What does 'attention to detail' mean? Having read Dr. Fergus Connolly's Game Changer, I have a different interpretation - that which impacts individual or collective performance to change outcome. In other words, lifting weights matters to the extent it improves game metrics (rebounds, ability to screen, hold position, extend shooting range, etc.).
Attention to detail occurs in many areas.
- Academics - "no ability without eligibility" study habits, organization
- Planning - practice planning, scouting, game planning
- Practice - team development, offensive/defensive integration, transition O/D, PnR O/D
- Study - general and specific basketball knowledge, playbook, film breakdown
- Training - athletic, skill development
- Game management - game sheet, timeouts, fouls, tempo, timeouts, etc.
- After action review - what went well, poorly, enduring lessons
Focus the most time and effort where it will produce the most yield (Pareto Principle).
Generating lists is "general" not specific. For example, we finished practice with "specials" - 12 to 15 minute segments of 3 possession O-D-O games (offense-defense-offense) starting with BOB, SLOB, ATO, or free throw. These scrimmages teach situational basketball and improved in-game execution of special situations. And it was probably the players favorite practice segment. The 'granular' approach explains why we chose each type of action. "I chose this BOB because the opposition focused on a star player, and slipping a screen for her was likely to free the screener."
Study. Detailed study of subjects includes, for example, time outs.
- Why and when do we use them?
- How do we 'line up' /organize players?
- What's our information transfer philosophy during TO - 1 or 2 ideas?
- Can we improve timeout impact? How do we measure that?
- Can we measure listening during timeouts? (Timeout 'testing' during practice with index cards and pen...what did I just say?)
- Have we considered filming timeouts?
- Do we change defenses/anticipate defensive changes?
- I seek to 'save' three timeouts for the final four minutes (Dean Smith mode).
- Examples of poor use of timeouts (all five used to prevent held balls in the first half, not used during a 10-0 run with a star player at the table, Michigan)
- Reach out and find a mentor/coach.
- Ask your coach where you need improvement and how to earn a role.
- Develop four ways to score (minimum). Specifically explain and demo yours.
- Track frequency of activities, activities and progress.
- Get a partner for competition and rebounding.
- Use cellphone video.
- Alternate higher intensity and lower intensity activities (e.g. free throws)
- Plus, minus, equals. Play better players, teach lesser, and compete with equals
- Build your shot first and then secondarily expand range.
- Are you able to create and restrict separation?
- Do you pivot to 'face up' and separate?
- Are you shot ready on the catch?
- Do you finish off either or both feet?
- Is your shot form consistent, consistent arc, release point with the elbow above the eye?
- Defensively are you pressuring the ball, loading to the ball, moving on the pass and in proximity to the offensive player on the catch?
Attention to detail is a mindset. When we don't know are we curious to seek and apply answers? Can we explain and demonstrate the proper way to perform a skill? Are we willing to repeat the skill to mastery without becoming frustrated or bored?
Summary:
- Attention to detail is a precursor to excellence.
- Apply detailed analysis to each area of study.
- Find a mentor.
- Find a partner.
- Track progress.
- Video is the truth machine.
- Be curious.
- Attention to detail is a mindset. Obsess the product.
Lagniappe. Develop GO TO and COUNTER moves.