Tuesday, October 8, 2024

"Beyond Basketball" - Fundamentals

When it comes to basketball, don't go back to the basics; never leave them.

From "Beyond Basketball," by Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Fundamentals, the nuts and bolts of on court actions, help players win the one-on-one, two-on-two, and collective battles.

1) Bad execution loses. Bad teams have bad execution. Bad coaches accept it. 

2) Bad execution begins with poor spacing. Teach the 3-point line as the 'spacing line'. Even a cursory look at NBA or Euroleague video shows elite spacing. 

3) Basketball is a game of separation. Separate with speed, change of pace and direction, deception (e.g. bursts), and screens. 

4) Cut hard. Poor offenses have poor cutting. 

5) Ball movement creates edges with paint touches and ball reversals. 

6) There is no substitute for quality shot selection. Teams should have shot charts to help guide better shots. 

7) The first defensive fundamental is ball containment. 

Lagniappe. The versatility of horns.  

Lagniappe 2. Finding a layup.  

Lagniappe 3. Process above goals.