To gain expertise, study how it's acquired. Dan Pink rocks, advising focus on curating amidst information overload.
"Focus on the 1%." Clarity comes from the 1% the core concept. "Less is more." The more data we present, the weaker the argument. "Stop at three."
An explosion of information challenges coaches to capture, filter, and repackage knowledge in forms that raise a player's "bag" and team competence.
If coaching and player distribution were random, we'd see performance scatter something like that of the Galton Board (above).
But the ability of coaches to acquire (e.g. recruit) and train is not equal, so we see non-random achievement.
Coaches find players, develop skill, and employ tactics that produce edges. A great development coach may not be a great tactician...and vice versa. Find complementary help. That makes acquiring and optimizing assistants an underrated skill. In his MasterClass, Coach Geno Auriemma credits his first hire, Chris Dailey as integral to UCONN's (and his) success.
- Define critical content (e.g. defining offense and defense) - "get more and better shots than our opponent" - Pete Newell
- Specify goals (shared vision, intent, and language) - "we are going to limit transition baskets to "x" and opponent field goal percentage to "y"
- Growth (knowledge, skill, teamwork) - add more when ready
Compile lists of questions.
Explain the why (specifics).
Test and give feedback.
For example:
- How do we defend pick-and-roll (who, what, where, how)?
- Analyze and trend results by type (show, blitz, drop, switch)
- Adjust according to results
How do we source content? There's no easy or unitary answer. Sources like YouTube, blogs, and search engines are plentiful. "One-stop shopping" coaching sites are alternatives, as well as proprietary courses.
Develop your network of trusted resources. Reciprocity matters. To get value, add value.
If we accept that about a third of games are decided by two possessions or less, find solutions.
1. Reduce transition hoops allowed...
2. Limit pick-and-roll teams with technique and/or tactics (zone).
3. Foul less to reduce high points-per-possession scoring (free throws).
4. Analyze shot quality and practice shooting.
5. Raise free throw shooting percentage.
Tip 1. Pressure free throw shooting. We practiced with "teammate harassment." You could say or do anything but not touch the shooter or interfere with the shot.
Tip 2. Bill Bradley in A Sense of Where You Are. Bradley aimed for the middle of the bolts connecting the rim to the backboard. You can aim for the writing (try it).
Lagniappe. Rivalries promote sport.
Lagniappe 2. "Basketball is a game of separation." Train separation.
Think about some of the many ways to get separation (violating less is more)
- Quickness. Have and elevate athletic explosion.
- Footwork. Pivoting and the ability to change direction and pace.
- Fakes. Setup defenders who expect 'A' and get 'B'.
- Teamwork. E.g. screens
- Reacting to opponent errors (e.g. ball watching, head turning)
- Reading defenders (e.g. attacking the front hand/foot) and attack overplay with screens and back cuts
- General deception...
