www.ravstass.com > RAVSTASS Wiki > KBSC > The Problem 

The Problem

First we need to define the problem. 

I believe that there have been three underestimated influences which have crept into our game. These are attributable to the evolving court dimensions, influences from other sports and the tendency for strategic control to be retained by coaches. 

Sacred Cow "Line-markings are helpful"

The size of the court and the line-markings have changed numerous times during the history of basketball. However, the accepted coaching systems, have run the same offensive and defensive patterns as though the cardinal points on our floor are indicated by these changing line markings. The result has been faulty geometry. 

Sacred Cow "Concepts are Basketball Specific"

The very first basketball coaches were physical education school teachers and sports coaches from other sports. Basketball being an invasion type ball sport not dissimilar to ice hockey and football, borrowed some key ideas which have stuck. The earliest coaches, held staff positions for years and even decades. The result has been the creation of dogmatic ideas. 

Sacred Cow "Coaches make the decisions"

Sideline coaching makes possible for every offence and defence to be dictated by the coach. In other sports, the coach is removed by some distance, and therefore sets the parameters in training and teaches their athletes correct decision-making. In other sports, Captains have a much greater role. Whereas the basketball coach, being near to the action, has had a tendency to never let go. The result has been a failure of players to understand the game themselves and for coaches to micro-manage. 

The Solution

Our role is to develop systems that we believe in, that are provable, and not just successful. Winning is often measured by being just a bit better than our opponent. Our aspiration in designing all aspects of our system needs to shift toward contemplating doomsday scenarios. What if everything is denied, then what? Beginning with this point of view, will help develop an integrated approach. 

In doing this, we can by all means look for inspiration inside and outside of our game, however remain aware that success falsely perpetuates the idea that some systems are better than others. We can always improve our system, but we must temper that with innovating how we teach it. We should only build more into our system, when we can streamline how we teach the whole system more simply. 

Most important of all is to progressively hand over decision making to our players. 

The guiding goal is to develop athletes who merge their skill with intelligent reflexes that are more effective than merely reacting. 

Key Teaching Points

The solution is to ask ourselves three key questions: 

1. Is it true: Mathematically/Geometrically?

2. Is it correct: Suited for basketball?

3. Is it helpful: Empowering the player? 

Video Tutorials

Further Reading