Letting players coach

Recognizing the valuable learning that takes place when players teach, Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers commented "it makes them think, which is good." In a weekend Boston Herald article, Coach Rivers outlined why he has allowed the players to run their scrimmages over the past few days. The concept of role reversal has worked in the coach's favour, as evidenced when he offered "they get frustrated when guys don't execute, and then I say 'yeah, that's how I feel all day.' It's a good learning tool for everyone." The complete Herald article follows:

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20101024doc_rivers_allows_team_to_run_scrimmages_coach_plays_along/

Butler's "opposite" thinking

We have used the term "operation opposite" in the past. Why do things the same way as everybody else? Here is another example.

The Butler Bulldogs men's basketball program, led by Head Coach Brad Stevens, got back to work this past weekend. The difference between their program and many others is that they did it without the usual fanfare and celebrity event atmosphere that so many other programs adopt for Oct. 15th kickoffs. They simply, as Coach Stevens said, "wanted to spend time together and get a good, focused start to the season." Their official press release follows, as well as the story that was featured in USAToday.

http://www.butlersports.com/sports/m-baskbl/2010-11/releases/101410aab

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/horizon/2010-10-15-butler-practice_N.htm

Look Opposite

Sometimes, in order to truly grasp a concept, players need to look at the opposite of what is requested or required. What does that mean? Essentially, they need to BE the type of player that they do NOT like to play against. This theory has been promoted by successful coaches (Knight, Hurley, etc) over the decades. Examples:

• if a guard struggles against an aggressive defender that gives them no space to work then that guard should defend that way when they don't have the ball
• if a post player does not like to take a beating when working in the attack areas close to the rim then they should be a punishing post defender themselves
• if a perimeter defender feels that they play good close-out defense but still manage to be late versus a quick shooter then they need to improve their own quick shot release
• defensively, if a player does not like to defend versus big, quick, strong attackers that are constantly working then they should be that way when they are on offense
• offensively, if a player does not like to be punished by a defender that makes plenty of contact, gives no space, and seems to react properly to every move then they themselves need to defend in that manner