Recent games exposed multiple defensive problems. Whether it's because we're playing better competition or we haven't practiced for two weeks (school vacation) doesn't matter.
After yesterday's game, I asked if anyone had heard of Mount Kilimanjaro. I didn't expect them to. I explained it is a 20 thousand foot peak. I asked them what letter it would start with. "K" they all said. "Could it be any others?" Some answered C. "A combination?" One said, "Ch." Apply basic knowledge to more advanced concepts.
"If Kyle Maynard can climb Kilimanjaro, there's no reason why we can't jump to the ball." And we have to start translating practice concept to game play.
1. Dribble penetration.
We emphasized ball pressure, "nose on the ball" or "crawl up into them." Many players couldn't handle that. Maybe that's why so many teams play zone defense? That's unacceptable and we'll work on the "dog drill" and "manmaker."
2. Give-and-go plays.
"Jump to the ball." Distinguish between lack of athleticism and lack of concentration. Credit the opposition for crisp cutting and passing. But "technique beats tactics."
3. Transition.
Good teams don't allow easy hoops in transition. Bad teams do. If we choose to be good, we need to CARE (concentrate - anticipate - react - execute).
4. Backdoor plays.
The symmetry of basketball allows practice to work both offense and defense simultaneously. Play 3 on 3 at both ends prioritizing full denial defense and back cuts off post or wing entry and dribble handoffs.
Lagniappe: Coaches, empower our players. This is their team. This isn't a novel concept. Master of logistics, General George C. Marshall's strategic planning helped win World War II.
LEADERSHIP LESSON 3: EMPOWERING OTHERS IS NOT A MODERN CONCEPT.
Throughout the war, Marshall made it clear he didn’t want subordinates who simply identified problems for him to solve. He wanted subordinates who identified problems, solved them, and then informed him of the results.
Lagniappe 2: "Extreme ownership" - Former SEAL Jocko Willink teaches SEAL leadership concept in Extreme Ownership.
"The leader must own everything in his world and all responsibility for success and failure rests with him. There is no one else to blame."
After our weekend games, I stressed the need to translate practice into game play. There's an old saying, "One bad play, bad play; two bad plays, bad player; three bad plays, bad coaching." Playing better competition doesn't obviate playing defense.
Maybe we have more illness than is let on. Maybe the holiday break dulled our perception. But practice will emphasize the need for better defensive technique and toughness. Don't tell me "I can't." Show me "I do."
