March has been a busy month for the Basketball Tasmania Development team with Tri-Series 1 and 2 as well as the annual long-weekend National Performance Program camp. Below are key takeaways from the events:
Overall
- The Tri-Series tournaments provided some quality games for the FDP/SDP program athletes, with them being able to put into game-play situations what they work on weekly in program session.
- The tournaments had a great vibe around them, and a vast majority of the action was played in the spirit of the game, with coaches following their guidelines and athletes/spectators going about their business in the right way.
- It was fantastic to see coaches & parents help cover games with a few last minute referee unavailabilities. The work that our Network Coaches and Parents do is inherently positive and everyone is there for the same reason – for the kids and the good of the sport.
- Having all three NBL1 Clubs take part in the first two Tri-Series tournaments (playing against our U18 State Teams) put the full Basketball Tasmania Talent Pathway on display and provided great preparation for all involved. It was great to see so many Program Graduates suit-up to play in Tri-Series once again. When you watch an U12 FDP game, then see the Tasmanian Players at the NBL1 level, it paints a super clear picture of the pathway and opportunities that are available for all Tasmanian Players.
- The introduction of the Tri-Series Cup has added an extra element of competitiveness to the games, and the introduction of “regional sets” added an extra element of gamesmanship and unpredictable within the games. It was also pleasing to see the new uniforms in action which added an extra feel of “one state” with everyone being in the same uniform.
- There was generally a good style of play and some excellent execution of our offensive actions/concepts. This is the first cycle of our new offensive system, and it is pleasing to see the athletes and coaches grow in confidence and understanding.
- Within this, it was pleasing to see the pace of the games and general movement within the half-court. The athletes are starting to get very comfortable working “with the ball in their hands” as well as “without the ball in their hands.”
- The tournaments provided great learning opportunities, and any “negatives” that happened throughout the tournaments provide coachable moments, which can be turned into a positive in the future. Key is how you respond and learn from the experience.
- The eighth Annual March National Performance Program Camp was run from the 8-10 March. This camp sits at the top of what is on offer for athletes in Tasmania, with athletes from across the State being expose to an elite environment. Highlights from the camp included the older athletes being leaders and helping set the standard, all athletes developing their elite training standards, the Bleed Green Showcase which was played in front of 150+ people and having coaches from Basketball Australia down (which reinforces the pathway and connection that Basketball Tasmania has to Basketball Australia).
Learnings & Areas for Improvement
- Next steps in the evolution of our offence are: Maintain an emphasis on getting the ball down the court (ideally via kick heads) within 4 seconds. This has come a long way since the January Development Tournaments, but we must maintain an emphasis on this, particularly when the other team scores (don’t walk/dribble to get the ball in – sprint and get it in quickly/safely). Utilising more punch screens will also help here, to free up the ball handler Vs pressure.
- Continue refining / developing our understanding of shot selection / what a good shot is. Somethings to consider with shot selection: not scoring until 2nd touch, has the ball got into the keyway, have we had multiple actions? Remaining aggressive with the ball is important and playing what is in-front of you overrides this, but we want less shots taken when we haven’t moved the ball through hands (with purpose/intent).
- Now that we have a greater understanding of our actions, we must work on being more effective within it. Timing, spacing and hitting on screens will go a long way when it comes to being more effective in our actions.
- With our offence heading a good direction, we have placed a greater emphasis on the defensive side of things to start the year. Some areas of focus are:
- D-Trans: With the offence playing faster, we need to be more urgent and switched on here – particularly with moving on the rise of the shot (ROS) and to sprint back below the ball.
- 1v1 Defence: Hand activity is important when off the ball and in closeout situations, and we want to apply ball pressure (have a hand over the ball on closeouts). However, when the offence drives, we need to get our hands off and be more physical with our body (putting your hands on will result in you not moving your feet and will likely lead to getting beat or a foul).
- Jumping to the ball: In the half-court we want to be more combative and challenging the opposition to floor spots, but at the same time we do not want to be “gambling” – so we must know when/where we can be aggressive in lanes and on the ball. Also, for us to be combative, we must have our teammates backs – so jumping to the ball must be better (particularly when guarding on-ball screens). Guarding the ball is the most important thing, so we must be in spots where we can help guard the ball and have our teammates back but must be constantly making adjustments (CMA) so we aren’t too deep/low in our help position.
- As a state, we know that we are going to be up against it from a rebounding perspective, but we will keep chipping away in this space (hitting first and owning space on the floor – not getting pushed under the hoop is critical for defensive rebounding).
From a skill development perspective
- Need to maintain our focus on shooting, particularly from the FT line and 3pt line. With our offence hunting layups and kickouts – we need to be able to knock down FTs and 3s.
- Foundations (e.g., ball handling, pivoting, passing) remains an area of investment, particularly against defence/pressure. Finishing around the rim, as well as tidying up our turnovers are areas of focus. Shooting the ball high/soft, having poise/strength with the ball, shortening passes and utilising Nash dribble / extra pivots will go a long way in helping here.
The key takeaways from the NPP Weekend were:
- Talk is the #1 thing. Keep building this habit by counting score, talking task, directing teammates in game play.
- Athletes need to be intentional in what they do. Everything must have purpose. Quality is better than quantity (it is better to have 3 really good reps with great purpose/intent, rather than 9-10 reps where going through motions).
- Shooting: Important that the ball is clean in and out of your hands. Generate power off the floor, not through the floor. When shooting at practice/in-game, hold yourself to high standards (all shot, all net, all the time…. Don’t miss 2 in a row…. Approach every shot like it’s a game winner).
Final Notes
- Mindset is huge and we saw a positive shift with a few athletes/teams going into games at Tri-Series Round 2 with the believe that they can compete and belong. If you think you can, or think you can’t do something – you are right… So, you must have belief that you can do something, or else you won’t be able to do it.
- When reflecting games, it is important to pay particular attention to the phases in the game where there was a momentum swing. Try to identify if there are any common themes – what can you learn from this and what can you turn into a positive for the future?
- Tied in with the above, quite often what happens in those momentum swings is that we “hurt ourselves” and fail to execute little habits that we can control at a high enough level. Some examples of little habits might be playing out of a stance, failing to communicate, being rushed by the opposition, mentally losing focus. Again – try to learn from this and turn into a positive for the future. Control what you can control.
Final note is a one of thanks to everyone for their efforts across Tri-Series Round 1 and Round 2. We greatly appreciate your support of our programs and the Basketball Tasmania Talent Pathway and look forward to building on this in weekly programming, upcoming camps and of course Tri-Series Round 3.
