooting? It's a bottom line process. Start with Jay Bilas' "It's not your shot, it's our shot." Scorers make shots. Willingness to shoot means nothing. I saw a middle school game where the coach implores (his daughter?) a girl to shoot. She goes 0-8 on threes with four airballs in a half. C'mon, man. Love your kid, but hate the shot selection. Don't be that guy.
I'm annoyed to watch our girls walk on the court without warmups and start jacking up perimeter shots...yet most do. Initiate a simple warmup rule. If you miss a practice shot, take a step in...two steps for an airball.
Everyone teaches that better shots are situationally appropriate, not closely contested, in range, and in rhythm. We are going to start (eighth grade girls) practicing threes this season. Building range includes shot-ready loading especially with hip and knee flexion on the catch.
Kevin Sivils teaches range testing, "proof of concept."
Roy Williams gives players the three-point "green light" when they make sixty (60) percent of three-pointers in practice. Set clear guidelines.
Greenlighting shooting follows other basketball demands. You have to earn it.
Lagniappe: Outstanding article, (hat tip - Dave Edwards) Build a high basketball IQ
Understanding the game is the quickest way to improve. Improvement gets you on the floor and helps keep you in the game.
Excerpts:
1. Do they space the floor well?
2. Do defenders arrive at the ball in close proximity to the catch?
3. Can you identify what each team is trying to achieve on offense and defense (beyond scoring and limiting scoring)?
