Taking Instruction

Ruitao:

I found it hard to sleep last night; as I was thinking about your comments about my constant directing/coaching during and after pick-up games; which leads to people hesitant to play with me. You also went on to say that, because of this, you don't play well.

I understand that it's just bball and its not that serious (to some extent) but just don't let your inability to take instruction effect what you do in life (You will always be taking instruction from someone).

The biggest thing we get out of team sports is learning how to work towards a common goal with others (Teammates and Coaches). This means that you may not like what your coach (superior) has to say to you or how he says it; but should always be cognizant of the fact that he/she IS your superior; and for obvious reasons. So you can not let that effect your productivity. You still need to produce.

When I'm instructing someone, I only say what I see. I found that some people take it and run with it and others wine and complain about it. This tells me a lot about the coachability of that person; and is a sign of weakness of the winer and complainer. During my long tenure as a coach, and even a avid player of the game, I've seen little boys develop (mentally and physically) into men (bball or whatever); mainly because of my direction. If I was a weak coach (was scared to tell them what they were doing wrong) then would they be where they are now? I say no!

I've learned that about 99% of the guys that come to TB, or any rec for that matter, is there just to have fun and hang out with their buddies. So I need to respect that and just step back and allow that to happen. However, being the competitor and teacher that I am, it's extremely hard for me to do that. But I'll just have to work on that. I've found that the best way for me to do that is to simply not play; as I can't change who I am.

I've learned that not everyone is there to actually improve at the game, even if they say that want to improve. This is obvious in, not by what they say, but by what I see them do.

By the way, my instruction is not that different from you instructing/directing/coaching your friend Yuji.

Coach Tilden

PS:  I'm sharing this with others that I think will benefit from this.

Today 11/17/2009

Brian, Robbie, Peter:

You guys are being pounded with a lot of bball knowledge in a short period of time. I applaud you for your diligence and efforts.

A few reminders:

Defense:

See both your man and the ball using your peripheral vision

Talk on defense

Maintain a 1 press 4 help position.

If your man don't have the ball and he's not in the paint then you should have at least 1 foot in the paint

As the ball is being passed to your man then you close out on him quickly in short choppy steps

If your man goes to the Low or High Posts or cuts through the paint, you deny him

If he goes towards the perimeter then you let him go (but see him and the ball)

Deny the baseline - if your man has the ball and moving towards the basket then force him inside where you have help

Offense:

If you pass the ball then go do something. Don't just stand - or call for the ball back. That makes no sense and we get no rotation of bodies

when this happens

DON'T GO BEHIND THE PERSON YOU PASS IT TO - JUST CUT THROUGH OR SET A PICK AWAY.

Always, receive the ball in triple threat and look for cutters or curlers first

Break the Angle when feeding the low post - create a passing lane by moving towards the wing

Don't telegraph your pass

Make hard and deliberate passes ALL OF THE TIME - never throw a weak sloppy pass.

V-Cut to get open (to receive the ball)

Always step to the ball, unless you're swinging the ball quickly without a dribble along the perimeter

Always step to pass the ball

Use the backdoor signal when your opponent is guarding you close and reading the passing lane

LOOK TO PASS BEFORE LOOKING TO SHOOT. But shoot when you're open.

I know I came down on you guys pretty hard at times, but I will tell you now, you should expect that and more. This is how you will improve.

We played those adults and teenagers pretty well and won the majority of our games. So you have a lot to be proud of.

Keep up the great work. Focus on the above things and the next games will be even more rewarding.

I will post this information on the website for all to learn from.

Coach Tilden

MDX's 5 Key Offensive Rules

5 Pass Rule: No shots until the ball is passed 5 times first.

The Look Rule: If a person with the ball looks at you or turns his body in your direction, you should execute a V-cut and step towards the ball or if you're in the post, seal your man to receive the ball.

The Backdoor Rule: If your defender is poking in the passing lane, you should immediately execute a backdoor cut or slip, but return if you don't get the ball.

The Rotate Rule: If you haven't received the ball in 3 seconds, cut through or set a pick away from the ball.

The Pass and Go Rule: If you pass the ball then go do something (pick away, or cut through)

MDX Principles

MDX’s 5 Offensive Principles:

1. Patience (This will increase our scoring opportunities and improve shooting percentages. PUSH the ball but be patient when we don’t have numbers. Swing the ball at lease 1 cycle prior to shooting or attacking the basket.)

2. Triple Threat (This will reduce turnovers; this also includes ball protection and ball handling; and promotes patience)

3. Passing (This will reduce turnovers and increase scoring opportunities)

4. Court Awareness (Seeing the court; knowing where guys are; knowing where guys should be)

5. Moving without the ball

Pride 5 Defensive Principles:

1. 1 Press 4-Help (One person pressuring the ball, while the other 4 see’s both the ball and his man)

2. Communication (Call out picks, switches, shows, cutters, got ball, got help, etc)

3. Deny the Paint (Deny Posters, Flashers, and Cutters in the paint. Deny overtop but quickly drop behind as the ball is coming in)

4. Deny the Baseline (Always force your man to the inside where your help is. If your man is at the key then play him square)

5. Closeout High-Handed (Closeout quickly with your hands up high and bottom down)

Welcome to the MDX Website

Please contact Coach Tilden to schedule a tryout session.

240-676-8859

tilden02@gmail.com