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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Basketball: Zeljko Obradovic Notes

David Blatt said his favorite mentor was FIBA Coach Zeljko Obradovic. The video illustrates why. 


When players have a question, "have the right answer." Players know. 

"Understand why and what you want from each (drill)."

"Sometimes players have good and very smart questions." 

Everyone wants to play the running game until they get tired. We need half-court solutions and Obradovic's offense creates exploitable edges.

Three basic offenses:
1) Pick-and-roll
2) One side
3) Two sides (not discussed in today's blog) 



Weak side is always playing zone (even in "man" defense)

His base offense (PnR) runs against zone as well.

If there is switching out big on small, he wants to isolate the small on the big and OCCUPY other players with screens. 

"Defense is hard work every practice...for at least five or more rotations..."

This offense will find solutions against man or zone. 

Obradovic calls the next offense "one side" as he has PnR with a filled corner. 


He calls it "one side" to emphasize spacing along with the PnR 


Against the 2-3 zone, "simple" offense creates big headaches. NOTE: Obradovic had 7 players shooting over 40 percent from 3, meaning defense had to defend it. 

Summary: 

- Players assess coaches by our teaching and answers.
- We need clear intent at practice. 
- Favor actions that will play against any defense. 
- His offense emphasizes spacing, especially against switching. 
- Recognize that help side defense always plays zone.