Introduction
I am grateful for the opportunity to both learn such a fantastic sport and to enjoy the pleasure of coaching others. A special thanks to a number of men who laid a favorable impression on me at a time I thought I knew the game. My gratitude is extended to Prescott Smith (Puck), Dwayne Smith and Roger Cummings in particular for both their dedication to the game and their knowledge which helped me over the years to become a player with an understanding.
This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” method of coaching. Different people have their own way of doing things and I am no different. Personalities differ and so do abilities. I try to play the sport daily and don't mind losing to someone trying to learn. I believe I understand the core fundamentals and techniques that can be best deployed on the court. I admit that many wins I've gained was not because I was the most gifted or athletic. I was smarter and could identify mistakes made by my opponent.
I have observed that professional athletes today are quite physically talented, however, lack many of the fundamentals necessary to play with longevity in mind. I think this contributes to the trend towards the recruitment of European players over American.
The knowledge base of the medical field enables players to take better care of their bodies today. Today’s player enjoys better nutritional guidelines to live by which, in turn, allows for higher performance; better shooting, better movement and that's about it.
I was never taught by high school level coaches how to play the sport. Only pros. Not that there is anything wrong with high school coaches. Just worked out that way for me. Couldn't afford to play in high school and lived to far to travel. Attended a very good high school but had to travel a great distance to attend.
My first coaching stint involved five players that never played at an organized level. Junior High school kids. They were small – no one over 6’0” and the tallest player could invariably be described as having two left feet. Good attitude and excellent heart. They wanted to learn. So, for four days a week we drilled and worked on core fundamentals. Their parents were great and saw to it their kids made it to the practice sessions, however, they did not think much beyond that – the possibility their own kids would end up champions that summer never occurred. Not a single parent attended any of the kid’ regular season games. Not one. Many had to work. So with five players we played out the regular season gaining one victory after the next. The largest victory over Christen King 144-40. Couldn’t do anything to slow that down – had no bench. Long story made short – Notre Dame Prep hosted the playoffs with Sacramento High the favorites to take it all. These five boys played three playoff games in one day with no bench and defeated bigger, more athletic players. I wish cell phones existed so I could take pics of each of the faces of those astonished parents. They could not believe what they witnessed. But the cell phone didn't exist then. I know - it's a shame.
That gave birth to my current philosophy that you can teach unnamed, local kids that tend to be overlooked because they lack the "look" coaches desire, and build them into basketball powerhouses. Teaching is an art. You can know something but it is quite a different thing to properly convey that knowledge to another person who knows very little or nothing at all. I’d like to think I have a gift when it comes to helping others understand.
To date there are a number of coaches who quietly keep an eye on our players. We talk from time-to-time. This is in part to protect their new resource from outside intrusions. The kids to get offers. So we protect the privacy of the child. This permits them to enjoy a "normal" childhood. This isn't the program for the child who relishes "likes" on Facebook or IG, SnapChat, TicTok or whatever the next social media craze is. We encourage our kids to take the more mature approach to life. Build their minds first so that if they do reach their goal, then they will be prepared to live in the spotlight, properly manage their resources and benefit those around them.
I believe the more important aspect of coaching is honesty. Some parents have a tough time dealing with the fact that their child, no matter how hard he/she works at it – simply isn’t geared up for the sport. Being honest with kids is important because it teaches them how to deal with the many disappointments in life.
Patience – the cornerstone for dealing with any teen. Teens by nature, tend to be energetic but may have the attention span of seconds in relation to time. So inculcating skills and proper behavior is often repeated to some more than others.
I never use offensive language to express yourself. As an adult; we are the example to them. We are not perfect of course but the greater the responsibility, the greater the punishment when things go wrong. It’s better to avoid the latter. I make it a point to be mild yet firm during my communications to both the kids and their families. You must be diplomatic at all times.
Another aspect of coaching I believe to be very important is integrity. Some kids, unfortunately, learn the habit to “do whatever it takes to win” attitude. Cheating to win teaches a child to ignore the long-term consequences of his/her actions. It also teaches the child to lie which the child will eventually have to do to cover over the error. Which of course introduces another short-coming; the failure to assume responsibility for one’s own actions. As the child advances from cheating he/she will learn to blame others for seeming mistakes rather than look at themselves. This translates to hitting a growth block, whereas, he/she will not continue improving because of becoming haughty and thinking more of themselves than they should. Whereas the child that did learn these lessons will not assume such about themselves but will continue to improve and gradually leave behind other players that stopped growing. I’ve witnessed these events over countless times.
Another asset to coaching is listening. Kids can act stupid but in many ways they are not stupid at all. Sometimes they come up with some resourceful ideas. So always have an open ear to suggestions. If you are not known for listening then be aware that the kids are discussing that among themselves too. You are being graded. And kids tend to be rather blunt in their personal judgement especially as a group. Doesn’t mean you have to acquiesce but acknowledgement of their ideas works wonders.
It’s About the Math Stupid
There are a number of ways you can win a game. The smarter the athlete is, the better the odds for winning the game. Understanding player clock management, field goal percentages, the need for rebounds and other game management skills are useful on the court. So it goes without saying that I am a huge data analytics guy.
Everyone should know that you can increase FGP by increasing the number of shots taken per/game. In order to do so – we need rebounds. An efficient offense is essential. With a smaller team, fewer shots are the norm on many occasions. Therefore it only makes sense that we become efficient at shooting the ball over bigger, stronger, more athletic opponents.
Effective field goal percentage (EFP% – (=2pts + 1.5 x 3pts)/FGA) of opponents must be controlled and lower than our team. Good EFP cuts down opponents’ fast break opportunities, something we will need to limit faster teams thus forcing them into a half-court set. If our EFG% is lower than our opponent then we better get more FGA than the other team if we want a chance to stay alive. And if our EFP% is suffering then we need to be winning in the next two stats.
FTA – it’s simple. Get to the line means the opponent isn’t in transition and you are getting a free shot. The player with the highest FTA is valued at this point. Getting all five players involved in attacking a defense is important if the team we face is more athletically suited for the sport.
FT% - rarely considered is still important. It is a good measuring rod for which team is getting the job done.
Winning three of the four stats above is what is needed to win.
Turnovers – can kill any game. Good dribbling/passing skills will help prevent this. In addition, weight training for strong shoulders, legs and arms is good too.
DReb% - Defensive rebounds should be tracked as well: DReb% = DReb/(OReb + Opponents OReb)
OReb% - Offensive rebounds are of the same importance: OReb% = OReb/(DReb + Opponents DReb)
Fouls – not rocket science here. Don’t foul unless necessary.
We want attempts in the paint. We want a strong defense, a penetrating offense with an effective parameter play. Once the opponent implodes, then we barrage them with threes. Like waves in the sea, our offense will shift from an inside-out to outside-in. Very difficult to read.
The Game
There is no other game quite like the game of basketball. Basketball is the combination of skillful art, grace and the mental mindset of chess. For those of you unfamiliar with chess then – you are missing out. Basketball is the one sport that if you are lacking the physical characteristics needed to dunk but you are smarter than your opponent; then that is enough to win the game. It is a game whereas speed kills but power overcomes. How? A speedy player cannot be trapped and powerful player cannot be stopped. Speed was a protection for Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, Spud Webb, Alan Iverson and other greats. Whereas power could not be ignored by opponents facing the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, and others. But technical prowess lends itself to career longevity.
I will always be a student of the game. I try to make it point to learn from everyone I meet or play against on the court. Nothing suites me better than a challenge from a worthy opponent. Taking pride in my defense, I love trying to find the right combination that stops another player in his tracks. Rarely do I encounter the player with it all including myself. There are many greats Bob Cousy, Oscar Robinson, John Stockton, Dominique Wilkins, Michael Cooper, Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird, Ervin Johnson, James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and to be honest, this is a very short list. I know there are others but my memory escapes me at the time of this writing. But these players are unique both in their play, mindset and ability to execute and impose their will on the court.
Build them up
My philosophy is very simple. Develop brilliant ball players or super-star athletes. I’ll take a smart under developed underachieving individual over an athletically gifted lofty-minded player any day. An arrogant player will only learn when it is too late. You simply cannot teach someone who in their own mind and heart thinks that because they can beat other locale kids and is praised for doing it, that there is no need for him/her to learn more. There were occasions were a student had to put their money were there mouth was and they lost. You see, in order for a student to graduate my course, you have to beat me one-on-one. First in a half-court set and then the full-court set. With the knowledge passed on to kids I have worked with – they are able to compete and win against many people older, more experienced and stronger than they are.
Some have baulked at this and I do listen but facts are facts. My kids are winning. I am a strong believer in the development of technical skill sets first, then physical attributes. Your kid may be capable of uprooting trees but can’t read offenses or defenses set against them. You can score 30 plus points per game but your effective field goal percentage is negligible. Technically proficient players can get athletic players into foul trouble quickly because they understand placement, angles and read what defenses are doing. High I.Q.’s are what win championships.
I normally do not push a player to engage in strength conditioning until after a year of technical training. If a skinny, technically proficient player can beat you then what do you think will happen when he/she is bigger and stronger? They will simply dominate the game. That is what I am building my players to become. Dominant.
Integrity for the sport
Maybe it’s me. But it appears that many players tend to use subtle but illegal means to get around or beat other players. I think it is important for players to understand the nuances used to beat players. However, I teach players how to defeat such tactics. How to win regardless of what the offense or defense does against them. To keep the game clean. Why, because if you really are a good player then you should never need to cheat. That’s what players who did not learn how to really play do. They must cheat to save face. And, for some, to keep their jobs. So players are taught to play the game with integrity and precision.
Progressions
Every session should start with skills a player will need in the game. Dribbling, shooting, the mind-set, calm nerves, good camaraderie with his/her teammates and coach. Relationships are crucial for champion teams. I’ve never witnessed a divided team winning anything important. A divided house simply cannot stand. Not to say that it hasn’t happened but that’s an outlier. All my players are required to have respect for both themselves and one another. That is important. If you can’t respect yourself – then who else should? Second; we work hard for everything and if something comes easy then help your teammate who is struggling. Selfish players lack altruism or understanding. Every good player has a battle theme song. That song that prepares his/her heart for the war. Whatever drives you right?
The Art of the Rebound
Rebounders should be aggressive. Never wait for a person to approach you for a box out. Go out and get him. Strike first. Hit the opponent high and finish low maintaining contact with your body, moving your feet and keeping your arms up.
Guessing the Shot
Most players shoot the same way which works for some i.e. Steph Curry but that is an outlier to most case models. Michael Jordan had many releases which he’d use for different occasions. Generally speaking a shot released at a 30 degree angle off the glass will miss at the same angle on the opposing side of the glass. Good rebounders are aware of this. Taking the time during the game to examine your opponents shooting habits is important. It enables you to determine how the ball is going to strike the rim and where you need to be on the floor to rebound it.
Defense
It can’t be stressed enough; defense is king in my book. Even if the rules changed over the years giving scorer’s the advantage – nothing trumps a good defender because if he can stop you from scoring then it doesn’t matter if he has a bad shooting day or simply can’t shoot – he’s still outscoring you and that’s what wins the game.
There will always be an occasion were you will face a player who seems unstoppable (MJ is a reminder) so what do you do? As a person you might have a tough time so you need help. That is why I teach each player “man-to-man help-side defense.” Good team defense is rare. It’s how I coached my first championship with a five player team. Solid defense compensates for any lack of offensive player ability.
In today’s game a defender will need a more relaxed stance in order to be flexible enough to change both speed and direction. It is what I use against players that I teach who are both quicker and more athletic. This permits me to use a good angle of recover only if the player makes the mistake of not taking a good angle to the basket or if they decide to step/fade from the basket.
Practice Sessions
Many players loathe technical training and learning mechanical skills. In many ways it doesn’t come natural to many. Most of the kids I have worked with just want to play and showcase the bad habits they come to think are skills. Some of those bad habits come from their parents who during their youth taught the child what he/she learned themselves. It’s a parent’ right, I don’t argue against that. However, when I do get your child and they do practice bad habits – then it’s my job to correct it and replace it with the proper ways of doing things. This can be a long and painful process for the player and coach.
My practice sessions tend to be brutal to put it lightly. Brutal in the sense of the demand placed on each player. Our moto is rather simple: “You will either become a great player or a great athlete – the choice is yours.”
Many coaches teach and run plays. I don’t. I teach and run a system. I teach the players to make decisions for themselves on the court and react to situations. This style of play is more fluid and faster than set plays, because, let’s face it – once you bust up an opponent’ play many of their players aren’t sure of the best improvisation. My players do.
Two offenses are taught; Flex offense designed by Rene Herrerias in 1967 at Cal Berkeley is utilized to bring large players away from the basket, thus allowing our smaller players the ability to score. We also teach the Motion Offense; using player movement as a strategy to exploit the quickness of the smaller offensive team. This neutralizes the size advantage of defenses.
All practices will start with a warm-up and stretching to prevent injuries. Weight training will rotate before and after the practice schedule. Sometimes weight training takes place before practice – other times after practice. This teaching players to build endurance with both their bodies and mind.
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