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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Basketball: There Is no Magic Lantern

The young man in a developing country was poor and depressed. He decided to walk ten miles and climb a mountain to ask the guru for advice. The guru said, "I see that you are poor and unhappy. But I have good news, that will only last for another seven years." The pilgrim asked, "then I will be fulfilled and happy?" The guru answered, "no, then you will be used to it." 

Bob Woodward points out that the Internet is not a magic lantern. It doesn't illuminate secrets or hidden documents or organize a story not in the public domain.

We could hope to write the definitive book on coaching and live in the Library of Congress, but that doesn't transform knowledge into wisdom. 

Our "best" might not be 'the best' or even useful.  

Share core truths with players and peers. Write out a page of notes or even an abbreviated list of absolutes. Choose applicable over original. 

Pat Summitt had her "definite dozen." Create your "Tangible Ten" or "Elite Eleven." 

  • "Basketball is sharing." - Phil Jackson
  • "Every day is player development day." - Dave Smart
  • "Get more and better shots than our opponent." - Pete Newell
  • Great teams do not give games away. 
  • Value the ball. "Turnovers kill dreams."
  • "We can't run what we can't run." Master fundamentals and recognize that resumes are not synonymous with results.
  • "Playbooks don't play." I can't beat better players with a playbook.
  • Talent without attention to detail will lose big games. 
  • "Do more of what works and less of what doesn't." 
  • "Possessions and possession." More and better possessions win.
  • "Stops make runs." Track kills - three consecutive stops.
What action is most likely to impact winning? It's probably something we're doing poorly (shot selection, turnovers, transition D). 

Where do we need improvement most? Review our half-court defense.

Getting more shots often means superior rebounding at both ends. 

Situational practice helps teams make better decisions close and late. 

Turnovers in practice lead to giveaways during games. 

Coach K says that teams win game by making plays not by running plays. 

Attention to detail (knowing what to do, when, and how) all separate good teams from others. 

If nothing is working, then start over. 

"Figure it out." Get stops. 

Lagniappe. This is not original. I do not have the source. Which is most important for you. 


Few people tire of hearing, "how can I help?" 

Lagniappe. "Set up your cut." 

Lagniappe 2. Young patients often lack range but can score mid-range. 

Lagniappe 3. Do what it takes to win. 

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