"Any idiot with a whistle can coach." - Anonymous Parental Rant
When you get a horse, does it come with operating instructions? Every player is a horse; every team is a horse.
Is every horse the same? Do they all need the same grooming, exercise program, food? I don't know. A podcast about Secretariat said that the conventional wisdom was to back down near the big race. But the horse wanted to go fast and go often.
Many coaches begin their career or career with a new program. Clear philosophy about playing both ends of the floor spreads to players and their entourages.
Strong teams pursue their agendas aggressively.
Bill Belichick exemplifies this with his game plans morphing week to week. First, he limits the opposition's top threat. This week against the Falcons, the Patriots held Kyle Pitts to three catches for 29 yards. The defense also pressured the Falcons with four sacks and forced four turnovers (interceptions) including a defensive score.
Key 1. What is our opponent's principal threat? How can we reduce it?
Basketball teams match skill and emotional toughness under duress. Coaches provide a framework to wear opponents down in both spheres. It might be extended defensive pressure like the teams of John Thompson or Nolan Richardson or half-court defenses like those of Jon Chaney or Jim Boeheim.
Key 2. What is your winning plan? Can an impartial observer identify it?
Strategy is the bird's-eye view "intent" of play. We may "want" to play a certain way, e.g. extended pressure, changing defenses but not have the personnel to play our desired style. Matching our players to their tactical ability (granular details of play) is key when lacking recruitment. Do you have speed to prosecute the entire floor, power to win the ends, or shooters to win the perimeter?
Key 3. What are the fine details of our offense and defense? For example, UCONN Coach Geno Auriemma expects to score a third in transition, a third from sets, and a third on three-point shooting.
My last group lacked the speed and anticipation to play full court defense. It took awhile to figure that out. Extending the defense put us at disadvantage. Having an elite shot blocker favored trying to win the ends not the length of the court. Inability to contain the ball ultimately favored a hybrid defense designed to limit threes and allow the shot blockers to discourage inside scoring.
Lagniappe. "Every day is player development day." Coach Hanlen demonstrates.
Lagniappe 2. Have multiple ways to score. Duncan Robinson demonstrates.
