04/09/2026
🏀 Coach’s Notebook #8
The play isn’t the answer. It’s a starting point.
Yesterday I found myself saying something to the players that probably sums up how I want us to play basketball.
We were working on some of our team structure and plays, but I wanted them to understand that what’s drawn on the board isn’t something they have to follow blindly.
A play gives us structure.
It can give us spacing, movement and a starting point.
But then we still have to play basketball.
If the defence gives you an opportunity — take it.
If something isn’t there — don’t force it just because that’s what the play says should happen next.
Read what’s in front of you. Make a decision. Trust your skills.
Because if I teach players to simply remember where they’re supposed to stand and where they’re supposed to pass next, I might get better ex*****on of a play…
…but I’m not necessarily developing better basketball players.
The structure should help players make decisions — not make the decisions for them.
Give them a starting point.
Then let them play. 🏀
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