We could retitle Chris Oliver's podcast with Fergus Connolly, "What We Must Do to Win."
Effective coaches prioritize sustainable competitive advantage. Coach Fergus Connolly says, "The best coaches appear to be...the best at dealing with the person who plays the sport."
Coach Connolly advocates for a better understanding of problems instead of searching for solutions. For example, if we're allowing too many transition baskets, is the problem conversion in the full court or turnovers against the press bleeding into our defense? In that instance, the problem isn't assigning who rebounds or gets back but reducing the turnovers.
Against the better teams, we couldn't contain the ball. That forced help and often the rotation didn't recognize the rotation need. Surrendering layups combined the initial containment problem and protection.
Or "we're not getting enough yards per pass attempt." The root problem might be offensive line protection such that the quarterback has to check down repeatedly.
"Don't undervalue your own experience...reflect on your own practice."
We train skills but especially decision-making. If too much of our practice is "mindless" then game decision-making will suffer.
Players often fear leaving their comfort zone.
Constraints of space and time add value.
When watching film, ask the player, "what do you see?" This may reveal why a player makes decisions...
At the highest levels, the "game is the best teacher" because teams are bringing the best to try to knock off the best team. That means that high performance players need physical and mental rest.
"The best process (after action review) is led by coaches with a brief conversation of what went well and what didn't."
They followup the next day reinforcing the positive and correcting the negative.
Remember the player experience. What will the player feel?
“What data is actually useful? . . Evidence-based analysis is really about looking at the data in context and intelligently so that you can impact practice and future results.” (Collecting masses of data and identifying what falls out isn't so helpful.
"The only way to identify the problem is to look at the game to really diagnose what went right, what went wrong. And then go and say, ‘What data do we need to solve this problem?’”"
“A player in a split-second of a game . . they are solving problems . . Our goal should be to encourage that and to train instinct in the player ...In practice, we have to recreate the same scenarios.”
“You can test metrics all you want but you can’t beat film. Film is undefeated. That’s the true evidence of how we’re performing day-to-day.”
"“Does it affect the scoreboard?’ ... is a very good starting point."
"Have two individual blocks within practice...I'm going to work on a drill on my own or with another teammate on this one area that we have both agreed...that I need to work on."
Lagniappe (something extra). Fergus Connolly Game Changer book notes.
Lagniappe 2. Notes from the Brad Stevens "Slappin' Glass" podcast (links to podcasts, this one not listed).
Eight years coaching the Celtics, watching Danny Ainge was useful preparation.
Relies on Director of Culture Alison Feaster as an important resource
Large difference is the salary cap management. Issue ultimately is surrounding best players with complementary pieces.
Critical to get everyone on the same page...challenging with size of support staff. "No mixed messages."
Not a "meeting person" - everybody needs time to do their work...
Adjustments tougher in pro than college with less practice time but players are far more experienced. He'll miss making coaching adjustments.
College had 103 practices before Final Four; NBA was 42 into Eastern Conference Finals. "You can't have a bad practice." Efficiency is critical. "Build the right habits."
Team drill utility - "let's get good at something" (e.g. base defense).
At Butler, during a bad practice (6 A.M.), Coach Todd Lickliter dismissed club twenty minutes in. People have off days. Key to maximize the season, not just a practice.
"Work hard at the things you think your team can be great at." (Pressure, switching, whatever) Adjustment could be scheme or personnel or changing system (especially in the playoffs). "If you let it keep happening, it will keep happening."
Stevens loves "Ted Lasso" with the mental health applications. "Be a goldfish" (have shot amnesia). Could world class communication and culture but limited game expertise flourish with a great staff? Team has mental health processes in place to help players because anxiety and depression is prevalent. "You're going to have the ups and downs." Take time for your mind and body. We need a clear mind.
Don't presume someone isn't 'tough' when they're suffering mental health issues.
What "extra mile" drills do we have (effort, communication)?
Defending the Spain pick-and-roll. Ideally, switching the first screen but he thinks trapping the first screen is viable. Communication is critical. Best way is when everyone is committed to your way.
What's a good trap? Don't get split, don't let the corner get turned. Get good help.
What would he do if coaching low level? Flex, dribble-drive, five-out? He said dribble drive, traditional motion (screen and cut), then Flex. Dribble drive (with spacing) might be easiest because of the emphasis on ball drills (not knowing personnel). Advantage of traditional motion is difficult to scout.
Best investment/decision in his career? Knew that it would be his wife. Grandfather told him, "never marry for money, you can borrow it cheaper."
Lagniappe 3. Who would you want on your podcast and what can they bring to the table?
Lagniappe 4. I'd call this "loop action" but whatever.