Wednesday, December 21, 2022

More Basketball Video Breakdown - How an Elite Coach Rolls

Boston Herald Coach of the Decade Kristen McDonnell moved back to the girls' side after coaching the Norwood boys to the state final last year. 

Here's a look at video, illustrating numerous well-constructed concepts and the skill to run them. 

Modern basketball uses perimeter scoring. Note the ball movement. Their post player draws help and dishes for a three. 


"If it looks like a foul, it's a foul." Reducing fouling is a priority in the big picture. 


No so great screening followed by excellent use of the screen. Can't truly call it 'rescreening' but the effect is there. 


For no good reason, I got "Motion Strong" in my head (it is not for many reasons). It's far more "reverse action" with a diagonal screen after ball reversal. Off-ball screens are one of those "hard to defend" actions that find their way into motion offense. 


The next possession (after a turnover) they show something "Flexish," turning down one three for a drive and kick. Although they don't score, their offense shows both structure and flexibility creating open shots. 


Everything isn't going to work. The next time they're in a spread offense with a hard cut and dish for a corner three. Defensively, there's no disruptive ball pressure. The point guard gets free rein. 


CARE - concentration leads to anticipation, reaction, and execution. Conversely, sleepy offense makes defense look better. The live-ball turnover turned into a fouled layup. 


As Brad Stevens told my wife (the Aerospace Engineer), "it's not rocket science." Space the floor, sprint to screen, use it, and attack.
 

Execution depends on 'on-time and on-target' multiple actions. 


Norwood plays attacking and counterattacking basketball. Live-ball turnover into conversion, look-ahead pass, and inside-outside action without hesitation.