I am guilty. So are you.
Every other post on a basketball site asks for handouts, plays, and videos on the Princeton Offense. I'm not anti-Princeton offense, but pro development. "It doesn't matter what we run if we can't run it." As Coach Pop says, "technique beats tactics."
Do you want three options off another set or a guy/gal who makes shots?
Warren Buffett says rule number one is "don't lose money." And rule two is "never forget rule one."
Basketball rule number one is get a quality shot every possession. And rule two is to allow opponents "no easy shots." Pete Newell taught, "get more and better shots than our opponents." Win this possession.
Excel at spacing, cutting, passing, and screening. Get easier shots.
"Every day is player development day." Yet, readers like and support posts that share ATOs, SLOBs, BOBs, set plays, zone offense, and various offensive strategies.
I'm not a "get off my lawn" guy. I don't long for two-handed set shots or dominant low post games. I believe in analytics, but want to scream when I hear announcers calling for high ball screens to set up threes with teams trailing by one in the final moments. If we're down one late, get the highest percentage shot possible and maybe get fouled.
What's your "minimum" skill set to become a contributor? It's a blend of dos and don'ts. Do you check most of the boxes?
- Be a good teammate. Avoid the S's - sloth, selfishness, softness.
- Play hard. Effort is a skill. Toughness is a skill.
- Be well-conditioned and know your team's playbook.
- Take care of the basketball. Don't be a "turnover machine."
- Contain the ball, help, and recover. "The help can never be beaten."
- Get back engaged in transition.
- Execute basic pick-and-roll defense according to your team's teaching.
- Make layups and free throws.
- Have a "Go To" and "Counter" move. Maybe it's "making an open shot" and "shot fake and drive" (show and go).
- Make the easy pass; be a willing passer.
- Be competitive as a team player in the half court at both ends (Learn to play 2-on-2 and 3-on-3)
- Handle pressure.
- "Basketball is about making plays not running them."
- "Technique beats tactics." - Popovich
- "Don't bake turnovers."
- Get quality shots.
- Spacing, cutting, passing, screening.
- You don't have to be great to be a great teammate.
- "Effort is a skill. Toughness is a skill."
- Have a "GO TO" and "COUNTER" move.
- Execute your team's basic PnR coverage.
- Competitive play in basic areas can get you on the floor.
Lagniappe 2. Eastman's version of Don Kelbick's "Think shot first."
