Watch film. Adopt ideas. Great directors like Werner Herzog watch movies to understand the film (game) and the stories (tactics).
Werner Herzog in his MasterClass on Filmmaking
How do you analyze the flow of a picture (game) and the technical means (details)?
"How is the leading character introduced?"
-Script an opening? (We're working on this.)
-Make a statement during the tap play and first possession.
-Demonstrate intensity and purpose from the outset.
-Incorporate hard to defend actions.
-Coach Auriemma says that when recruiting, the target should stand out immediately.
When pros struggle to guard something, won't young players?
Marlon Brando, as Zapata
Get the audience on your side. What kind of basketball do fans enjoy? Fans help energize the home team, frustrate opponents (e.g. false starts in the NFL), and might affect an occasional official. I'm not saying that if Stall Ball or Hack-a-Shaq are your best chances to win (not youth basketball) that fan appeasement comes first.
Life imitates art. Watching poor-shooting high school teams emulate the pros while firing up airball threes isn't quality fan experience. Sometimes shot selection of teams makes me wonder if they're collective Dexters working to take out their coaches.
Rise in the moment. Games turn in 'the moment' which can arise any time. Coach Bob Knight believes the first five minutes of the second half are pivotal. Strong teams learn to close out games using offensive and defensive delay plans and personnel. Are we practicing situational basketball enough?
As coaches, teach players to tell the story. Coach Tom Izzo reminds us that a player-driven team will outperform a coach-driven team. He explains how players like Draymond Green and Denzel Valentine fit that mold.
Lagniappe: from Atomic Habits
"Habit changes are easier in a positive environment." - James Clear (You can't do your best studying in a bowling alley.)
Lagniappe 2: "How you do anything is how you do everything." - Alan Stein, Jr. (Brad Stevens notes that he's never had an exceptional defender who was a poor student.)
Lagniappe 3: Have empathy for players getting fewer minutes (or none) and recognition. Help them feel valued.