The Five Postulates of Basketball

By Al Rhodes

1) The team that shoots the most free throws and gets the most rebounds will usually win.
2) Players must be running full speed in two steps when converting from offense back to defense.
3) Keep the ball out of the strike zone.
4) To beat a zone defense, you need to exhibit patience, make good passes, employ pass fakes, penetrate into the middle of the defense by pass or dribble, and get good shots for your best shooters.
5) Good offense is played from the inside out. In others words attack inside and then kick it back out.
6) When attacking a press, attack the basket. Do not get the ball across the time line and then pause. Take the ball to the baseline and reverse the court!
7) If you are going to have a championship team, each player must give up his personal agenda for the good of the team. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
8) Every great team is DISCIPLINED!
9) If your players are “dogs” in the classroom, they will be dogs on the floor.
10) “Whatever it takes” — give second effort! Everyone makes the first effort, but the champions make the second, third and fourth efforts, whatever it takes to win the game!
11) The Mikan Drill is a great drill for all players — post and perimeter.
12) When you talk about playing hard, make sure your players know what you mean. For example; a player is not playing hard if he quits sprinting back on defense or does not run hard on the fast break…if a player plays scared…if a player does not screen…if a player forgets a play…if a player whines, complains or makes excuses…if a player does not dive for the loose ball, take the charge or rebound…if a player fouls as his opponent drives around him…or if a player does not help on defense.
13) A great defensive philosophy is: A. Do not give up the layup, B. Do not foul, C. Contest every shot, D. Give only one contested shot and get the rebound.
14) Players must talk and communicate on the court. A silent, quiet team cannot play good defense.
15) Make each practice tougher than the game!
16) Players must use the pass fake and shot fake.
17) When a decision between a player and the team must be made, it will always be the team!
18) You win with shot makers not shot takers.
19) Practice is not punishment, nor is repetition.
20) Always work on the fundamentals of the game.