Winners live a championship mindset. Learn a few things every day; soon we know a lot. Basketball Friday shares a drill, at least three concepts, and a set play.
Drill. "The devil is in the details."Get the first step advantage practicing your jab step against a defender. Skills trainer Drew Hanlen teaches the micro aspects of the move, protecting the ball, establishing a rhythm, and changing pace.
Concepts. Championship teams do championship things. "Great offense is multiple actions." Let's examine highlights from the WNBA Champion Seattle Storm, cobbled from multiple YouTube videos.
First, 2018 DHO into pick-and-roll. Yes, talent helps, especially having 2018 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. Note the filled corner on the help side. Note, it's one of the myriad options of the Pistol Series presented by Coach Daniel.
Second, throw ahead. The Storm look ahead with the 4 or 5 rim running and their running mate trailing. Sue Bird looks to push the ball and throw TDs. "Fall in love with easy shots."
Third, have multiple attacks. Stewart's skillset allows her to space and score or drive as a versatile finisher or passer.
Fourth, "let's play two."Seattle runs "two-man game" with a variety of configurations among DHO, pick-and-roll, and here a rescreen into a three against drop coverage.
Fifth, smart players do smart things. "Movement kills defenses." Against man or zone, with the ball in the post, sagging defenders open the helpside high slot. Sue Bird finds the hole with the help of a screen and buries the shot. It's a wonderful example of a paint touch and ball reversal.
Set Play. From the Celtics, a UCLA cut variant into an off-ball screen.
Lagniappe: Three timeless sports quotes...
One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than fifty others preaching it.
– Knute Rockne, football coach
A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.
– Ara Parseghian, football coach
It’s not up to anyone else to make me give my best. – Hakeem Olajuwon