80/20 Basketball (Part 1).

As coaches, we spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing over the basketball's location on the floor, and for good reason; the ball going through the basket is the only means by which a team scores.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Wonderful defense may prevent points from being scored, but it never shows up on the scoreboard.

What every successful team player must realize is that 80% of one's time on the floor will be spent either without the ball (offense) or defending an opponent without the ball.

In other words, basketball is not a game for the selfish, but a game for those who thrive in the ultimate team configuration.

For many players, this 80/20 concept is an epiphany, a sudden awakening to the fact that well-played basketball stems from disciplined individuals and team habits. Hordes of excellent coaches stress unselfish team play and their players reap the rewards of wonderful court execution.

Allow us to highlight the requisite traits of players who play basketball well without the ball. Divided into three sections: General, Offense and Defense--the concepts within "80/20 Basketball" will make the player and consequently the team better.

GENERAL

Playing basketball without the ball or off of the ball 80% of the time is rarely explained to young players. Players at the youngest levels need to begin understanding that basketball, unlike many other sports, is the ultimate team game. Think about it:

Baseball. It is quite possible for a defensive player to never touch the ball during an entire game, outside of the pitcher and catcher. This is why kids in little league are often seen "watching daisies grow" in the outfield; rarely do they get action on the defensive side of the game.

Football. Because of the specialization of positions and the evolution of the game, only certain players are designated to handle the ball. In fact, of the 22 players on the field, only three--on average--touch the ball on every play: center, quarterback and running back or receiver.

Basketball. The players are in a unique position comparatively; they handle the ball and defend the ball a proportionate amount of time, roughly 20% of the game. In this regard, basketball is much more closely related to hockey and soccer in that everyone plays offense and defense at a moment's notice and must be equally adept at offense and defense, albeit both sports have a designated player at the net.

The sooner players learn that for only 20% of a basketball contest will they be in direct contact or confrontation with the ball or the player possessing the ball, the better team players will grow up to be. In an age where many players are criticized for selfish play, this fundamental has to be ingrained.

From a general standpoint then, players must possess the following traits in order to be great team, or 80/20, players. They must:

1 Communicate both verbally and non-verbally, such as holding a fist to one side on an outstretched arm to signify a backdoor cut or pick. There is absolutely no excuse for players not to talk on the floor. In an era marked by Instant Messenger and Text Messaging, the art of verbal communication has suffered; do not let anyone become a victim of this on the basketball court. Talk. Talk. Talk.

2 Stay Low and Athletic. Either side of the ball, a great low and athletic stance is an efficient advantage. It allows for quick defensive movement and proper offensive reception of the ball, i.e., a triple-threat position.

3 Remain Focused. In a game that moves as quickly as basketball, a momentary lapse of concentration can easily cost a team a basket or two at either end of the floor. Players must remain cognizant of their surroundings at all times--teammates, opponents, the clock, and the score.

4 Know Where Teammates Should Be, Are, or Will Be. Much easier said than done in a fast-paced game, but great players know where their teammates should be in all sets, be it offense, defense, inbounds, free throws, etc.

More importantly, they know where their teammates are at all times, even the ones executing their roles incorrectly. The truly great, those who make a visible difference on the floor, are able to anticipate where teammates and opponents will be and thus achieve a competitive advantage. This extremely high level of court awareness is difficult to teach, but that degree of court savvy is a pure delight to watch.

5 Know Their Roles in Transition. Coaches spend hours and hours drilling transition offense and transition defense because the ability to switch from offense to defense and vice versa in less than the blink of eye can easily make the difference in many games. Players who understand their roles up and down the floor and reduce mistakes to a minimum will always find a place to play.

6 Be Physically Tough and Mentally Disciplined. Because of the 80/20 nature--not having or defending the ball for 80% of the game--players must be physically tough and mentally disciplined. Excellent team play requires peak physical conditioning and superb mental discipline.

7 Have Heart. The single biggest intangible in all of sports: Heart. Size, speed, leaping ability, pure physical prowess; all deficiencies in measurable traits can be adequately compensated for by Heart, by Want To. There are a million examples in sports of players who were told they were too short, too slow, not strong enough, couldn't jump, etc., etc., and yet wound up in the Hall of Fame or achieved All-Pro status. There is no measurement for an athlete's heart.

Players who possess these traits will force coaches to find time for them; they are too valuable to have sitting on the bench.

To be concluded in September: The Role of Offense and Defense in 80/20 Basketball.

By Stuart Kantor, Editor

Hoopmechanix.com