Four ways to defeat a more talented opponent:
— Sports Psychology (@SportPsychTips) December 23, 2023
1. Give more effort, physically and mentally.
2. Be more poised under pressure.
3. Play smarter strategically.
4. Work better as a team.
Jay Bilas wrote the standard in "Toughness," the article and eponymous (same name) book. This is about the inverse, lack of toughness.
Coaches talk a lot about winning. We don’t discuss losing efforts so much. Think back about painful losses from near and far. I'm not talking about blowouts by superior teams, but winnable games lost. What lessons did you absorb?
Over 50 years ago, we lead 14-2 in the sixth inning (of seven) on a hundred degree day. The coach pulled out all the starters. The opponent scored 17 runs (including ten consecutive walks). Don't count victory before it's secured.
Over 40 years ago we had a solid lead in a Navy regional softball tournament. An aura of choking descended upon us and our team imploded. Never neglect mental toughness. Mindfulness training accounts for one proven pathway.
Fifty years ago we lost in overtime to the twice defending state champions. Coach Lane lambasted us for 45 minutes. "We lost because you didn't believe in yourselves. We are the better team and we won't lose to them again." We beat them twice that season, in a blowout on the road and in Boston Garden in the Sectional Championship. Belief is powerful. So is lack of belief.
Almost twenty years ago, a local team lost the sectional championship after leading by one with 31 seconds left with the ball. An ill-advised shot with 13 seconds left missed and the opponent scored late. Always be situationally aware. Get everyone on the same page. "Trust but verify" with feedback.
Five years ago we played a small but aggressive team that constantly pressured the ball, trapped and scrapped, played physical but clean ball and beat us by one. In the rematch, we emphasized quick ball movement and cutting, and led by 18 at half, winning easily. Don't back down from a physical challenge and don't underestimate your opponent based on size.
Players spend little time thinking about ways to lose. Coaches know that many exist.
- Poor shot selection
- Turnovers (poor decisions or execution)
- Lack of aggressiveness on the boards
- Missed free throws
- The dreaded S's - sloth (laziness), selfishness, softness
- Silence (lack of court communication)
- Lack of preparation (coaching)
- Poor offensive delay game/tempo
- Poor defensive delay game/tempo
- Lack of awareness leading to missed assignments
- Poor transition defense
- Lack of ball containment
- Fouling (fouls negate hustling)
- Failed player development
- Lack of confidence..."you are only as good as you believe you are."
- Lack of resilience. "Quicksand"
Lagniappe. Work on your up tempo game.
SSG Saturday: 4v3 Grinnell
— Coach Tony Miller (@tonywmiller) December 23, 2023
(Presented by @PracticeLive )
🔸put 7:00 on clock
🔸4v3 each way (shooter steps off each transition)
🔸players can drive it but all shots must be 3s (defender must stay with driver)
🔸:08 shot clock
🔸every 3PM is 1 point pic.twitter.com/3SBoNAM2QV
Lagniappe 2. Handle the press. Punish the press with points.
When the #1 team throws a surprise full court press on you:
— Coach Battenberg (@TerryBattenberg) December 23, 2023
1. Don’t panic, come back & help.
2. Use your Big in the middle.
3. Spread out. Reverse the ball.
4. Don’t dribble across mid court into a trap.
5. Cross court to open teammate.
6. Look to post for an inside score. pic.twitter.com/cDFk1i6L2X
