Win the day. That demands "priority" and specifics. Leave an impression, to be the best version of ourselves. Mack Robinson, Olympic Silver Medalist and Jackie's brother, insisted that as a street sweeper, his job was to be the best street sweeper he could be.
Coach Sonny Lane provided us with mimeographs of opponent's individual and team tendencies and three "keys to victory." Coach included a hand-drawn picture of a key.
They'd include items like:
- "The ball is gold." Win the turnover battle. Take care of the ball.
- Dominate the defensive boards. No second shots.
- Help and recover. Don't get beaten on recovery.
Some advice is timeless. As the game evolves, so do the keys to victory.
Recently, watching video before the Indiana (3) - Princeton (11) women's game, I thought these were the keys to Princeton victory:
- Deny the post. Indiana looks to get the ball in early to #54 (Holmes) in the paint. Princeton held Holmes to 10 points. She had 19 in the first game against Charlotte.
- Respect the three. Princeton limited Indiana to four three-point goals.
- Drive on #4 who struggles to contain the ball.
Unfortunately for Princeton, Indiana came out on top, outshooting the Tigers. "It's a make or miss game."
Going forward, remember the advice of Sun Tzu (and Bill Belichick), "attack weaknesses, utilize strengths." Seek areas of advantage (natural or created mismatches) and degrade opponents' plans.
Summary:
- Leave an impression.
- Some advice is timeless.
- Identify three keys to victory.
- Take care of the basketball.
- Find natural or created mismatches.
- Be detail-oriented.
Lagniappe. "Great offense is multiple actions."
Lagniappe 2. "Every day is player development day." Find basketball moves that work for you (choose a couple).
Lagniappe 3. DHO, weak side action
