Playoff Time

I had a chance to speak with several NBA asst during this playoff time to discuss how playoff basketball offense changes from the regular season. Here are some key points I picked up:

1. Get your best post up player ballside- hold him on reversal and bring it back to him on the second reversal. DO NOT MOVE HIM ACROSS THE LANE.
2. Score in the first third of the shot clock or the last third of the shot clock.
3. Screen for your best post feeder to get him on the posts side or get him middle third of the court (great post feed spot)
4. Set double screens (staggered or flat) for three point shooters instead of spotting up when occupying weakside.
5. Do not work station to station -- flow right into a secondary (switch up the secondary each quarter). The secondary should be shown in the side out of bounds 1 quarter before you use it.
6. Ball screen action will triple in use-- less passes by bad passers = less turnovers and more possessions. Put the ball in your playermakers hands and vary the ball screen action.

Thanks to those that divulged "top secret" playoff secrets in the NBA -- the concepts are great for any level at any time of the year. Watch and see if you can pick out which teams contributed to each point.

DD

Complacency

I was asked a great question regarding building a program vs. sustaining success: Which is tougher to do?

Both offer challenges, but we see turnarounds everyday ... back to back titles are few and far between. Reaching an energy level high enough to win a championship takes a great effort... but sustaining that level takes another gear that only a few great teams have ever achieved. The great ones can keep that motor running for longer periods of time. Complacency does not enter the equation. Consider this ...

In warfare, more planes are lost coming back after a successful mission then during battle... because they relax!

DD

High Post

I received a great question from a young low post player who is being taught to move away from the basket. As he put it: " It's like learning a foreign language. I have spent 17 years with my back to the basket and now I catch and there is the action."

Anytime an athlete has to think he is going to get slower. Think and survey before you catch. Here are some helpful hints.

1. When you first catch ... that is the most open you will be. So look at the rim.
2. Look low for a buddy posting
3. Kick opposite
4. Drive back from whence you came (if you flashed from the left side then drive back that way)
5. Pass fake opposite, pass back to the area you received rom and follow with a ball screen.

I hope this helps you transition from low post to high post smoothly.

DD

Tax Season

Here are some tips you need to think about next year regarding your finanaces: especially those low budget programs that may be pulling their usual perks.

• claim mileage on your personal car when you use it for work related activities.
• meals- keep receipts
• books/tapes/DVD are all deductible
• offices supplies are deductible
• coaching clothes, shoes, whistle are all deductible
• "vacation"- trip that includes a clinic or job interview.
• get disability and life insurance.
• get a credit card that gives you perks (mileage= free ticket)
• invest in your home (it has equity)/ remember that cars depreciate
• Give your child or spouse a one time gift of 10,000 ... it is tax free.

These are a few tips outside of the court that I thought may benefit those young coaches making "peanuts"right now.

DD

Advice to Young Coaches

Now that the viewing weekend is over for college basketball recruits, my young coaches are back in full force reading and presenting questions. I thought I give you guys some food for thought.

1. Coaches must understand that at times they are going to have to Suck Scum ...this means pay your dues. Coach Wooden had to sweep his own floor at UCLA. Coach Hurley at St. Anthony's in jersey city went decades without a gym... they still had success.

2. Keep your mind alert. Pick a topic every season and compile as much info on it as possible. In May spend time writing it up and see if it fits into your program philosophy.

3. Spend time knowing your team. Who is your best screener, scorer, finisher, post feeder (if you don't have a post feeder ... why post?)

4. In a survey of the richest people in America one common trait they shared was they took prolific notes. Have your players take notes at team meetings-- live with a legal pad... label the topic of each page in the bottom right corner so you can flip it like a rolodex to retrieve info.

5. At camp have your workers take notes to set a good example-- campers need to be taught to listen with their eyes and ears. They say please and thank you.

6. Ask yourself why you are coaching. Your coaching philosophy should be a foundation for life. How do you treat the people you work with?

7. Be a PhD-- Stole from Pete Carril-- he wants coaches that are poor (want more knowledge), hungry, and driven.

8. Listen to older coaches-- get mentors.

9. Keep a coaching notebook. Write other programs for basketball info- tape their games on tv-- always keep a tape in the VCR-- get end of game situations.

10. Here are four topics that you will need in creating a philosophy (X's and O's)... transition defense, Zone Offense, Press Offense, Rebounding.
(Could you write your philosophy on these topics today?)

I hope this helps you get a kick start on having a productive May.
DD

" Now introducing Isiah Thompson ...."

Growing up in the 80's as a huge hoop fan, I had the good fortune of watching the Bad Boys come to life and transition us from Bird vs Magic to the Jordan years. For those of you who remember, Chuck Daly put together a collection of team oriented guys who basically made you battle on every pass, cut, shot ... it was a war on every possession. The leader of the pack was possibly the greatest little man of all-time, Isiah Thomas.

Zeke (as he became known) walked on the court with that angelic smile and that baby face ... but deep down there wasn't a tougher more cold blooded competitor in the business. As the leader of the Bad Boy Pistons, I liken his role to that of Michael Coreleone in the Godfather-- nothing moved without his orders. His college (Indiana) and pro career as a player placed him forever in the Hall of Fame and as one of the top 3 point guards of all-time.

Post playing was another story ... without going into detail (you can look it up) we go from the CBA to the Pacers to the Knicks to the tabloid dibacle that followed. Shift the cameras to yesterday ...

"On behalf of our president I would like to introduce Isiah Thompson as our new head basketball coach at Florida International University". I felt for him during that announcement. It was embarrassing for everone involved. But like the Isiah Thomas I grew up watching, he took the microphone and didn't flinch. Despite his fall from grace in the professional coaching/GM realm, I truly admire his desire to rebuild his repuation along with the FIU basketball program.

Isiah made enough money in basketball to fade into obscurity ... but the competitve nature he has keeps him moving forward. Failure is not an option. As a basketball coach, a fan, an a human being I am rooting for him. As we all know, life hits harder than anyone. It's not always how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning takes place.

Good luck Zeke.
DD

Veteran Coaching Commentary

I received an email from a veteran coaching friend. He has been retired for 12-14 years now and is settling in nicely to retirement. He works with basketball when it suits him and couldn't be happier. In my opinion, he gave a ton to the game ... a ton me. He has asked to remain nameless in this particular blog message ... and I will respect his wishes. He made a statement to me "With all of the positives I experienced in coaching, if I were coming up in the profession today ... I couldn't and wouldn't be able to deal with the culture. It is the hardest profession to find contentment in in the world with all the encompasses coaching in todays world."

WOW! This is from a 35 year coaching veteran with lives, breathes, and sleeps coaching. As we sifted through topics like media, recruiting, boosters, AAU coaches, salaries and contracts, expectations, NBA influence, international influence, impatient athletic directors ... I came to the topic the basically ran through all topics. Parents today raise their kids differently and as a coach we are receiving a kid after 18 years of conditioning by parents (and all of the other topics mentioned above). How can we compete?

I feel compelled to hit a topic that parallels the issue mentioned by my mentor. Kids today do not understand the difference between coaching and criticism. This barrier prevents growth. As a player, I was caught between two generations ... those that needed to be told "why" at all times and those that followed orders because "coach said so". I fell into the later category. In exploring why, I look back to parenting. I was raised to follow orders when my parents said so- this was seen as a sign of respect.

In reflecting on the email that prompted this message and looking back on how I was raised ... I may have to agree with my mentor in that coaching in todays world is a daunting task. Life has become a negotiation between parent and child ... and as a result carries over to a coach-kid relationship. Parents that are reading, take notice. If you do not like the culture of sport ... you have to the power to change it 1 kid at a time.

Until then, any orphanages hiring?
DD

Losing Streaks

To a reader who suffered through a rebuilding year: I made a career out of rebuilding situations ... here's my advice.

When you get into a situation where you drop a few close games in a row ... you forget what it feels like to win. You may even start forgetting how to win. You lose so many close games you begin to queston yourself ...This is not bad to do!
It is quite common to question yourself as a coach and even become depressed. In basketball you may feel like you just can't seem to get your kids the shots they can make. You beat yourself up and take it out on yourself. Am I talking about you yet?

You can finesse anyone you want ... the players, the media, family, coaches, and so on ... but when you put your head on the pillow at night, you cannot finesse yourself. So when you are losing close games, you must ask yourself what you can do to change things. If you don't think proactively, you will begin to question your philosophies (offense and defense), your work habits, and every facet of the game. It really gets to you. If you stay in the business long enough it will happen to you. How are you going to deal with it?

The worst thing you can do is start to victimize yourself--
"I am getting all of the bad breaks" is the phrase that starts it all. Stay positive but realistic ... go back to an earlier post ... YOU NEED PLAYERS TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST TEAMS.

DD

Defending the Star

I had a chance to watch Dwayne Wade drop 55 on the Knicks last night. The effort forced me to look at a few questions from readers pertaining to defending the other teams superstar. Here are some thoughts:

1. Everyone on your team be aware of that one star player.
2. Give the star his points and shut out the other four.
3. Shut down the star . Keep the star out of rhythm . Shut off the pg or selectively trap the star, switch out on the star on all screens, etc
4. Intimidate the star. Talk to him ... foul him hard ... Hard Not Dirty ... turn your shot blocker loose to get every shot in the early going.
5. Never foul a jump shooter. They shoot 50%-60% range... every great scorer is usually a great FT shooter. That puts them in the 75%-80% range. It's better to take your chances with a contested jumper than the FT. Run shooting drills where you put the defense 3ft away from the shooter. Have him work on contesting without fouling... Do not leave your feet until the shooter leaves his feet.
6. Take away the pass. Double the great passer to force someone else try to feed the scorer. Get him in the backcourt and don't let himhave it back.
7. Take away the stars favorite spot-- make him operate one step away from his comfort zone.
8. Run combination defenses Do it by quarters. Change at time-outs ... change by substitutions, after makes, after misses, etc. Even the brightest player can get confused.
9. Play topside of the star and make him go backdoor

I hope this helps you build your philosophy the next time you face a team dominated by a star player.

DD

Shot Selection

This year, did you sit down with each player and tell them the shot you will allow for them in regards to range? Did you do that or did you jump out of your seat when an errant shot went up ... and either call a timeout or sub that player?
"Why did you take that shot?" ... the answer ... "I was open!!"

He took the shot because YOU did not sit down with him and explain his limitations. You did not tell him he couldn't. You know what it cost you. How can you yell at the kid ... he thought he was open.

Get ahead of the problem. It may be uncomfortable, but that kid will probably always be open -- there's a reason for it. He cannot make that shot. Remember also, hard working players with limited abilities will try to do more than their talent warrants. Redirect their energies and you will have less headaches with shot selection.

The question I received in a private email was "Aren't you worried about their confidence?" My answer is NO! I am worried about my confidence when the shot goes up. A player needs to get confident in private before practice ... not in a game when it goes on my record.

DD

Locker Room

I received a few emails as a result of last nights NCAA Championship game. Congrats to both teams on fine seasons-- UNC has emerged in college basketball as a program on its own planet.
The questions I received pertained to a coach's approach in the locker room before a game. CBS gave us insight into the pre-game talks of both coaches-- it has now become envogue for networks to get into the locker room for "reality tv". I like it in some ways because it brings coaches and players that are viewing into a very special place. I hate it for the same reason.

Anyone who has been in the locker room knows how special that place is for a coach and a team. The tempo for the night is dictated by the players' first impression of the coach. They can read fear. The can read positiveness. They can read lies. They can read read "this is the big game". Your face and body language say it all. I have always been an advocate of the concept that practices are dictated by the aprroach of the coach. Do you dress out? Do you come out relaxed? Do you come in unprofessional? It's no different than the game.

This first look at you is paramount- they are a wreck--When you come through that door and have an air of conviction and organization ... it sets the tone.

The question posed was "how important is the pregame talk for the overall success or failure of a team." The talk and the visuals that accompany it help narrow the focus for the group and directs their energies toward a common goal. The coach ... well, the team takes on the personality of its leader.

DD

Overachievers Vs. Underachievers

I was asked a great question by a coach from Barbados. In observing the NCAA tournament he was curious if I had insight to those teams that just didn't reach expectations this year. The guilty will remain nameless, but we can all pick up a Street and Smith from October to see those that were predicted high and washed out.

Her are some things to look for in teams that achieve:
1. They have enthusiasm
2. They have intensity- mental and physical
3. They improve
4. They have small successes
5. Their confidence grows and they blast off.

The teams that fail have one or more of the following issues-
1. Low pain threshold
2. Athletically dumb- low IQ
3. They do not create for one another -- selfish
4. SOFT-- won't take the charge, won't rebound in traffic, won't get on the floor, won't finish a 3pt play

When you watch the national championship games measure the four points I mentioned as the games progress (watch the men and the women)... the team that falls victim to the four failures that I mentioned will ultimately reduce their ceiling for success.
DD

Offseason

I have received a number of emails pertaining to offseason programs for players. Of course, the emails have come from coaches. I want this blog to serve as a reminder to coaches ... you need to work harder than your players! As a coach, attend clinics, call coaches, obtain as much information as possible. Attend clinics and take only what fits your philosophy and personality.
If you add something to your system, remove it. Give your players a notebook of motivation, academics, offense, defense, special situations, scouting, and strength and conditioning ... this way they have the foundation in the off season. They should travel everywhere with this notebook ... utilizing something like this could give you the stuff you need to emphasize a collective effort for off season growth. They now can take the two skills they need to improve upon an put them to music (getting shots out of the offense for example). They can also look at the scouting forms from the past season and prepare for conference opponents.

I hope this helps. Be careful what you wish for ... if you want better efforts in the offseason from players ... start with yourself.
DD

Does your team overachieve?

As a follow up to yesterdays email, I pose the question ... does your team overachieve? I am not talking about the number of games you say you won. If you have the best talent in the league, did you win the league? In pro sports if you have the highest payroll, it is expected that you win the championship.

Contrast this situation with the coach at the bottom of the league who does not have talent. He takes what he has and overachieves. They may only win a few games, but the organization knows that the team overachieved. You owe your players the opportunity to win every game. You must practice and gameplan to enable the team to have a chance to win every game. Further, do you enter practice everyday with a plan to give the team knowledge, techinique, and methodology to integrate both? If you don't, regardless of talent you are a poor coach and a poor human being. Players are there each day looking to their leader. They will eventually take on your personality ... for better or worse.

At the conclusion of the season ask these questions to yourself:
1. Did your team overachieve?
2. Was your team able to dictate the tempo of the game? (when you have less talent, the game must be played on your terms.

I hope this completes yesterdays blog for the readers- much like we ask our players ... come prepared to win everyday and concentrate the entire time you are there.
DD

Style

With the final four looming, most questions I am receiving revolve around the particular styles each coach possesses. You have the smash mouth defense of MI State; the transition of UNC; the spread dribble penetration of Nova; and the inside out approach of UCONN. Watch what happens in your league or at the clinics following the final four-- everybody will be enthrolled with the style of the team that wins... don't be that guy. My advice is to learn that system and figure out how to beat it! No doubt that you'll see it a half dozen times next season.

To quote Don Meyer at Northern State: "Be who you is ... because if you be who you ain't then you ain't what you is". Grammatically incorrect, but true. Understand who you are as a coach and what you can sell. Understand the players you have ... you must have players to be successful! When you are young and successful you believe you are winning because of all the great knowledge you possess. It usually takes several disastrous seasons before you become a better coach.

You can have a great philosophy and be able to breakdown the game, but without players you are not going to win. Make sure your style of play matches your players' abilities and your abilities to teach.

Go back and read my article on winning with less talent ... also tomorrow I will elaborate on getting teams to overachieve.
DD