Predicting the future…

How to develop Anticipation Skills

How are your anticipation skills?
What happens next?

The world of sports is teeming with a myriad of physical and mental talents. Among these, one invaluable trait shared by the greatest athletes is the ability to anticipate future outcomes—an aptitude to predict what’s coming next and respond accordingly.

Much like the legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky, who talked about “skating to where the puck would be,” basketball players can use anticipation to always be “one step ahead.”

The beauty of anticipation lies in its two-fold benefits. Firstly, it provides a significant edge during a game, allowing players to read the opponent’s moves, adapt, and position themselves better. Secondly, it empowers the mental fortitude of an athlete, fostering a winning mindset and confidence that fuels success on and off the court.

How to see the future…
Know where to look

In basketball, an opponent’s eyes often give away the direction of their next action without them even knowing they are doing it. Face-guarding is a good example of this. By tracking the eyes of your opponent, you can often see when the ball is coming toward them since most people track the ball with their eyes and follow the arc of the ball. In other words, they look UP when the ball is coming. This is the point when you need to take action, turn toward the incoming ball and intercept the pass.

Eyes and Feet:
Know what to look for.

Aside from your opponent’s eyes, you can also get information based on their footwork (where are going to go) as well as the way they handle the ball (is it on the right or left side?). These hints can tell you what they are most likely going to do.

Take Action:
Seeing is worthless without Action.

Knowing what someone will do is worthless without doing something about it. You could challenge the movement or intercept the pass. In any case, if you anticipate what’s going to happen and do nothing, it’s effectively the same as not knowing.

Observe at all times:
Practice observation skills.

When you are sitting on the bench, pay close attention to players that you may encounter when you get in the game. How do they move? Do they have any habits that you can manipulate so they “give” you an advantage?

You can improve your “observation skills” in practice whether you are scrimmaging or just doing drills. Instead of just standing around between your turns doing drills, focus on one player on your team and see if you can predict what they will do next. What’s their favorite move? How could you predict when they will use it ? (Or what could you do to cause them to use it?)

Observation is like many other skills… it gets better the more you use it.

Anticipation – Timing and Rhythm:
When will it happen?

As you observe your target opponent, take a mental note of their timing and the rhythm that they use when performing “their move”. As a defender, if you can disrupt their rhythm, it’s very likely that they will commit an offensive foul or at least be uncomfortable if they force up a shot. Pay attention to what they do over and over again. Do they always spin a certain way when they dribble into traffic? Do they always cross over to their other hand when you challenge them at a certain spot on the floor?

Video examples of defensive anticipation…
Link to Youtube video… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz_GyEf9eBM

Rules and Mechanics:
The ref’s can help you win!

The power of anticipation is also closely linked with a profound understanding of the game’s rules and mechanics. By mastering the fundamentals of basketball, players can better predict the game’s flow, ascertaining when to make critical moves such as stealing a pass, blocking a shot, or positioning for a rebound.

For example, does your opponent always take the ball out of bounds the same way? With the same type of pass to the same person? Can you position yourself such that they do not see you as a threat but you can still steal the ball?

Drills that simulate particular situations such as sideline out of bounds, baseline out of bounds or a trapping defense are another effective way to nurture your anticipation skills. These practice drills, mirroring actual game situations, can help athletes predict outcomes and react swiftly under pressure. Simulations also encourage players to utilize their instinct, another critical aspect of anticipation. Once you know where the next pass is going to go, it’s a relatively simple task to figure out a way to steal the ball.

Be Ready:
Are You Physically Prepared

Achieving and maintaining physical fitness plays an underrated role in fostering anticipation. The faster and more agile a player, the better they can implement their anticipatory decisions. High-level fitness allows a more efficient execution of anticipated moves, creating more opportunities for scoring and defending. Are you ready to act on the future actions that you see developing?

Lastly, anticipation also hinges on mental strength. As you know if you follow this blog on a regular basis or have heard Coach Wheeler speak at your basketball camp, developing a winning mindset demands resilience, focus, and confidence. It requires the willpower to take calculated risks based on predicted outcomes plus the knowledge that your team will back you up when the risky action doesn’t pay off. And it’s this mindset that often distinguishes an exceptional player from a good one… and a good team from a great one.

Anticipation is more than just a skill; it’s a potent combination of observation, understanding, practice, physical fitness, and a winning mindset. It’s the ability to see the future in the present, to analyze and execute with precision. For the aspiring basketball player, cultivating anticipation isn’t just about being one step ahead, it’s about establishing a foundation for success, equipping oneself with a competitive edge that transcends the boundaries of the court.

Finally…

Remember, basketball, like life, is a game of anticipation. It’s about expecting the unexpected, pre-empting the next move, and consistently striving for excellence. As Wayne Gretzky aptly stated, “skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” Anticipate your future, and be prepared to meet it head-on.

Some Books Related to this article…

Anticipate: The Art of Leading by Looking Ahead” by Rob-Jan de Jong
This book provides insight into how leaders can adopt forward-thinking approaches to anticipate the future and make effective decisions, a concept that can be applied to anticipating in sports.

“Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence” by Gary Mack and David Casstevens
Offers practical psychological strategies to boost mental stamina and enhance athletic performance. It dives into the importance of mental fortitude and visualization, essential for athletes building anticipation skills.

“Thinking Basketball” by Ben Taylor
A guide that challenges traditional basketball wisdom, prompting players to think about the game more deeply. It emphasizes the role of game intelligence in basketball.

“Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” by Tim S. Grover
Authored by the legendary trainer of athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, this book explores what it takes to excel in sports, emphasizing mental fortitude and a winning mindset.

“The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive” by Jim Afremow
This book explores how the mental game influences athletic performance. It emphasizes the importance of anticipation, resilience, and a winning mindset.


Inspirational Quotes related to this article…

“The key to the future lies in the ability to anticipate it.” – Deepak Chopra

“What counts isn’t the frame, it’s what you put in it.” – Otto Preminger, highlighting the importance of content (or action) over structure (or planning).

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan, emphasizing resilience.

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan, referring to the power of visualization.

“Winning takes precedence over all. There’s no gray area. No almosts.” – Kobe Bryant

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” – Aristotle (via “The Big Aristotle”, Shaquille O’Neal)

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” – Michael Jordan, encouraging athletes to love the game and find joy in playing.

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

“If you want to look good in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.” – Damian Lillard, discussing the value of practice.

Please leave comment below and let Coach Wheeler know what you thought about this article.

The Need for Speed

The Importance of Speed in Basketball

Basketball is a game of intensity and quick transitions. A key determinant of success in this adrenaline-fueled sport is speed. But when we say ‘speed,’ we’re not merely referring to how fast a player can sprint from one end of the court to the other. Speed in basketball is multidimensional—it encompasses physical agility, mental acuity, and strategic adaptability.

Physical Speed and Agility

Strength and agility allow an athlete to exercise better control. An agile athlete can change direction quickly and outrun his/her opponent.

Norbert Juma, Editor of EverydayPower.com

At its core, basketball requires physical speed. The ability to swiftly maneuver around the court, both offensively and defensively, can have a profound impact on a player’s performance. The ability to move confidently allows players to reach the basket quicker, defend more effectively, and react to changes in the game instantaneously. It can mean the difference between a well-executed fast break and a missed opportunity.

Speed also ties in closely with agility—the capacity to change direction quickly and efficiently. Agile players are able to dodge defenders, swiftly shift between offensive and defensive modes, and maintain control of the ball under pressure. As Bill Russell famously said, “Quickness is the essence of the game.”

Mental Agility and Decision-Making

“Speed is not just about moving fast;
it’s about making fast decisions.”

John Wooden

Speed, however, is not solely a physical attribute. Cognitive agility —the ability to quickly process information, make decisions, and react accordingly—is equally vital in basketball. When a player has the ball, they need to rapidly assess the situation, consider their options, and make a decision, all in a matter of seconds. This mental agility significantly influences a player’s effectiveness on the court.

Quick decision-making can contribute to efficient plays, reduced turnovers, and well-timed passes. It’s a key factor in running a smooth offense and making split-second decisions that can change the course of the game. As the great basketball coach John Wooden once stated, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”

Strategically Fast and Adaptable?

Finally, strategic speed—the capability to adapt game plans in response to the opponent’s tactics—plays an instrumental role in basketball. In a dynamic and unpredictable game, a team’s ability to quickly adjust their strategy can be the difference between winning and losing.

Coaches and players must observe the opposing team, recognize patterns, anticipate their moves, and adjust their own tactics on the fly. Successful teams are those that can swiftly shift strategies without losing momentum, capitalizing on their strengths and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses.

Training for Speed

Given its vital role in basketball, it’s essential for players to train for speed. This includes both physical training—such as sprinting drills, agility ladders, and plyometric exercises—and cognitive training, such as learning to read the game, understanding different strategies, and practicing quick decision-making.

But as Michael Jordan suggested, it’s not about wishing for it to happen; it’s about making it happen. Consistent effort, perseverance, and a growth mindset are required to improve speed. Every practice, every drill, every game is an opportunity to become faster—physically, mentally, and strategically.

Do you have “The Need for Speed”?

I feel very comfortable going at full speed.

Steve Nash, NBA All Star and League MVP

In basketball, speed is far more than just a physical trait—it’s a fundamental element that permeates every aspect of the game. From physical agility to mental acuity, from strategic adaptability to constant learning, speed in its various forms can give players and teams a significant advantage.

In the words of the great basketball coach, Phil Jackson, “Basketball is a sport that involves the subtle interweaving of players at full speed to the point where they are thinking and moving as one.” Speed—whether physical, mental, or strategic—is at the heart of this interweaving, and mastering it is crucial to basketball success.

So, whether you’re a player aiming to improve your game or a coach looking to guide your team to victory, remember—the importance of speed in basketball can never be overstated. As the game continues to evolve, speed remains a key component, underscoring its timeless relevance in this fast-paced sport.

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What is Fastbreak Basketball?

Guest blogger: Coach Johnny Pantusso


Fastbreak basketball is an exciting and popular way of playing the game of basketball. It is an up-tempo style of play characterized by a team quickly transitioning from offense to defense and vice versa.

The teams that excel in fastbreak basketball are able to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes to create easy scoring opportunities. The primary objective of fastbreak basketball is to score as many points as quickly as possible.

How to Fastbreak…

Teams that fastbreak accomplish it by making good use of turnovers and missed shots. If a team can capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes, they can score points quickly. If a team can defend well and force their opponent to take longer shots, they can also score quickly by getting the ball down the court in a hurry.

One of the key components of fastbreak basketball is the ability to quickly transition from offense to defense and vice versa. This means that the players must be able to quickly react to the ball and make the necessary adjustments. If the players can make these adjustments quickly, they can create easy scoring opportunities and put their opponents on their heels.

The fastbreak also requires a team to be able to move the ball up the court quickly and accurately. This requires players to make good passes, set screens, and have good timing. A good fastbreak will be able to move the ball up the court quickly while still being able to make the correct passes and find open shots.

Teamwork…

In order for a team to be successful in fastbreak basketball, they must be able to play as a cohesive unit. This means that every player must be able to read the play and anticipate the movements of their teammates.

Good communication by players is also key. Players must be able to call out plays and let their teammates know where they will be on the court. Fastbreak basketball is an exciting and dynamic style of play that requires good communication, teamwork, and quick thinking. It can be a great way to score points quickly and efficiently. That is if the team can effectively transition from offense to defense and make good passes. When utilized properly, fastbreak basketball can make a team unstoppable.

Working the Pick & Roll

When you run a play, are you “going through the motions” of setting a pick in a certain location (because coach told you to)? Or do you know how to make a pick and roll really work?

Too often I see players who either don’t know they are not working the Pick & Roll correctly or they just don’t care. This is not a problem for just middle school players. The video below features some of the best players in the NBA along with one of the best coaches in the game and while the tips that are offered are important and helpful, the last example shows a glaring problem that happens at all levels of basketball (even with the NBA players in the video).

Did you see what was wrong with the last Pick and Roll in the video?

The player setting the pick let the defense get past him and he rolled too late. Once the player setting the pick makes contact with the ball handler’s defender, he should take control of the interaction, pivot around the ball handler’s defender and get the defender on his back.

Important note… The pivot by the player setting the pick should be in the direction of the ball so you can see where the ball is and what the ball handler is doing. Many players think they can make a quicker move by “slipping” towards the basket but they also loose sight of the ball handler when they do it. They are also giving up the positional advantage that they can get by pivoting around the ballhandler’s defender.

Check out this video that shows a number of ways to “Use a Pick”….

Mistakes by defense? Or great decisions by offense?

Can a Pick and Roll work every time? With every combination of offensive players and defensive players? Probably not but it can work most of the time if, as an offensive player, you understand the opportunities presented to you during a Pick and Roll and can take advantage of them.

If you want to be part of the Pick and Roll conversation, please comment below …

What was missed in this article? Do you have questions about how to work the Pick and Roll? What did you like about this article? Is there some aspect that you would like to see demonstrated on video? Any comments you have are greatly appreciated … just know that only the polite (non-spam) comments will be published on this page for all to see. Join the conversation!

How to Get Into Basketball Shape

First off, let me acknowledge a great idea and the inspiration for this article about getting into basketball shape…

The basketball mile (courtesy of PGC basketball). Basketball Shape article by PGC

The theory behind the “basketball mile” is to simulate all the running in a full game including the starts/stops, breaks between quarters and more. The reason I am featuring this drill is because it simulates a real game. It also gives you more rest time if you run each segment faster. It might not be an exact match for the running that is done in a game, but it is a pretty good approximation.

QUICK Bonus download for BWM readers…

Coach Wheeler has come up with a “timing sheet” that shows when each segment of this drill should start so you can simply run the game clock continuously and call out start times. The timing sheet also allows you to mark off which players complete each segment. You can even add information such as the winner of each segment. If you want you can record any violations (double dribble, travel or turnover) if you are incorporating a ball into the drill. It’s up to you if you want to add a penalty for mistakes (pushups?).

Click the links below to download the Timing Sheet (using “Save As”) that utilizes 20 second segments or 15 second segments …

[Timing sheet – 20 sec segments] Basketball Mile Drill Chart

[Timing sheet – 15 sec segments]

Ways to make it harder…

One of the key roles of a coach is to challenge the players on their team so they are given an opportunity to grow and improve. The basketball mile is already a pretty challenging drill but how can your team get more value out of doing it?

The PGC article (link here) suggests making the time for each sprint segment shorter (see the 15 second sheet for timing cues) and/or dribbling a ball while sprinting. I might add a few more “twists” to create challenges that will help you in a game.

First, add two free throws at the end and record who makes one or both of them. Free throws at the end of a game (when you are tired) can make the difference between winning and losing. Don’t waste the exhaustion that this drill provides. The timing sheets provide a line at the bottom to collect how each player did on their free throws.

Second, make it more competitive by recording who wins each sprint. Perhaps the player who wins the most sprints takes the last two foul shots for a team win (while individuals can shoot for their own “win”).

Thirdly, how will you start or introduce this drill? How about having two players race each other while the rest of the team watches? If you time them, you can ask the question to the team… is this pace fast enough for us to win our games?

Fourth, can you figure out a way to work in passing as part of the drill? Ideally players would have an opportunity to both dribble and pass based on whatever rules you come up with. Maybe players are paired up so that they pass the ball back and forth as they sprint the first leg and whoever ends up with the ball one step from half-court would have to dribble it back.

Finally, you could record the players who don’t finish the sprint in the time required. They can finish the rest of the sprints “at their leisure” or as additional conditioning work, but those who don’t meet the time targets could be marked on the recording sheet. Can you think of other scenarios? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Final thoughts about How to get in Basketball Shape?

If you ask any basketball coach they would say that the sooner your players get in “basketball shape”, the sooner they will be ready to learn new skills and compete successfully on the court. The “Basketball Mile” is a great tool and there are plenty of ways that it can help your players get in Basketball Shape … the kind of shape that wins games!

Embrace The Grind.

Are you Grinding?

Do you even know what it means to Grind?

Lots of people talk about “The Grind” but what does it mean for you?

This is what will likely be a series about what it means to Grind and how you can do it better. I will start with this example. It is an excellent (basketball related) excerpt about “The Grind” from Coach John Calipari’s book, “Players First”…

Players First by John CalipariWeekends, holidays, just about every chance I got I was in the gym working on my game. I’d take shots from different parts of the floor, practice foul shots, work on my ball handling. I wrote down everything I did. I tell my guys now: “You’ve got to love the grind.” That’s something they probably hear from me more than anything else. You’ve got to love the grind. Embrace the work. Embrace the sweat. Embrace the pain.

And keep track of it all, because it keeps you honest. You’ve got to chart a workout and chart your shots. If there’s not something measurable, it’s not real. You say to yourself, I’m taking five hundred shots before I leave this gym, and I’m doing it every day. Count them up and write down how many you made.

Are you grinding towards your goal?

The Grind is about making progress.  It’s not always big steps. Sometimes the improvement is almost imperceptible it is so small. Sometimes you try something and it doesn’t work or, worse, it sets you back 5 steps. The Grind is about  wanting something enough that you are willing to keep persisting even when the going gets rough.

Here’s a quote and some explanation from an author, Ed Mylett, whose book, “One More”, I read this summer…

“It’s what you do when you aren’t motivated that determines success or failure.” – Ed Mylett

Ed explains … “Everyone has limits, and it’s natural for motivation to wane over time. When this happens, it’s crucial to examine your mindset. Being unmotivated happens to everyone; it’s an opportunity to look closely at when you need to power through and when you may need to step away to avoid burnout, overwhelm, or other health challenges. By balancing what absolutely must be done along with rest and relaxation time, you set yourself up for long term success.”

The Grind has 3 parts…

  1. Know what you want.
  2. Go after it.
  3. Don’t stop until you get it.

Where are you relative to your goal? Are you Grinding now so you will have success when it counts?  In basketball, the summer is the best time to Grind because your competition might be taking days off. They might be relaxing and thinking that since they were successful last season, they will be successful next season.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The summer is the time when you pass your competition. You try new things. You work out and gain strength. You add skills. You take all aspects of your game to a new level.

Are you Grinding?

Mamba Mentality – a tribute to Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant coined the phrase, “Mamba Mentality” to describe his approach… to basketball, to competition, to life.

Mamba Mentality - tribute to Kobe BryantAs a life-long Celtics fan, it was hard for me to root for a Lakers player but you have to respect Kobe Bryant and his approach to the game of basketball. With his untimely passing, the time was right to take a look at how his mind worked and hopefully discover some of the secrets to his success.

I recently found the video below and it provides some of the best insights into how Kobe approached the game and his life. I’m not sure what else I can say except that it is well worth watching. If you want to be one of the best at something, this video will give you ideas that you can implement today. If you feel like you didn’t really know Kobe Bryant aside from his basketball career, this video provides glimpses into many other dimensions of the man.

I encourage you to watch this video and if you like it, please leave a comment below.

What did you think?
What can you learn from the Mamba Mentality?

Are you putting in the effort that is required to get what you SAY you want? Does your daily process and habits support your goals?

Do you have the Mamba Mentality? Are you serious about your game? Your life?

Game Face – Get it ON!

This blog article is dedicated to Eddie Siebert. Coach Wheeler, back when he was Player Wheeler, played with (and won championships) with him. Eddie taught me about the importance of “game face”. His famous quote, before every game, was “Get Your Game Face On!”

The video below from BasketballBrain.com is a great overview of the 3 types of approaches used by basketball players and it is worth watching.  Check it out…

The 3 types of basketball game face from the video are 1) Joyous, 2) No Expression and 3) Mean, Fierce or Angry. The video has some excellent NBA examples of each one so you can learn more about each one. The key to all of them is that they bring a focus to your game and just like you can improve your mood by physically smiling, the way you move your face can impact the way you feel and how you play the game.

Which one are you?

First, let me say that you NEED a Game Face. It is a sign to your team mates, your coach and even your opponents that you are serious about winning the game. The question is… Which game face works for you? I should also add that you may tap into different ones depending on the game situation and how you or your team is playing. Sometimes they need a “kick in the pants” and a Fierce Game Face might be needed. Or you might be getting shut down by the other team’s defense so you could break through and show some Joy (and your confidence) when you school them.

It is contagious!

Your attitude, demonstrated through your game face and how you play, is contagious and is an important way you can influence your team. Michael Jordan set a very high standard for the Bulls and they rose to the challenge. (The Washington Wizards… not so much.) What attitude are you bringing to your team? Are you making the practices more effective? Or just walking through them and not getting better? Your attitude & how you express it should help your team, not slow them down or give them reasons to doubt your commitment to winning.

Get You Game Face On!Want to learn more about Attitude?

Visit the “Attitude” page with all the articles about Attitude from the Building a Winning Mindset Blog ! It is important and there are lots of ways to look at it.

Think about it…

What kind of attitude do you want to bring to the game? How are you going to step up so you can defeat the competition? The choice is yours. Now, GO GET YOUR GAME FACE ON !

Pushing Players – Coach Cal Wisdom

Here is another excerpt from Coach John Calipari’s book, “Players First, Coaching from the inside out” that talks about what it means when a coach is “pushing players” to improve…

Players First by John Calipari

None of my players are as ready as they think they are for how we play at Kentucky – let alone ready for the pros – because they have rarely if ever been really pushed. They have gotten accustomed to dominating even while putting out three-quarters effort. In fact, they probably don’t even know they play at three-quarters speed. That’s one of the things I have to show them.

How do you push the players on your team? Are they challenged to reach their full potential?

Coach Cal’s book provides some stories about how he recruits star players by being radically truthful with them. He feels that by telling the truth, even when it might be uncomfortable, he is able to inspire trust.

Here is a link to the previous blog article about this book… click here.

How are you pushing players on your team? Please leave a note in the comments with your story!

Players First – Wisdom from Coach Cal

Players First by John CalipariBelow is an excerpt from a book that I just finished reading. The book is by Coach John Calipari and Michael Sololove and it is titled “Players First, Coaching from the Inside Out.” The excerpt explains Coach Cal’s “Players First” philosophy…

… There was a time I coached partly for myself – for status, respect, money, wins. I’m not immune to any of these things, but they’re not really the point anymore, either. … I coach for the names on the back of the jerseys – not just the front. My players. They are sent to me by their fathers, their mothers, their grandmothers and their aunts – whoever in this world raised them and loves them. Others look at their NBA bodies and consider them lucky. Future millionaires, just stopping through before they cash in. That’s not what I see. They’re kids, some of them as young as seventeen years old. They all need me in a different way. Some want my affection, others my approval. It’s a burden to be responsible for other people’s children, sometimes a heavy burden.

“Players First” sounds like a great way to think about coaching, even if you are not the head coach of the Kentucky Men’s Division 1 basketball program. Even if your players are not future NBA draft picks, it is good to think about the responsibility you, as a coach, have to them and the people who raised them.

Other Book Reviews

If you are looking for other books to help you build a winning mindset, check out these book reviews on the blog… 12 Rules For Life and The Undoing Project.

There are loads of great ideas in Coach Cal’s book and you can look forward to seeing a few more excerpts from the book on this blog. Please leave a comment below and tell us how this idea of “Players First” compares to your own coaching philosophy. I know there must be some coaches out there that coach their team to put the name on the front before the name on the back. That’s a Team-First focus and it is a good thing, right?