Use mental models to think better. For example, expand our "Circle of Competence" of specialty and global knowledge. What we know is a subset of what we think we know.
Pick a philosophy. Simplify. Teach. Choose what works. What makes a coach SMART? Find and develop excellent players. Without talent and commitment, nobody succeeds in coaching.
Pick a topic, for example REBOUNDING. Take out a sheet of paper and write down beliefs and knowledge of the topic. List questions about rebounding?
- What percent of rebounding relates to height versus other factors?
- How much of rebounding is innate versus taught?
- Are there rebounding techniques/tactics proven to increase rebound percentage?
Pick a coach. What coaches might we study to improve rebounding.
- George Raveling wrote War on the Boards
- Tom Izzo's MSU Spartans are usually among NCAA leaders. Izzo's players donned helmets and pads to train aggressive rebounding.
Pick a site. YouTube or FIBA share information about many basketball topics. YouTube has a lot of FIBA clinics. Sometimes less well known sites share solid information.
Pick drills. What drills do you favor to teach rebounding?
- 5 on 5 block outs
- 1 versus 1 versus 1 rebound and finish (ball always live)
- Superman Drill
- Attitude drill
Pick a player to study. What makes guys great rebounders? I doubt it's coaching. We've generally done well rebounding by identifying players who 'got after it'. Don't use Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain because they're so far out on the athletic curve. Consider studying Rodman or Michael Cage.
- Find players with special aptitude for rebounding (my daughter Karen had 18 in a state semifinal game against a 6'3" girl)
- Don't change technique in the successful rebounder
- Prioritize "safe" outlet passes. A rebound into a turnover is no rebound.
- Prioritize rebounding missed free throws. FT putbacks are killers.