Reduce errors via process. Japanese transit developed a system of pointing and calling to enhance safety. It engages multiple senses to overcome 'unconscious' behaviors and reduce errors. Operators 'point' at targets like speedometers and verbally confirm data.
Transit errors fell dramatically. In Atomic Habits, James Clear shares how accidents reduced 30 percent in Japan and 57 percent in New York with pointing only.
I do something similar prior to leaving for work, checking for wallet, keys, and cellphone, the latter needed for an Electronic Health Record (EHR) Security Access Tool. I can't work in the office without EHR access.
But basketball? Errors occur with blown assignments, with free throw defense, substitutions, and offensive and defensive inbounds plays.
Free throw defense.
Don't trust, verify. Have x2 point to the free throw line, saying "shooter" and x3 point to the biggest rebounding threat, saying "pinch."
Substitutions. We can't afford missed assignments. After each substitution, have players "point" to their cover and say their number.
BLOB defense.
One of our core principles is to cover the blocks and elbows. But players still forget. We can do better by having players point-and-call, eliminating all chance of initial misalignment.
The additional advantage of point-and-calling is habituating communication.
Habit Scoring. We can score habits as positive, negative, or neutral (+, -, =). Habits, like shot selection, can be great, poor, or so-so. Call attention to a player's habits, like their intensity during a drill. Have a coach or injured player score focus - high, low, or average on a given drill, like box drills. This could encourage better average performance or as Alan Stein, Jr. says, "average speed."
Do the same for other habits with apps like Fabulous (image above) or track your morning routine. "Win the morning; win the day." I study (MasterClass), write (blog), read (at least a chapter), and work CME (continuing medical education) every AM.
We make our habits and our habits make us. Take control of our habits.
Reduce errors consciously with point-and-call low tech.
Don't trust, verify.
Track habits and their effectiveness-plus, minus, neutral.
Maintain a higher "average speed."
Lagniappe: What is your edge?
Lagniappe 2: Ask, "How can we do this better?"
Lagniappe 3: Signature moves to score from three levels.
