Friday, July 26, 2024

Basketball: Old School, New School


Some coaches align along "old school" and "new age" approaches. Tolstoy's quote from over a century ago reminds us that this is not a new phenomenon.

Consider the Celtics, newly-minted NBA champions. Pete Newell's quote about getting "more and better shots than our opponents" might revise to having "higher offensive and defensive rating than our opponents." The Celtics ranked first in offensive rating, second in defensive rating, and first in net rating.

Identify what amounts to 'good possessions' on offense and defense for our team, with our players. It's fine to worship at the altar of long-range shooting...IF we have players who make them. Many high school teams become seduced by three-point shooting without the requisite skill.

When my preference (e.g. playing fast and using multiple defenses) is contradicted by the skill and experience of our players, should we stubbornly adhere to philosophy or play a style that caters to our players' skill and basketball IQ? 

In a developmental setting, should most of practice build skill or more time with team offense and team defense? Some combination is right, but an emphasis on winning now versus long-term growth robs players and future coaches. Why?

Lagniappe. Getting more shots in an efficient workout always has value. 

Lagniappe 2. Impact the game. 

 Lagniappe 3. Separate and finish. 

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