Gonzaga has rolled to their first Final Four and Championship Game in program history. Handling pressure has been a key to Gonzaga’s success this season. As we prep for the national championship game, I wanted to take some time to talk about how Gonzaga attacked the pressure of South Carolina’s Pressure Defense in the Final…
Final Four – Gonzaga Post Seal
Gonzaga is, hands down, one of the fundamental teams left in the NCAA tournament. There are many elements within their offense that make them a great team to learn from. Of all the great aspects of the Zags offense, none stand out as much the creative ways that they get the ball inside to their…
Sweet 16 Preview – West Region
While the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament was full of exceptional basketball, I am anticipating an even better weekend as the sweet 16 and elite 8 games commence. The two games out of the west region will feature gritty defense, team offense, and a high level of passion and individual effort. Gonzaga versus West…
NCAA Tournament – West Region #XsOs
The first weekend of the 2017 NCAA Tournament was full of fantastic games, thrilling finishes, and some great #XsOs. Although there have been great plays run by all teams involved in the tournament, I want to specifically focus on the West region and some of the themes that I have seen from the teams in…
Structuring an Effective Basketball Practice
One factor that separates great coaches from the rest of the pack is one’s ability to effectively plan and structure a practice session. A good practice is marked by clarity of purpose, proper sequencing of skills, and transfer of skills from the practice session into the game. In the article that follows, I will share a planning…
Transition Defense Essentials
Transition is one of the most pivotal elements of a basketball game. From a defensive standpoint, transition can be the difference between an effective defense and an ineffective defense. More often than not, many breakdowns on the defensive end find their root in transition, and for that reason, it is vital to emphasize and teach…
Player Development: Solo Ball Handling Workout
Being a reliable and effective ball handler is a sure fire way to get more minutes on the court this upcoming season. Regardless of position, all players need to be able to properly possess and protect the basketball when it comes their way, as well as have the necessary skill to create with a dribble…
Player Development: Teaching Screening
Regardless of what system or style of player your team utilizes, emphasizing and teaching fundamentals is what will make that system work. One of the most emphasized yet under taught elements of offense is screening for one’s teammates in an attempt to help them get open. A huge part of my offensive philosophy has been borrowed/adapted/stolen…
Player Development: Purposeful 1v1 Games
One of the best ways to develop individual skill is to play 1v1 against players that are going to challenge you. That being said, rolling the ball out and playing mindless 1v1 is not the best option to achieve one’s desired outcome. What I will advocate for in this article is to play multiple variations of…
Off-Season Player Development
For many high school coaches, the basketball season has come to an end, and it is now time to begin the process of preparing for the next year. Between AAU, summer leagues, camps, and school ball open gyms, the opportunities for players to stay involved in the game and sharpen their skills are at an…