Mentors

My friends in hoop, it has been a long while since I've posted. Summer has been a beast! My Wednesday night posting has fallen off and for that I am sorry. If you tune in regularly to this blog, you're probably thinking, "I've heard this song and dance before." I can't deny it, and I still do this at the risk of crying wolf. Enough said about that.

This summer has seen a couple of coaching legends pass on to the big court in the sky. The most obvious was Coach Wooden. The impact Coach Wooden has had on the world is well documented and my little blog post here would not only be just white noise, but it certainly wouldn't do him justice. To say that he is a mentor (to all coaches) is... well, it just goes without saying. We will all miss Coach Wooden!

The not-so-obvious loss to the coaching community (unless of course you live in my hometown of Bremerton, Washington) was Les Eathorne. Although I never had the pleasure of playing for Coach Eathorne, he was a tremendous mentor of mine. I grew up in Coach Eathorne's gym. He was the one that taught me what it truly means to be a hoops junkie. He was a brilliant basketball mind. He perfected his craft and studied the game. Most importantly he was one of the kindest, most caring men I have ever known. He always had time to share and listen. I am glad that I had a chance to have breakfast with Coach Eathorne the last time I visited Bremerton. I will miss him.

Last week, I had the opportunity to work for one of my biggest mentors, Kevin Eastman, at Coaching U Live! in Las Vegas. The day before the event, we were putting together packets and name badges for the attendees in Coach E's room. As I sat there stuffing legal pads and pads of court diagrams into folders, I was washed over with awe. Not starstruck, but rather awed by the amazing knowledge that Coach E possesses and he continues to seek more. One of my friends at the event did not realize that I was, in his words, "part of the Kevin Eastman coaching tree". I not only consider myself part of his "coaching tree", but I consider myself part of his "family tree". It was an unbelievable honor to be able to say that in front of the great coaches attending Coaching U. During my time in Vegas, I couldn't thank him enough for including me! I wanted to say thanks to him for giving me an opportunity, for sticking with me and encouraging me through tough times, for being a role model and mentor... the list goes on and on. So, at the risk of being a complete pain in the butt, I told him... often!

That's really what this is all about. Say thanks to those who helped get you where you are. Take a quick minute to make a phone call, shoot an email, or the best method: jot a quick note. You just never know when you won't have that opportunity any more.

Hunting vs. Fishing - Chris Widener

I recently heard an interview of Chris Widener in which he spoke about business, specifically marketing and sales. He describes his thoughts on business approach in relation to fishing versus hunting.

Think about hunting for a second. The images that come to my mind are of stalking, hiding, sneaky, and camouflage. I also see a scared animal that, when fearing for its life, runs from the hunter instinctively.

Now, think about fishing. The images I see are definitely more peaceful and relaxing. There is a focused patience toward the goal. Not to mention that the animals actually come to you!

Widener suggests that the same mentality should be applied to business. Here are four pointers in using the fishing approach:

1. There has to be fish - The beauty of coaching basketball is that there are always kids that want to play. I don't see a shortage of "fish" for us coaches. Sometimes we are fishing in the wrong waters, but there are always kids wanting to play!

2. The fish have to be hungry - For college coaches, this is the direct correlation to recruiting, but for coaches at the high school and junior high levels this is important too. You have to build a relationship with your prospective players. What makes them tick? What can they bring to the team? What are their dreams and aspirations? They have got to want to play for you!

3. You need the right kind of bait - In regards to coaching, I read this as having integrity. Especially for college coaches during the recruiting process. You may have a great product (post-season appearances, developed pro players, great facilities, etc.) but the bait is still YOU! An appealing bait will attract fish, so too will a coach of integrity attract players.

4. Develop better bait - I hear this all the time from great coaches and truly believe this: You must keep thirsting for knowledge. Widener says developing your bait is working on your sales presentation. We as coaches need to do the same. What approach can I take to get my message across? What worked? What didn't? Are there other resources available to add to my program? Keep working on your craft.

Kevin Eastman's 6 Post Moves to Master

1. Midline jump hook - Own the midline. The closer to the catch/post is to the midline, the less skill is needed to score.

2. Dribble drop step - Feet give the advantage; the ball gives separation. Step = to the basket, dribble = toward front foot, hop = two foot jump stop to a finish.

3. Up and under - Have a counter. Create advantage and potential freethrow situation. Go through the defender's chest and chin.

4. Quick spin baseline - Any time the defender's forearm is on the offensive player's back.

5. Catch/jump hook from block - Highly skilled move. Need to get reps!

6. Free throw - A critical shot for post players to master!

Thoughts from "On Becoming a Leader" from Warren Bennis

Ingredients of a leader:
- VISION = Clear idea of what on wants to do.
- PASSION = Loves what he/she does and loves doing it.
- INTEGRITY = Self-knowledge, candor (honesty) and maturity; within integrity comes trust.
- CURIOSITY & DARING = Wonder about everything and take risks.

There is a difference between leaders and managers. Managerial skills are taught, while leadership skills are learned.

Descriptive words of a leader: Inductive, dynamic, understanding, ideas, broad, deep, experiential, active, questioning, process, strategy, alternatives, exploration, discovery, active, initiative, whole brain, long-term, change, flexible, risk, synthesis, open, imagination.

Descriptive words of a manager: Deductive, static, memorizing, facts, narrow, surface, rote, passive, answer, tactics, goal, prediction, dogma, reactive, direction, left-brain, job, short-term, stability, rigid,rules, closed, common sense.

Young leaders are told to:

1. Take advantage of every opportunity
2. Aggressively search for meaning
3. know yourself

Checklist for Potential Team Thinking Mistakes

My friends in hoop, I must apologize for not having posted in a couple of weeks. Been a busy time for old Coach G. Wrapping up an old job, familiarizing myself with a new job, looking for places to live in new city, etc. The most important focus of late has been the completion of my masters degree. Only 8 more days until that chapter is closed!

One of the current courses I'm completing is focused on the role of the teacher as an instructional leader. We deal a considerable amount with educational leaders, such as my favorite Michael Fullan. He is an unbelievable resource on the subject of change. I highly recommend him and have posted on Fullan previously.

One of the resources I found that might be useful to coaches, is the following checklist for potential team thinking mistakes:

1. Do we think only as individuals and press our views without really listening to any other suggestions?

2. Do we rush to find a solution to the problem/question instead of being clear about what the real problem/question may be?

3. Do we try not to waste time by avoiding thinking of alternative answers once we have a solution?

4. Do we fail to engage in real debate about other options which may exist?

5. Do we stifle originality, ignore change, and encourage complacency?

6. Do we react to some problems only in terms of self-interest, making collaborative thinking possible?

7. Do we get bogged down by internal politics and let the team meeting become a forum for power-play?

8. Do we go along with the majority view and never express an opposite opinion about which we feel strongly?

9. Do we pour scorn on ideas which we claim to have seen before or which we know won't work?

10. Do we admire fast decisions for their speed rather than wisdom and fail to make a serious risk-reward calculation?

Thoughts from Pat Croce & Lead or Get Off the Pot!

The "Triple-A" of building a passionate team:
- Attitude - It is contagious!
- Assets - Provide the necessary tools needed to maximize individual assets while removing the obstacles that would minimize them.
- Ambition - The belief that there is something personal at stake.

Be aware of the goals, roles, and tolls that affect each staff member.

Always look for moments to recognize staff members PUBLICLY!
3 Rules of Praise:
- Personal
- Punctual
- Public

The Dirty Dozen of Team Building:
1 - Praise in public, criticize in private
2 - Be more curious and less critical
3 - Pull and don't push
4 - Check integrity
5 - Foster positive emotions
6 - Strive to understand others
7 - Show confidence in people
8 - Promote charity
9 - Celebrate diversity
10 - Unleash potential
11 - Set the tone
12 - C.A.R.E (Compromise Apologize Recognize Empathize)

Six C's of Communication:
1. Clear
2. Concise
3. Consistent
4. Credible
5. Courteous
6. Current

** Life has no dress rehearsals and each of us has a responsibility to celebrate the journey. **

Posting Up Against Fronting Defense

I'm sure we've all experienced playing against man-to-man defenses that front the post. Many of my post players over the years have expressed their frustration with fronting defenses. Some of those frustrations have to do with limited touches, but the one I hear the most has to do with getting called for pushing off on a lob pass.

The best advice I have gained for post offense against a fronting man-to-man came from former Whitworth head coach, Warren Fredrichs. I have used this technique since 2002 and have found great success with it.

- Chest to the baseline side - A lot of post players want to face halfcourt when fronted. This actually creates a more difficult passing angle from the wing. It is also more likely that the pass will be easier to play for the helpside defenders. By facing the baseline, the only option on a lob is to pass it toward the basket allowing for an easier finish.

- Elbow in the defenders back - This is one of my favorite teaching points ever (Many thanks to Coach Fredrichs)! The offensive post players non-target-hand elbow should be right in the middle of the defenders shoulder blades. The forearm should be perpendicular to the floor making a vertical "L" shape. This is contrary to what most post players are taught and/or naturally have the habit of doing. This does three things: 1) It is far less comfortable for the defender, 3) It creates less contact surface area for the defender [more contact favors the defense, less contact favors the offense], and 3) It eliminates the offensive push-off foul.

- Big target hand - The hand closest to the basket should extend almost straight up. This provides the passer on the wing clear vision of the target. Many times, post players will extend a target hand parallel to the floor (as seen in the picture above with the defense playing behind) and the passer simply cannot see it.

- Release and retrieve at forehead - Hold the seal until the ball is directly above the offensive player's head. Releasing too early allows the defender an opportunity for a deflection or steal. By holding the seal until the ball is directly overhead, the offense gains an advantage. As my Twitter compadre, Ray Lokar, recently told me, stopping the defense negates any speed advantage because both players are at the same speed. Once the ball is directly above the offensive player, it is now his responsibility to aggressively retrieve the ball with both hands.

It is also important to teach perimeter players to make lob passes properly. By teaching them to aim for the corner of the backboard, it will keep the pass from going into heavy helpside traffic.

Power of the Reverse Pivot

Watching the Suns and Spurs tonight, I watched Tim Duncan on the block. He fought and battled a physical defense all night. The times he was really successful getting wide open on the block was following a ball-reversal and he reverse pivoted sealing his man. This is something I teach our post players as well.

The reverse pivot is a powerful move. It can create space, as I talked about in my previous post, but it can also create contact and a strong seal. Without the ball, a reverse pivot can provide the offense a passing angle both on the post and on the perimeter.

ON THE BLOCK
When posting up, I teach our players to step into the defender and make contact first. Next, stay low and use legs to drive the reverse pivot. This will bury the defense deeper and create an easier finish.

On ball reversal, our posts are taught to reverse pivot on the leg closest to the defender. If the defense is playing on the low side, the foot closest to the baseline is the pivot. This will push the defense further towards the baseline and give an open high/low look. If the defense is fronting or playing on the high side, the foot closest to the freethrow line is the pivot. Again, this pushes the defender out of position and creates an easy post entry.

After teaching the footwork, I use variations of shell offense with a 1-on-1 situation in the post to drill. Initially just a wing feeding the post, then add a ball reversal to the point, then 3 and 4 on the perimeter.

ON THE PERIMETER
I see a lot of players, especially young players, attempting V-cuts or L-cuts with little success. Adding a reverse pivot to these will allow these players to get open. One coach mentioned that this could potentially "slow down the offense." I disagree. By drilling the timing, it can actually improve the offense by reversing the ball with more ease.

A wing player trying to get open can use the reverse pivot with the V-cut and/or the L-cut. Using the V-cut, the player would still walk his defender to the block (or wherever you teach your players), make contact with his defender, and reverse pivot into his defender on the high leg. The L-cut works similar at the elbow. Change of speed is still critical to completing the cut. This can also be executed at the top of the key for ball reversal.

This will allow the offensive player to get between the ball and the defender. It will slow and/or stop the defender's momentum, creating a valuable split-second difference in recovery time and an open passing lane. It will also cut down on off-the-ball fouls. Players use their lower body instead of pushing off to get open.

I use 1-on-1 situations to drill this initially; from the wing and top at first. Once the players have a grasp of the footwork, I work on the timing factor by using a 3-on-3 ball reversal situation.

Ending the Trend

One of the hot topics on Twitter amongst coaches this week was feeding the post and how post passes are leading more to turnovers than completions. Coach Eastman mentioned a lot of post passes get deflected or stolen. He goes on to say "give up position for possession". Rick Allison replied to this saying, "avoid bad passing angles." While I agree with both coaches, I think that there is a disturbing trend in the game that contributes to the problem before it gets to either of these points.

I teach our post players much in the same way Don Meyer teaches his post players: work early for position. In this manner, it is easier to make the post feed for the guards and the biggest reason is it makes it much easier to score. In that same breath, I agree with Coach Eastman in that it is much more important to value the basketball if an errant pass is made. I tell our guys to treat the ball like their cell phones (seems that's the most important thing in the world to a young man these days).

Coach Allison brings up a great point as well. I have seen a tremendous drop in guards' ability to feed the post. It has become a lost art of sorts. We get college players that still don't grasp the concept of breaking the angle on the wing by taking a hard dribble or two in order to make a post entry pass.

The trend I am seeing that really makes post passing even more of a challenge is that players are not squaring up on the perimeter when they catch the ball. If they do square up, they have a tendency to stand straight up and down with the ball above their head becoming very easy to guard; not to mention weak and off balance. The old "triple-threat position" has become passe.

In my end-of-the-season reflection, I wrote down that next season we need to emphasize the catch-n-square. I want our perimeter players to sweep through on the catch. I teach reverse pivot square ups. By using the reverse pivot, this creates space between the offense and the defensive player. It allows the offense a valuable split second or two to view the floor and read the situation.

On the reverse pivot square up, the offense has an opportunity to "sweep through" the defense's arms with his elbows. Leading with the elbow, ripping the ball through quickly and low will knock the defender's hands out of the way. This also eliminates exposing the ball t the defender and eliminating deflections.

If perimeter players will execute this, it will enable them to see the post and make a read. At this point we can begin to teach breaking the post feed angles, feeding the post, and releasing to the ball on the pass.

Scoring Plays from NCAA D-I Tourney

I'm posting early this week due to the fact that I have to turn in the first draft of my thesis on Thursday. Going to take the next few days to review and refine my paper. Thank you to any of you who read this that participated in my survey. I appreciate you more than you know!

That being said, what follows are a few scoring plays that worked on more than one occasion from the tournament.

Butler Zipper Action

Butler Stagger Action

Duke Americas Play

Michigan State Inside Triangle

Michigan State Triple Screen

West Virginia Post Back Screen

Xavier - Handoff

Xavier - Lob