"It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent." - Charlie Munger, former Buffett partner
Flawed thinking comes in a lot of forms - physical, emotional, financial, reputational, etc.
Sport informs many examples of flawed decision-making. The Celtics got Bill Russell by getting Ice Capades shows for the Rochester Royals ownership. Then they traded Ed Macauley and the rights to Cliff Hagan to St. Louis for the second draft pick. The rest is history, eleven championships in thirteen years.
Within our process where does flawed thinking arise most?
- Without scouting being overly aggressive in extended defense.
- Poor shot selection. Everyone is not a three-point shooter.
- Turnovers. Turnovers are zero percent possessions.
- Excessive fouling, turning bad shots and perimeter shots into easy shots.
- Help without rotation.
How can one avoid each?
- Don't be in a rush to extend defenses until seeing an opponent.
- Teach shot selection with shot charts and video and perform "range testing" to see where players cannot succeed.
- Take care of the ball by avoiding driving or passing into traffic. Pass away from defenders, and don't "pass through hands."
- "Fouling negates hustle." Don't reach in, don't slap down. Show video of excessive fouling or flawed decisions that caused fouls.
- Practice "live shell" to reinforce loading to the ball and rotation.
Lagniappe. "Tell me how this behavior is going to help you accomplish the goals that you have."
