The ball has gravity. We could also argue that the ball has magnetism.
Defensive gravity is great, creating an edge. We use alternative terms, "load to the ball" and "helpside I" but it's gravity.
Offensively, gravity is a negative.
- Offensive gravity opposes spacing.
- "Don't cut to an occupied post."
- Don't obstruct a driver.
Friction is resistance of one object's motion relative to another. We want "frictionless" implementation of our systems. We impose friction with ineffective teaching or suffer it with player inattention or lack of focus. I've been guilty of this by prioritizing family and school, so players miss practice for grandma's 80th birthday or extra study before a big test.
But players have the responsibility to "take care of business," investing their time to complete their homework and chores while being able to attend and engage practice.
But players have the responsibility to "take care of business," investing their time to complete their homework and chores while being able to attend and engage practice.
Momentum is the product of mass times velocity. We build figurative momentum through either mass (personnel), velocity (skill), or both. The global pandemic has reduced momentum.
Force is interaction with an object that changes its motion. Players apply a variable degree of force. A player could have more "mass" yet play with little force. Skill is separate from force. Two very different players with high force are Goran Dragic and Marcus Smart.
Energy. A system that has energy can do work. Energy comes in multiple, multiple forms, kinetic energy (energy in motion) and potential energy (conferred by position). We have higher and lower energy players. But energy depends on multiple factors including motivation, training, rest, sleep, and nutrition. Coaches assess the "energy state" of our team and decide what our team needs now and for the longer term. Sometimes less is more.
Summary:
- Use concepts across disciplines.
- The ball has gravity and energy.
- Basketball gravity can be positive or negative.
- Play with force.
- Recognize the obligation to supply and monitor energy.
Lagniappe: repackaged "Five Pillars" which originated (I think) with Don Meyer. My mnemonic is PUSH-T ... passion, unity, servant leadership, humility, thankfulness.
Lagniappe 2: "What's our vision of how the game should be played?" Player and ball movement... a few NBA Nuggets-Jazz moments as the best players from the best league in the world show why.
"The ball has energy."
Gobert "resets" the screen to free Mitchell.
"Situational awareness" means that five seconds is a long time. Conley relocates and rewards his team for his trouble.
"Great offense is multiple actions." The Nuggets set a high ball screen and Jokic rolls. Utah helps on the roller and Porter, Jr. "lifts" from the corner ("the ball is a camera"). Splash.
On the baseline drive, bigs should look to dive to the middle.
Lagniappe 3: Patrick Lencioni's Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team will get more thorough treatment in a future post. Do we have trust, conflict management, commitment, accountability, and focus on results?