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Thursday, October 21, 2021

Basketball: "I know, I know." Coaches Don't Want to Hear It

Separate know that and know how. Experience transforms know that into know how. 

Coaches transform theory into practice by specifics. Be specific, be specific, be specific. Telling players to "take better shots" isn't specific. Highlight percentages, shot charts, and video (do you think this is a good shot for you?). Excellent teams don't win by making bad shots. 


How often has a player said, "Coach, I know, I know" when they traveled, threw a pass to the other team, or took a "shot turnover?" Knowledge isn't execution. 

"I know plays" equate to opponent scores or missed chances. 

  • Failed transition defense. "I know I'm supposed to get back." 
  • Bad fouls. Fouling bad shots and late shot clock forces lead to easy chances (free throws) 
  • Pick-and-roll defense mistakes... (DME - defensive mistakes and errors) not on the same page, didn't communicate, lack of help 
  • Not seeing the ball (leading to open cutters)
  • Poor blocking out leads to put backs (easy shots)
  • Not looking ahead for open teammates (missed opportunity)
  • Not finishing cuts (leading to bad passes)
  • #1 Bad shots - not in range, not open, not in balance, not situationally appropriate
Take a few minutes to ask players to share their understanding of #BadPlays 

Say it and say it again. Ask each to write down three examples of bad plays and share them with teammates. Show them video clips of #IKnowPlays. 

Superior teams don't give away games. 

Lagniappe. "Shot selection is the biggest killer of offense...I would let you shoot it but your teammates don't think you should."


Lagniappe 2. Finding certain type of video is hard. 
  • Guys standing around. 
  • Not finishing cuts
  • Not passing to open players 
Lagniappe 3. Webber discusses shot selection. 


Lagniappe 4. "You gotta play well even when you don't shoot well." - JVG