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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Basketball- “It’s What They Know”

Applying the process depends not on coaching knowledge. “It’s what the players know.” Pete Newell’s message to coaches, Help players "see the game." 

Ideally, they recognize both patterns and calls (verbiage). If the opponent is playing 2-3 zone and their coach calls "fire" or "red" or some aggressive sounding term, expect a trap and a possible four on three edge. 

1. Pressure defense. Think screens and back cuts.

2. PnR roller defender commits too high? Automatic release and slip to the basket.

3. They switch everything? Screen small on big to get size isolations or big on small to get speed mismatches.

4. Be able to win multiple ways. See below.

5. Use analogies. Speed = cavalry. Power = infantry. Perimeter shooting = artillery. 

6. Sun Tzu quote about strength from The Art of War: “in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”

7. Play with intensity yet under control. Mastery of others is strength. Mastery of self is true power.” – Lao Tzu"

8. Teach situational basketball, helping players understand "winning time," including using tempo (e.g. offensive and defensive delay games) to advantage. 

9. "Foul for profit," says Coach Kevin Sivils. Strategic fouling can make the difference between winning and losing if teams get bad shooters to the line. 

10.Develop role players. Have a reliable inbounder and at least two reliable rebounders. One consistent ballhandler will not defeat teams who apply pressure well. It goes without saying that everyone needs scorers, preferably at least three. 

Lagniappe. Separate and finish.  

Lagniappe 2. Not saying this is always right. Some astute players might draw fouls by raking their arms through a defender's arm. Not hating on K.  

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