Utilizing selective traps provides one of the major weapons of disruption in pressure man-to-man defense. Here are four scenarios for selective trapping. One of the major weapons of pressure man-to-man defense is the double team or trap. Trapping the ball can disrupt offensive flow by creating a disadvantage situation for the ball handler. An effective…
2-3 Zone: Forward Play
There are 2-3 zones and then there is the Syracuse 2-3 Zone. Coach Jim Boeheim and his Syracuse Orange have been befuddling opponents for decades with their brand of zone defense. Syracuse recruits great players blessed with the length and athleticism to be effective in the zone, but aside from that, the forward play is what…
Action Bias Pitfalls
A tendency toward action bias can at times lead coaches and players astray and undermine short and long term progress. Read more on Cognitive Biases and how they relate to coaching: The Impact of Optimism Bias Avoiding Outcome Bias The Perils of Confirmation Bias Survivorship Bias in Coaching Coaches are hard workers. One does not ascend…
Spacing vs. Positioning
Spacing and Positioning both play a role in effective offense, so what’s the difference between these two concepts? (Note: This blog originally appeared in our September 15, 2018 newsletter. Subscribe here.) Often I receive an email that goes something like this… “Coach, I love the info you share and I really love the four-out and…
Moving The Nail Defender
Six tips for moving the nail defender with cutting and screening to facilitate top penetration. The “nail” is tiny hole drilled in the floor at the center of the free throw line. It is here that defenses will often park a defender meant to deter top penetration. The offense wants to drive through the nail;…
Developing Your Game Model
Develop a Game Model to help improve and clarify performance standards, strategy and tactics for your program. Understanding the game is fundamental for successful teams and coaches. It is assumed coaches understand the game, but can they articulate a model that players can comprehend? In better organizations, the players see the game the way the…
Video Playbook: Fred Hoiberg Pitch Series
A video breakdown of pitch and flip entries from Fred Hoiberg’s Pitch Series We decided to go back a few seasons and take another look at Fred Hoiberg’s Pitch Series that he brought to the Chicago Bulls from Iowa State. The series features some weave-like ball and player movement, misdirection and both wing and spread…
Big Man Camp: Kevin Love
“Big Man Camp” featuring Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers demonstrating the high side and low side scoring series from the T-Post position. Summer is basketball camp season and below is a virtual “Big Man Camp” featuring Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this series of videos, Love demonstrates moves from both the “High Side” and “Low Side” scoring series from…
Big Man Camp: Steven Adams
“Big Man Camp” featuring Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and middle scoring moves from the T-Post position. Summer is basketball camp season and below is a virtual “Big Man Camp” featuring Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this series of videos, Adams demonstrates the “Get Middle” scoring series from the T-Post…
The Impact Of Optimism Bias
Optimism Bias can lead to unrealistic expectations, disappointment and emotional turmoil for coaches who do not guard against it. Read more on Cognitive Biases and how they relate to coaching: Action Bias Pitfalls Avoiding Outcome Bias The Perils of Confirmation Bias Survivorship Bias in Coaching There are numerous cognitive biases – or mistakes in reasoning –…