Every game informs lessons. Like the chessboard, unique spacing and multiple players create a panoply of possibilities. Readers seem to enjoy the annotated short clips, so off we go.
1. Play the two-man game. Run the pick-and-roll and options, give-and-go, and even high post roll down. It's important to space well to limit available help.
2. Practice makes perfect. Work on footwork and handwork. Blocking a right-handed shooter with the left hand reduces the chance of fouling...and avoid swatting down.
3. "America's Play." You've all seen it. Screen the ball-side BOB defender for the corner three.
4. "Pick your poison." Many team want to 'draw 2' and pass for open perimeter shots. A future opponent, St. Mary's is one. In addition to ball containment, defense can consider 'stunting' at the driver and recovering quickly to the shooter.
5. Rejecting the wing ball screen. The ballhandler 'reads' that her defender is preoccupied with the 'area' screen. We worked to build skill to score on one dribble from the spacing line, which I believe creates better separation. Reminder that "eyes make layups" targeting the square.
6. "Seeing the game." With the baseline drive, cutters should consider the '45 cut' (diagonal cut) for an easy bounce pass and finish.
7. BOB Options Galore. STS (screen-the-screener, postup, cross-screens, baseline overload)
8. NFL Monday morning video reflects on "why did we win or lose?" Scoring is less frequent in the NFL but the principles are the same to detect mistakes and errors. Be great at a few things including transition D off made baskets.
9. Defensive pressure favors screens and backcuts. The offense recognizes this but can't finish.
10. Opportunity is fleeting. Maybe a shorter guard feels as though she can't make the pass against the hard front.
11. Size helps a passer see over the defense to deliver an assist.
12. I prefer the roller to "open" to the ball to avoid losing sight of the ball. I think the connection was a just a shade off.
