Throughout the playoffs one thing that has really stood out to me about Kobe is he is never in a rush. Even in transition he is always playing with a controlled attack, attentive and aware of what the defense might try to do to stop him, he is always ready to react with his counter.
In workouts or practice you need to get out of your comfort zone. You need to go so hard that you are going to blackout, but when game time rolls around you need to turn it back a half speed. I would say you want to work out at a 10, but when game time rolls around you don’t ever want to go past 9.5, unless sprinting back on defense or diving for a loose ball. Too many players are always playing at a 10 and let the defense speed them up with pressure.
Two teaching points to keep in mind when you are playing against pressure:
1. Initiate to Separate: If you want to bounce back against pressure or use a pindown you sometimes need to initiate the contact to separate
2. Change Your Pace to Create Space: If you are bringing the ball up against pressure or a player more athletic than you it is crucial that you change up your pace and attack when the defender relaxes. Changing your speed is also critical playing without the basketball. Whether making an L-Cut or coming off a pindown. Watch the NBA Finals or YouTube some Richard Hamilton clips. He is never moving at the same speed, BUT always moving.
Pick and Choose your spots to attack like Kobe. Your moves should be instinctive and a counter to how the defense tries to play you, not predetermined