Sunday, August 23, 2020

Basketball: Fast Five - "Think Like a Freak." Hollywood Lessons.

The Freakonomics guys, Dubner and Levitt, wrote Think Like a Freak. What does that mean for coaches/teachers? 

Know what they need. My son said about one of his basketball player sisters, "somebody needs to hit her in the mouth to get her going." The Bruce Banner method. 



1 "I don't know."  Admitting ignorance is hard. What I don't know fills libraries. But we can learn. Coach Daniel fills in one gap. 
Turn up your volume. Stevens calls for Jayson Tatum to switch off the curl and force the ballhandler "weak." 

 But another important principle is "staying in our lane." Freaks know their limitations. You don't want me fixing your car. 
2 "What's the problem?" Solutions need clarity. Players and coaches must "figure it out" to make adjustments in pace and tactics. Then "do more of what works and less of what doesn't." 

 Neil deGrasse Tyson was asked to discuss a scientific mission to Saturn and to justify its three billion dollar cost (over twelve years). Having prepared, he countered that Americans spend about that annually on lip balm.



3 "Think like a child." Benefit from approaching problems like a child, using our "beginner's mind." Ask how and why things work. We coach a children's game; they should enjoy the experience and their teammates. Jealousy, selfishness, and anger don't belong in a child's lexicon. Nick Saban says, "clear the clutter." 
4 "Understand game theory." David Lee Roth gave contractors a massive agreement with detailed concert stage and backstage requirements, including a bowl of M&Ms with the brown ones removed. Upon arrival, he checked the bowl, because if the M&Ms weren't right, how could he trust the stage construction, sound, lighting, et cetera? 

 After a timeout, coaches often change offenses and defenses. Experienced coaches expect that. Players need regular schooling about time, score, and situations. 
Always know the rules. 

5 "The art of persuasion." - Coaches are communicators, illustrated in this two minute 


clip about Henry Finkel from Tom Heinsohn's induction as a coach into the NBA Hall of Fame. 

 Doctors communicate to put patients at ease. Another doctor sent Henry across the hall looking for a flu shot. I greeted him saying, "It's great to meet you Mr. Finkel. I've never met an office furniture magnate," which made him laugh. 

 Lagniappe: lessons from yesterday's best NBA game. 

Don Kelbick reminds players to "think shot." Rivers "draws 2" and dishes to Jeff Green. When are you most open? On the catch. Never mind. 


"Basketball is a game of matchups." Harden - Adams. 
"Basketball is a game of separation." Pindown, DHO, pass into shot fake against the flyby, with a resetting side dribble into a three. 
"On time and on target." There's no replay here, but Green was wide and Harden "looked ahead" and led Green to the basket, passing to where Green needed to be. 
"Doctor Pick-and-Roll." Note Adams hiding out near the dunker spot. CP3 uses the high ball screen, separates, draws 2, and dishes. 
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