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Saturday, October 3, 2026

Ten Best Lessons from Basketball Losses

Learn from every experience. Losses often teach more. Compile your lessons as a coach and as a player.

1. "Control what you can control." If a player "goes off" and 'shoots the lights out', did we adjust by trying to deny her the ball, keep her from her 'spots', and contest the shots without fouling? 

2. Stay positive. "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater." Build on the positives, while recognizing needs. 

3. Be accountable. Never allow results to become, "winning reflects coaching and losing results from playing." 

4. Toughness is a skill. Train players via the weight room and physical practice to meet the challenge of physical teams. "How you play reflects how you live your life."

5. "Be on the same page." Losing a game because of confusion about our principles (e.g. PnR coverage) causes lasting psychological pain. As coaches, we are accountable. 

6. Shot selection is not a suggestion. Players need to know and adhere to what good shots are for them. As Bilas says, "It's not your shot, it's our shot." 

7. "Don't be in a rush to win" out of the box. Being in a rush to force pressure or transition when an opponent has physical advantages or preparation can cause quick deficits. Play uphill against strong teams at your risk. 

8. "Foul for profit." - Kevin Sivils  Fouling perimeter shots, threes, late shot clock, bad shots, or frustration fouls are unacceptable. 

9. "Watch more video." Reduce failed pattern recognition and low basketball basketball IQ. Keep a "video library" in a journal or electronic media like a spreadsheet. 

10.Make sportsmanship an entree not an occasional side dish. How players and coaches conduct themselves on the court impacts how they live. "How you do anything is how you do everything." 

Lagniappe. "The quality of the shot relates to the quality of the pass." - Pete Carril   There's data. In shooting drills, emphasize pass quality. 

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