Great authors challenge young writers to write in the style of another author. Benjamin Franklin pursued the printing trade instead of the family candle-making business because he wanted to write. He dissected (literally cutting up) works of other authors and reassembled to improve his writing.
What would coaching in the style of another coach look like? Coaches do that every day. If we were Wooden, Dean Smith, Newell, Knight, Carril, or VanDerveer for a day, what pearls belong in our program? What philosophy, concept, or drill fit in your repertoire?
Wooden. "Make every day your masterpiece." That's a tall order. It teaches being present, living the now. Focus. It reminds me of Bill Walton's 21 of 22 National Championship performance against Memphis. And Wooden's comment that Walton never tired of working on the little things, like inside footwork.
Smith. Choosing "one" lesson from any great challenges us. Solid teams have a strong delay offense and defense. Smith's "four corners" is simple, triggered by the genius of Phil Ford.
"Basketball is a game of _________." Matchups. Find the edge.
Newell. Begin with the triad of balance, footwork, and maneuvering speed. Separation and finishing start with footwork. Start with the wing series.
Knight. I think Knight and "advantage-disadvantage." Make practice hard. Five on seven or five on eight no dribble press break. If you beat the disadvantage at practice every day, what's the big deal about five on five?
Carril. "The smart take from the strong." Carril was about three-pointers and layups before analytics was a word.
We lack the overall skill to run these actions. But that shouldn't stop you.
VanDerveer. When I think Tara VanDerveer, I think triangle. "Movement kills defenses."
The Stanford men have good actions, too.
Lagniappe: Without the ball. Want exposure to different teaching? That doesn't prevent us from emphasizing "preferred" options.
- Off the V-cut, we like the inside foot as pivot foot, closer to the basket. That still allows the "Newell teaching" reverse turn and deep step with a close defender.
- If you get the "leg over" the front cut/face cut is often available.
- When you get a foot between the defender's feet, the spin and seal gets separation.