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Friday, May 22, 2026

Coaching - Claims, Examples, Explanations, and Outcomes

Sometimes coaching is checkers and sometimes it's more of a chess match. Making arguments often involves making a claim, giving examples, and providing explanations. Sometimes it works out; sometimes it doesn't. 

CLAIM: Presume that our opposing coach has both competence and character and plan accordingly.

EXAMPLE: During "high stress" game situations, ask "what would I do in that situation?" 

EXPLANATION: Leading by one with possession out of bounds with five seconds. 

  • Expect full pressure.
  • Anticipate switch everything and early foul (sc 
  • Inbound away from our basket to a player who has decent hands and is a decent shooter. 
  • Instruct players DO NOT FOUL. 
  • If the ball is stolen, it will require the opposition to score almost the full length of the court with only a few seconds. 
OUTCOME: ball was stolen in the deep corner and time expired before opponent got a final shot. 

CLAIM: Anticipate opponent likely course of action to win a possession. 

EXAMPLE: How will opponent try to score close and late? 

EXPLANATION: Final possession of half, opponent ball, sidelines out of bounds. Good ballhandling team, best player the point guard, not especially good shooters. 
  • Anticipate action going to the basket.
  • Counseled players not to foul. 
  • Advised expectation of high ball screen. 
  • Suggest take away the drive.  
  • PnR defense - blitz the driver. 
  • Advise closest lower defenders (filled corners) to help on the roller.
OUTCOME: Ball handler picks up the dribble. No shot available. 

CLAIM: Get the ball out of the opponent's best player's hands. 

EXAMPLE: How to limit superstar player? 

EXPLANATION: Opposing (middle school) team was averaging over 60 points per game with a guard scoring in the thirties. They also had enough height to cause problems for us...keeping us from scoring inside. Played a modified triangle and two, trying to deny the guard the ball and rolling the other guard to double her any time she got within shooting range. 

OUTCOME: Held the opponent to low 40s but we couldn't get much inside offense (probably 15 missed or blocked layups) and lost by about 17. 

CLAIM: Break the pattern and play our best player more (playoff game)

EXAMPLE: The "border war" rival had beaten us in mostly close games seven times in three years (0-7).

EXPLANATION: Partly we struggled against a certain SLOB they used, but they often went on runs with Cecilia out...as she was our primary rim protection. 

OUTCOME: With Cecilia playing 80 percent of the game instead of 60 percent, our defense held up better and we won by three. 

Winning is desired but not the sole reason to play in development. Teaching and playing by principles provides some balance but won't make everyone happy. 

Lagniappe. Captaincy accountability...  

Lagniappe 2. No comment about his personnel changes... 

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