When I look back on my very short and mediocre basketball career, one thing stands out that really helped me improve. And until I stopped to think about it I probably would have never come up with this answer. But I’m glad I did because it’s become a core part of our philosophy and has really helped elevate our program and the players we work with.
So what is it? Playing 1 on 1.
I made the biggest improvements playing 1 on 1 with Oties Epps in-between my sophomore and junior years of college. Unfortunately, I don’t think I played enough.
Rick Pitino finally figured this out a few years ago
But, like with everything there has to be a balance…
…And you MUST have a foundation
1) Form First
2) Speed Second
3) Contact/Live Defense Third
But, once that that foundation is established you have to progress. As much as we try to make drills game like you can’t simulate live defense.
Which is where 1 on 1 comes in. To me it is a MUST for developing the foundation of BOTH your offensive and defensive systems.
At our Coaches Academy we’ll be going into more detail about how to implement these into your systems.
I hope to see you in Jacksonville!
