Learn by seeing, not just watching. Video is the truth machine and here are some clips from the Winchester - Lexington game using public domain video from YouTube and Winchester Cable Access. I don't know any of the players or families but played in this league from 1971-1973. In 1975, former Winchester player was taken at 13 in the NBA draft. In 1976, former Lexington standout Ron Lee was drafted at 10.
I look for:
- What does each team seek to accomplish?
- How is the spacing?
- What is defensive proximity?
- Examine player and ball movement and execution.
- How is the decision-making?
As a ball handler, does this "on ball defense" bother you? Is it disruptive?
Black (Lexington) plays man D and white looks to break it down with dribble penetration. Why does it work? "See both" and "cover 1.5" (your man plus half of another). A Lexington defender doesn't see the ball and can't help on the drive. Defensive errors happen at every level from rec leagues to the NBA.
"The help can never get beaten." It's a similar story at the other end as Winchester (white) is in reasonable position to help but doesn't.
Nitty gritty. Lexington switches the ball screen and Winchester gets a jumper in the lane off a jab and rip move. Tip your cap.
"Damned if you don't..." The on-ball defender gets beat and again, there is no help. Now maybe he's coached to fake and not help off the corner 3 to avoid the drive and dish. Good two-footed finish.
"The best laid plans..." Winchester uses "Floppy" action into a wing ball screen. This generates a pocket pass that isn't handled in the "scoring moment."
Lexington goes into a "safe press" 1-2-2. Notice how Winchester keeps the second guard back, allowing for reversal at any time. They get an open corner 3 that doesn't go down. Maybe the pass could have come earlier. Not sure anything changes.
"Tilted horns." Winchester sets up a staggered ball screen but Lexington handles that. It resets into a wing ball screen which the ballhandler "rejects" but can't finish off the wrong foot. Elite players have multiple, multiple finishes.
Lexington's defense gives excellent help to take away the middle. The ballhandler isn't in control and leaves his feet with nowhere to go. "Win this possession" and Lexington does.
"Turnovers bleed into offense." The NBA points/possession off a dead ball are just over 1 and rise to 1.26 after a live-ball turnover...like this.
A game of separation... Winchester breaks down the defense on the dribble and draws 2. But the "contestedness" is high and perhaps a drop down was the better play.
The primacy of execution. Winchester runs 'horns' and Lexington handles the initial high ball screen. But Winchester gets "multiple action" off the second post but can't finish. Coach Popovich reminds us, "technique beats tactics."
Both teams are well coached. What video shows is how attention to small details separates success and failure.
