Thread by @AlexJSarama

Thread on finishing. This is an example of how we can use constraints to lead to different solutions emerging. This allows players to self-organize and use finishing techniques which solve the problem and suit each player’s individual constraints.

This 10 minute video is today’s @BBallImmersion membership upload. One common question from coaches who read the blog was that these players must have been taught finishing moves 1 on 0 before being able to do them in a 1 on 1 or other SSG.

I’m not sure where this comes from as no situation is ever the same. The number of potential techniques are ENDLESS due to the always changing interaction of constraints. It’s akin to fighting an insurmountable battle explicitly teaching techniques as there are so many variables

There are just some of the constraints I have identified which impact finishing. Block, constant 1 on 0 practice is not at all game-like or necessary as it deprives players of the relevant information that will impact finishing in the game.

The interaction of constraints leads to players using different solutions. This slide shows a number of finishing solutions I have identified which are available. The variation is immense! Many coaches skip immediately to immediately teaching these solutions explicitly 1 on 0.

This is the information-processing theory I wrote about. Used at all levels, but doesn’t make sense as players are not robots able to suddenly bring one of these techniques out at the right moment of the game.

Instead of trying to teach all these with block constant practice, why not create an environment where these emerge naturally and are thus learnt implicitly, being far more likely to transfer to the game?

This is because none of the perceptual cues are represented in 1 on 0 practice. This Jimmy Butler Player Study I did last year aligns very well with this week’s blog as well as the membership upload.

In conclusion, CLA can nudge the offense towards exploring different solutions, while the defense learns how to contest and neutralize. Again, we are not just letting them play a random small sided game and “figure it out.” The constraints are what shapes the finishing magic!