Basketball IQ

From a coaches persepective, there's nothing better than having a player who understands the game. The high school basketball season is almost underway, with our team having their first exhibition game on Tuesday. Steve and I will be coaching the Lions again this year and it should be good.

Ok, enough of a plug for our team, lets get back to Basketball IQ. Certain players have it, some players develop it as their game and skills evolve. I find that its instinctive for most, but interpreted very differently. This topic came to mind as I was thinking about the 'back door cut" that we're not taking advantage of in our half-court set. Some players see it there, and thrive to take advantage of slipping behind their defender and getting an open lay up (considering the pass can be made). Others don't realize that the opportunity is even there.

Court sense is a part that personally, I am having trouble teaching to our team. Knowing where there will be opportunities to score, space on the court (and getting to it) as well as anticipating what the other team will do. If you have any tips, suggestions, or drills, I'd love some feedback.

I've come across this series on Lebron James called Six Tips on Youtube. Its a feature on Lebron to as part of the launch of his new shoe, the Zoom Lebron VI. This installment mentions basketball IQ and Lebron's ability to adapt, and improve your game.

The differnce maker for me after watching the video, is how his team mates have picked up on this and see how he reviews his game, notices places to better himself, and applies it immediately. Although this is partly reactive thinking, its taking the initiative and being proactive to better yourself and better your athleticism. Sometimes I really wonder about LeBron and other top athletes: will they try to make the professional sports jump like Michael Jordan did? And could it actually work for them?