Sunday, May 3, 2020

Coaching Notes: Developing Your Play, Chris Dial

Chris Dial, Founding President of Basketball Embassy, shares his process. 

"I'm constantly learning from all of you guys." Amen.



The slide provokes, "what are we doing now? How can we do it better

"You've got to practice the tempo you want to play!"

"Every drill emphasizes footwork." 

"Be efficient in movement." (No wasted steps, film review)



"Every player should know what a good shot is for her and for her teammates." That returns to Bilas' "it's not your shot, it's our shot." 

What is needed (ideally) to score early? 
- Control the boards.
- Safe outlet.
- Ideally second pass crosses half-court. 
- Spacing (run wide). 
- Beat the transition with numbers. 

Chris: 
- Use "landmarks" and find outside lane runners
- PG to control "middle third" (width) of court (get to the middle)
- Rim runner has to beat the opponent
- Would like to score in the first ten seconds. 
- A "paint touch" is not the same for everyone (Rockets want rim.)
- Define not only good shots but great possessions (great shot, missed)


This reminds me of Kirby Schepp's mandate for paint touches and ball reversal.

"Popovich always talks about the ball has energy...shared energy among players." 

Effective teaching often with 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3. 

Via Kobe, "Imaginative 1 on 1" - your childhood buzzer beater scenarios: 
- Shot fake, jab, shot. 
- Jab, crossover, one dribble shot.
- Step back. 

2 on zero development (give-and-go, penetrate and pitch out, etc). Add defense.
May or may not use area constraints.

"3 v 3 is the best way to teach." (Agreed!)
They practice specifics (e.g. side PnR) for specific needs. 
Can have automatics, "dribble at = backdoor, dribble inside = drop down, slot into DHO"
"Ensure guys constantly moving with purpose" 

Key points:

- Footwork as foundation

- Use film to improve efficiency of movement
- Score early in the possession by establishing an edge
- Define great possessions
- Go back to your childhood for "imaginative 1-on-1"
- Share the ball to raise the energy 
- All paint touches are not equal (get to the rim)
- 3 on 3 (devote time to it every practice) 

Lagniappe: Spurs show how it's done.