CONSTANTS
The constants are the things that our team must do constantly, from the first day of practice to the last game of the season. Taking great shots, running the floor and rebounding simply require focus and effort. We CAN NOT be a successful team without the foundation of our constants.
TAKE GREAT SHOTS
Paramount to our success is to sacrifice good shots for great shots. We define great shots as uncontested layups, advantage shots at the rim and inside-out threes. In the first half of the shot clock, we shoot these shots exclusively. In the second half of the shot clock, we will accept mid-range shots, floaters and off the dribble three point shots.
- Uncontested layup
- 1v1 Advantage Shot in Paint
- Inside Out Threes
Basketball is synonymous with “rebound-ball.” If we shoot 50% from the field, each rebound we get gives us an extra opportunity to score while taking away one from our opponent. Thus, a rebound is essentially worth 1 point. On defensive rebounds, we box out and “gang rebound.” We secure the ball with two hands and “total release.” On offensive rebounds, we send 1-3 players to the glass, depending upon our personnel. We “wedge” “swim-move” or “nail-hunt” for extra opportunities.
We win the first three steps and run the floor on both ends. Offensively, we fill the lanes wide and are a threat to score from the first second to the last. Defensively, we sprint back and show our chests, stop the ball, form a wall and match up with “early loud and continuous talk.”
The variables are actively measured and monitored by our staff.. We understand that we cannot achieve perfection in any of these areas, however we believe with specific focus in these areas we can improve game to game and week to week
EFG%
Our offense gets the ball to the paint and reads how the defense reacts from there. If there is no help in the circle, we finish with one foot and one hand. If there is a help defender in the circle, we drag stop and read the defense. If there is a help defender in front of the circle, we kick the ball to the open man. If we have a shoulder chest to advantage on our own man, we jump stop, shot fake and finish through contact. This focus on getting the ball to the paint produces the shots that we want. Shots in the paint and inside out threes.
Conversely, our defense keeps the ball out of the paint. We do not let the offensive player “split” our gap help. On help rotation, we meet the ball with two feet outside of the circle. We “x-out” on the perimeter in order to get whole. This focus on keeping the ball out of the paint reduces the amount of un-contested layups and inside-out threes that our opponent will attempt. They will be limited to tough 2’s and non-inside out threes.
We believe strongly in the analytical data supporting inside out threes as > than non-inside out threes. We value efg% over fg% to account for the three point line.
Not only does the assist represent our unselfish play it is highly correlated with championship level play. To create assist opportunities we seek to “turn small advantages into big advantages.” This requires a commitment to setting screens with “optimal angles, timing and reads” and “zero second decision making” when the advantage is gained. On each possession we will have “consistent and crisp ball and player circulation.”
Turnovers are a value proposition. We will turn the ball over, but we want to turn it over in an attempt to score the basketball. Low value turnovers happen in the back court, on the perimeter and in routine passing situations. High value turnovers happen when trying to feed a player by the basket, attempting to get in the paint and in an advantage situation.
To prevent low value turnovers, we “protect our real estate” forming a “wide radius” with our pivot, ripping across our shoelaces and protecting the basketball. We play "slow and low" under pressure and in tight spaces. We show our hands, pass to hands, and meet the catch on a jump stop and without traveling
- Defensively, box out and “gang rebound”
- Offensively, “wedge” “swim-move” or “nail-hunt” for extra opportunities
- Always secure the ball with two hands and “total release”
We win the first three steps and run the floor on both ends. Offensively, we fill the lanes wide and are a threat to score from the first second to the last. Defensively, we sprint back and show our chests, stop the ball, form a wall and match up with “early loud and continuous talk.”
- Win the first 3 steps and transition quickly
- Fill the lanes wide, threat to score from the first second to the last
- Sprint back, show your chest, stop the ball, form a wall and match up with “early, loud, continuous talk!"
The variables are actively measured and monitored by our staff.. We understand that we cannot achieve perfection in any of these areas, however we believe with specific focus in these areas we can improve game to game and week to week
EFG%
Our offense gets the ball to the paint and reads how the defense reacts from there. If there is no help in the circle, we finish with one foot and one hand. If there is a help defender in the circle, we drag stop and read the defense. If there is a help defender in front of the circle, we kick the ball to the open man. If we have a shoulder chest to advantage on our own man, we jump stop, shot fake and finish through contact. This focus on getting the ball to the paint produces the shots that we want. Shots in the paint and inside out threes.
Conversely, our defense keeps the ball out of the paint. We do not let the offensive player “split” our gap help. On help rotation, we meet the ball with two feet outside of the circle. We “x-out” on the perimeter in order to get whole. This focus on keeping the ball out of the paint reduces the amount of un-contested layups and inside-out threes that our opponent will attempt. They will be limited to tough 2’s and non-inside out threes.
We believe strongly in the analytical data supporting inside out threes as > than non-inside out threes. We value efg% over fg% to account for the three point line.
- Get the ball to the paint on offense
- No help = one foot finish
- Circle help = drag stop
- Front of circle = kick to open man
- Shoulder chest advantage = pivot and finish through contact
- Keep the ball out of the paint on defense
- "no splits" = show gap help
- help rotation = two feet outside the circle (playing goalie)
- X out rotation = work to get whole
Not only does the assist represent our unselfish play it is highly correlated with championship level play. To create assist opportunities we seek to “turn small advantages into big advantages.” This requires a commitment to setting screens with “optimal angles, timing and reads” and “zero second decision making” when the advantage is gained. On each possession we will have “consistent and crisp ball and player circulation.”
Turnovers are a value proposition. We will turn the ball over, but we want to turn it over in an attempt to score the basketball. Low value turnovers happen in the back court, on the perimeter and in routine passing situations. High value turnovers happen when trying to feed a player by the basket, attempting to get in the paint and in an advantage situation.
To prevent low value turnovers, we “protect our real estate” forming a “wide radius” with our pivot, ripping across our shoelaces and protecting the basketball. We play "slow and low" under pressure and in tight spaces. We show our hands, pass to hands, and meet the catch on a jump stop and without traveling
- Create Advantages on Offense
- Set great screens
- Zero second decision making
- Limit Advantages on Defense
- Individual match ups
- Actions
- Limit Turnovers
- Protect
We understand that we must get to the free throw line more than our opponent. Wee do this offensively by playing inside out, looking to get the ball into the paint every possession. We do this defensively by playing with our lower half, moving our feet and keeping our chest in front of the ball
Play Inside out on offense. Like threes, but LOVE layups, getting to the paint and getting to the free throw line
“Spirit” in our wheel of winning pertains to our standards of attitudes and action. We bring these with us to every function that we perform as a team. If we were construction workers, our standards of attitudes and actions would be our lunch pail.
We apply these to a game setting by outworking our opponent, maintaining a positive attitude through adversity, showing leadership, and operating as a team by trusting the game plan, our teammates and ourselves.
WORK ETHIC
To achieve our goals, we must put in work. There are three keys to work ethic. The first is time. Managing it so that you are allocating the amount of necessary time to achieve your goals. Second, is deliberate practice. This means that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and beyond the restrictions of your current capabilities. Not unlike adding weight to a bench press, this is where growth happens. Third is awareness. This refers to the ability to evaluate your work without judgment. See things for what they are so that you can improve upon them. Refrain from the temptation from the ego to judge things as good or bad.
A positive attitude is defined as being an “energy giver” and not an “energy taker.” Always make an effort to “get off your island” and pick up those around you. Whether things appear to be fair or unfair to you, continue to put your best foot forward. Whether you have had success or you have had failure, continue to put your best foot forward. Refrain from the attributes of a negative attitude, blaming, complaining and defending. You will find that negative attitudes, negative beliefs and negative actions send you to a place that is very difficult to return from, negative town. Avoid it at all costs.
Leadership is summarized by the three C’s. The first C stands for credibility and is earned by showing up everyday and being in control of your work ethic and your attitude. The second C stands for caring and is earned by caring for the other individuals in the group and expressing your desire and support in seeing them do well. The third C stands for conflict and is earned by the ability to have an honest confrontation with members of the group, of a nature that leaves both parties feeling better for having the interaction. If you do not work hard and have a great attitude, you are not credible, and thus not a leader. If you do not show that you care about others, your message will carry no meaning, and thus you are not a leader. If you frequently engage in conflict that results in resentment, you are not a leader.
The Navy S.E.A.L.S define teamwork as “Selfless acts, towards a common goal.” Lets break this down. Selfless, meaning you care more about your teammates than you do yourself. You will do whatever it takes to not let them down. You are willing to drop everything in order to help a teammate because you know they will do the same for you. Acts, meaning you need to actively participate in teamwork. Find concrete actions to take, in practices, in games and in social settings to build teamwork. Towards a common goal; video games with a teammate can be a great bonding experience, but true teamwork happens in times of adversity. When you are on the road, down 5 with 5 minutes to go, what selfless acts will you make towards your teammates.
Play Inside out on offense. Like threes, but LOVE layups, getting to the paint and getting to the free throw line
- “Guard your yard” move your feet and keep your chest in front of the ball. “Chest and contest” all shots at the rim.
- Understand what we can and cannot control as it pertains to officiating. Make adjustments when necessary
“Spirit” in our wheel of winning pertains to our standards of attitudes and action. We bring these with us to every function that we perform as a team. If we were construction workers, our standards of attitudes and actions would be our lunch pail.
We apply these to a game setting by outworking our opponent, maintaining a positive attitude through adversity, showing leadership, and operating as a team by trusting the game plan, our teammates and ourselves.
WORK ETHIC
To achieve our goals, we must put in work. There are three keys to work ethic. The first is time. Managing it so that you are allocating the amount of necessary time to achieve your goals. Second, is deliberate practice. This means that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and beyond the restrictions of your current capabilities. Not unlike adding weight to a bench press, this is where growth happens. Third is awareness. This refers to the ability to evaluate your work without judgment. See things for what they are so that you can improve upon them. Refrain from the temptation from the ego to judge things as good or bad.
- Quantity: Manage your time
- Quality: Practice deliberately
- Growth: Accept feedback
A positive attitude is defined as being an “energy giver” and not an “energy taker.” Always make an effort to “get off your island” and pick up those around you. Whether things appear to be fair or unfair to you, continue to put your best foot forward. Whether you have had success or you have had failure, continue to put your best foot forward. Refrain from the attributes of a negative attitude, blaming, complaining and defending. You will find that negative attitudes, negative beliefs and negative actions send you to a place that is very difficult to return from, negative town. Avoid it at all costs.
- Bring contagious positive energy
- Positive Attitude = Energy giver and not an energy taker
- Fair or unfair, stay positive
- Success or failure, stay positive
- Stay away from negative town!
- Blaming
- Complaining
- Defending
Leadership is summarized by the three C’s. The first C stands for credibility and is earned by showing up everyday and being in control of your work ethic and your attitude. The second C stands for caring and is earned by caring for the other individuals in the group and expressing your desire and support in seeing them do well. The third C stands for conflict and is earned by the ability to have an honest confrontation with members of the group, of a nature that leaves both parties feeling better for having the interaction. If you do not work hard and have a great attitude, you are not credible, and thus not a leader. If you do not show that you care about others, your message will carry no meaning, and thus you are not a leader. If you frequently engage in conflict that results in resentment, you are not a leader.
- Credibility: Through work hard and a positive attitude
- Caring: Use your voice to actively encourage and acknowledge the value of your teammates
- Conflict: Speak your truth without creating resentment
The Navy S.E.A.L.S define teamwork as “Selfless acts, towards a common goal.” Lets break this down. Selfless, meaning you care more about your teammates than you do yourself. You will do whatever it takes to not let them down. You are willing to drop everything in order to help a teammate because you know they will do the same for you. Acts, meaning you need to actively participate in teamwork. Find concrete actions to take, in practices, in games and in social settings to build teamwork. Towards a common goal; video games with a teammate can be a great bonding experience, but true teamwork happens in times of adversity. When you are on the road, down 5 with 5 minutes to go, what selfless acts will you make towards your teammates.
- Selfless: “Get off or your own island.” “Out of me, and into we.”
- Acts: Have your teammates back, and trust that they will have yours
- Towards a Common Goal: Are you moving the group forwards, or are you moving it backwards?
