Every coach responds differently to the end of the season. My objective is to take time away from the game for at least a week to decompress and be with my family. Others may continue going to the #StateTournaments out of tradition, or for motivation. Some may have exit meetings immediately after the season while … Continue reading What Do We Do Now
Winning Defense: Defending Off-Ball Screens
"While the determination to play defense combined with the willingness to give up one's body physically are more important than technique, to be truly outstanding on defense an individual and team must combine intelligent technique with great desire." Key Takeaways Backscreens Cross-screens Downscreens Defending the off-ball screens starts with on-the-ball pressure. Our terminology is to … Continue reading Winning Defense: Defending Off-Ball Screens
State Tournament
My brother was a sophomore on the Varsity roster that had just made it to the State Tournament preparing to play in front of thousands in legendary Rupp Arena. Affectionately referred to as the "Sweet Sixteen" totaling 16 champions from their respective regional tournaments; the state of Kentucky finishes the season with one true champion … Continue reading State Tournament
Winning Defense: Defending the Pick & Roll
"Basketball teams at every level commonly use a number of two-and three man play actions such as back-picking, down-picking, screen and roll, flex, pick-the-picker, and others." Key Takeaways: Evolution of 2-Man Action Defensive Approach Evolution of Pick & Roll The ballscreen has been historically relevant for decades. Yet, it didn't become popularized until Chuck Daly's … Continue reading Winning Defense: Defending the Pick & Roll
Season Part Three
There aren't too many people that would've predicted how the season finished across the country. "Control what you can control." These words have never seemed to ring more true than in the moment. There is a lot of uncertainty right now beyond the realm of basketball and rightfully so, however a lot of the circumstances … Continue reading Season Part Three
Winning Defense: Rotating Off Drives
"A good defender should always be in a "read" position to help teammates by leaving his own man to trap or cover open shooters. Each man must have the confidence that when he leaves his man to attack the ball, a teammate behind him will rotate to cover for him." Key Takeaways: Wedge & Wall … Continue reading Winning Defense: Rotating Off Drives
Future Rule Changes
Innovation in basketball is largely influenced by the rules governing the game. From the Original 13 Rules to the NIT Experiment there is always a discussion for how to improve the game. The first contest ever recorded finished 5 to 1, compare that now to the top defensive-rated teams in the NBA keeping opponents right above … Continue reading Future Rule Changes
Winning Defense: Traps & Rotations
"It's that kind of pride and joy in defense that builds a winner. It takes hard work and teamwork and everyone knows it. Champions have been willing to pay that price. And so it must continue to be true that champions at all levels will have enough players on the team that commit to defense … Continue reading Winning Defense: Traps & Rotations
What Loses Games
Many times, it is easy to talk about what wins games. We put such a premium on this, that we sometimes fail to talk about #WhatLosesGames. In many cases, these can be direct opposites. As I break down what loses games in this article, we will take a look at on & off the court … Continue reading What Loses Games
Winning Defense: Defending Set Offenses
Key Takeaways: Preventative Post Defense 45 Degree Bump & Release "5 Strong" on Weakside Help Post touches are scoring threats beyond making a move to score; it tends to force perimeter players to sag or ball watch which leaves the threat of basket-cutters or inside-out shooting. So, the best post defense is preventative in nature … Continue reading Winning Defense: Defending Set Offenses
