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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Playing Time Has More Inputs than You Think*

*Adapted from my volleyball blog


A volleyball coach discusses some of the many elements that define playing time. They differ from basketball in several ways including the role of service and the distinction between front and back row players. 

Conceptual overlaps occur and other points deserve mention. 

1) Ability (technical skill). Skill is necessary but not sufficient. Skill complements size and athleticism. Players with less technical excellence can compensate with higher tactical knowledge (BBIQ), toughness, and mental resilience. 

2) Basketball IQ. Think back to Wooden's Pyramid of Success. Flanking the peak are faith and patience. It takes time to develop the experience to improve decisions and execution. A player like Pascal Siakam from Cameroon who didn't start playing until he was seventeen is a basketball marvel. 

3)Collaboration/communication/teamwork. Becoming a great team player who makes those around you better creates value for both the team and the individual. Blending skill and team play is a force multiplier that helped Jrue Holiday and Derrick White become both NBA and Olympic champions. 

4) Practice attendance and performance. With a limited schedule in high school, there's no 'load management'. One of Jay Bilas's "Toughness" standards is, "Play so hard that your coach has to take you out." 

5) Attitude. Nobody builds a positive life with a negative attitude. Attitude impacts our life experience - at home, school, and sports. The great modern era players all blend talent with hard work and determination, the will to prepare to be their best. 

Other factors that determine minutes and roles include:
  • Reliability. How prone to mistakes is the player?
  • Performance under pressure
  • Trust. Do I need the player out there "in the moment?"
A high school Hall of Fame coach reminded me never to overlook trust. Be the player the coach trusts to be out there in the moment. 

In my opinion, players (and parents) overestimate the role of coach-assigned playing time. In the varsity setting where winning matters, the players and their performance dictate roles and responsibilities.

Lagniappe. Multiple action screening 
Lagniappe 2. Defeating switching. 

 

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