Basketball Friday examines concepts and presents a drill and a set play.
Imagine you're the interviewer, picking 'the next guy' (who could be a woman). What do you get when you choose? Competence? Confidence? Intensity or psychosis? Baggage?
What constitutes due diligence? It's not about "gotcha" but whom are we getting?
- Character is job one. How has the candidate modeled excellence both on and off the court? P's and Q's matter as much as X's and O's.
- Connection. What does it feel like to play for her? Have you contacted not only references but players who played for and with her?
- Communication. Does the coach express herself clearly and concisely?
- Curiosity. What is the coach's self-improvement process?
- Competence. Give the applicant an open-ended opportunity to discuss philosophy and approach to basketball, team culture, player development specifics, and adding value.
How do coaches deal with adversity? Adversity is our companion on life's journey.
- How have you overcome a major setback in the past?
- How can coaches help players develop resilience? E.g. model accountability and compassion.
- How do you respond to players/parents unhappy with their role/minutes? Be solution-focused..."these are the areas in which you can improve and the ways to work on them."
Drill. 4-on-4 no dribble. Coach taught us "not to dribble the air out of the ball." Constraints can include no dribble or a maximum of up to 1 or 2 dribbles per touch. Don't play as though you get paid by the dribble. The drill is competitive, includes offense and defense, and is consistent with my coaching belief.
Set Play. Football season is underway. "Middle Screen" pass.
Lagniappe. "Basketball is a game of separation and preventing separation. Don't learn FIVE, master a couple.
Lagniappe 2. During shooting practice, invest a few minutes on your "closer" moves, if you're a closer. Invest a couple of minutes on "emergency shots" that come into play end of shot clock, end-of-quarter...runners, fallaways and drifting shots, stepbacks (if that's not a core move).