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Monday, September 30, 2024

Basketball - Become a Storyteller

"Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own story." - John Barth

Humans are the 'storytelling animal'. We're wired to believe what we hear and sometimes people take that as license to exaggerate or misrepresent their skill or achievement.

Basketball brings us unimagined joy and indelible grief. Strong emotion imprints forever memories upon us. And it's impossible to forget stories worth sharing. 

The 1972 Olympic Gold Medal game between the US and the Soviet Union put permanent scars on US Olympians. They never accepted the Silver Medal and some even wrote into their wills that family members were never to accept them. I heard Doug Collins say that the last song he heard leaving the locker room was Jimmy Ruffin's 1966, "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?"  


Paul Douglas Collins was voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. 

Coach Mike Krzyzewski coached multiple Olympic teams. At the end of one practice, he asked players to think silently of the one person who had done the most to help them fulfill their basketball dreams. He dismissed them to their rooms. They returned to see their USA uniform laid out on their bed. Many said that moment brought them to tears. 

Coach Lane asked us, "Who are those guys?" We didn't know the reference. 


We had never won anything and were never expected to win anything. We overachieved, going 21-4 until losing in the Massachusetts Division 1 semifinals by three. We had beaten the top seed and the defending State Champion during the playoffs. 

A now-retired fabulous colleague, Dr. Harris Gibson, was eating dinner with Celtics GM M.L. Carr at a now-closed restaurant, Weylu's. Customers stopped by looking for Carr's autograph. Carr told the Chest Surgeon that it was ironic that Harris spent his day saving lives and he had a basketball job, and that everyone wanted his autograph. 

Exceptional wasn't a word used to describe my basketball resume' in high school. But at Sam Jones's camp, they hold an outdoor free throw shooting contest. No garbage rims. Sam asked, "who wants to go first?" I am up as though shot of a cannon. My rationale? If I make ten, it's almost impossible that another kid will make ten having to make ten. I sank ten. It's not the Olympics where judges leave room for a ten. Still have that trophy somewhere. 

Henry Finkel was in our office building to see his friend and my colleague Dr. Haynes, who suggested he come over to say hello. Imagine my surprise seeing the former Celtic and All-American. "Wow, Mr. Finkel, I have never met an office furniture magnate." The big guy laughed heartily. Everyone loves office furniture, right? 

In Beyond Basketball, Coach K shares some of his experiences and stories. While an assistant at Indiana under Bob Knight, he asks Knight why the Hoosiers don't do "Zig Zag drill" that they did every day at Army. "Michael, there is a big difference between you and Quinn Buckner." Adapt to your players and situation. 

Years ago I went to the local YMCA to shoot a few hoops. I walk into the gym and there's a guy teaching his daughter to shoot. I think, "that looks like JoJo White." He shoots the ball. "That is JoJo White." I leave because I think he knows he's JoJo White and I want him to have a private moment with his daughter. Years later my twins will play his daughter's team in the Sectional Finals at Tsongas Arena. I don't remember whether his daughter even got in the game. Melrose wins big, led by future WNBA player Shey Peddy. 

Share your stories. 

Lagniappe. Excellence. 

Lagniappe 2. It's always about the many not the few. 

Lagniappe 3. Cross-screen clearout to set up a back screen cutter.  

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Sunday, September 29, 2024

Basketball: Dog and Pony Show

Forget the dog and pony show. 

From ChatGPT: 

The phrase "dog and pony show" originated in the late 19th to early 20th century in the United States. It referred to small traveling circuses or vaudeville-style performances that featured trained dogs and ponies as the main attractions. These were often lower-budget productions compared to the grander circuses of the time, such as P.T. Barnum’s, and they would tour rural areas and small towns where larger circuses rarely visited.

While the performances were meant to entertain, they became synonymous with overly elaborate, often superficial presentations designed to impress but lacking in substance. Over time, the term evolved into its modern usage, describing events, presentations, or meetings where the emphasis is on showmanship rather than real content or value. In many cases, it implies a sense of skepticism or cynicism about the authenticity or depth of what’s being presented.

So, the "dog and pony show" went from literal entertainment to a metaphor for flashy, hollow presentations, often in business or political context. 

Insulting someone with 'dog and pony show' comments won't get us far because the targets likely don't know the origins. 

Create relationships. "Real" relationships with players can last a lifetime. Real connection has meaning, depth, and duration. Superficial is easier but inauthentic. 

Add value. Some view value as direct benefits such as minutes, roles, and recognition. Help players 'see the game' (Pete Newell), impact the game, and learn life skills. It's the "feed a man a fish, he eats today; teach a man to fish, he eats everyday." 

Instill positive culture. Positive culture reflects the ecosystem, relationships, learning, and emotional connection within a program. Sarah McGowan, a recent local (Melrose, MA) Hall of Fame inductee, wrote in her acceptance remarks, "The varsity players were not only dedicated to teaching volleyball, but also embodied the MVB culture, creating a warm and inclusive environment. They were there not out of obligation, but out of genuine passion." 

Advocate. Help players navigate their life journey when possible with networking, recommendations, and availability over time. 

Be authentic. Players may need 'tough love' to redirect wayward leanings. Instill discipline, accountability, and absolutes. Instruct the enduring value of good habits, work ethic, and sportsmanship.

Yes, these represent "soft" skills. It's ironic that without soft skills, players will likely never acquire the hard ones. 

Lagniappe. The ability to penetrate and pass ups shot quality. 

Lagniappe 2. Clearout, downscreen, give-and-go.  

Lagniappe 3.  Passing thoughts. 

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Saturday, September 28, 2024

Basketball - Blueprints for Life

Basketball thrives on symmetry. How does that apply for us? In a best case scenario, coaches help players 'see the game' and grow as people and leaders in our community. 

Create and operate in space. Shrink and remove space on D. 

Use player and ball movement. Limit player and ball movement on D. 

Seek quality shots. Allow "one bad shot." 

Take care of the ball. Force opponent mistakes and turnovers.

Thrive on quality possession. Limit opponent possessions. 

These are just part of the story. Teach life skills.

  • Model excellence at home, in school, on the court.
  • Be a great teammate in all domains. 
  • Make everyone around you better. 
  • Be an energy giver not an "energy vampire." 
  • Solve problems don't become one. 
  • Share credit don't "hog credit." 
  • Positive actions don't create negative feedback. 
  • Listen to understand not to respond. 
  • Lead by raising people up not by holding others down. 
Study great teachers, great coaches, great players. 

Impact winning, impact the game of life. 

Find solutions that create "win-win" outcomes. 

Players see everything Here's some AI input: 

Here are some other examples of character both on and off the court:

  1. Tim Duncan: Known for his humility, Duncan was not only a Hall of Fame basketball player but also respected as a quiet, disciplined leader. Off the court, his modesty and low-key nature—opting to stay out of the spotlight and maintain his integrity—were as impactful as his game.

  2. Kawhi Leonard: As a player, Leonard’s focus on defense and consistency is renowned. Off the court, he carries that same mentality—he’s described as being deeply private and never chasing the celebrity status, which reflects a strong sense of self-discipline and staying grounded.

  3. Maya Moore: One of the greatest WNBA players, Moore stepped away from basketball at the height of her career to focus on social justice, using her platform for something bigger than herself. Her unselfishness on the court reflected her actions off the court, showing integrity and commitment to causes she believed in.

  4. Malcolm Brogdon: Known for being a thoughtful, intelligent player (he was nicknamed “The President” at Virginia for his leadership skills), Brogdon also focuses on philanthropy and activism, including his work to provide clean water in East Africa. His leadership on the court mirrors his dedication to social responsibility off the court.

These examples show how qualities like perseverance, focus, and empathy extend beyond just a competitive setting, shaping individuals into leaders in life as well. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the community, character often dictates success.

Lagniappe. Are you paid by the bounce? 

Lagniappe 2. Use the inbounder in your special situations. 

Lagniappe 3. What would "playing better" look like for our team?  

 

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Friday, September 27, 2024

Basketball - Two-Way Streets

Two-ways streets are everywhere and nowhere. In medicine, there's a saying, "drains don't have street signs." Catheters and other drains allow fluids and bacteria to go in either direction where only one is desired. 

What does that have to do with basketball? 

Relationships must go in both directions. 

Communication flows both ways and sometimes not at all.

Loyalty cannot exist on one side for relationship success.

Basketball requires players to play both ends of the court. 

There's offense and defense and conversion. Conversion is the immediate counterattack or defense. 

Coaching won't always be a two-way street. Sometimes coaches give their best and it doesn't get reciprocated. Chemistry doesn't always exist. 

I asked ChatGPT for additional ideas...it mentioned reciprocity. Here are additional ideas it shared. 

Volleyball: Just as blocking and defense are essential on one end, so too is communication and offensive coordination. Great teams transition smoothly from defense to attack—digging a tough hit can lead to a quick counterattack.

Soccer: Attackers aren't just there to score goals; they need to help defensively by pressing and tracking back. Likewise, defenders contribute to building attacks by making precise passes and carrying the ball forward.

Education: Teachers provide knowledge and guidance, but learning is a two-way street. Students must engage, ask questions, and offer feedback, making the process collaborative.

Business Leadership: A good leader offers direction, but effective communication must flow both ways. Leaders need to listen to employees' concerns and ideas to make informed decisions.

Parenting: Parents guide and nurture children, but children also teach parents lessons in patience, empathy, and adaptability. The relationship evolves over time with give and take.

Mentorship: In a mentor-mentee relationship, knowledge flows both ways. While the mentor provides wisdom and advice, the mentee brings fresh perspectives and new approaches that can benefit the mentor.

Coaches understanding the world of relationships better helps us communicate, share, and teach better. 

Lagniappe. Incessant working of officials and inconsistent sportsmanship shouldn't be tolerated. 

Lagniappe 2. Coach being in the moment. 

Lagniappe 3. Many players do not use change of pace enough.  

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Thursday, September 26, 2024

Basketball: Hamartia (Fatal Flaws)

Other languages contain words that explain life better than an English word. You know MUDITA or "your joy is my joy," happiness for another's good fortune. 

Hamartia comes from the Greek, describing a "fatal flaw" that turned the hero's journey from success to tragedy. 

I asked ChatGPT for help"

Here are three examples from sports:

  1. Mike Tyson – Impulsiveness: Tyson, one of boxing’s most feared champions, had a career derailed by personal issues stemming from his impulsiveness and lack of self-control. His infamous ear-biting incident in a fight against Evander Holyfield and later personal problems, including imprisonment, significantly marred his legacy.

  2. Lance Armstrong – Arrogance and Deception: Armstrong’s remarkable achievements in cycling were overshadowed by a doping scandal. His hubris in denying allegations for years, coupled with an extensive cover-up, eventually led to his downfall when the truth surfaced. His success became a tragic fall from grace due to his overconfidence in manipulating the system.

  3. Tonya Harding – Ambition at All Costs: Harding was a talented figure skater whose ambition and willingness to go to extreme lengths became her tragic flaw. Her involvement in the infamous 1994 attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan led to her being banned from the sport, despite her potential for greatness.

In all cases, their success was overshadowed by a flaw that led to their undoing.

Other causes for a "hero's demise"...substance abuse or alcoholism like so many, or overconfidence, such as General Custer's. At other times, unpredictable injuries or illness such as mental health problems occur. Sometimes, it's "the life," where partying distracts players from the hard work of development.  

Len Bias died from a cocaine overdose, a self-inflicted wound. There is some uncertainty about the death of Reggie Lewis. Drazen Petrovic died in a car accident. 

Teams implode, too. A woman's team that fell apart amidst a gay-straight split. A high school team collapsed when one player "stole" another player's boyfriend. In These Girls Hope Is a Muscle, Madeleine Blais describes the opposite, healing of a toxic relationship between the two superstar players who played for the Amherst Hurricanes. Their rivalry had prevented the team from achieving their destiny. 

Don't let hamartia bring you down. 

Lagniappe. Do players realize what it takes? 

Lagniappe 2. Being able to do well what you do means more than having an enormous inventory of actions. 

Lagniappe 3. Who, where, and when all matter with regard to shot selection. 

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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Basketball: "The Cheapest form of Compensation"

"Thanks is the cheapest form of compensation," wrote Robert Townsend in Up the Organization (1970).

Be generous with thanks. Thank your parents, if you still have the chance. Thank your significant other. Thank your former coaches, your former players, your children for all they do.  

Thanks rejects the fallacy of the self-made individual. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We benefit from a society that provides education and infrastructure that benefits all of us indirectly. Thanks organizes the difference between give and take, between taking credit and sharing it. 

Consider this, WII - FM... "what's in it for me?"

And there's more! AI informs about physiologic and psychologic benefits from gratitude. 

Physiological Benefits:

  1. Improved heart health: Expressing gratitude can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to cardiovascular health.
  2. Stronger immune system: Regular feelings of gratitude are linked to a more robust immune response, helping the body fight off illness.
  3. Better sleep: Studies show that people who practice gratitude, especially before bed, tend to sleep better and longer.
  4. Lower stress levels: Gratitude activates areas in the brain associated with dopamine, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels.
  5. Pain reduction: Some research suggests that grateful individuals experience lower levels of physical pain, possibly due to decreased stress and improved mood.

Psychological Benefits:

  1. Enhanced mood: Gratitude boosts feelings of happiness and life satisfaction by promoting positive thinking and reducing negative emotions like envy or resentment.
  2. Resilience: Grateful people often have better coping mechanisms for handling life's difficulties, enhancing emotional resilience.
  3. Stronger relationships: Expressing gratitude fosters empathy and builds trust in personal and professional relationships.
  4. Reduced symptoms of depression: Regularly practicing gratitude is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
  5. Increased self-esteem: Gratitude helps people focus on what they have rather than what they lack, promoting a more positive self-image.

Gratitude works both mentally and physically, enhancing overall well-being and helping build a resilient mindset—something you’re focused on with your young athletes.

Coaches benefit from self-education during the process and from teaching the sport skills and lifeskills of our charges. As we educate ourself about coaching, benefit from learning skill development, game knowledge, strength and conditioning, and psychology. Whenever possible, fill a young player's metaphorical 'cup' of knowledge and self-esteem. 

Lagniappe. Finishing includes managing onrushing defense. 

Lagniappe 2. Commit to work toward greatness daily. Some people are 'crazy enough' to do that...healthy crazy. 

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Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Basketball - Threshing Our Philosophy Includes Inversion as Validation

Begin with a core clear and simple philosophy. Mine is TIA - teamwork, improvement, and accountability.

Teamwork means total collaboration, doing together what is in the best interest of the team. Simon Sinek wrote, "Leaders Eat Last." The game is about the players. We're fortunate to be part of organizations where teamwork is the default structure, the norm. Nelson Mandela's father led community meetings where he spoke last, listening to hear others' opinions, which also allowed a more nuanced response.   

Improvement. What's the paragon, the best example? In The Score Takes Care of Itself, Bill Walsh creates a "Standard of Performance" which applies to everyone from the secretary answering the phone, the guys who stripe the field, and coaches and players. Kevin Durant wakes saying, "how do I improve today?" Improvement is a harsh master. 

Accountability. Accountability means "holding ourselves to a high standard" in whatever we do. Do it right the first time. "If you don't have time to do it right now, when will you have time to do it right?" Accountability crosses domains of home, school, and sport. Accountability includes sportsmanship, adhering to the 'rules of the game' and relationships. 

Our philosophy also allows us the mental model of inversion, turning our core values inside out. 

Teamwork. Inversion yields selfishness and agendas. The Red Sox didn't win a championship for 86 years. The media dubbed them "25 guys, 25 cabs." Selfishness and agendas mean placing personal needs and desires above those of the team and teammates. 

Improvement. Inversion leaves us stagnation or slippage. In a world of harsh competitors that means falling behind. The best enterprises deliver quality and enhanced products or services. They raise both their floors and their ceilings of performance. A big ask? Why are we here? 

Accountability. Lack of accountability leaves us denial "not me" and excuses. The road to success is paved with neither. The classic Four Agreements illustrates the personal values and reminds us to be "impeccable with our word" and "always to our best." The opposites manifest no commitment to truth or high performance. 

Lagniappe. Proficiency at catch-and-shoot threes matters. 

Lagniappe 2. Don't be a needy player. Coaches have enough headaches already.  

Lagniappe 3. Simplify your moves to get into a shot. 

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Monday, September 23, 2024

Basketball: Improvement Starts Here

Adam Himmelsbach sat down with Brad Stevens.

"I think we need to improve individually. I think everybody is at an age and stage where they can, and I say that with a 38-year-old sixth man [Al Horford] who I watched sit down with [assistant coach] Tony Dobbins at the end of every practice and re-watch film and ask how he can get better and try new things at workouts. When you have a guy like Al setting the tone of, “Hey, I’m not just trying to hang on, I’m trying to improve,” then I think everyone from our 26- and 27-year-olds that are superstars, all the way up and down our roster, they all should be trying to improve."

Ask "how do I add value by learning, teaching better, sharing better?"

There’s always work needed. Distance oneself from complacency and comfort. 

1) Surround yourself with quality people who want to learn, improve, and work. Watch this brief Coach Krzyzewski interview.

2) Find a mentor and workout partners. Everyone benefits from coaching, including elite professionals. It's more efficient and drags teammates into the upper echelon. 

3) Craft your framework for learning - skills, knowledge, athleticism, psychology. Measure progress to show improvement while competing for personal bests. 

4) Allocate and track time; "winners are trackers."

5) Consolidate strengths and lessen weaknesses. 

Lagniappe. Find great exercises. 

Lagniappe 2. Get realistic.  

Lagniappe 3. Have you used this drill?  

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Sunday, September 22, 2024

The Last Practice - Life Lessons Work for Basketball

We never know...when. Professor Randy Pausch gave The Last Lecture about life as he faced terminal cancer. If we conduct our last lecture sharing lessons about basketball and life, what belongs?

Of Pausch, Sonja Barisic writes, "The book goes beyond the lecture, giving Pausch more room to tell his kids what he would have tried to teach them over the next twenty years. He counsels them to have fun, tell the truth, dare to take risks, look for the best in everyone, make time for what matters, and always be prepared".

Compared with The Last Lecture, any last practice pales in comparison.  

1. "Nobody is better than you," Mom taught. But that's not all. "And you are no better than anyone else." Better to say, "humility isn't thinking less about yourself, but about thinking about yourself less." 

My former coach, Sonny Lane, tells a story at national leadership conferences. He asks coaches how they select captains. He asks if any have experienced this. The team votes a player 'Captain,' a player who has never even started a varsity game. The player says he's no more worthy than any other player and asks to be called "Team Representative." I was that player. 

2. "Thank you." Always thank players at the end of practice for their focus and hard work. Most of us don't thank our parents enough for their sacrifices and our opportunity. We choose lives of gratitude or grievance. Nobody experiences a positive life with a negative attitude. 

3. "Improve." Find answers to the test. UNC soccer coach Anson Dorrance calls it, "continual ascension." Some say that we either continually improve or fall behind. I think it was Brad Stevens who said, "the magic is in the work." 

4. "Sacrifice." What is best for us won't always be best for the team. Choose what is best for the team. 

5. "Volunteer." Youth gets fuzzy in old age. At Sam Jones's basketball camp, John Killilea is speaking and starts, "I need a vol--" and I'm up like being shot out of a rocket. If you want to be remembered, be memorable. When I started tryouts, I began, "I need a volunteer." Hands fly. I thank the girls and remind them "that's not enough." Enthusiasm makes greatness. 

6. "Love the game." People thrive on energy and excitement. Speaking of knowing the answer...years ago, two minutes before tryout, a little twelve year-old girl, Naomi, approaches me. "Coach, I am really excited to be here." Be excited to be present and "make the big time wherever you are."

7. "The best push to be great." Study greatness. Study great writers, great coaches, great players. Work separates them. Ben Franklin chose a printing apprenticeship of nine years because he aspired to writing greatness. Michelangelo was 26 at the time of completing "The Pieta." When others asked how he could do this at such a young age he explained that he had worked ten hours a day from a young age. He began his apprenticeship for the Medicis at thirteen. 


8. "Always do your best," the Fourth Agreement from The Four Agreements. Sometimes our best isn't so great. But putting forth our best effort leaves less room for regret. And we all know the pain of regret. 

9. Words are powerful, raising people up, soul-crushing truth, reasons to think. Praise the praiseworthy. Remind those important in our lives, "I believe in you." 

Lagniappe. Have the will to prepare to win. 

Lagniappe 2. What are we doing when nobody is around?  

Lagniappe 3. Learn to read defenses to execute well.  

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Saturday, September 21, 2024

Basketball: Break Glass in Case of Emergency

 


What constitutes a 'basketball emergency' and an 'appropriate response'? Most programs are neither top of the heap or bottom of the barrel. Many 'muddle along' in mediocrity. 

Good teams have (per Anson Dorrance) continual ascension. They radiate competence and confidence. 

An emergency arises amidst negative trending with concerns about the direction and sustainability of a program. Questions arise about:
  • What is the status of leadership? 
  • What is the mindset within the team? 
  • What alternatives to current policy exist?
  • How can they be implemented? 
There's no touchstone for leadership. It's not about popularity but doing the organization, management, and communication daily. Successful leaders are immune from neither naysayers nor knives out. 

Outsiders can't know the inner working of a team. In Making Decisions, Ed Smith emphasizes the difficulty of outsider objectivity in evaluating teams. 

You can't impose a new plan upon a coaching staff and players midseason. A coaching staff and team can make adjustments but cannot remake a team midseason. 

Who would teach and implement a new plan in the context of the skill and basketball IQ of the team? If you're a zone defense, five-out offense, are you going to become a full-court pressure, motion offense team the next week. It's not like Ted Lasso where he installed "Total Football" and earned a winning streak immediately. 

The image at the top isn't accidental. The box behind the glass is empty, because there's no 'one-size fits-all' replacement available when trouble strikes. 

Lagniappe. What are OUR values? 
Lagniappe 2. "Did you push yourself to be great today?" 


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Friday, September 20, 2024

Basketball: Keep Learning

I know a fraction of what many here know about basketball, even after having written over 4,100 posts. 

Because there's a virtually infinite amount of basketball knowledge. This reminds me of chess and the AI summary below:

In conclusion, while there is no single definitive answer to the question “how many possible chess moves are there,” we can summarize the estimates as follows:

  • 10^120 (Shannon’s conservative lower bound)
  • 1972 (even games only)
  • 4164 (specific piece movements)
  • 2976 (including castling)
  • 6000 (maximum moves with 50-move rule)
  • 10^30 (reasonable games)
  • 3.7 × 10^43 (legal positions, excluding captures and promotions)

Coaches own a myriad of responsibilities:

Good coaches help players "see the game" and "put the team in the best position to succeed." That entails a lot of details including but not limited to:

  • Player relationships 
  • Program organization
  • Player development
  • Game planning (strategy and lineups)
  • Game management
  • Practice planning
  • Video study
  • Psychology and Motivation
  • Physical training
  • Connection with athletic department
  • Media interface
  • League meetings (coaches) and other area meetings
  • Fund raising (to variable degrees)

Yes, facts and information about skill growth, strategy, strength and conditioning, and psychology build our 'coaching portfolio'. 

Both our substance and style matter. At the end of the day, those closest to us judge our communication, relatability, kindness, resilience, teaching ability, and all the "soft skills" that stratify coaches. 

Lagniappe. Be great. 

Lagniappe 2. You're always selling moves.  

Lagniappe 3. Don Kelbick reminds you, "think shot first."  

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Basketball: Simplify.


Simple is hard. With overwhelming talent (usually in the setting of talent aggregation-recruiting coaches), play fast and amplify the edge with more possessions.

1) "Get more and better shots." - Pete Newell  

Post by @matt_hackenberg_basketball
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2) Pressure the ball. Great coaching points. Tell players "NFL cornerbacks don't use slide steps to cover. Scouts look at hip turn." 


3) A woman made a bet that she could make President Coolidge, a man of few words, say more than two words. She approached him and said, "I bet that I could make you talk more." He replied, "you lose." 

Raise your efficiency with better shot quality. I see high school teams take a lot of threes with players who can't shoot. It's great to teach layups, threes, and free throws if you have guys who can finish. Doc Rivers calls bad shots, "shot turnovers." If you're shooting less than 20 percent from three (0.6 points/possession), unless you have an amazing defense, you lose. Coaches who don't use shot charts can only guess. 

4) "The ball is gold." Remember SPCA of the "Four Factors." Score, protect, crash, attack. Protect the ball. Turnover are zero percent possessions. Bad teams turn the ball over a lot. As coaches, we have some ownership over that. We can't put it all on the players. 

5) Foul for profit. Bad teams put teams on the line more. Those are high points per possession chances. Even 60 percent at the line is 1.2 points/possession. Most high school teams are well below one point per possession. 

You're entitled to say, "everyone knows that." If that's true, the bad basketball on display is a contradiction. Many players either don't know or have agendas. 

Lagniappe. Teach better. 

Lagniappe 2. It's a communication business.  

Lagniappe 3. Simple and elegant.  

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Basketball - "Bingo!"

What's on your bingo card? Every coach says the same things, sometimes in different ways. Every team has its own lingo, it's lexicon. At our level, we didn't hear ice, show, blue, drop, through, hedge, veer, or a lot of other jargon.

And I left out a lot of deleted "magic words" or politically incorrect expletives deleted.


So what's on your bingo card? 

Lagniappe. Protect your ecosystem. 

Lagniappe 2. Paint touches matter.  

Lagniappe 3. What elite does.  













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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Basketball - Dynamic Spacing

Players need to understand and manipulate spacing both offensively and defensively. Watch any NBA game; the spacing is elite. 

Offense has initial and follow-up spacing. We emphasize the three-point line as the 'spacing' line. That's ideal for '5-out' (50) or 'open' offense. Also a big fan of 'horns' which has filled corners and an open lane. 

In transition, I favor having wings fill corners, one rim runner and the possibility of a drag screen with the second big. 

Player and ball movement transform the 'primary spacing' into secondary spacing. 

Have options to create spacing. 

  • From 50, cut a high slot through to open a gap. 
  • From horns, open more space with an 'elbow get'. 
  • Another useful horns action is "Duke series" with the ball side corner cutting across and setting up a two-man game with the ball handler and elbow. 

Let's get a spacing consultation from AI. 

ways to improve spacing with player or ball movement.

ChatGPT said:
Improving spacing in basketball is crucial for creating effective offensive opportunities and ensuring that the court is utilized efficiently. Here are five ways to enhance spacing through player or ball movement:

1. Use of the Pick-and-Roll

The pick-and-roll is a classic and effective way to improve spacing. By setting a screen for a ball handler, you can force defenders to make quick decisions, often leading to mismatches or open shots. Proper execution involves:

  • Setting Solid Screens: The screener should set a firm pick to create separation.
  • Timing: The ball handler and screener must coordinate their movements to exploit the defensive lapse.
  • Spacing After the Screen: The screener should roll to the basket or pop out, creating additional spacing for the ball handler to either drive or pass.

2. Spacing Through Off-Ball Movement

Players without the ball need to constantly move to create better spacing and open up passing lanes. This can be achieved by:

  • Cutting: Players can cut to the basket or to the three-point line, drawing defenders and opening up space for their teammates.
  • Setting Screens: Off-ball screens can help free up shooters or create driving lanes by forcing defenders to switch or navigate through screens.
  • Maintaining Proper Distance: Players should avoid crowding around the ball handler and instead position themselves to maximize court space.

3. High and Low Post Positioning

Proper positioning in the post areas can create effective spacing and open up lanes for drives or shots:

  • High Post: Positioning a player at the high post (near the free-throw line) can draw defenders out of the paint, making it easier for teammates to drive or shoot.
  • Low Post: A player in the low post can attract defenders, which can open up space for perimeter shooters or cutters.

4. Ball Movement and Passing

Quick and effective ball movement is key to maintaining spacing and creating open shots:

  • Swing the Ball: Passing the ball around the perimeter can shift the defense and create open shot opportunities.
  • Skip Passes: Using skip passes to move the ball quickly from one side of the court to the other can exploit defensive rotations and open up shooters.
  • Read the Defense: Players should make quick decisions based on defensive positioning, aiming to find the open man and maintain spacing.

5. Positioning in Transition

Transition offense can greatly benefit from proper spacing:

  • Running the Floor: Players should sprint to their designated spots (wings, corners) to spread out the defense and create fast-break opportunities.
  • Spacing on Fast Breaks: Players should fill the lanes (one player in the middle, one on each wing) to create passing options and open lanes for driving or shooting.
  • Making Early Decisions: Quick decision-making in transition can capitalize on the defense’s disorganization, allowing for effective spacing and high-percentage shots.
Defensively, "shrink space."
  • Load to the ball.
  • Drop to the level of the ball. 
  • Think "Cover 1.5" as you guard your yard and part of another. 

I know what you're thinking. "I know that." How many times do we allow hoops because our players can't help because they don't shrink space? How many times do we allow help side cuts because we didn't load to the ball? How often did a player mess up a play by cutting to an occupied post? 

Simplicity isn't enough. 

Lagniappe. The first clip shows what we called "Nurse," a set where UCONN ran Kia Nurse off the high post back screen. 

Lagniappe 2. Winning is the reward for executing well.  

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