The game changes. We evolve or fall behind. Shibboleths like "defense wins championships" become dated, not worthless. "Points per possession" and EFG% take on added importance.
As coaches, take a few minutes daily to ask, how would any good team improve? Some answers keep reappearing, especially in the post-season.
1. Shut down the opposition transition game. Easy transition baskets kill us.
2. Defend half court actions... pick-and-roll, drive-and-kick.
3. Score in the half-court...good teams don't play bad half court defense.
4. Handle pressure.
5. Shoot more consistently (player development), get easier shots (team play), or both.
But simplify it for players. Foster a "victory scaffold" for them.
"Win this possession." How?
- Better offensive possessions (Get a quality shot)
Boost the EFG %
"The ball is gold." Value the ball.
- Better defensive possessions (No easy baskets)
Deny penetration
Contest w/o fouling
Make it a mantra and get feedback.
Lagniappe: K.I.S.S.
COACHES: In a time when there are 100s of virtual clinics and more ideas being shared than ever before it is easy to add, add, add.....I caution coaches against adding too much and instead ask:What are you doing to simplify the game for your players this season?— Coach DeMarco, EdD (@Coach_DeMarco) October 18, 2020
Lagniappe 2: Five thoughts for scorers
- "Think shot first" (Don Kelbick)
- Warm up purposefully (inside...form and results - see the ball go in)...then extend range
- "Four ways to score" ... if you have only one, someone will shut that down
- "Go to" and "counter" (box drills are great for footwork/scoring development)
- Practice your "Game winners" to be the 'cleaner'
Lagniappe 3: If you insist on isolation winners, create more options (via @BBallImmersion)