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Sunday, August 17, 2025

Basketball - Underrated Emphasis, Use It Today

If it's 'underrated' then we should do more of it. 

Define Core Values

“Underrated” is always subjective. One coach may say, “That’s lower priority for us,” while another insists, “That’s a core value for us.” Both can be right—if it fits their program.

The key is to decide what your core values are and where they belong on your team’s priority list.

Program Approach

  • Set daily standards

  • Foster teamwork

  • Build a positive culture

(Management consultant Dave Kline likens accountability to “calling your shot.”)

On-Court Standards

Offense

  • Emphasize player and ball movement

  • Take quality shots

  • Value possessions (limit turnovers)

Defense

  • Pressure and contain the ball

  • Contest shots without fouling

  • Control the defensive glass

Non-Negotiables

  1. Teach players to make the simple play—fall in love with easy.

  2. Reaffirm commitment: “That is not how we play.”

  3. Eliminate the Deadly S’s—selfishness, sloth, softness.

  4. Praise the praiseworthy; “sandwich” criticism inside encouragement.

  5. Track shot charts and use film to show good shots.

  6. Reduce the most common turnovers—pick the low-hanging fruit.

  7. Simplify: trim the playbook whenever possible.

  8. Reinforce positive actions with positive video.

  9. Recognize unsung contributors who don’t get media “love.”

  10. Give and receive feedback to stay aligned as a team.

Bonus Reminder

If you don’t have a steady inbound passer who makes good decisions and safe passes, you’ll lose close games.

Lagniappe. Quote from Austin Kleon in Steal Like an Artist. "If you’re out of ideas, wash the dishes. Take a really long walk. Stare at a spot on the wall for as long as you can. As the artist Maira Kalman says, “Avoiding work is the way to focus my mind.”" Everyone needs ways to reset, to clear the mind. 

Lagniappe 2. "Repetitions make reputations." 


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