Broadcaster Ken Beatrice said, "three out of four football games are lost not won." For basketball, it's less, but still probably a quarter to a third.
Don't self-destruct by "shooting yourself" in the foot. What are common foot-shooting strategies that lose games? Start at "possession and possessions."
1. Bad possessions. What makes bad possessions?
- Lack of spacing, lack of player and ball movement
- Poor quality shots, poor quality shooters
- Turnovers, the "zero percent possessions"
- Inability to handle pressure
- Missed free throws
2. Lack of possession. Get more possessions.
- Poor rebounding. Get > 75% of d-boards and > 30% of o-boards
- Force turnovers.
- Allow "one bad shot."
3. Combine them...lack of "possession enders."
- "Possession enders" win possessions.
- Possession enders get scores and stops.
- Find or develop possession enders.
If we think about Dean Oliver's "four factors" they're possession enders - effective field goal percentage, rebounding, turnovers, and getting to the free throw line. Whether coaches accept and teach them, we seek them. The "scorer" who turns the ball over and can't defend may be a liability. The great defender who scores some "3 and D player" adds hidden value.
Lagniappe. Learn to be professional at every age.
Lagniappe 2. Celtics run a "triangle SLOB" to open a shooter.The definition of a NBA player's professionalism is 1) no complaining if not playing 2) staying mentally and physically game ready 3) cheering for teammates from the sidelines 4) listen willingly 5) practice diligently.
— Gordon Chiesa (@gchiesaohmy) October 2, 2022
