Turnover differential is one of Dean Oliver's modified "Four Factors" along with field goal percentage, rebounding differential, and free throw attempts.
Earlier this week, Zak Boisvert emphasized the distinction between decision-related turnovers and skill-related turnovers. Great players thrive in space. Mediocre players get exposed even more in traffic. "Don't play in the traffic."
Drill. Pitino "Quarters" or "168" a demanding shooting, conditioning drill.
This drill has 7 radians with shots from three levels, valued at 3, 2, and 1 points. Each quarter has a maximum of 42 points. Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier was a "Quarters" warrior.
Concepts. Quin Snyder says that inability to defend the pick-and-roll asks for a coaching change. I'm not going to discuss side pick-and-roll defense here. Preach simplicity at the lower levels. Be good at a few coverages instead of mediocre at many.
1. Get everyone on the same page. A team doesn't need to know half-a-dozen or more defensive coverages but needs an understanding of several to become proficient. They need communication...the coverage...and the protection.
2. The first "types" of high pick-and-roll coverage are what Mike Krzyzewski calls "the fake trap" (hedge, show) and the trap. Trap when you want to force the ball out of the ball handler or exploit a weak ball handler. I think "fake trap" describes well the base coverage to prevent ballhandler penetration.
Coach Huber explains, demonstrates, and shows the protection as well.
If we have the size and athleticism, switching ball screens is an alternative. That's never been a luxury for us.
3. With young players, few are accomplished pick-and-roll players and fewer are capable of defeating "under" or "through" coverages (where the guard goes under the ball screen or "between" the screener and the screener defender).
"Under" and "through" coverages provide opportunities for the ballhandler to get open perimeter shots but take away the drive.
We had an exceptional post player with pick-and-roll skills the past few seasons. Teams generally switched out of "man" to take the PnR away.
Set Play. "Switching everything" or have the dynamic post player?
Down screen into swing and seal can take advantage of mismatches or post players who can create space by sealing.
Lagniappe: Slide (below) from Peter Lonergan in Coaches Clinic.
In practice, we set the rules...dribbles, space, advantage-disadvantage, time and score...
