Monday, October 25, 2021

Basketball: Pronouns in Practical Usage

Pronouns don't have to be complicated or controversial. They are integral in developing TEAM. Some ideas are adapted from Fergus Connolly in Game Changer. 

Emphasis on "I"

  • I explain what to do. Lead by instruction. I say and you do.
  • I show you what to do. Lead by example. Model excellence. 
  • Problems depend on authentic skill and experience as well as possible pushback/resentment.  
Emphasis on "YOU"
  • (You) do your job. The Belichick-Saban approach...
  • (You) figure it out. Many coaches take this approach. I associate it with Gregg Popovich. 
  • The problem with these depends on the skill and will of the players and their previous coaching. Young players usually don't know 'enough'
Emphasis on "WE" 
  • We are stronger together. 
  • "We can go faster alone but farther together." 
  • Are WE committed to each other? Are we building a program or a statue?
Coaches work with different heritages to foster culture. In Legacy, James Kerr examines the Maori culture and its impact on the New Zealand All-Blacks. The 2008 Celtics used Ubuntu as a rallying theme. 

But other teams like the Yankees "Bronx Zoo" won with what seemed to be a dysfunctional group. 

Coaches work with people of different ages and backgrounds. Young players (e.g. early teens) trend toward "egocentric" behavior, their primary concern on themselves over team. They lack the maturity and experience to collaborate or the knowledge to 'do your job'. 

So what cards can WE play?  
  • Demonstrate caring through communication and follow-through to earn "buy-in" 
  • Add value through player development, team development, and game education (even during tryouts teach - attack to the front foot, show the 'negative step' and attacking off the jab)
  • Feedback (give and get) 


With a new group, always be detailed:
  • Individual defense starting with stance, positioning and ball containment
  • Shell drill with variations to counter "five out" offense (this is what we do and this is how to counter it)
  • Core offensive skills (with strong emphasis on shooting off the catch, finishing, and free throws) 
  • Box drills and wing attack
  • Pick-and-roll offense/defense 
  • Press breaking (via 5 on 7 disadvantage training) 

Warm up efficiently and effectively with Jay Wright's "Get 50" 

Lagniappe. Be detailed to separate yourself. 
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