Morse code, "TTP" (Trust the process)
The difference between dreaming and writing is recording.
Writer-director David Mamet explains the process, "write it, shoot it, cut it." He says, "you gotta be clinical when looking at your own work." Our teams tell a story through their play. It isn't always the story that we wrote. Ron Howard reminds us, "the director is the keeper of the story."
That scene doesn't work. Cut it, rework it. The "scene" could be half-court offense or defense, transition offense or defense, press break or pressing. In Hollywood, they say, "kill your darlings."
Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear counsels the importance of systems. Systems allow consistency of execution. For example, his mid-day exercise routine begins when he closes his laptop at lunch.
Stick with core elements. Are the players on the same page? Do they even know the page exists? Mano Watsa told us, "don't major in the minors." Don't overspend time on trivia. Show players we'll be good at what we do a lot.
Defense. What's our core defense? Stop transition, defend the pick-and-roll. What blend of man, zone, and extended court works for our people? It only takes one mistake on any play to effect a breakdown.
Offense. Where will the points arise, especially against good teams? What's our transition (including pressure) plan? How will we get easy shots, free throws, and perimeter. Most coaches are going to want some pick-and-roll in their offense (generates easy shots, fouls, and drive and kick). As a player what are your four ways to score?
"Know your NOs." Watching summer league video, I saw players repeatedly give up the sideline while in the 2-2-1 press. Then, offensively I saw the same players trying to force the ball down the sidelines, get trapped, making life easy for the offense. It's early in the summer sessions, but sidelines have been great defenders since the dawn of time.
Special situations. Doug Brotherton's club won a state championship in part from a +4.5 point/game advantage on BOBs. He has "unscoutable" BOBs that all begin from a box set and are dictated by ODD-EVEN-ZERO calls by the game clock. He advises plays that are equally effective against man and zone defenses. And players capable of quick thinking.
Lagniappe: BOB from @John_Leonzo
— John Leonzo (@John_Leonzo) July 10, 2020Shakespeare could write, "to screen or not to screen." A fake cross screen, followed by sequential off ball screens. The defensive communication breaks down and the helpside defense doesn't help. The scorer finishes with the left hand off the left foot.
Lagniappe 2: I like LOW sets against man-to-man defense. Is this the Reverse America's Play?
Teams want open threes, layups, and free throws.