FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE JULY / AUGUST 2004

ASSISTO9

moncho monsalve
inside players
dusko ivanovic
THE ATTACK
OF THE
pick-and-roll defense
paul “jacky” loube
tower philosophy:
advantages and disadvantages
steve smith
the development of
basketball in the
oceania region
DETROIT
enrique amy
dental injuries PISTONS
 EDITORIAL

paving the
WAY FOR THE
FUTURE
Our Zone has made an evaluation of what has been achieved Because of this, we will begin to suggest the following stra-
during visits to 17 countries from the period of 1998 to 2002. We tegy and action plan:
have reached the conclusion that it is necessary to change the
way to channel our help and programs and implement changes to THE NATIONAL FEDERATIONS NEED TO:
our action plan in the period from 2003 to 2006. 1) Have permanent offices endowed with the minimum servi-
Although some of the affiliated representative countries of our ces such as telephone, fax, and an internet connection.
continent have improved their game level, we are quite concer- They should also rely on an executive staff and the neces-
ned for the future of basketball in the Americas. The social and sary technicians.
economic problems which most of them are going through, impe- 2) Stress the practice of basketball in their country.
des, in many cases, the normal development of any program that 3) Implement registration for coaches, referees, technical
seeks to be carried out. and official table commissioners. In addition, a database
One of the problems we have detected is that most of our should be established to register all players taking note of
Federations do not have the expert technical personnel to plan their ages.
and carry out the necessary programs that will guarantee the trai- 4) Execute the necessary annual courses for coaches, refe-
ning of the coaches, referees, preparation of the competition rees, and technical and official table commissioner candi-
calendars, and the appropriate dosage of the training of the dates. In principle, they should not allow coaches or refe-
young players. Some Federations lack offices and do not have rees that have not taken the courses to coach in the chil-
administrative staffs. Another problem is that most of the dren and youth categories.
Federations do not have tournaments or Club competitions that 5) Control domestic basketball in all aspects, including the
will serve as models to young players, which will allow them to amount of training and competitions, calendars and sche-
maintain continuity in the practice of our sport. duling, and teaching fundamentals to the children.
In many countries, a young player trains the whole year and only 6) When the circumstances allow it, collaborate with the
plays 10 to 14 games a season, while in others, there are players government and its respective Education and Sport
that play around 200 games and never train. Neither of these two Departments, for specialized basketball training for
things is good for the best development of a player and the team. Physical Education Teachers in the primary, secondary,
In the previous point we mentioned the young players. This is, and community schools.
maybe, the biggest problem our continent has. In our investigation 7) Guide, promote, and carry out appropriate club competi-
we have detected the lack of courses for the coaches that work tions in the two superior categories of semi-professional
in the minor categories. Therefore, they do not have the appro- and professional. Do this by enforcing set guidelines,
priate capacity that will allow them to teach correctly our sport to which will make them respect the Official Game Rules and
players of different ages and, also, allow them to obtain the basic international agendas.
knowledge for the kids’ integral education. 8) Motivate the creation of Coaches, Players and Officials
In regards to the following suggestions, the specific problems of Associations.
each Federation varies from country to country. The only common 9) Promote the practice of women’s basketball.
problem among the federations is the economic one. Therefore, 10) Promote and regulate the activities of mini basketball, as
each country may have different strategies based on their indivi- an initial phase of the motivation process for the practice
dual needs. of our sport and as a natural quarry for their development.
The basketball of the future will be the faithful reflection of what
we do today. To be able to get good players for the national teams We understand that the growth and permanent diffusion of our
at 2010 or 2014, we should begin now to program the correct sport will automatically provoke the success of our most
development of our children and young players, guaranteeing important competitions on a long term basis.
them an appropriate sport preparation and a correct teaching of As a logical consequence, full stadiums with better and more
the ethical and human aspects of it. Nor should we forget the cur- sponsors will prevail.
rent players, who we need to continue working with. FIBA has already begun to develop projects to reach our short
The difficulties are not with FIBA or in their Zones. The problems and long term goals. Our zone is committed to making the
are in the National Federations. They need many things to achie- necessary efforts to reach our objectives.
ve their objectives and this is where the biggest problems exist.
They do not have programs because they cannot carry them out Alberto Garcia
due to a lack of resources. Deputy Secretary General - FIBA AMERICAS
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA by Alberto Garcia 3
International Basketball Federation
8, CH. Blandonnet, 1214 Vernier/Geneva
Switzerland
Tel. +41-22-545.0000, Fax +41-22-545.0099
www.fiba.com
COACHES
e-mail: info@fiba.com
FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti-BT&M, Fundamentals Drills 6
Cantelli Editore, Italy
PARTNER WABC (World Association by Kevin Eastman
of Basketball Coaches),
Dusan Ivkovic President
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Inside Players 10
Giorgio Gandolfi by Moncho Monsalve
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore,
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castelmaggiore (BO),
Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328811, Scouting and Training in France 16
Fax +39-051 6328815 by Jean-Pierre de Vincenzi
E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net
THE MISSION OFFENSE
Our objective is to help basketball grow globally
and improve in every aspect. Our goal is to pro- Plays To Run as the Shot Clock Expires 21
duce a technical publication of the highest level, by Phil Melillo
but one that is easily understood and apprecia-
ted by everyone. An ample section of the maga-
zine is devoted to the coaches - more precisely, The Attack of the Detroit Pistons 25
youth level coaches - because coaches compri-
se the largest part of our readership. Basketball
can improve only if every aspect of this sport DEFENSE
improves and moves forward. For this reason
the magazine is also devoted to topics of interest Pick-and-Roll Defense 29
for team executives, referees, doctors, conditio- by Dusko Ivanovic
ning coaches, trainers, and mini-basketball
instructors, as well as national Federations,
FIBA Zones, Leagues and teams. PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION
The magazine is published 6 times per year. Basketball Success: Genes Are the Key - Part II 35
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief are by Jonathan Niednagel
not responsible for the opinions expressed in the
articles. All rights reserved.
The National Federation and their affiliates can NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their Latvian Coaches Council: the Past and Future 37
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the
magazine to an external publisher without the by Uldis Gravitis
written permission of FIBA.
All information in this publication is provided as
news matter only and is not to be used to viola- HOOP MARKET
te any local or national laws.
Books and Videos on Shooting 38
Printed in Italy. by Raffaele Imbrogno
Copyright 2004 by FIBA.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the following persons:
Corrado de Belvis, Lisa Cavallini, Gerald
Couzens, and Raffaele Imbrogno, Paolo Grilli;
Dominic Couzens and Craig Usiak for the English
editing; Nerea Monsalve for the translation of
the article of Moncho Monsalve; Mike Stamus,
2004 - 2005 FIBA CALENDAR
Associate Sport Information Director of Georgia AUGUST 09.2004 30th European Championship
Tech University, for the article of Timothy
Hansen. 05 - 08.08 1st FIBA Diamond Ball for Women 2005 Division
Tournament for Women A & B Qualifying Rounds
AN INVITATION TO OUR READERS
No matter what the level of competition you are 2004 in Iraklion, Greece 10 - 18.09 18th U18 Asian Championship
concerned about, we invite you (coaches; FIBA 06 - 15.08 18th U16 European for Men 2004 in Bangalore,
Zones, Federations, Leagues, and team executi-
ves, referees, doctors, trainers, conditioning Championship for Men India
coaches, minibasket instructors, journalists) to 2004 Division B in 17 - 28.09 Paralympic Games 2004 in
send articles to us for publication. The article
must be no longer than 5/6,000 characters, spa- Manchester, England Athens, Greece
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All manuscripts must be written in English, Tournament for Men Championship for Men
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The manuscript will become property of the 13 - 29.08 28th Olympic Games:
Publisher and the author will automatically be Tournament for Women OCTOBER
granted the rigths of publication, without asking
any fee now or in the future. 2004 in Athens, Greece 12 - 17.10 FIBA Women's World
The Editorial Staff will decide if and when League 2004, Final
articles will be published.
There is no guarantee that manuscripts will be SEPTEMBER Round in Samara and
published, nor willl manuscripts be returned. 09.2004 34th European St. Petersburg, Russia
Championship for Men 27.10 World Commission for
2005 Division A & B Women's Basketball in
Qualifiying Rounds Geneva, Switzerland

PAGE 4 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 CONDITIONING COACHES
REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE Developing Powerful Athletes 59
AND COMMISSIONERS by Roy Lindsell

TRAINERS
Tower Philosophy: Advantages and Disadvantages 40 Core Stability Training in Low Back Rehabilitation 61
by Paul “Jacky” Loube by Tim Hansen
Right or Wrong? 45
MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL
SPORT MARKETING AND GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
MANAGEMENT MINI-BASKETBALL
EXECUTIVES AND MARKETING French Mini-Basketball Program 63
Make Sure Your Organization’s Values Are Core 47
by Greg Curchod
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 66
The Development of Basketball in the Oceania 49
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Dental Injuries 57
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FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 5

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

FUNDAMENTALS
by Kevin Eastman
DRILLS
Kevin Eastman is one of the best tea-
chers of basketball fundamentals in
the U.S. A former coach of
Washington State and North Carolina-
Wilmington, and NBA scout, he is
currently Director of NIKE Skills
Academy. Last summer, he worked
closely with LeBron James
(Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo
Anthony (Denver Nuggets). He is the
author of five videos on basketball
fundamentals, produced by
Championship Productions.

There are many coaches who spend

time directing basketball drills, but
they do not understand how to make
each drill as competitive as it can be.
Making drills competitive will be what
makes your workouts different from
others. The more competitive the dril-
ls, the more intense your players are
likely to be, and the more game-like
your drills will be.

There are three forms of competition:

1. Competing against yourself.

2. Competing against the clock.
3. Competing against an opponent.

COMPETING AGAINST YOURSELF

You are challenging yourself each day
to make one more shot, or do one
more repetition, or jump one inch
higher. You are only concerned with
what you did yesterday and whether
you can beat it today.

COMPETING AGAINST THE CLOCK

You see how many repetitions you can
do in a certain period of time. Your
main challenge here is to see if you
can improve upon the number of repe-
titions in the same time period.

COMPETING AGAINST AN OPPONENT

Plain and simple, it is you against the
other person: Who does better, who

PAGE 06 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROP

D.1
D.4 D.7

before, during, and after the shot

(diagr. 1). He must follow through with
each shot.

FORM OF THE JUMP HOOK SHOT

The player takes two perfect form
jump hook shots with the right hand
followed by two with the left hand
from each of the four positions
D.2 (diagr. 2).
D.5

CUT, CATCH, PAUSE, AND SHOOT

The player makes a cut towards the
basket at game speed, and then to
the free-throw line. Here, he catches
the ball, squares up to the basket,
pauses for a moment, and then
shoots. Five shots are taken from
each side of the court (diagr. 3).

The same move, but as soon as the

player catches the ball, he drives
D.3 D.6 hard to the basket, and finishes with
a shot or a dunk, if possible. Five
shots from each side of the court
(diagr. 4).
does more, who jumps higher, who same is true for the way you practice.
does more repetitions. Players must be constantly moving: POST CUT
YOU CAN’T JUST STAND AROUND! Make an angled cut from one low
Competing day in and day out is post position to the other on the
something athletes have to do if they To become a good player, you must be opposite side of the court, completing
are going to become good basketball willing to work very hard. a five-shot series from each side of
players. They need to challenge them- The harder you work, the better you the court, using different post shots
selves on every drill they perform. will become. (diagr. 5).
Do not be a person who is just willing
Basketball drills are basic. to “get by.” AFTER CUT SHOTS
Practice sessions are basic. The skills Good basketball players do not have These are drills made from cuts, cat-
are basic. The real battle for the player that attitude. ches, and shooting from the designa-
comes during the hours spent working. The better players are always trying to ted positions of your set plays. The
The player must find a way to get improve their skills. What really sepa- cut’s angle is as important as the shot
through all of this. Fatigue, frustration, rates a good player from someone who itself. Each of the drills can lead to a
and sweat help develop the much-nee- just plays the game is that a good two-point shot or a three-point shot
ded discipline. If he has a genuine pas- player puts in quality time. from each of the two sides of the
sion for the game, he will succeed. A good player practices at game speed court (diagr. 6).
on all game-like drills. These are the possible cut types:
Finally, understand the basketball is a ▼ Motion cut (diagr. 7);
game of transition-of constantly SHOOTING DRILLS ▼ “Flare cut,” moving away from
moving up and down the court, and FORM OF THE JUMP SHOT pick (diagr. 8);
from and side to side on the floor. The player takes three shots from each ▼ “Flex” cut (diagr. 9);
There is very little time when a player of the seven positions on the court. He ▼ Post baseline cut and then to the
just stands around, not moving. The works on maintaining perfect form top of lane (diagr. 10).

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 07

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

PAGE 08 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 D.8
D.11 D.14

D.9 D.15
D.12

D.10
D.13 D.16

ZIGZAG CUTTING DRILLS CHAIR DRILLS QUICK SQUARE-UP CHAIR DRILL

The player starts the drill 30 feet away ELBOW CHAIR SHOTS The coach has the ball and the player
from the basket, on the center of the Two chairs are put at the two corners has his back to the basket. The coach
court and outside of the three-point of the free-throw lane. passes to the player and when the ball
line. A teammate or coach passes the The player starts the drill in the middle is in the air, he shouts “right” or “left.”
ball from under the basket. of the court: he makes a straight cut The player turns, squares up in that
The player runs to point 1, catches the fake, changes direction, runs to the direction, pivoting on his right or left
ball and shots, then goes back to the chair, picks up a ball, and shoots. foot, makes two strong dribbles, explo-
starting point, runs to point 2, catches He then repeats this move on the other des through the chairs, and takes a
the ball and shots. He works this way side of the court, first returning to the pull-up jump shot (diagr. 15).
for all five spots. The drill can be middle of the court.
performed by catching and a taking a Two teammates are under the basket to FOUR CHAIRS
jump shot immediately, or by catching, catch the balls and then place them on Four chairs are put at the corner of the
making a shot fake, taking one dribble, the chairs. The drill duration can be three-second lane, each one with a
and then taking a shot (diagr. 11). established according to time or to a ball on it. Two teammates or coaches
certain number of shots taken, or shots retrieve the balls and put them on the
CONE DRILLS made. The player can catch and shoot chairs The player starts on the right
Four cones are put on the court (diagr. immediately, after a dribble, after a side (in this case), makes a cut fake
12). A teammate or the coach makes shot fake, or after a shot fake and a parallel to the baseline, and then cuts
the passes. The player can start in any dribble (diagr. 13). up, turns around chair 1, picks the ball
of the positions. He runs towards the and then shoots. He then goes back to
cone, catches the ball, and shoots. He REVERSE PIVOT ELBOW CHAIR SHOTS chair 2, where he started the drill, picks
then has to run to another cone, catch, The drill is the same as the previous, but up the ball and shoots. He then runs
and shoot once again. After every shot, once the player goes past the chair, he baseline, goes around the chair 3,
he has to run to a cone that is farthest reverse pivots back, picks up the ball, picks up the ball, and shoots. Finally, he
from the one he has just shot from and shoots. He has to make this move goes around chair 4, picks up the ball,
(diagr. 12). only after he is past the chair (diagr. 14). and shoots (diagr. 16).
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 09
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

INSIDE
by Moncho Monsalve

PLAYERS
Moncho Monsalve coached Mataro METHODOLOGY
Barcelona and Tenerife, both of which A. Be patient - “A mistake is not a fault.”
he lead from LEB to ACB, the top divi- Give them opportunities to play. Their
sion. He has also coached Badalona, progress is usually slow.
Murcia, Cantabria, Malaga and Ferrol.
He lead Valencia to the female Spanish B. Be positive - Always put them in si-
title in 1996 and coached teams around tuations in which they feel comforta-
the world, such as Monaco (France), ble.
and Mestre (Italy). He also directed
several National teams: the 1995 C. Work every day - Plan specific and
Central America silver medal individual technical sessions.
Dominican Republic, the Switzerland
National Team, the 2001 African D. Design a conditioning program - It
Champion Morocco, and the Second must be specific for them. I have
Team of Spain. always believed in weight training,
even during season.
PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT
Some considerations: E. Build the offense - The inside
▼ It is important to be a good passer. players need to see their integra-
▼ These athletes must know how to tion and how important they are to
play facing and with their back to the the team. Naturally, this depends
basket. on their particular athletic charac-
▼ They are not requested to do what teristics and basketball skills. Insi-
the perimeter players are able to do. de players need to have their areas
▼ Sometimes the 2-meter players are of play clearly defined.
more dominant and play “bigger”
than much taller players. F. Teach them:
▼ It is very important to be strong and ▼ To gain position, to receive the ball, to
accept physical contact. pass, and pivot with the ball.
▼ You do not always win by just shoo- ▼ How and when to execute offensive
ting from the outside. moves.
▼ Good inside players make good ▼ To use both hands. This will help
shooters even better. them to move on both sides of the
▼ Good shooters help to create space, court. It is important that they play on
therefore our inside play will be ea- both sides of the “paint.”
sier. ▼ To play in the low, medium, and high
post.
PHILOSOPHY
In this game you win and you lose in the G. We have to teach them
3-second area known as “the paint”. progressively. Do not teach
It is very valuable to have big men that anything new until they have
are good passers and know how to play mastered the previous fundamental.
the game well.
When training, use audiovisual aids.
Therefore, the first thing to develop in big “Pictures never lie.” Whenever possi-
men is the mental aspect of the game, ble, videotape their training sessions
their areas of play on the court, and a to- and games. In addition, have them wat-
tal understanding of the game. It is im- ch videos of top post players in action.
portant that inside players receive the
ball to make them participate in the game Key aspect - It is of great importance to
even if their “priority” is defense and re- “prepare” the perimeter players to play
bounding. with the posts:

PAGE 10 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 a. Show and convince the other
players of the importance of the insi-
de players, without breaking the har-
mony of the team.
b. Teach the perimeter players how to
read the defense. 80% of turnovers
happen while passing and receiving
the ball.
D.1 c. Play without the ball; take a free spa-
ce or cut after having passed the ball
inside. Teach and repeat tactical si-
tuations where both inside and out-
side players are involved.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INSIDE PLAYERS

Big men need to prove they have a posi-
tive image. This is intangible, but it has
been proven scientifically. We must let
them prove how important their role is
because:
D.2 a. We win with big men;
b. The best offensive action is “from
the inside to the outside”;
c. If they score between 50% and 65%
of the shots, they have to be the top
shooters of the team. If not, we can
use them for rebounds, passing, and
blocking: the “dirty” work that is not
appreciated by many players.

A golden rule - Statistics have proven

that for every three passes made, one
D.3 must go inside the low post area: this of-
fers high scoring percentages.
Encourage inside players to become
“three-point” players: basket + additio-
nal free-throw.
Inside play, aside from good scoring per-
centages, it provokes fouls, free-throws,
and substitutions, all leading to victory.
Therefore, it is important that post
players are good shooters from the free-
throw line.
D.4
FUNDAMENTALS: OFFENSE
The basic ingredients, which we will ex-
plain later, are:

▼ Position
▼ Target
▼ Reception
▼ Rebound (first pass)
▼ Pass
▼ Shot
▼ Movement
D.5 ▼ Blocks

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
Feet - Move with good balance,
footwork, and practice cutting. Stay low,
with the knees flexed.

Hands - They have to be strong, sensiti-

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 11

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

ve, and reactive. in relation to the ball (diagr. 4).

Head - Always follows the direction of Once you have taken up a position, you
the shoulders; use peripheral vision at all must wait for the arrival of the ball. Hold
times. that position until you receive the ball.
If you cannot gain the position and the
BASIC AREAS defender is anticipating what you will
Strength - Inside play is not a matter of do, pressure must be released to make
“finesse”; rather, it is a power game. him think that he has beaten you. It is
now the time to “drop the foot” and, with
Endurance - Physical and mental; the a reverse pivot, quickly ask for the ball D.6
majority of big men lack endurance and on the inside of the area (diagr. 5).
consistency in both of these key areas. If your post is left-handed, he should ini-
tially be on the left side in relation to the
Coordination - We must work on it every basket and vice versa, if he is right-han-
day. ded (diagr. 6 and 7).
The most difficult action to defend in the-
Reaction - The most important aspect: to se areas is the “flash-cut” to the ball
react to verbal and visual signs with (diagr. 8).
quick actions and determination.
2. Read the defense
Offensive moves - Well-defined; it is not This is the key to gaining position. Both
imperative to have a wide variety of mo- parties must be involved in this: perime- D.7
ves. As a result of the game’s natural ter players and inside players. Therefo-
evolution, a new concept has been crea- re, the relationship and understanding
ted: the “distributor”. It means a player between them is essential (diagr. 9, 10,
that from the “central axle” of the court 11, 12, and 13).
threatens with three pointers, helps to If the defense is playing on the side of
change the ball to the other side, creates the ball, move up towards the ball and
“high post - low post” situations. create a bigger space, allowing the ball
to come in. If the defense is defending
DESCRIPTION OF FUNDAMENTALS on the baseline, then go down towards
1. The position the line. If the defender plays in front,
The starting point is the geometric cen- come out a step “looking at” the free-th-
row line: your teammate will have a bet- D.8
ter between the free-throw line and the
baseline. Move along the same way on ter vision of the court and more space
both sides: spaces (diagr. 1). for a lob pass to be thrown in to you. This
position also protects us from a possible
If we play with a “double-post,” it is bet- offensive foul. Throwing and receiving a
ter that they look at the inside of the zone lob pass has two possible problems: a.
(facing each other). They will control the offensive player displaces the defen-
their defender better if they face him and der and may committ a foul; b. we start
keep the defense inside the area (diagr. very close to the basket, therefore, there
2). Most post players start with their back is minimal time and space to react.
to the basket, but this position does not Do not leave your position until the ball is
above your head; look at the ball and
have the above-mentioned advantages D.9
create a space; then move towards the
(diagr. 3).
ball and pick it up with both feet together
It is important to have a good space, a
and, with a continuous movement, make (diagr. 14).
strong position, and good balance.
the power move towards the basket. It is important to convince inside players
Legs must be flexed and in line with the
to think when they receive the ball and
shoulders.
Important - If the pass is coming below not before. The defense will always tell
Hands must be at shoulder height and the free-throw line, it is better to direct us which way to score.
the arms outstretched. the ball towards the corner of the board.
If the defensive player is playing behind 3. The target
Very important: Wait for things to hap- the inside player, turn with the ball and Inside players must signal the target.
pen. Let the ball be passed or dribbled face the defender. Look at the defender: This is of vital importance. It is a silent
beyond the free-throw line. Always be in if he is rigid and stiff, he is “dead” and form of communication between the
a passing position and never “open up to we must not let him take up another po- passer and the receiver.
the ball” until you have a defined posi- sition. If, when we turn, he is distant, The hand indicating the target should be
tion: always play facing the defender. then we shoot over him. If the defender the opposite hand to the shoulder that is
Allow the defender to define his position establishes contact, we must attack closer to the defender. The arm should
and then you react, pivoting so that he is and dribble the ball, looking to see how be outstretched and slightly flexed.
now behind you. Do not allow your de- he reacts: if he blocks the baseline, we
fender to have a foot out in front of yours turn and go through inside the area Note: The passer must always use the

PAGE 12 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

shoulder that is closer to the defender as
a reference point.

Rule: If our post player does not signal

the target with his hand, we must not gi-
ve him the ball. This way we avoid loo-
sing possession.

Perimeter players - The relationship

between perimeter and inside players is
based on this major premise: read the
defense.

4. The pass
To have a good offensive game, it is es-
sential that the inside players have a
good knowledge of the game and a va-
riety of passes.
a. 1st pass of a fast-break (counter-at-
tack).
b. Passes for distribution and changing
the ball from one side to the other.
c. “Inside-outside” play: free space or
cutting.
d. Play between posts.

▼ We recommend the “baseball”

pass; direct it towards the outside
rather than the inside of the court.
▼ If possible, thrown towards the cor-
ner of the hoop and not the side of
the court.
▼ If the player cannot make a direct
pass, he should bounce the ball 2-3
times and try to improve the passing
angle.
▼ If the opposing team has scored, try
a long pass. Go for a quick transition
from defense to offense.

5. How to receive the ball

Hands should point to the ball. If the pass
is high, the fingers should be outstret-
ched. If the pass is low, the fingers
should be pointed toward the floor, the
opposite if the pass is high.
Receiving a pass consists of two ac-
tions: stopping it and gathering it. We
should stop it with our fingers outstret-
ched, the palms of our hands opened
and wide. Gather the ball in and bring it
quickly towards your chest.
When we are about to receive the ball,
we must keep our arms away from the
body. Once we have the ball, we bring it
towards us, with elbows pointing out. If
we receive the ball too close to our body,
the defender can intercept it or knock it
away with his hand.
“Pick the ball up with the eyes:” We mu-
st look at the ball when it is arriving in our
hands. Many post players lose the ball
because they move before actually re-
ceiving the ball.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 13

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

MOVES line between 10 and 14 times per ga-

They are dictated by the defense: the de- me.
fense tells us what to do.
When receiving the ball, we must have a REBOUNDS
reference point to look at the defender. You need strength, power, determination,
We like the center of the area. aggressiveness, desire, and timing.

RULE I have seen players only 1,98 tall who are

If we receive the ball on the low post: great rebounders and players who are
No. 1. Score 2,10 tall who are really bad at rebounding. D.10
No. 2. Pass “To play big is more important than to be
big.” Players that are good at rebounding
If we receive the ball on the high post: create space around them when they
No. 1.Pass pick the ball up.
No. 2. Score
Defensive rebound - When an opposing
As soon as we receive the ball, we must player takes a shot, we must not give him
be ready for a quick move; the first prio- a second chance. In games contested by
rity is to be a “3-point player”. teams of the same talent level, the num-
ber of ball possessions is a major factor
It is not particularly beneficial to teach that contributes to winning. Therefore,
many offensive moves; between three we must not give the other team “extra” D.11
and four well-executed offensive moves ball possessions. If we are in control of
are enough. our defensive board, we can certainly
dictate the rhythm of the game.
SHOOTING
A good offensive post player only needs Offensive rebound - It is invaluable be-
to master three types of shots: cause it gives you:
a. Jump shot - With or without bounce ▼ Extra ball possessions.
and fake. ▼ Short-distance shots of high-scoring
percentage possibility.
b. Hook - Direct with and without boun- ▼ Defensive fouls.
ce. Jump hook: this is, in my opinion, ▼ We can prevent the other team from
D.12
a particularly important shot after a fast-breaking (counter-attacking).
quick move under the basket. It is
very effective, especially against a a. Head - Always know which player is
zone-defense. To execute a hook, shooting and from where he is shoo-
either direct or jumping, and with ting from. It is essential to anticipate
bounce and fake or without, you must the shot and take up a position for
use both hands. the rebound. We should not always
wait for the shot to be taken before
c. Power - Fake and inside movement. looking for a position under the ba-
This is executed after one or two sket. Remember to follow the ball’s
dribbles, looking to make contact trajectory only after noting your de-
with the defender. fensive player and blocking him out. D.13

When you have “won” the baseline, you b. Legs - The relationship between po-
must put your body parallel to the line. sition and jump is crucial. To jump
quickly is more important than to
Bounce the ball one or two times maxi- jump high. A “horizontal” jump (si-
mum, keeping the ball close to the body. deways) can also be more important
Use the non-shooting arm to protect than a vertical jump (straight up).
the shot and avoid a possible block,
especially when penetrating to the ba- c. Arms - Keep them high and in good
sket from the free-throw line. position. For offensive rebounding,
arms must be active and keep the
I like inside players that shoot facing ball alive. Basic rule: “Elbows should D.14
the basket from four to five meters be kept above shoulder height”.
away, whether from a standstill or
while moving. It is very important for d. Hands - Improve the strength
inside players to be good free-throw without losing sensitivity and tou-
shooters, with a percentage between ch. The use of one hand is only ef-
76% and 86%. In fact, I expect good in- fective in offensive rebounding
side players will go to the free-throw (“tapping”). Big men must be tau-

PAGE 14 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 ght to always use two hands
when going for the ball. After
jumping: both hands should be
kept above the hoop.

REBOUND EXERCISES
1. Without jumping: “3 against 3,” un-
der the hoop, without lifting the feet
to pick the ball up. Inside players
should be taught to use their arms,
their hands, positioning, and speed.
2. Timing: working on reaction and
coordination using the baskets.
3. Jumping to the hoop: Repetitions,
touching the hoop.
Another vital aspect is to teach inside
players how to pivot and hold onto the
ball when they are in possession of it
and playing under pressure.

THE PERIMETER: RULES

We must always pass away from the
defender. Therefore, the first thing to
look for and see is the position of the
defender. If he is two steps away, do
not try to pass the ball to the post. In-
stead, put the ball on the floor and for-
ce the defense to get closer: in this
way, we create better passing angles.

The ideal distance between passer

and receiver is 3 to 4 meters. As soon
as the receiver is free, this is the time to
pass the ball. If we are on the perime-
ter and want to make a pass, do not
keep the ball above head before pas-
sing; this tells everybody in which di-
rection we intend to pass.

If the perimeter players believe in our

three-point game in its two variations
(shot behind the 6,25 line or 2 points
scored + additional free-throw), they
should always try, when possible, to get
the ball into the low post area.

a. “Freeze” the defense with a pas-

sing fake.
b. The best type of pass for inside
players is the bounce pass, as they
have more time to see it coming.
c. Every time we give the ball inside
the low-post area, we must move:
cut or take up a free space.

When the defender turns around and

goes to help, we must occupy the
space that he cannot see when he
turns his head: attack the back of his
neck. If he does not move or turn his
head, we can take any direction we
want; this makes it more difficult for
him to double team the post player
inside.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 15

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

SCOUTING AND
by Jean-Pierre
de Vincenzi TRAINING IN FRANCE
Jean-Pierre de Vincenzi won a gold
medal as head coach of the Junior
Men’s French National team at
European Championship in 1992, and a
Silver Medal at the Olympic Games in
2000 with the Men’s French National
team. He is now Technical Director of
the French Basketball Federation.

INTRODUCTION
The strategy behind our system for
scouting and training our elite young
players is based upon two factors which
are specific to France:

▼ The Ministry of Youth and Sport

places Technical Sports Counselors
at our disposal. These experts are
specialized in basketball and
distributed throughout 24 political
districts and the overseas
territories.

▼ The administrative structuring of

the federation is divided into
county conferences, regional
leagues, and seven geographical
zones.

The Technical Sports Counselors

appointed by the National Technical
Director are charged with scouting the
best potential young players in their
region, training them, and preparing the
various county, regional, and zone
teams.

The federal structures act as supports

for the organization of clinics and
tournaments, and provide the necessary
human and financial resources.
They do this under the control and with
the direct assistance of the federation
and the national technical
management.

AIMS OF THE SCOUTING NETWORK

▼ To obtain results at the European
Championships for Young Men and
Young Women.

PAGE 16 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 
▼ To renew the supply of professional
national and international elite

NATIONAL TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT

players.
EUROPEAN
▼ To scout young players in order to
train them better, the emphasis CHAMPIONSHIP
being on the following principles:

▼ The best players should train

together.

▼ The best players should play

FRENCH
together. TEAM
▼ To direct potential elite players
towards federal training structures
(from hopefuls to national level)
and the professional clubs’ training
FRENCH
centers. GROUP
PYRAMID SYSTEM OF SCOUTING
The scouting network goes into action
each year with young players aged 14, NATIONAL 30 best girls,
two years before the European 30 best boys
Championships for Cadet (te) s (see CAMP
the chart).
The national groups formed following
1 INTER-ZONE
TOURNAMENT
7 ZONE TEAMS
PARTICIPATION
OF 84 GIRLS, 84 BOYS

7 INTER-LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS
27 LEAGUE TEAMS
PARTICIPATION OF
324 GIRLS, 324 BOYS

27 INTER-CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS
95 CONFERENCE TEAMS
PARTICIPATION OF
1,140 GIRLS,
1,140 BOYS

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 17

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

this scouting process become the

responsibility of the national coaches
concerned.
These groups constitute the working
basis for the coaches’ future team and
players may be added or eliminated at
any time.

SELECTION CRITERIA
The Technical Sports Counselors and
national coaches carry out spotting
potential selectable players during
tournaments, using the following
criteria:

▼ General morphology and physical

qualities.

▼ Speed (running, body movements,

reaction).

▼ Motor skills (dexterity, balance,

skill, control, coordination).

▼ Mental attitude (motivation,

aggressiveness, fighting spirit).

▼ Anticipation (understanding of the

game).

▼ The athlete’s build.

Further detailed evaluation is carried

out at training clinics using specific
tests and during training sessions.

TRAINING ELITE YOUNG PLAYERS

The best potential young male and
female players aged 14 and 15 are
grouped together under the federal
structures.

GROUPS FOR HOPEFULS

Controlled and partially financed by
the Ministry of Sport and distributed
throughout the country to make them
closer to families, schools and clubs,
there are 33 groups for hopefuls,
encompassing approximately 500
young players.
They are trained by the Technical
Sports Counselors and undergo 12
hours of training a week with
academic and medical support.
At the weekend, they return to their
club to play in a French championship
game for young players.

The young players constituting the

potential framework of the national
cadet (te) and junior teams are
grouped together in the FRENCH
NATIONAL GROUPS which are located

PAGE 18 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

at the National Institute for Sport and
Physical Education (INSEP1) in Paris
and at the Regional Center for Physical
and Sports Education (Creps2) in
Toulouse.
They are trained by the national
coaches and take part in the French
national championships, divisions 1
and 2.

At the age of 16, over 50 percent of the

young players who leave the groups
for hopefuls and do not go on to play in
the French national groups are taken
on by the training centers of high level
clubs, thus continuing their ascent to
the best level possible.

THE MAIN AXES OF FURTHER TRAINING

We have defined two main stages for
which we have drawn up working
criteria containing essential data based
on our shortcomings and with
reference to international competitions.

1. Prior to the age of 16. This

corresponds to “pre-training” and is
what should be carried out in the
groups for hopefuls.

Training hinges on the individual

aspects of the game:

▼ Ball skills.

▼ Relative strength in battles

for the ball.

▼ Quality of passing.

▼ Dexterity.

▼ Game when not in possession

of ball.

To this we add a physical training

strategy, which aims to lay the
foundations for later work and is based
on acquiring the qualities of strength,
power, and explosiveness.

The headings of this strategy are as

follows:

▼ Consolidation of general attitude.

▼ Articular proprioception.

▼ Stretching.

▼ Sleeving.

▼ Planning the build-up of muscle.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 19

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

▼ Speed.

▼ Jumping.

2. Second stage.
After the age of 16 and corresponding
to that of the clubs’ training centers
and the French national groups.

This involves developing the player’s

profile with reference to the limits and
characteristics at the highest level.

One of the specific aspects is the

organization of players into a sporting
and academic project respecting other
people’s rules and their own physical
and technical integrity.

On the level of individual technique,

this will be a question of reinforcing
know-how by giving greater
importance to the specificities of
playing positions and their application
in competition.
We pay particular attention to the
repetition of body movements,
together with the development of
“individual tactics” (reading the game
in order to select the move appropriate
to the situation).

It is at this stage that we integrate

collective training:

▼ The basics of group play.

▼ Tactics: systems of play.

▼ Competition: optimizing the

player’s individual role in the sum
commitment to win.

CONCLUSION
Our scouting/training network, which
is outlined here and was set up in 1997
by the national technical management,
has brought us some rewards in the
form of our results at international
level which have never been as
convincing.

The system also has its weaknesses

and has created difficulties.
The improvements that we are
attempting to make depend upon the
conditions which are already enabling
it to function and which are placed
upon it by the state and the French
Basketball Federation, namely the
effectiveness and the quality of human
resources and the financial means
available.

PAGE 20 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

Plays To Run as the

Shot Clock Expires
by Phil Melillo

Phil Melillo became head coach of the A2

team of Forlì, Italy, in 1994, where he won
the championship. He then coached Vero-
na, in A1, and won the Italian Supercup. He
also seated on the bench of the teams of
Siena, Roseto (where he won another
championship in A2) in two different pe-
riods, Udine, and, since last season, he has
been the head coach of Scavolini Pesaro.

When the shot clock is running out and

we are running set plays I feel it is very
important to have all the players touching
the ball and moving without the ball,
making the defense work harder. If the
players are having a difficult time finding
a way to score, they can run this set play:
2 goes out to the wing using the screen
set by 5, 3 goes to the opposite wing posi-
tion, 1 then passes to 2 (diagr. 1 and 2). 1
uses the screen set by 4 and then goes to
the corner. 4, after the screen, gets open
by going wide and receives the ball from 2
(diagr. 3). 3 moves to the opposite corner.
4 passes the ball to 1, who has just moved
from the corner up to the wing position
(diagr. 4). 4 sets up a pick-and-roll with 1.
1 uses the screen to drive to the basket or
can pass to 5, who is cutting to the basket,
if the drive can not occur (diagr. 5). After
the screen has been set, 4 can either
establish himself low or move out to the
three-point line. On the other hand, if it is 5
setting up the pick-and-roll with 1, 5 then
moves into the low post and 4 must move
out to the three-point line (diagr. 6). Let’s
now have a look at the options we have in
the development of this play.

FIRST OPTION: BALL TO 5 IN THE LOW POST

2 goes to pick for 4, while, on the other
side, 3 cuts and exchanges his position
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 21
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

D.1

D.2

D.3

D.4

with 1. The aim is to keep the defense

busy, not allowing the defenders to rest.
This gives 5 the chance to play one-on-
one and avoid drawing the double team
(diagr. 7).

SECOND OPTION: 5 KICKS THE BALL OUT

First opportunity
5 passes the ball from the low post to 4. If
4 can not shoot, he passes the ball to 2,
who is at the top of the key, or who can
pass to 1, who is coming off a staggered
screen set by 5 and 4 (diagr. 8).
Second opportunity
If 5 can not receive the ball, 2 passes the
ball to 4, who is now looking for to play
with 5 in the post (diagr. 9).

PAGE 22 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

D.5 D.6 D.7

D.8 D.9

D.10

D.11

THIRD OPTION: SWING

First opportunity
3 makes a back door cut, while 1 is trying
to get open at the wing (diagr. 10).
Second opportunity
Now 1 has several options: 1 can shoot, he
can drive or play one-on-one in the area left
open from the backdoor cut of 3 (diagr. 11).
Third opportunity with 3 in the post
After the back door, 3 takes position in the
low post. If he receives the ball from 1, 1
goes and picks for 4 and then replaces 4’s
position (diagr. 12).
If it is 5 instead of 4 at the top of the key, 1
does not pick for 4, but establishes his own
position on the wing, allowing 5 to set a
screen for 2 on the weak side (diagram 13).
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2003 | PAGE 23
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

D.12

D.13

D.14

D.15

FOURTH OPTION: PICK-AND-ROLL

4, after he has swung the ball to the weak si-
de, sets a screen for 1, and breaks free. If he
is not open, he can continue out to the three-
point line or cut to the basket. Meanwhile, 5
moves out to the three-point line (diagr. 14).
Now, with their roles exchanged, 5, after the
pick of the player with the ball, cuts towards
the basket and 4, starting from the low post,
goes out to the three-point line (diagr. 15).
This play allows me to have:
▼ Players in constant movement;
▼ The ball moving from side to side;
▼ All players touching the ball, which is
the most important thing, because it
makes the defenses job harder and al-
lows for the best scoring opportunity.

PAGE 24 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

Larry Brown is the current head coach of the 2004 NBA

Champions Detroit Pistons and USA Men’s Olympic
Basketball team. A 2002 inductee to the Basketball
Hall of Fame, Brown is the only U.S. male to play and
coach in the Olympics. He is also the only coach to
win both a NCAA and NBA title. Included among the
teams he has coached are the UCLA Bruins, Kansas
Jayhawks, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, and
the Philadelphia 76ers. After playing and coaching for
more than thirty years, Larry Brown is widely conside-
red one of the premier teachers of the game.

In an exclusive interview we received the technical

opinion on the NBA Champions Detroit Pistons by for-
mer legendary coach Chuck Daly.
Not only he was the coach of the first, uncomparable
Dream Team that won the gold medal in the 1992
Barcelona Olympics, but Daly also won two consecu-
tive NBA Championships with the Pistons in 1989 and
1990.

“This team reminds me a lot of the one winning two

titles many years ago. It’s déjà vu. Just like the 1989
and 1990 teams, the basis is a strong defense inclu-
ding two great rebounders and shot blockers.
These roles were filled by Ben and Rasheed Wallace
who can be compared to Salley and Rodman.
The transistion game starting on the defensive end
ultimately led to easy fast break points. The great pre-
cision in executing offensive set plays and giving
Hamilton several options were major factors for the
success and equal distribution of points.
All five starters for the Pistons scored in double digits
in comparison to just two on the Lakers, O’Neal and
Bryant. Another advantage of the Pistons was the
capitalization of each time out, where they scored
almost immediately after each one.
Talking about players individually, I want to underline
the impact Ben Wallace had. His defensive presence
was most noted, but his effectiveness on the offensive
end was an unexpected asset.
He was able to score using tap-ins and other methods
to help the Pistons in troubled times throughout the

THE ATTACK OF THE

detroit pistons FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 25
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

D.1 D.6 D.11

D.2 D.7

D.3 D.8

D.4 D.9

D.5 D.10

PAGE 26 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

series. The main factor, however, was Chauncey
Billups and his ability to increase his points per game
average from the regular season, while also being an
effective playmaker at the point guard position.
We can’t forget the defensive impact made by Prince,
the only player to significantly slow down Kobe
Bryant due to his height m 2.06 and wingspan,
allowing him to play taller and follow Bryant in his
movements. Thus, Larry Brown won using the basket-
ball tools from the past : defense, fundamentals, offen-
sive transition, perfect execution of set plays and the
fact that all the Pistons were team players.”

THE 2003-2004 PISTONS ROSTER

▼ Chauncey Billups Playmaker m. 1.91
Lindsay Hunter Playmaker m. 1.88
▼ Richard Hamilton Guard/Forward m. 2.01
Corliss Williamson Forward m. 2.01
▼ Tayshaun Prince Forward m. 2.06
▼ Rasheed Wallace Forward m. 2.13
Mehmet Okur Forward m. 2.11
▼ Ben Wallace Center m. 2.06
Elden Campbell Center m. 2.13

▼ = Starting Five Players

“CROSS FIST”
The beginning position has three perimeter and two
low post players, placed in a stack. 1 (Billups) passes to
one of the forwards, 2 (Hamilton), in this case, then
cuts to the paint while 3 ( Prince) takes 1’s place.
1 picks for 4 (Ben Wallace), then 4 cuts to the paint to
receive the ball. If he does not receive it, he goes to
play pick-and-roll with 2, while 1 comes out of the paint
and goes to the corner (diagr. 1 and 2).
Another solution: 1 cuts and goes to pick for 5 (Rasheed
Wallace), after having passed to 2, 5 then cuts in the
paint and sets up in the low post to get a pass from 2
and to play one-on-one. After the pass, 2 moves up or
down on the three-point line for a pass from 5, if the
defender of 2 traps on 5 (diagr. 3).

“CHEST”
1 dribbles in the central lane, 4 is in mid post, 2 is in high
post, 3 and 5 are positioned in a stack on the other side
of the court. 2 cuts around the stack of 3 and 5.
When 2 has cut to the paint, 3 cuts and then goes to the
wing. 1 can pass to 2 or 3 near the basket or on the wing
(diagr. 4). If 3 receives the ball, he can shoot or pass to
5 in high post. If these listed solutions do not occur, 2
keeps cutting, gets a pick by 4 on the baseline, goes to
the wing and receives a pass from 1. If he cannot shoot
or pass to 4 in the low post, 4 leaves the paint and plays
pick-and-roll with 2 (diagr. 5). Another solution: If 2 is
not open after the baseline pick of 4, 1 passes the ball
to 3, 5 goes out and sets a side block to play a pick-and-
roll with 3 (diagr. 6).

“FIST”
1 dribbles along the midfield lane, 4 and 5 are placed at
the elbows of the key, while 2 and 3 are in the low post.
1 dribbles to the left. 4 then sets a pick for 5, who goes

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 27

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

out to the wing. After the pick for 5, 4 keeps on cutting

and makes a stack with 3. 2 then cuts and goes out of
the stack, going to the wing (diagr. 7).
5 plays a pick-and-roll with 1 (diagr. 8) who dribbles
toward the other side of the court and passes to 2 who
has come out of the stack (diagr. 9).
As it is shown in the previous diagram, after the stack,
2 goes to the corner, 3 goes to the wing and 4 goes to
the low post.

“GET”
It is a set play intended to allow equal shots by
Hamilton and Prince.
1 dribbles along the right side of the court, while 2, 4, 3
and 5 assemble a low stack near the basket. When 1 is
on that side, 2 goes out using the pick set by 5 and rises
up to the key to receive, and shoot or to pass to 5, who
should get open (diagr. 10).
If 2 can’t shoot or pass to 5, 4 sets a pick for 3, who first
goes out to the wing and then keeps on cutting to the
basket. After having picked, 4 rises up immediately and
receives pass from 1 and now he can pass to 3 (diagr.
11). The factor we have to underline is that in all the
Pistons set plays a great attention was paid to balan-
cing, thus allowing a fast defensive transition.

PAGE 28 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

PICK-AND-ROLL
by Dusko Ivanovic
DEFENSE
Dusko Ivanovic began his coaching
career in Switzerland, where he
won two Swiss Cups. From 1997 to
2000, he coached the Swiss
National team, and the following
season he coched Limoges, France,
where his team won the national
championship, the Cup of France,
and the Korac Cup. For the past
three seasons, he has been coa-
ching Tau Vitoria, Spain, and has
won a King’s Cup.

Before beginning, let me explain my

philosophy about players. I believe
that instead of accepting players
how they are, my job is to try to
change the players.
When a new player comes to my
team, he has to change and accept
my methods of practice and how I
want basketball to be played. For a
sound defense on the pick-and-roll,
the players must have good court
vision so they know where the other
defenders are located. They need
good timing and, above all, aggressi-
veness.
My teams employ various ways to
defend the pick-and-roll, but my
main goal is to aggressively contain
the ball handler whenever the pick-
and-roll is applied.
If the offensive team has two high
post players, we force the ball to the
side where one of them is set (diagr.
1), and contain the ball on the oppo-
site side where the other post player
is stationed. How to defend the pick-
and-roll depends on the abilities of
the players I have, as well as the
talent level of the opposing team.
There are now many forwards and
centers who are good three-point
shooters, which adds an additional
concern for our defense.

I would like to now describe four

defensive situations. In the first one,
let’s suppose that there are two high
posts. The majority of the players in
these positions can shoot well, but,
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 29
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

in my opinion, shooting from these posi-

tions is not a major concern that will
decide winning or losing (diagr. 2).
Let us begin with a situation, which
many teams play very often: two high
posts, two forwards in the corners, and
the point guard outside, at the top of the
lane.
I do not force the point guard on one
side or the other, but he must be D.1 D.3
attacked by his defender, face-to-face,
and he must be pressured, so he has to
think about protecting the ball rather
than shooting. The ball handler can
choose to dribble towards one or the
other high post players and the defen-
der must play him very aggressively
and force him to change direction at
least one or, better yet, two times.
When we want to contain the ballhand-
ler, the defender of the high post player
must come out vertically and aggresi- D.2 D.4
vely to the ball: he must be ready, men-
tally and phisically, and anticipate the
pick-and-roll and the moves of the bal-
lhandler. I do not want my defenders to handler is contained, we must know, can go only in one direction.
jump out horizontally to the pick to con- through our scouting, whether or not he In analyzing games in which the pick-
tain the ball handler and then follow is a good or poor shooter. If he is a good and-roll is played, 70% of the time the
him. Rather, I want a switch. After the shooter, the defender will slide through ballhandler will drive to the opposite
pick, the offensive high post rolls to the his teammate, who has already contai- side of the screen.
basket, and our defender, who guards ned the dribbler, and pick him up again. When we contain ball handler, the other
the other high post, must leave his man At the same time, when the defender of three defenders must rotate (diagr. 5).
and cover the open post under the the ball handler slides through and is Our defender of the high post will stay
basket (diagr. 3). behind him, this defender will rotate, under the basket, regardless of where
In this situation, the other high post is sprint, and take position between the his opponent is: he is ready to pick the
wide open, with a large open area two offensive posts. screener up if he rolls and goes in the
around him. Our defender, who con- If the ballhandler is not a good shooter, low post after the pick. He must always
tains the ball handler, is far away from the defender, who guards him will then be aggressive and very quick to stop
the open high post and cannot help and slide behind the screener. The defender, the screener before he turns around
recover on him. For this reason, we do who guards the ball handler, is now in and faces the basket. However, if his
not come out to the ball horizontally the position to defend him in a one-on- opponent receives the ball before he
when we defend the pick-and-roll, but one situation. If one of our players is not stops him, he must also prevent him
we contain the ball vertically, because able to defend against a one-on-one from turning around with the ball and
our defensive post is only two steps situation, his place is on the bench. facing the basket: from here, he can see
away from the open opponent and he all his teammates and pass the ball to
can fall back and defend against him. There are many situations which can an open one. However, if his opponent
The defender, who has already contai- develop after a pick-and-roll. One of receives the ball and faces the basket,
ned the ballhandler, always covers the these occurs when the offensive weak- our defender will guard him face-to-
open high post. He sprints to take his side high post receives the ball: he can face at an arm’s length distance. If this
position between both the offensive shoot, but he can also pass to the weak- happens, the defender of the play-
posts to stop the drive of the ball hand- side corner man and set a screen for maker, will position himself at the top of
ler. The defender, who guards the him (diagr.4).
weakside cornerman, does not help if Here is how we cover this situation: The
the player on the high post is not a good defender of the ballhandler will guard
shooter, but stays with his opponent. him aggressively face-to-face and pres-
When the high post receives the ball, sure the ball. The defender of the scree-
we can let him shoot. Even if he makes ner will communicate to him that a
a few baskets, this will not hurt us too screen is about to be set, and this
much. defender will take a diagonal position at
The defender of the screener must his opponent’s side, opposite to the
come out to the ball vertically and screen. In this way he will prevent the
aggressively contain the ball handler ball handler from dribbling to the oppo- D.5
without using his hands. When the ball site side of the screen-the ball handler
PAGE 30 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
D.6 D.10 D.11

defender of the high post guards his man If one of two offensive high-post players is
on the weak side corner. If he is a good a good shooter and there is a pick-and-roll
shooter, he pressures him to prevent the on his side, we defend in the same way as
jump shot. The defender’s playmaker will I explained in the beginning. However, if
stay with him, and the defender’s low post the strong-side high post does not roll out
will pick up the high post. The other defen- to the low post, but instead looks for his
der of the post, who contained the ball own shot because he is a good shooter
handler on the pick-and-roll, will slide from this position, and the other high post
under the basket and guard the low post. slides under the basket, our rule is that the
Now let’s review how we defend on a pick- defensive posts never switch their oppo-
D.7
and-roll on other side, where there is a nents in this situation. Now we play our
high post player, who is not a good shoo- defense in a one-on-one situation.
ter. The ball handler’s defender, and the If I have a player on my team who could
screener’s defender, who will come out not recover after he contains ball handler,
horizontally in this case, switch oppo- here is how we now defend. When the
nents. The other weak side high post’s offense starts playing pick-and-roll to that
defender goes in the middle of the lane, side where our post player (who cannot
ready to help. As soon as the strong-side recover) plays, we force the ball. The
high post starts rolling out to go to the low defensive guard, who guards the ball
post, his defender, a perimeter player, will handler, will follow his opponent behind
not follow him, because his opponent is his back and try to slide through the top of
D.8 much bigger. Now we make the rotation: the screen, while the defensive post
the post’s defender in the middle of the player, who guards his opponent on the
lane, guards the low post, while the defen- weak-side high post, will slide in the midd-
der (a small player) rotates and guards the le of the lane and be ready to help.
weak side high post, who is a good shoo- The ball handler cannot change the direc-
ter. He guards him in a one-on-one situa- tion of his dribble and come back because
tion and must try to anticipate the pass. our defensive guard is behind his back and
If the post receives the ball, he has two following him. For this reason, the ball
options: beat the defender one-on-one, or handler has only two options: he can
slide and take position under the basket, either stop and shoot, or attack the defen-
where his advantage is evident because sive post player, who tries to contain him
he is bigger. If he goes to the low post, he one-on-one.
D.9 cannot receive the ball directly because it However, the ball handler can also conti-
is not on the same side of the court. nue his dribble to the sideline. If he does
For this reason, the ball handler must so, our guard will also continue to follow
the key, not allowing him to recei- change the direction of his dribble if he him and try to take a good defensive posi-
ve the ball at the three-point line. wants to take advantage of this mismatch, tion to defend him one-on-one. In this
If this player tries to receive the and he has two options: pass the ball to case, we do not make any more switches.
ball farther away from the three- the strong-side low post or pass to the
point line, then we do not pressu- strong side corner man because he is a Only in this following situation will we
re him. good shooter. For this reason, we rotate apply weak-side help (diagr. 7). In most
The defender of the weak side again (diagr. 6). cases, the ball handler will attack our post,
corner man will go in the lane, far The strong side corner player’s defender who already has a good defensive posi-
away from his opponent: this picks up the strong side offensive low tion. In this moment, we must switch our
player is not an offensive threat. post, because a forward can guard a taller opponents. As soon as the screener rolls
If the ball is reversed to the oppo- player. As soon as the strong-side high to go under the basket, our post, who is in
site side, as soon as the offensive post starts rolling out to go on the low the middle of the lane, will help by picking
playmaker receives the ball and position, his defender (a smaller player), up the screener on the low post. As soon
passes it to the weak side corner continues his lateral move and guards the as the ball handler attacks our post, our
player, we rotate again. The opponent in the strong-side corner. defensive guard will recover and pick up
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 31
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

the weak side offensive high post,

who is a good shooter.
Let’s talk about a frequent situation
where one tall player is on the high
post and plays pick-and-roll, and
the other one, a good shooter, is in
the corner, with both forwards on
the same side of the court, but
opposite to the corner man (diagr.
8). On the pick-and-roll, the scree-
ner rolls to the low post, while the
ball handler will try to pass either to
the low post or to the other team-
mate in the corner, who is also a
good shooter.
How we defend on the pick-and-
roll, depends on two conditions: the
area of the court where the pick-
and-roll is played, and how good a
shooter is the ball handler.
If the pick-and-roll is played outside
of three-point line, we do not try to
force the screener out because a
foul could be made. The defender of
the screener will take one vertical
step forward, aggressively contain
the ball handler, and then will slide
to take his position under the
basket. The defender of the ball
handler will slide through behind
the screener and pick up his oppo-
nent. After the pick-and-roll, each
defender will cover his own oppo-
nent. The defender of the corner
man must always be aware that his
opponent is a good shooter and the
offense is designed to give him the
ball, so he will not help, but instead
will guard him face-to-face, while
the other two forwards’ defenders
will take their defensive positions in
the lane, far away from their oppo-
nents.
If the pick-and-roll is played inside
of the three-point line, the defender
of the screener will also come out
vertically to contain the ball handler
aggressively and then he will sprint
back immediately to pick up his
opponent, who rolls on the low
post.
The ball handler’s defender, if his
opponent is a good shooter, will
slide through his teammate and
pick up the ball handler again.
However, if the ball handler is a
poor shooter, he will slide behind
the screener and cover his oppo-
nent again. When the pick-and-roll
is played in this position, the defen-
der of the corner man will go in the
lane, ready to help or sprint to the
corner.
PAGE 32 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
His reaction will depend on how the defen-
sive guard will slide: if he slides through his
teammate, who contains the ball handler,
he will stay in the lane and help his team-
mate. However, if he slides behind the
screen, he will not help, but instead, sprint
to the corner to pick up his opponent. The
other two defenders, who guard offensive
forwards will also take their defensive posi-
tions in the lane, far away from their oppo-
nents (diagr. 9).
There are also many other situations of
screens among guards and forwards. It is
basic that both defenders cooperate and
communicate, and they must think, antici-
pate, and react at the right moment. As
soon as the defender of the screener warns
his teammate that the screen is about to be
set, the defender of the ball handler must
be ready to take position behind the scree-
ner. If he takes this position in time, the
screener cannot roll out and get open.
Taking his face-to-face position to guard
the screener, he will be able to switch with
his teammate. The screener’s defender will
take one step forward, come out to cover
the ball handler, and prevent him from
taking the outside shot. In this way, he will
guard the ball handler face-to-face, and
switch opponents with his teammate.
Now I shall explain a situation in which a
team will set up on the court with four peri-
meter players and one tall post. Let us
assume the tall post is not a good shooter,
but the playmaker is excellent (diagr. 10).
These two players play pick-and-roll to get
either a three-point shot or play one-on-
one under the basket, while the other three
short offensive outside players, also good
shooters, set themselves on the other side
of the court, opposite to the pick-and-roll.
The playmaker’s defender now is behind
the offensive tall post, and he will do all his
best to prevent the offensive post player
from taking his low-post position. The ball
handler will usually try to beat his tall
defender, who guards him now in a one-on-
one situation. When the ball handler pas-
ses the ball to the low post, we trap. As
soon as we trap, the other three short
defenders, who guard their opponents on
the opposite side of the court, will rotate.
Our short defender, who guards the low
post, must prevent him from dribbling the
ball to the baseline. The defensive post
does not set a normal trap, but he will take
a face-to-face defensive position and
guard this opponent in one-on-one situa-
tion.
Here is the rotation as soon as the ball is
passed to the low post under the basket:
our 2’s defender will rotate and pick up 1,
the passer, the 3’s defender will also rotate
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 33
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

and pick up 2, and, finally, the 4’s defen- ler, will pick up the
der will pick up 3. We shall not guard 4, second trailer, who
who plays in the corner, because he is is now coming down
opposite to the ball and he is not a the middle of the
serious threat. As soon as our defensive court to take his
post, who set the trap, is in a good posi- position in the lane.
tion to guard the low post one-on-one, Once again, I would
his short defender in the trap will sprint like to remind you of
in the opposite corner to cover 4, and so our defensive rule:
our tall defensive post will guard again- the defensive post,
st his tall opponent. All the other short who does not con-
defenders will guard their opponents. tain the ball handler,
Here is another situation in which 1 is always picks up the
the playmaker, who dribbles the ball opponent, who goes
down the middle. 2 and 3 are the to the low post,
forwards, who sprint down the sideli- while the defender,
nes. 1 will dribble towards one of the who contains the
sidelines or pass to one of the tall post ball handler, always
players, who trails and sprints to set the picks up the oppo-
screen on the side of the court where nent on the high post
his teammate has the ball. The other tall position.
offensive post player, 5, is the second The weak-side
trailer. He still did not get on the opposi- forward’s defender
te half court because he is usually the will get in the middle
defensive rebounder or the player who of the lane and away
makes the out-of-bound pass. This is from his opponent,
the moment when all defenders must who is not a serious
already be on their defensive half of the threat. However, if
court and take their defensive positions. his opponent tries to
Our two defensive posts, who guard cut in the lane, he
trailers, must also be inside of the three- must immediately
point line. The defender, who guards the beat him to the spot,
first trailer, who is the screener, will not preventing him from
follow and cover him, but he will go in receiving the ball in
the middle of the lane, between his the position
opponent and the basket. The defender between him and
of the second trailer will pick up the basket.
screener because his opponent is far This short defender
away from him. If the screen is set out- should also pick up the second trailer if side short defenders will be made only if
side and far away from the three-point he cuts in the lane and our defender, the reversal passes to the opposite side
line, the defense will guard the pick- who has contained the ball handler, is of the court and to the weak side oppo-
and-roll without any problem. late and cannot cover him in time: he nent in the corner is made very quickly
The ball handler’s short defender will must also try to deny the pass to this and if the tall defender, who has contai-
slide behind the screen and pick up his player. If the second trailer tries to take ned the ball handler, is late and cannot
opponent again. However, if the pick- the low-post position under the basket, pick up the second trailer in time.
and-roll is set near or inside the three- this defender will guard him in front. If However, if the tall defender, who has
point line, then the screener’ defender the playmaker passes the ball to the contained the ball handler, is not late and
will come out vertically and contain the weak-side forward, two of our weak- can cover the second trailer in time, the
ball aggressively. The ball handler’s side defenders rotate. two weak-side short defenders will not
short defender, warned of the screen, As soon as the playmaker passes the rotate. Good timing is very important for a
will take a diagonal defensive position ball to his weak side teammate, his successful defense in these situations.
and force his opponent to the screen. defender will quickly cover the oppo- Pick-and-roll defense must be practiced
He must not allow the ball handler to nent in the corner. every day. A good defense depends on
change the direction of his dribble and The other short defender, who guards the cooperation among defenders and
drive to the opposite side of the screen. the second trailer in the lane, will sprint their constant aggressiveness. Some
Both defenders must not also allow the to cover the playmaker. Our tall defen- level of confusion is a normal problem in
ball handler to split them and drive der, who has contained the ball handler, our defense at the beginning of each
between them. As soon as the screener will cover the second trailer, who has season because we have many new
starts rolling out to take the low-post already taken his position under the players on the team.
position, the defensive post, who has basket. In this way both our tall post’s However, as the season progresses, and
already taken his position in the lane, defenders guard two tall opponents the players have gained more experien-
will pick him up. The other defensive (diagr. 11). ce playing with each other, our defensi-
post, who has contained the ball hand- Once again, the rotation of two weak- ve play is almost automatic.
PAGE 34 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

BASKETBALL SUCCESS:
GENES
ARE
THE KEY
part II

by Jonathan Niednagel

Jonathan Niednagel is a sport scientist,

who has pioneered one of the most advan-
ced sports evaluation and improvement
technology “Brain Typing” (www.brainty-
pes.com). He consults for pro teams and
athletes in the United States, especially in
the NBA, NFL, and MLB. He is the author of
the book “Your Key to Sports Success”,
where he identifies and describes the
Brain Types for over 20 sports.

After realizing that these inborn proclivities

were not a result of the water we drank or
the upbringing (or coaching) we had, I sur-
mised in the early 1980s that these innate
“wirings” had to be genetically based. One
needn’t be a rocket scientist for such
deduction. Genome research was quite pri-
mitive in those days so exploring this possi-
bility had to wait. Yet brain research and
neuroscience were dramatically on the
upswing, with high-tech PET scans and
other metabolic mappings revealing cere-
bral functions never before understood.
Thus, I began exploring how the brain regu-
lates our cognitive, motor and visual pro-
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 35
 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

cesses, and during this past decade, the predisposition for the Back of the brain
influence of genetics on these physiologi- where deep concentration and intensity
cal functions. The massive Human reside as opposed to the front’s active and
Genome Project’s first major hurdle was energetic state, which minimizes contem-
finally accomplished in 2003, identifying plation. “E” stands for Empirical-relying on
roughly 30,000 human genes. The race is sight and observation instead of concepts
now on for identifying which human func- and theory. “I” signifies the Inanimate
tions these individual genes actually regu- world which is more interested in logic,
late. systems, and things than relating to people,
pursuing harmony, or trusting feelings.
The fields of neuroscience and genetics Lastly, “R” equates to the Right brain, the
are finally shedding abundant light on how hemisphere adept at peripheral vision and
and why the body (including brain) opera- smooth, adaptable motor movements in
tes as it does. For the first time in human contrast to the left hemisphere that specia-
history, long-awaited answers are forthco- lizes in tunnel vision and more mechanical,
ming. We are finally leaving the Dark Ages preplanned motor movements. Athletes
of human understanding. Over the past born with the BEIR Brain Type can develop
decades, I have attempted to make a con- superior hand-eye coordination and athle-
nection between typology, one small tic skills. This design is debatably the supe-
dimension of psychology, a soft science, rior athlete in most sports.
and the fields of genetics and neuroscien-
ce, which are soundly entrenched among Though each person’s upbringing and envi-
the hard sciences. Marvelously, it is all ronment (past and current) influence his
coming together. unique personality, the vast majority of
BEIR’s are more reserved and quiet due to
Relating all this to athletics, I began to their genetic imprint. They also have the
share my surprising and helpful findings potential to develop the consummate spa-
with a few professional athletes in the late tial logic, as well as competitive intensity of
1970’s. It wasn’t long before they began all 16 Brain Types. (Infamous boxer Mike
employing them in their respective sports Tyson also possesses the BEIR wiring.)
and telling others.
Larry Bird and John Stockton would never
So what does all this mean to you? have achieved their NBA greatness had
Whether a team owner, general manager, they not inherited the BEIR wiring. Yes,
coach, parent, or athlete, you can now some other Brain Types can achieve pro
learn to identify and optimally develop basketball stardom, but the BEIR has pro-
these inborn designs or Brain Type in your- ven to be the best. A few other recent
self and others. greats of this design include Michael
Assuredly, understanding inborn charac- muscles. The remaining four Brain Types Jordan, Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal,
teristics-mentally, physically, and spatially- are innately “least” gifted in the motor cor- Jason Kidd, and Allen Iverson.
is the future direction of sports. It provides tex-especially regulating the gross motors-
an unparalleled advantage. yet they are the most proficient with the Computer technology has ushered us into
strategic skills of the cerebral cortex the 21st century, but genetic analysis is
Brain Typing is relevant for every dimen- (including hockey goalie Dominik Hasek). soon to reshape the world in which we
sion of life, including business and family. This knowledge of the various cerebral live-even in sports. Until Brain Typing gene-
As long as one is attempting to under- distinctions is helpful in beginning to com- tic identification is finalized, those I’ve trai-
stand, persuade, or communicate with prehend why the different athletes perform ned and I will continue to rely on the empi-
others, there is no better way. as they do. rical approach, carefully observing athle-
tes and people and their innate mental and
Before I tell you the key to success for Bird Brain Typing not only can help an aspiring motor tendencies. Though it is presently
and Stockton, let’s consider only one athlete choose the best sport(s) for him and possible to identify the different designs in
aspect of the 16 inborn designs. Four of her, but it can help to develop one’s game even young children, the majority of my
these makeups specialize in the top region in an optimal manner. The key to sports time is devoted to working with adults.
of the brain’s primary motor cortex-which success is practicing and improving based
masters gross motor skills-the large upon one’s personal makeup, mentally and How did mankind develop these indelible
muscle groups (Magic Johnson is in this physically. Brain Typing enables the athle- and measurable designs, or Brain Types?
category). Another four Brain Types (inclu- te to know exactly how he or she is wired After numerous years of consideration, my
ding Michael Jordan) excel in the adjacent and how to perform best under the greate- most educated guess suggests a Master
descending area of the motor cortex-regu- st of pressures. Designer. It is my hope in the years ahead
lating hand-eye coordination. The next to help those around the globe to better
four genetic Types (including Tiger Woods Now to Bird and Jordan. Their inborn desi- understand these unique designs and how
and Dirk Nowitski) have the potential to gn is described by one of Brain Typing’s 16 to get the most out of life in light of this enli-
expertly coordinate both large and small acronyms: BEIR. “B” represents a genetic ghtening and liberating knowledge.
PAGE 36 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS

LATVIAN COACHES
by Uldis Gravitis
COUNCIL: THE PAST
AND FUTURE
Uldis Gravitis, former chairman of the Latvian Basketball Coaches mention. He trained the Riga ASK team from 1954-65. Under his lea-
Council, was the president of the Latvian Basketball Federation dership, Riga ASK was the USSR champion four times and won the
from 1989 to 1992. He coached the Latvian Junior national teams European Cup for club teams three times (1958-60).
and is currently the Rector of the Latvian Academy of Sport The most experienced coach in Latvia today is Armands Kraulins,
Education, and vice-chairman of the Executive Council of the who started his career as a young player and women’s team coach.
Latvian Basketball Association. Since 1974, he has worked with the men’s teams, including VEF
(Riga), University (Tashkent, 1981-84), Dinamo (Moscow, 1985-88),
The Latvian Basketball Coaches Council has an old and rich history. and ASK (Riga, 1988-90). He went on to coach basketball teams in
It should be noted that Latvia was among the eight countries that Iraq and Colombia, but in 1992 returned to Latvia and worked for dif-
founded FIBA in 1932. The Latvian Men’s Basketball National Team ferent club teams. From 1992 until 20003, Kraulins coached the
went on to win the first European Basketball Championship. The Latvian men’s national team, reaching the finals of the European
Latvian Basketball Coaches Council was established on October Master Competitions in 1993 and 2003. The Latvian Basketball
17, 1934. The Board of the Latvian Basketball Association accepted Association appointed him head coach of the women’s national
the resolution of the establishment and the first task of the Council team in 2004.
was to prepare for the first European Championship. In addition to these fabled coaches, there have been many others
Valdemars Baumanis was the most outstanding coach in pre-war who have worked with Latvian players, guiding them to basketball
Latvia. He guided the national team in 1935 to first place in the prominence. They include Imants Plavins, Talivaldis Petersons,
European Championship, and in 1939 and four years later, he coa- Juris Garkalns, Janis Zeltins, Andris Purkalns, Dzidra Karamiseva,
ched them to a second place European Championship title. Aivars Brigmanis, and Gunars Krumins, Janis Rimbenieks, Peteris
Baumanis represented the basketball team in the 1936 Olympic Visnevics, Aivars Vinbergs. Currently, the upcoming coaches inclu-
Games in Berlin, where he refereed basketball games. Baumanis de Raivo Otersons, Karlis Muiznieks, and Gundars Vetra.
was also the first FIBA referee in Latvia. After the War, he worked There are currently 221 active basketball coaches registered in the
as a coach in France (Lorient CEP) for many years before finally Latvian Basketball Association. Considering the number of coa-
moving to the United States. Another founder of the School for ches, it should be mentioned that there are only 2.4 million people
Basketball Coaches was Adolfs Grasis. Before World War II, Grasis living in Latvia. According to the State Regulations, a person having
coached the leading Latvian club teams, and in 1937 was the coach a corresponding certificate can work as a coach. All coaches are
of the Latvian Men’s National Team. After the War, he worked as a divided in three categories: A - the highest, B, and C. All coaches of
teacher in what is today the Latvian Academy of Sport Education. the A and B category must obtain a university degree in sport. In
A doctor of sport science, Grasis has written 11 books about order to obtain the A category certificate, a coach should have
basketball. After the War, there were many exceptional basketball worked as a coach for at least five years, in addition to attending
coaches in Latvia. Olgerts Altbergs, the founder of Latvian women’s 100 hours of coaching courses, clinics, and seminars. A coach can
basketball and the legendary TTT (Riga) team, was also one of the earn a B category certificate if he has completed university studies
most talented. He was the Latvian champion in basketball in 1943, in coaching education.
1944, and 1950. In 1958, he founded the TTT, and under his leader- Those who have completed their secondary education and taken
ship, the team won the European Cup for club teams for three con- the 320-hour special education program can earn a C-level certifi-
secutive years (1960-62). From 1971 to 1992, Altbergs directed the cate. The certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by
Latvian Basketball Coaches Council. presenting documentation of participation in 60 hours of coaching
Since 1951, Altbergs also worked as a teacher at the Latvian clinics, courses, and seminars, along with the dates of coaching
Academy of Sport Education, educating a group of bright young employment.
basketball coaches. He eventually handed over the coaching of the The Latvian Coaches Further Education Center provides further
TTT team to his trainee, Raimonds Karnitis, who coached the team education in the fields of sport theory, sport medicine, sport biology,
from 1962-87, becoming one of the most successful coaches in the and sport pedagogy for all coaches. The Basketball Coaches
country. The TTT team won the USSR championship title 18 times Council organizes special clinics in basketball, while regular clinics
and the European Cup for champion teams 15 times. are held annually for youth and adult team coaches.
Alfreds Krauklis was one of the best coaches in the pre-war period. The Latvian Basketball Association Coaches Council hopes that the
Beginning his coaching career in 1940, he went on to direct the top work performed by the newest generation of coaches is able to
teams in the country, including Dinamo, Starts, Daugava, Spartaks, raise the level of basketball so Latvia once again is among the lea-
and VEF. He also coached the national team in 20 games. ding basketball teams in the world, just as they were in 1935 and
Of the post-war coaches, Aleksandrs Gomelskis deserves special 1960.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 37

 FIBA EUROPE EDITORIAL
COACHES - HOOP MARKET

VIDEOS AND BOOKS

ON SHOOTING
In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and
other tools that are primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly
useful for all of our readers. Please send your suggestions and
comments about our basketball-related media for review in
this section.

by Raffaele Imbrogno

Raffaele Imbrogno, former Director of the Italian Ba-

sketball Federation Study Center, is an Instructor with
the Italian National Coaches Committee of the Fede-
ration. Imbrogno is the author of several technical ba-
sketball publications.

We can all give our best effort in executing the plays

on offense, but if we don’t have the technical skills ne-
cessary to score, it is going to be difficult to win the
game. In cases like this, it seems like we are playing
handball rather than basketball.
Let’s have a look at the most recent products and the
classics about shooting and scoring, using the best
teaching methods and proper techniques.
Among the four videos made by the great Pete Maravi-
ch for LA Productions in 1987, the video on shooting
(Pistol Pete’s Homework Basketball - Shooting) is cer-
tainly the best and a “must” for every serious coach.
The video produced by Steve Alford, the former guard
who played for Indiana University and the U.S. Natio-
nal Team, is an excellent tape on shooting in which he
discusses all of the basics. His Shooting Drills and Te-
chniques, which was released in 1997, points out all
the important aspects needed to have a good and
strong shot.
Fever River produced the Five-Star Shooting Method
video by coach Barry Brodzinski in 1996. In this video,
the classic work method used at one of the biggest
and most famous technical camps, The Five-Star Ba-
sketball camp, is described in great detail.
Looking through Sysko’s extensive sports video and
book catalog, there is a great video by the coach of
the women’s team at Stanford University, Tara Vander-
veer. Shooting Drills consists of a variety of shooting
drills and exercises packed into 48 hard minutes.
Sandy Slide’s video, Teaching Basketball Shooting
Fundamentals, released in 2000, is another of my favo-
rites.
Championship Production’s catalogue contains intere-
sting products about shooting basics. The best of the
lot include: Shooting Drills for Success by Jeff Schni-
der, 2002; Individual Drills and Moves by Phil Martelli,
PAGE 38 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
St. Joseph’s
University coa-
ch; Guard Drills:
Developing a
“Go to” Guard
by Bill Self, the
coach of the
University of
Kansas; and two
videos by Kevin
Eastman: Chair
Drills: Shooting
Workout for In-
side Players and
S h o o t i n g
Workout for Pe-
rimeter Players.
Coaches Choice
produced Ba-
sketball Skills
and Drills Volu-
me 2: Field Goal
Shooting Lay-
ups / 3 Point
Shot by Don
Meyer and Jerry Krause, released in 2002.
The products and the sites of Tom Norland and Ed Pa-
lubinskas, two extraordinary shooting magicians, are
very interesting. Norland shows his Swish video on
his site: www.swish22.com, completely dedicated to
learning and coaching “pure” basketball shooting.
Palubinskas, the PBA (Palubinskas Basketball Aca-
demy) creator, offers both the shooting courses and
videos on shooting on his site: www.freethrowma-
ster.com. Courses consist of two levels: Shooting Ma-
ster Clinic 1 and 2. He also has two videos, Secrets to
Perfect Shooting Principles, and Shooters Lab: Deve-
loping Great Shooting Skills. Finally, I recommend the
following sites and their videos:
www.herbmagee.com (“Nothing But Net” and
“Nothing But Drills.”) www.coachfouts.com (“Suc-
cessful Shooting” video and software), and www.bet-
terbasketball.com (“Better Shooting” video).
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 39
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

TOWER PHILOSOPHY:
ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
by Paul “Jacky” Loube

Paul “Jacky” Loube is the Executive more convinced I become that the con- called the “Oswald Tower Philo-
Director of the International cept of advantage-disadvantage should sophy,” named for his friend and fel-
Association of Approved Basketball remain a “foreign language” until a low IAABO Interpreter, Oswald Tower.
Officials, a Canadian and North sound rules foundation has been real- The philosophy best represented what
American association. ized and processed by the official. the Basketball Rules Committee
Officials should be absolutely certain believed and supported regarding the
I remember the very first time I was and well versed on the description and officiating of a contest. The same phi-
asked to make a presentation at an explanation of each foul and violation. losophy is embraced by FIBA through
IAABO Interpreters Seminar. A strictly literal approach should be its World Technical Commission.
My topic that morning was the “Tower taken. This philosophy represents a realistic
Philosophy” and its impact on different Only then, armed with an initial literal approach that would guide the judg-
levels of basketball. I really didn’t know knowledge of all the elements of the ment of officials in making decisions
where to begin so I attempted to rules, will they be able to make rulings on all situations where the effect upon
research the impact that the “Tower on the realistic philosophy of advantage- the play is the key factor in determin-
Philosophy” had on the game by inter- disadvantage. ing whether or not an infraction has
viewing coaches and officials. It is true that all the great officials occurred. As an illustration, if A1 sets
I was amazed by the many different have put the Tower Philosophy into a legal screen on B1 and B1 generates
interpretations of the philosophy and the practice but that skill doesn’t develop notable contact with A1, should play
cavalier approach veterans had when overnight. stop and a foul be called on B1? What
explaining the philosophy to me. A well-officiated game is one wherein about A2, who executed the play just
I found that officials working youth bas- the official has adhered to the spirit as the coach designed it, used the
ketball while exercising the Tower and intent of the rules as established, legal screen and has broken free for
Philosophy gave a great deal of latitude in FIBA competition, by the World an easy lay-up?
to players at that level, while those at Technical Commission. If an official did not take a realistic
progressively higher levels gave less The basic and fundamental responsi- approach to this particular situation
leeway. bility of each official is to ensure the and officiated literally, team A would
My concern was that this implementa- game proceeds with as little interfer- be penalized and the game would be
tion should have been reversed. Should ence as possible by the officiating one of continual fouls and whistle
not younger players first have an under- team. This is not to say that an official blowing.
standing of what actions are within the should not blow the whistle when a A veteran official realizes that contact,
limits of the rules? Is not a travel a trav- rule has been breached. The intention not only in the instance cited but in
el? In today’s basketball, however, young should rather be to avoid calling other aspects of the game as well,
officials begin early to make their own infractions that do not contravene the must be looked at in terms of the effect
determination as to what is within the spirit and intent of the rules. it creates on the opponent. If there is
“spirit and intent” of the rules. no apparent disadvantage to an oppo-
DR. JOHN BUNN nent, then realistically speaking, no
SOUND RULES FOUNDATION Over 50 years ago, Dr. John Bunn, rules violation has occurred.
The more I observe the training of appli- IAABO Interpreter and editor of the The official must use discretion in apply-
cants who want to become officials, the NCAA Rules, introduced what was ing this rule and all rules.
PAGE 40 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 41
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

TOWER PHILOSOPHY STATED ANOTHER WAY be adhered to by officials, coaches, the offensive and defensive
The “Tower Philosophy” stated in and players for the game to be well schemes designed by the coaches
another manner is as follows: if players officiated. better than the players in the game
are unfairly affected as a result of an do, but don’t anticipate a foul.
infraction of the rules, then the player OFFICIATING GUIDELINES Rule only on the action that has
not in compliance must be penalized, A. To provide the most accurate rul- been committed.
but if there has been no appreciable ings, officials must be as close to
effect upon the progress of the game, the play as possible. D. An officials who does not see the
then the game shall not be stopped. There is a high correlation entire play, but only a part of the
The action should be ignored. between accuracy of calls and play, places one of the teams at a
The official must determine immedi- closeness in making the call. disadvantage.
ately if the contact is incidental. The experienced official “moves to If official does not see the initial
For example, the crowd is screaming improve” and hustles to be in posi- act that caused the illegal contact
for an “over the back foul” on B1 tion to observe the entire play. and then blows the whistle on
when the ball is hit out of bounds but what is frequently defined as the
realistically and practically, no infrac- B. Officials are constantly confronted “second foul,” the anger of the
tion has occurred. with the adage; “If each official players and coaches gathers
takes care of that official’s primary momentum and accelerates to a
PLAY SITUATIONS coverage area, there would be no feverish pitch.
Obviously, this philosophy assumes necessity for officials to make rul- This situation is compounded
that the official has a thorough under- ings outside of their primary.” when the official fails to recognize
standing of the game. Officials are This statement is misleading. All and become familiar with the
chosen to officiate basketball games officials are empowered to make “match-ups” in the vicinity of the
because game organizers believe rulings on any play, especially if a restricted area.
those officials have basketball intelli- partner doesn’t see, is straight- In order to officiate “Post Play”
gence and an understanding of the lined or too close to the play along effectively, the entire play must be
mood and climate that prevail in the the endline, screened, or simply observed, especially when the
game today. Better officials exercise misses the play. players are establishing positions
mature judgment in each play situa- An official who says, “It’s not my in (or adjacent to) the restricted
tion in light of the basic philosophy call” or “I’m not calling one right area. The official must determine
stated. The FIBA office is consistently under the nose of official B” who is the first to establish a posi-
bombarded with issues concerning defeats the very spirit and intent of tion, rather than evaluate solely on
trivial and unimportant details about the mechanics and teamwork each the instant of contact. The veteran
play situations during the game. Much crew of officials is expected to official sees the total scene and
time and thought is wasted on minor embrace. rules accordingly.
technicalities that are of little or no To be sure, there are prescribed
significance. mechanics which lead one official E. A frequently-used adage is, “It is
At countless rules clinics around the to focus attention on specific not a question of who is right, but
world, there are those who sidetrack phases of the play, more so than rather, what is right.” Many offi-
the “fundamental” discussions far too the other, but to take a rigid point cials misunderstand the intent of
often and get involved with emotional of view and say, “That part of the that phrase.
debates over situations that might floor is my sole responsibility, and The World Technical Commission
occur once in a lifetime. that part is yours,” leads to a poor- prides itself on acknowledging,
In many instances, these very same ly officiated game. “One Rule, One Interpretation,”
officials have no faith in the value of For example, with seconds to play and that is the interpretation that
judgment, and more times than not, in the fourth period of a tied game, has been approved by the National
lack basic game management skills. the lead official mistakenly gives Federation, NCAA and FIBA Rules
Some would call them “excessive the ball to team A for a throw in Committees under whose rules the
whistle blowers” or “interferers”, an under team B’s basket. game is being played. Much too
affront to the game. The trail official, thirty feet away, frequently there is a reluctance on
They are the very ones who want a observes that the ball was obvi- the part of some officials to adapt
spelled-out and detailed rule for every ously last touched by A-1 before when a rule or interpretation has
tiny point, rather than rely on judg- going out of bounds. been changed. More often than
ment and common sense. At the high- The trail official, although calling not, veteran high school officials
er levels of competition, educators out of the primary coverage area, might tell impressionable younger
and commissioners are looking for the insures the correct team adminis- officials, “Well, I don’t like that
official with an advantage-disadvan- ters the throw in. particular mechanics or rule
tage and humanistic approach to offi- change, and I am going to call it
ciating. Did the player violate the spir- C. “The experienced official antici- the old way, my way.” That official
it and intended purpose of the rule? pates the play but not the call.” In is an obstacle to successful offici-
Below are some guidelines that must other words, you may understand ating. He/she has the responsibili-
PAGE 42 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 ty to officiate the game in accor- exude a floor presence and physi- principles of advantage-disadvan-
dance with the official rules com- cal condition that is commensu- tage. Sadly, those who lack the basic
mittee’s decisions. There is one rate with the demands of a basket- understanding of these principles
interpretation and one interpreta- ball game. They have sound judg- often rely on the Tower Philosophy as
tion only and that is the one estab- ment and cooperate with fellow an excuse for not making a call.
lished and articulated by the officials, exercise an air of calm- They miss the reality that the spirit
appropriate rules committee. ness and confidence and are con- and intent of the Tower Philosophy is
Whether or not an official likes a sistent with their calls. When an the basis for making a sound and con-
rule or mechanic is irrelevant. official has these qualifications sistent judgment, one that is used in
and uses them within the frame- deciding to blow the whistle or not to
F. A veteran official must possess a work of advantage-disadvantage, blow the whistle, but never to ignore
knowledge of the rules and the game will be well officiated an obvious infraction.
mechanics when officiating each and well served. Was the game played and consistent-
and every game. Expressions such ly officiated under the basic philoso-
as, “We’ll only switch on fouls LEVEL OF OFFICIATING phy that a ruling should be made if
resulting in free throws,” creates Finally, the quality of the game of bas- one team gained an advantage (or
hesitancy and indecisiveness and ketball will never be any better than was placed at a disadvantage) that
is never an ingredient of a compe- its level of officiating. The well-offici- was not intended within the spirit and
tent officiating package. ated contest will have had the play intent of the rule? If so, it was a well-
Competent and dedicated officials situations judged on the doctrine and officiated game.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 43
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

RIGHT OR WRONG?
(Note: the following questions are based on FIBA Rules 2004,
which come into effect in September, 2004)

QUESTIONS
1. Team A has been in control of the ball for 15 seconds when a
double foul is committed by A4 and B4. After communicating
the fouls to the scorer, the officials award the ball to team A
for a throw-in. Shall team A also be awarded a new 24-
second period?

2. While the game is being played, coach A chooses to remain

seated. Is the assistant coach of team A permitted to remain
standing while coach A is seated?

3. A3 is in the opponents’ restricted area for more than 3

seconds while A5 is dribbling the ball in the team A back-
court. Has A3 committed a 3-second violation?
ANSWERS
4. During the half-time interval and with team A entitled to the
next alternating possession throw-in, a technical foul is com- 1. No. Team A shall have only 9 seconds remaining in the 24-
mitted by B5. As a result of the B5 technical foul, a team A second period. (Art. 50.4)
player is awarded two free throws, to be followed by a throw-
in for team A at the center line extended opposite the scorer’s 2. No. Only the head coach may remain standing while the game
table to begin the third period. Shall team A continue to be is being played. (Art. 7.5)
entitled to the next alternating possession throw-in?
3. No. A 3-second violation can occur only when a team is in con-
5. A5 is awarded one free throw. A5’s free throw attempt fails to trol of the ball in-bounds in the frontcourt. (Art. 26.1.1)
touch the rim and as a result, a throw-in is awarded to team
B. Before the ball is handed to B2 out-of-bounds for the 4. Yes. If a team that is entitled to the next alternating possession
throw-in, A10 reports to the scorer’s table to substitute for A5. throw-in is awarded a throw-in as the result of a foul com-
Shall the substitution be permitted? mitted by the opponents, that team shall not lose its right to
the next alternating possession throw-in. (Art. 12.4.8)
6. After the ball is legally tapped on the jump ball that begins the
game but before the ball can be controlled by either team, a 5. Yes. A violation has been committed and therefore either team
held ball occurs between A4 and B4. The officials rule that may substitute. (Art. 19.4.1)
another jump ball shall be administered. Shall the jumpers be
A4 and B4? 6. Yes. (Art. 12, FIBA Interpretation)

7. A shot for a field goal by A3 is in the air when the 24-second 7. No. The game clock shall not be stopped unless an official
signal sounds. Shall the 24-second signal also cause the blows the whistle. (Art. 49.2)
game clock to be stopped immediately?
8. No. B5’s violation is not considered to be goal tending or inter-
8. A pass from A2 to A4 is above the rim when B5 reaches ference because the ball was not above the rim as the result
through the basket from below and touches the ball. Shall of a shot for a field goal or a free throw. Play shall resume
two (or three) points be awarded to A2? with a throw-in for team A. Team A shall also be awarded a
new 24-second period. (Art. 31, FIBA Interpretation)
9. Team A has been in control of the ball for six seconds in the
team A backcourt when B4 deliberately contacts the ball 9. No. The ball became dead as the result of B4’s contacting the
with his foot. A throw-in is awarded to team A in its back- ball with his foot rather than because it went out-of-bounds.
court. Shall team A have only two seconds remaining to Team A shall be awarded a new 8-second period. (Art. 28.2.2)
advance the ball into the team A frontcourt?
10. A3 and B3 are involved in a double foul, after which a techni- 10. Yes. This is a special situation and therefore the penalty for
cal foul is committed by coach A. Shall play resume with two the double foul shall be cancelled, leaving only the penalty
free throws awarded to team B, followed by a throw-in for for the coach A technical foul remaining to be administered.
team B at the center line extended opposite the scorer’s (Art. 42.2.3, 42.2.7)
table?

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 45

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

MAKE SURE YOUR

ORGANIzATION’S
VALUES ARE CORE
by Greg Curchod

Greg Curchod is project manager for

the Swiss/UK consulting group, TSE
Consulting (www.tseconsulting.com),
one of the leading providers of con-
sulting and training services to the
international sports world. Greg is
training sports managers in the area
of corporate governance and is invol-
ved in different projects advising
Sports Federations in their reorgani-
zation process.

“Mission statements”. “Corporate

statements”. We’ve all heard of
them. We might also secretly think
that they are pretty words on that
document on the shelf. Well, we
might have to think again.
Intelligent, usable corporate state-
ments are the foundations of good
governance and could be one of
the most important and fundamen-
tal decisions you can make for
your organization.
Once they are well defined, your
core values can not only clarify
your organization’s identity and set
you apart from the competition,
but can also help you every time
you have to make a decision - big
or small. Core values are also fun-
damental in determining what
attributes your sport or event
needs to focus on in order to beco-
me more attractive to the end
users or customers.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 47

 So how do you come up with strong standards, they do not vary from one
and useful values? Let’s take a look organization to another. If mistaken
at what a core value really is, and with core values, they would put you
let’s define a few other categories of in a difficult position in relation to
values that shouldn’t be mistaken. your company’s defining characteri-
stics. Your sport, your event, needs to
FOCUS ON ‘CORE VALUES’ be unique in order to attract support.
So, what are core values, really? Organizations focusing on marketing
Well, they are the deeply ingrained that have confused permission-to-
principles, your organization’s cultu- play values with core values have not
ral cornerstones, which can never, found in them the necessary tools
ever, be compromised. They are what that help them build, for example, a
make your organization distinct and unique image for their sport.
so must always be maintained. But
here’s the danger: if the core values ‘Integrity’ very often is mistaken for a
that you decide will govern all your core value, when it is actually a
future decisions, really aren’t core, pretty standard thing to require from
they might put you on the wrong anybody working in an organization.
track and could cause substantial Unless you take extraordinary mea-
damage to your organization’s on- sures to make sure that everybody
going business. This is why we need thinks ‘integrity’ in any given situa-
to identify three other types of values tion, then you should not consider
that need to be considered, but not ‘Integrity’ as one of your organiza-
mistaken with core values. By doing tion’s core values.
so, you will be able to ‘get rid’ of
those values that might mislead you 3. ACCIDENTAL VALUES
and make you lose your focus. Accidental values arise without the its doors to non-schools participants,
cultivation of management. They are for example and therefore significan-
1. ASPIRATIONAL VALUES these values that exist in your orga- tly widen its customer base.
These values are those that do not nization, that can be identified today, The new values should then be iden-
currently exist within your organiza- and which mostly reflect the common tified as core, introduced and used
tion, but which you believe will help it interest of the staff. as such.
to succeed in the future. Aspirational
values need to be carefully identified While these values can be very posi- SO, GET TO THE CORE!
since they can dilute your core tive, since they reflect a certain ‘per- As we see, imposing values that are
values. sonality’ of the organization, they not core can create dangers for the
have to be carefully managed and not future of your organization.
Let’s take an example: if you think always allowed to turn into core Going through the exercise of iden-
‘transparency’ is one of your values, values. tifying those three kind of values that
then be sure it is. Now if you don’t Indeed accidental values can be too make your organization is not only
systematically open all your restrictive and can prevent the orga- enjoyable, but will help you focus on
accounts to the press, or don’t take nization from opening up to a wider, who you are and who you really want
specific governance decisions that potential customer base. to be.
will make your organization different
in that way, then do not bother. Your Let’s take the example of a basketball Now, if you are positive that your
staff might be confused to see that all club that would have been founded, values are core and that they can
of a sudden procedures change decades ago, by people with a school either distinguish yourself from the
unnecessarily when actually these coaching background, people sha- competition or really make your
have been successful until today and ring certain ‘pedagogical’ values of organization stand up as forward
could stay that way. basketball. These values were not thinking and ahead of its time, then
consciously introduced into the orga- do not stop there. Integrate them into
So when a value you detect turns to nization, they just happened to be every system that involves your
be only aspirational, either drastical- there because the background of the employees or helps you to make the
ly change the way you work internal- founders. Now, of course, a club right decisions.
ly in order to make it core or just for- could definitely live and grow on Core values such as ‘dependability’,
get about them now and put them these kind of values. ‘dedication’ ‘self-motivation’ or
aside for the future. And it is, as a matter of fact, how ‘innovation’, when communicated
many basketball clubs still function constantly and used as institutional
2. PERMISSION-TO-PLAY VALUES today. But if these values were to be guidelines by management, could
Permission-to-play values are the identified as accidental, and in other drastically improve your performan-
basic standards, the frame of beha- words as ‘not core’, then the organi- ce whilst at the same time sim-
viour, within which your employees zation could choose to open up to plifying your decision-making pro-
are required to perform. Being simple more commercial segments, opening cesses.
PAGE 48 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BASKETBALL
IN THE OCEANIA
REGION
by Steve Smith

Steve Smith is Secretary General FIBA

Oceania. Previously he was General
Manager Bankstown Basketball and high
school teacher New South Wales
Department of Education.

THE ZONE OF CONTRASTS

Each of the five FIBA Zones has a distincti-
ve character. FIBA Oceania is the Zone of
contrasts. At the same time we have the
world’s largest island, Australia and several
countries which occupy the smallest
islands. On the one hand, we have coun-
tries like Australia and New Zealand where
basketball is well developed and participa-
tion in FIBA events is consistent. At the
other extreme, in most of our member fede-
rations, basketball is relatively poorly deve- countries. ONOC, the continental arm of the primarily, a coaching interest in the game,
loped and they have never participated in a IOC, has separately provided support for but, at the same time, a very good grounding
World basketball event. In fact, the biggest some of our programs. Our other big sup- in administration, officiating and planning.
administrative challenge for our organisa- porter has been the Government of Each ZDO spends approximately 9 months
tion is balancing the needs of these vastly Australia through its overseas aid programs of his working year visiting Pacific Island
different basketball countries. and regional sports development projects. counties. In these countries they conduct
Basketball Australia and Basketball New clinics for players, run accreditation cour-
WHAT WE DO Zealand allow us to use educational pro- ses for coaches and referees, work with the
It is true to say that most of our time, energy grams and materials they have developed. Federation, Association, League and Club
and finance is allocated to developing Basketball associations in both countries representatives to run events, and act as
basketball in the less developed parts of the have shared their knowledge and experien- mentors and facilitators in the preparation
zone. The vastness of the region, the relati- ce by hosting visits by players, coaches, and review of strategic plans and program
vely small total population and the fact that referees and administrators from the calendars.
most of our countries are relatively poor, islands.
has made it difficult so far, to attract com- b) National Basketball Development
mercial sponsors to fund our development HOW OUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WORKS Officers (NBDO’s).
activity. In order to succeed, we have nee- a) Zone Development Officers (ZDO’s) In 7 Island nations we subsidise the salary
ded to develop partnerships with other Two Australian based ZDO’s are the primary of an indigenous NBDO. In each case, these
agencies. The most successful to date has delivery mechanism of our development are the only people working in basketball in
been with the IOC through the National program. Jon Hoyle and Stuart Manwaring a “professional” or perhaps it is better to
Olympic Committees in 15 of our 21 member are both experienced basketballers with, say, “paid” capacity. Each NBDO has an

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 49

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

interest in particular aspect of basketball, more young people playing

but they must out of necessity, be a our game, because they are
basketball “jack of all trades”. That is to the future of our sport. At an
say they have to know about officiating, elite level we are aiming for
running a league, teaching young people more consistent representa-
how to play, coaching high level teams, tion by national teams in the
identifying talent, conducting a meeting regional basketball and multi-
and the list goes on. One of the functions of sport competitions which
the ZDO’s when they visit the lucky coun- already exist. At the same
tries with an NBDO is to act as the super- time, we are working to
visor/mentor/trainer of the NBDO. FIBA increase the number and
Oceania has twice in the past 4 years accessibility of these competi-
assembled the NBDO’s in Australia for pro- tions by conducting sub-
fessional development courses to improve regional events as a way of
their ability to act independently of our overcoming the vast distan-
supervision. ces of the zone. We have been
very successful over recent years in star- tive base of our sport. Our task here is to
c) Australian Youth Ambassadors For ting and sustaining an international com- recruit more dedicated volunteers to work
Development (AYAD’s) petition for young people - the Oceania for our sport and at the same time give
Since 2002 we have taken advantage of an Youth Tournament. This year we will host in them the knowledge and the skills to run it
Australian Government initiative which is Australia the 5th version of the event. and take it forward.
part of its overseas aid program where
young people in the 19 to 30 years age Until recent years there has not been a It is a fact of life that in many countries
category with appropriate skills are placed talent identification and development pro- there is a lack of basketball facilities, such
in Pacific Island countries to mentor a local gram in most of our developing countries. as simple community structures that can
counterpart. FIBA Oceania has placed Slowly, thanks to some regional coaching be used for recreational leagues. So we
AYAD’s in Vanuatu, Tonga, and Fiji and this seminars, the work of our ZDO’s and our have begun the work of establishing a faci-
year will place one in Papua New Guinea. NBDO’s as well as the incentive provided lity establishment and upgrading program.
In each case in the country concerned, we by regular international competition for As with other aspects of our program, it
have an NBDO and in several of them, the young people, we are starting to make seems inevitable that if we are to be suc-
AYAD helped us and the host country pre- some progress. cessful in this area, we will need to form
pare for and stage a major international some strategic partnerships with like-min-
event. In order to accomplish these “on court” ded organisations.
objectives we need to build the administra-
WHAT IS OUR GOAL? Our game has the potential to deliver
Our primary objective is to increase the huge health, community and social bene-
participation base. In all Pacific Island fits to most of the Pacific Island nations.
countries, we want to have more people These benefits do not depend on the
playing in structure competitions under the countries concerned participating in the
umbrella of the federation. Where a com- Olympic Games Basketball Tournament
petition structure already exists, we want or FIBA’s World Championship. In fact,
to extend the competition season. For us, because most of our member countries
one of the strengths of basketball and one have a high birth rate and demographic
source of its appeal, is that it is a game profile heavily weighted in favor of young
which can be played by old and young men people, the needs in this area are very
and women, and boys and girls. We want great. This is even more so, because of
the high rates of unemployment amongst
these young people in most countries. It
is fair to say that the ability of sport to
assist in the social cohesiveness of
nations is not generally recognised by
the governments of the region and so
sport does not receive appropriate fun-
ding and resources.

In a sense, this present lack of a com-

mitment by governments may be the
greatest source of the growth of our
sport. Our challenge is to form partner-
ships with governments to jointly achie-
ve sporting and societal objectives.

I’m excited by the challenge.

PAGE 50 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

The Israeli
by Yehuda Shikma
Basketball
Yehuda Shikma is the Secretary
General of the Israeli Basketball
Federation, as well as a member of
the FIBA Council for Basketball for
Association
Persons with Disability.

Before beginning, I would be remiss

without mentioning the work of Dan
Kesten, our late President, who pas-
sed away suddenly and all too early
at the age of 65.
Dan had served as the President of
the IBBA for over 10 years. To Dan,
the basketball arena was his whole
world. He will be greatly missed.

1. INSTITUTIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly takes place
once a year.
It chooses members for the Board
Committee, the Supreme Court, and the
Internal Critique Committee.
It also approves the previous year’s
financial statements and receives the
report of the Internal Critique
Committee related to the previous
year.

BOARD
The Board consists of 33 members. The
Board is in charge of management in
the IBBA.
It oversees the make-up of different
institutions and committees in the IBBA
and supervises and reviews the deci-
sions of those institutions. The Board
also chooses the president, the deputy,
vice president, treasurer, and all the
committee chairmen.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee of the
IBBA implements rulings and deci-
des on current activities on a daily
basis.
The Committee holds meetings once
every two weeks.

INTERNAL CONTROL COMMITTEE

The Internal Control Committee is
elected by the General Assembly.

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 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

SUPREME COURT
The Supreme Court is elected by the
General Assembly. All members in the
court must be lawyers.

DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL
The panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal
is chosen by the Board of the IBBA
and all its members (not less than 5)
must be lawyers.

COMMITTEES
▼ Professional Committee Men
▼ Marketing, Public Relations and
Media Committee
▼ Financial Committee
▼ Organizing Committee
▼ Women’s Committee
▼ Administration Committee
▼ League & Cup Committee
▼ Archives Committee

COACHES ORGANIZATION
The Coaches Organization works as
an individual unit, which is affiliated
with the IBBA and also manages all of
its activities in the office of IBBA. The
organization receives full support
from the IBBA. All basketball coaches
must be members of the coaches’
organization.

ADMINISTRATION FIRST DIVISION MEN

The Board of the IBBA established an
Administration First Division Men,
which will be affiliated with the IBBA.
It operates as an incorporated com-
pany in which only the directors of
the teams comprising of the First
Division Men will be members, along
with two directors appointed by the
Executive Committee of the IBBA.
In June 2002 a contract was signed
between the IBBA and representati-
ves of the Administration, and the
regulations of the Administration
were confirmed.

REFEREES ORGANIZATION
The Referees Organization is an inte-
gral part of the IBBA. It is affiliated
with the IBBA on matters of procedu-
res and finance but it is independent
on matters of professional decisions.
The Referees Organization has a
board as well as professional com-
mittees, an assigning committee,
disciplinary committee, and a person
in charge of evaluating the perfor-
mances of the referees.
There are 550 referees for all of the
basketball games in the country.
In addition to the referees Secretary

PAGE 52 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

General, there are five zone managers EMPLOYEES income from publicity, as well as
covering the whole country: ▼ General Secretary increasing income for the teams, and
▼ First Division - 21 referees ▼ Competition Department upgrading the status of the First
(11 international referees with FIBA’s ▼ Head Secretary Division.
certificate) ▼ Public Relations & Marketing
▼ Second Division - 20 referees ▼ National Teams Coordinator 8. BUDGET CONTROL
▼ Third Division - 34 referees ▼ General Secretary of Referees AUTHORITY
▼ Local staff - 475 referees ▼ Secretary of the Referees The IBBA is responsible for the proper
Organization functioning of the league and assisting
2. LEAGUE STRUCTURE ▼ 2 Secretaries for registration the individual teams in the manage-
The IBBA has 1,400 teams and 28,000 ▼ 2 Typists ment of their financial affairs.
players. ▼ Operator The teams are required to prepare a
▼ Accountant realistic operating budget.
Men ▼ Quartermaster The administration of this budget is
▼ First Division - 12 teams overseen by an external authority, the
▼ Second Division - 12 teams 6. FINANCIAL SYSTEM Budget Control Authority (Authority).
▼ Third Division - 24teams (north & FINANCIAL POSITION The Authority is a foundation external
south) The IBBA has been successful in the to the IBBA, with its own chairman and
▼ Fourth Division - 48 teams (4 districts) past few years in achieving a balanced several additional members.
▼ Fifth Division - 144 teams (12 districts) cash flow. Since the Association does The Authority has developed compute-
not need bank financing, it has been rized budgetary control software,
Women able to set long-term goals and objecti- which is supplied to all of the teams.
▼ First Division - 10 teams ves and plan long-term projects. This software enables the team mana-
▼ Second Division - 10 teams IBBA has invested a substantial gement to monitor the team’s financial
▼ Third Division - 60 teams (5 districts) amount of money in the activities of performance within its budget, and to
Men’s and Women’s National Teams. prepare reports for the Authority.
3. CUP GAMES The budget for the year 2003 reflected The control program also enables the
Along with the regular league games, the a reduction of 15% from 2002, due in team management to make knowled-
IBBA has Cup Games for all levels and part to the impact of the general eco- geable decisions throughout the year
ages. nomic circumstances and its impact on and avoid the risk of overspending its
the sports world. The budget incorpo- budget.
4. NATIONAL TEAMS rated the changes, which were a con-
The IBBA supports various activities for sequence of establishing the The IBBA established regulations for
its national teams. Administration First Division Men (see the relationship between the teams
There are eight national teams prepared below). and the Authority.
for the international events, which occur At the commencement of the 2001/2002
all through the season. 7. COMMERCIALIZATION OF season, significant changes were
Most national teams are successful in BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES introduced to these regulations,
Europe and are graded among the best In the past few years, the IBBA had strengthening the position of the
teams. been through quite a revolution when it Authority as well as changing the
In order to advance women’s basketball, comes to its marketing activities. rights and responsibilities of the teams
the IBBA makes enormous financial The IBBA has been very active in crea- and players.
efforts and also established a committee ting new situations by entering into Some of these changes included:
to promote women’s basketball for all age several business deals, which increa- ▼ The budget of a team for the current
groups. The IBBA conducts a variety of sed the income for both the teams and year will be approved only after
activities throughout the country for the IBBA. confirmation from both the players
players who are considered pre-cadets, These business deals included selling and coaches that all amounts out-
pre-cadettes, pre-junior men, and pre- the broadcasting rights for the First standing from the previous year
junior women. Division Men & Women, as well as the have been settled.
In addition, the IBBA conducts a special National Teams, sponsorship for the ▼ Each team is to provide to the
program for big men as well as point First Division Men & Women, as well as Chairman of the Authority a third
guards. National Teams, and the Referee’s party guarantee for 25% of its
The IBBA has a fitness trainer who desi- Organization. approved budget. This guarantee
gns a training program for each National Large sums have also been obtained as will be called upon in the event of
team based on the special needs of the a result of creating a competition failure by a team to pay its players
players. between different companies in order or coaches or to transfer the
The IBBA has excellent relationships with to maximize income. withholding taxes as required by
International federations all over Europe In 2002, a contract was signed with the law.
and works closely with FIBA. Administration First Division Men In the event of drawing on guarantee,
effective for the 2002/2003 season. This the team must immediately provide a
5. STRUCTURE OF THE IBBA Administration is responsible for all new guarantee for the amount utilized.
In the IBBA, there are 14 employees matters related to marketing, including Today, many years after the establish-
who manage a variety of tasks. creating business deals and raising ment of the Budget Control Authority,

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 53

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

there has been an impressive impro-

vement in the financial management
and integrity of the teams, which is a
dramatic achievement when compa-
red to business and economic norms
in the field.
There are now balanced budgets and
the financial obligations to the
players are met.
This is exemplified by a significant
reduction in the use of arbitration to
settle player wage disputes.
The Budget Control Authority supervi-
ses the senior leagues: First Division
Men, First Division Women and
Second Division Men.

9. IBBA HAS TAKEN

A LINE OF ACTION
WITHOUT PRECEDENT
A. There are no guarantees from the
sports associations. All services
provided by the IBBA are on a
cash basis. This decision was
confirmed in January 1996 by the
Executive Committee and has
been fully applied since.

B. All the attachments of the IBBA

are made public in order to select
the best proposal suitable to the
needs of the IBBA, including the
marketing contracts mentioned
earlier.

10. DOPING CONTROL

The IBBA had decided to maintain
doping control in order to prevent
substance abuse.
Dr. Jack Ashrov, on behalf of The
Olympic Committee of Israel, is chair-
man.
During the 2002/2003 season, drug
tests were performed on players from
the Men’s and Women’s First Division
teams.
All tests were negative, which was a
source of pride for all supporters of
basketball and sport.

IBBA REPRESENTATIVES FOR FIBA

▼ Mr. Shimon Mizrahi: Commission
for Legal Matters.

▼ Mr. Reuven Virovnik: A member of

the Technical Committee.

▼ Mr. Noah Kliger: President of the

Media Council.

▼ Mr. Yehuda Shikma: A member of

the Council for Basketball for
Persons with a Disability.

PAGE 54 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

PARTNERS’
by Aldo Vitale
MEETING IN GENEVA
The FIBA Research & Study Centre was founded to help basketball players to Cologne in 2005.
equip and increase the number of sports facilities throu- One of the greatest achievements of the FIBA Research
ghout the world, encourage the construction of basic and Study Centre was that the Central Board accepted
facilities and the refurbishment of older ones, co-ordina- the amendment in the Internal Regulations regarding the
te research initiatives and offer consulting services for supply of the technical equipment for official FIBA
materials, equipment design and construction. Competitions.
Its annual Partners’ and Decisional Board Meeting took “Before each official competition of FIBA, the court, as
place in Geneva on the 10th and 11th of May 2004. More well as all the technical equipment, must be examined
than 30 Partners from all over the world attended the and approved by the appropriate body of FIBA.
reunion. Only technical equipment whose make and type have
been approved by FIBA (Study Centre) may be used on
It was the first time that the newly elected Decisional the occasion of main official competitions of FIBA. This
Board, the governing body of the FIBA Research and means that all Local Organizing Committees are obliged
Study Centre, had the opportunity to discuss the results to equip the arena where the competitions take place
of last year and to give suggestions for the future. with FIBA certified backstop units, flooring systems and
electronic scoreboards. The other products that belong
All Partners agreed that FSB Köln 2003 was a great suc- to another categories are highly recommended also, but
cess; the exhibition generated great interest and positive not obligatory.”
business opportunities for FIBA’s Partners. The visit of
the Secretaries General and Mr. Gilbert Felli from the IOC At the meeting, the Partners had the opportunity to work
was very much appreciated. In order to attract even more together in groups and propose some modifications for
publicity, it is foreseen that FIBA will invite international the basketball equipment section of the Official

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 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

Basketball Rules. 4. PREPARE OUTDOOR APPROVAL PROGRAMME

These changes were then presented to the Central Board FIBA is going to print the Guide for Outdoor Court publi-
in Paris in June. cation in the very near future. There will be a new appro-
val program created for companies that are interested in
The FIBA Research and Study Centre has developed a promoting their outdoor equipment.
special program for the future which includes the fol- The newly approved companies will be able to participa-
lowing activities: te at FIBA’s Outdoor Basketball Programme, which will
include international outdoor tournaments all over the
1. CREATE NEW PRODUCT GROUPS world. The first event will take place in Argentina in the
Until now there were seven different product categories middle of October 2004.
for the approved equipment (Backstop Units, Wooden
and Synthetic Floorings, Electronic Scoreboards, Electric
and Electronic Systems, Miscellaneous Products and
Basketballs).
Since under the miscellaneous category there were too
many products, FIBA proposed to reorganize the product
groups and to add the following new categories:
▼ Construction Materials / Security Systems
/ Arena Furniture
▼ Permanent and Mobile Seating Systems
▼ Technical Equipment (Lighting Systems / Sound
Systems / Heating and Air Conditioning Systems)
▼ Rotating Boards and Video Advertising Systems
▼ Coaching and Training Materials

2. HELP TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT FOR THE NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

More and more
often FIBA
receives
requests from 5. INCREASE CONTROL OVER THE MISUSAGE
the national fe- OF THE FIBA STUDY CENTRE LOGO
derations or FIBA will make an extra effort to avoid that unauthorized
clubs that companies use the FIBA Study Centre logo.
would like to
purchase 6. MAKE NEW
basketball PUBLICATIONS
equipment. AND UPDATE
In order to cen- THE EXISTING ONES
tralize the pro- Until now, FIBA
cedure, FIBA published the Guide
will send to for Basketball
every national Facilities, the Safety
basketball Standards and the
federation and brochure presen-
n a t i o n a l ting the Study
Olympic com- Centre Partners.
mittee a letter The Safety
asking whether Standards were
they are plan- recently reprinted
ning to construct or refurbish any basketball halls in their in a user friendly A4
country. format, and the
There will be a pilot project carried out, focusing on Italy, Guide for Outdoor
Hungary and Switzerland. Courts will be avai-
The objective is to make people understand that whenever lable later this year.
they need equipment supply, they can contact the Study In 2005 the Guides
Centre. for High-Level and
Smaller Basketball
3. CONTROL THE EQUIPMENT AT THE VENUES Facilities will be updated.
OF THE OFFICIAL FIBA COMPETITIONS
With the help of the five FIBA zones, FIBA will increase Finally, it was decided that the Decisional Board will
control of the equipment that is used during the high- meet again in October 2004, while the next Partners’
level FIBA competitions. Meeting will take place in April / May 2005.
PAGE 56| 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

DENTAL
INJURIES
by Enrique Amy
Enrique Amy is Assistant Professor at In permanent teeth, it depends on the of the adjacent teeth for comparison
the Department of Physical Medicine- angle, strength and direction of the purposes.
Rehabilitation and Sport Medicine of impact. Frequently, the root or crown
the School of Medicine at the of the tooth fractures. Other radiographic studies that can be
University of Puerto Rico. Displacements, such as intrusion, taken include the panoramic, Towne’s,
extrusion, lateral displacement or Water’s, and a chest radiography to
Dental trauma in sports occurs more complete avulsion can also occur. detect a swallowed tooth or tooth par-
frequently than is generally believed, When dental trauma occurs, move- ticles.
and should always be treated imme- ment of the tooth and change in tooth
diately. color can be detected by the blood INJURIES IN SOFT TISSUE
It is very important to obtain the most extravasation of the tooth tubules. The soft tissues that are usually invol-
complete information from the history ved are the lips, gingival tissue, alveo-
and the examination given that it can When impact is toward the lips, it can lar mucosa, and tongue. The lips are
help the clinician to make decisions. result in contusion, subluxation, late- the ones affected the most in contact
The dentist or clinician should look for ral luxation (i.e., dislocation) or intru- sports.
facial asymmetry, injuries of soft sions in teeth, together with laceration The treatment will depend in on the
intraoral and extraoral tissue. of the lips. Indirect impacts can result location and extent of the injury.
Also, he should look for subcutaneous in intrusion with or without laceration The oral cavity is characterized by
hematomas, possible bone fracture, of the lip. great vascularity and when an intrao-
especially under the tongue. In case that the athlete receives an ral laceration occurs, bleeding is
If bleeding is present, the origin of this impact on the jaw during competition, abundant.
should be determined and then con- that energy will be absorbed by the It is necessary to control the
trolled. condyles, the symphysis, which could hemorrhage first to decide on the most
This helps determine whether there is cause a tooth fracture. In some instan- adequate way to correct the problem.
bone fracture. Besides, it must be ces, tooth fragments that are not pal- An airway should be kept open at all
determined whether there is an ano- pable can be impregnated in the soft times.
maly of the occlusion or bite of the tissue and noted radiographically.
patient and whether the patient can These fragments can cause acute or There are two types of basic injuries:
close the mouth easily. chronic infection and disfiguring fibro- clean and contaminated.
Many times, the bite can be crossed or sis (scar). The clean injuries do not generally
deviated toward one side. This can The purpose of performing radio- need antibiotic therapy and heal in
indicate the possibility of fracture or graphic studies is to reveal the matu- less than 48 hours.
dislocation of the jaw. It is important to ration stage of the root and to identify Contaminated injuries are those that
palpate the alveolar process (bone), trauma to the bone structures. have been invaded by pathogenic bac-
the temporomandibular joint and the The radiographic views utilized more teria of the oral flora, saliva or
soft tissue, as well as the tongue and frequently are the periapicals and the pharynx.
intraoral mucosa. occlusal. These should always be treated with
At least three views of the tooth invol- antibiotics, preferably penicillin or
When dental trauma occurs in primary ved should be taken from different third generation cephalosporin, if the
dentition (decideous), it usually results angles. It is advisable to also take patient is not allergic to them.
in tooth displacement instead of radiographies of the teeth on the If the patient is allergic, erythromycin,
alveolar or bone fracture. opposite side of the trauma as well as tetracycline or clyndamycin can be
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 57
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

used. A tetanus prophylaxis is recom- pletely in the bone or in the nasal As it is well known, the blood clot plays
mended, and a booster of tetanus toxoid cavity. Endodontic treatment is recom- a very important role in the revascula-
as well. mended when the displacement is rization process. If the clot is contami-
more than 15 mm, depending on the nated, the reimplantation process
Recommendations include: degree of maturity of the root of the could be affected.
tooth. Some authors recommend the tooth to
▼ Antibiotics and analgesics. When displacement is less than 15 mm, be submerged in tetracycline solution
the tooth should be evaluated periodi- for 15 minutes and the alveolus should
▼ Treatment for teeth trauma, cally to make sure that it is still vital. It be irrigated with the same antibiotic.
after controlling the bleeding. is very possible that these teeth will
It is recommended to suture not respond normally to vitality tests When an avulsion takes place, the
soft tissue after the tooth and for a few months. periodontal ligament is affected and
bone trauma have been the blood vessels break.
corrected. AVULSED TOOTH This increases the likelihood of a pulp’s
An avulsion can be described as com- infection. If reimplantation occurs
▼ Take radiographies of the area. plete displacement of a tooth. It occurs within the first hour, there is a greater
when a tooth comes out of the bone probability of success.
▼ Keep the tissue wet (sterile and falls to the floor or competition There is also a good chance for suc-
saline water). field. Tooth avulsions generally occur cess if reimplantation takes place
during car accidents or participation in within the first six hours after the acci-
▼ Determine whether a bone contact sports. dent. We should always keep in mind
fracture exists. An avulsed tooth should be re-implan- that the most important condition is to
ted as soon as possible. It is recom- control infection.
▼ Consultation with an oral and mended to recover the tooth and place One of the most common consequen-
maxilofacial surgeon. it in a sterile isotonic solution such as ces is reabsorption of the root.
Hank’s or Eagle Solution, or milk. It is
▼ Keep the injury as clean as not recommended to put it in the ROOT FRACTURE
possible. patient’s mouth. When a root fracture occurs, time is
The tooth should be examined careful- critical and the patient should be seen
Soft tissue injury to the face includes: ly, cleaning it gently to remove dirt or as soon as possible.
abrasions, contusions, and lacerations. debris. It should not be rubbed vigorou- The affected tooth should be splinted
Most lacerations occur over a bony sly with gauzes filled with solutions with a wire splint and resin tempora-
prominence of the facial skeleton. that contain chemicals. rily.
Because of the excellent blood supply For a tooth to be reimplanted it should Pain should be treated adequately.
in the facial region, wounds usually be free of advanced periodontal disea- The location of the fracture will deter-
heal quickly with minimal scar forma- se and extensive fractures. It is desira- mine the treatment, which could inclu-
tion. The wound should be thoroughly ble to have a dentist reimplant the de tooth extraction, surgical exposure
irrigated. tooth; but in case that there is no den- of the fractured surface, orthodontic
It should be closed in layers with tist when the accident occurs, the cli- treatment, or surgical extraction of the
absorbable sutures and deeper tissues nician should conduct the reimplanta- root. The final treatment could be insti-
and a subcuticular closure of buried tion. tuted several days after the trauma.
absorbable sutures. This allows for
adhesive paper strips or small caliber After a referral to the dentist if an FRACTURE OF ANTERIOR TEETH
inert sutures to be placed for closure endodontic treatment is needed, it is When a dental fracture that involves
of skin without tension. recommended to wait one week. the enamel and dentine occurs and the
Cutaneus sutures should be removed in If the apex is immature, the recommen- pulp is not involved, it should be cove-
5 to 7 days to avoid permanent sutures dation is to wait one to two weeks after red with calcium hydroxide and splint it
marks. the reimplantation has occurred to with resin and wire.
begin endodontic therapy. If evidence It should finally be restored at 6-12
TOOTH DISPLACEMENT of a pulp’s pathology is detected, the weeks.
When a tooth displacement occurs, tooth canal is thoroughly cleaned and When the fracture involves the nerve
time is the most critical factor. The filled with calcium hydroxide. of the tooth with the apex open, after
tooth should be repositioned as soon The patient should follow up every six the first three hours of the injury, cal-
as possible. It is desirable to have a to eight weeks. In many cases, liquid cium hydroxide should be applied.
dental evaluation within the first two fluoride is applied to avoid reabsorp- When the pulp’s exposure is massive
hours after the trauma and make a tion of the root. Survival of avulsed and more than three hours have pas-
splint or fix it with wire or resin for 7-10 teeth varies and many have lasted up sed since the trauma, a pulpotomy
days. to 20 years. should be performed to maintain vita-
lity and maturation of the root.
It is convenient to examine carefully When a tooth is to be reimplanted, it is Afterwards, an endodontic treatment
the affected area and to make sure that always recommended to irrigate it with such as root canal could be performed.
the exact placement of the tooth is saline water to clean the debris. Once the root canal is performed, the
known. Many times it cannot be seen The alveolus in the bone should also be tooth can be restored with the appro-
only with the eye and the tooth is com- cleaned to remove the contaminated clot. priate method.

PAGE 58 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

DEVELOPING
by Roy Lindsell
POWERFUL
ATHLETES
Rod Lindsell is a Strength and endurance activities and are the By understanding both the neural
Conditioning Coach at the preferred muscle fibre type of and mechanical factors involved in
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). marathon runners and endurance muscle contraction a coach can tar-
He is responsible for the strength cyclists. get training phases toward optimi-
and conditioning of the AIS Men’s Type II fibers have the ability to sing these traits.
Basketball Program of which 11 shorten rapidly to produce force Below is a summary of how different
scholarship holders where part of quickly and at high power outputs. training types influence muscular
the Australian U19 Men’s Team, who They are best suited to high inten- power.
won the recent FIBA U19 World sity, short duration work intervals.
Championships. He is a specialist in These characteristics make Type II GENERAL STRENGTH TRAINING
the area of conditioning for field fibers best suited to power orienta- General strength training can be
and court based sports. ted activities such as jumping and described as moderate intensity (6-
sprinting. 15RM loads), moderate volume (6-12
High level muscular power is a phy- sets per large muscle group), and
siological characteristic that coa- Skeletal muscle is composed of both slow speed resistance training.
ches want their athletes to possess. Type I and Type II muscle fibers. Specific adaptations induced by this
Muscular power is the product of The percentage of each fibre type is type of training include an increase
the force and velocity of a muscular largely genetically determined and in contractile units within the
contraction and can be expressed not significantly effected by training. muscle fiber, which is associated
as the rate of doing muscular work. with an increase in the cross sectio-
High levels of muscular power, when NEUROMUSCULAR FACTORS nal area of the muscle (hypertrophy).
coupled with the right technical skill, When the neuromuscular (nerve and Significant adaptations also occur in
has the potential to facilitate supe- muscular) physiology and structures the nervous system, primarily chan-
rior athleticism, in the form of speed, are inspected the major factors that ges in the intra and intermuscular
agility and jumping ability. limit muscular power generation can recruitment patterns.
be grouped into neural and mechani-
Muscular power is largely dictated cal factors. These mechanical and neural adap-
by an individuals composition of The neural factors relate to the abi- tations account for the improved
muscle fibre types and their neuro- lity to recruit muscles and the indivi- ability of an individual to produce
muscular characteristics. dual muscle fibers. Timely and con- force following a phase of general
This article will examine these fac- cise recruitment of muscle fibers strength training.
tors and the effect of different resi- will result in the summation of force The greatest improvements in force
stance training regimes on this desi- and potentially more rapid and for- production (strength) are seen at
rable athletic quality. ceful contractions. slow contraction velocities similar to
those used in training. The improved
MUSCLE FIBRE TYPES The mechanical factors relate to the force production capacity is often
Muscle fiber types can be classified actual contractile units of the reflected across the spectrum of
into 2 broad groups, Type I (Slow muscle which are responsible for contraction velocities in untrained
Twitch) and Type II (Fast Twitch). force production. The greater the individuals.
In general Type I fibers have prefe- number of cross bridges lined up in This would account for improve-
rences to work aerobically during parallel within a muscle fibre, the ments in vertical jump seen in
low-moderate intensity activities greater the cross sectional area of response to a period of general
over extended periods. that fibre and the greater its ability strength training.
These fibers are most suited to to produce force.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 59
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

MAXIMAL STRENGTH TRAINING These exercises require the neuro-

Maximal Strength Training (MST) is muscular system to recruit large
high intensity, low volume, slow numbers of muscle fibers quickly
speed resistance training. and efficiently to satisfactorily
Loads of 1-5RM are typically used, complete the task. Specific adapta-
with more than 10 sets performed tions to this type of training relate
per muscle group. MST is usually mainly to improvements in intramu-
performed 2-5 times a week on the scular recruitment and selective
same muscle groups with the goal hypertrophy of Type II muscle
of lifting maximal loads. fibers. These types of training have
Adaptations to MST are both neural been reported to result in the grea-
and muscular. Intense loads facili- test gains in peak power output
tate the recruitment of Type II (fast (high speed force production) when
twitch) fibers who are integral compared to general strength and
players in power performance. plyometric training.
Selective hypertrophy is expected
to occur in these fibers, along with The optimal loading for these exer-
intra and intermuscular changes in cises is often a contentious issue.
motor unit recruitment patterns. To achieve maximal power outputs
in squat jumps and bench throws
The outcome of a phase of maximal the optimal loading is likely to be
strength training for a moderately between 30% and 60% of 1RM.
trained athlete is likely to be an In Olympic style lifts optimal load is
increase in force production capa- likely to be the within approximately
city at velocities similar to those 10% of a 1RM load. The exact per-
used during training. centage for any loading will depend
Like general strength training some heavily on the exercise being utili-
of these gains may be reflected sed, sets and repetitions prescribed
across the velocity spectrum, but and the training history of the indi-
this appears to be dependent on the vidual.
training status of the individual.
If maximal strength training does PLYOMETRICS
produce improvements in power Plyometric training involves maxi-
performance it would be most likely mal velocity movements, usually
due to adaptations of the Type II against the resistance of body wei- what is required during a game of
motor units and order of motor unit ght and gravity that may or may not basketball.
recruitment of these fibers. involve a rapid pre-stretching of the
The current research literature muscle. Plyometric training helps CONCLUSION
supports a strong correlation train the individual to apply and Developing muscular power for
between maximal strength and absorb force rapidly and thus spe- basketball requires a strategic
power in subjects with a variety of cifically develops the force applica- approach. This approach must take
training histories. tion capacity of the neuromuscular into account the training status and
system at high velocities. history of the individual.
EXPLOSIVE OR BALLISTIC Adaptations to plyometric training Over a period of time training may
RESISTANCE TRAINING are predominantly neural with be general and specific in nature
Olympic style lifts and high-speed negligible changes to the mechani- but each training intervention
derivatives of traditional exercises cal structure of the muscle’s con- should be targeted toward achie-
are useful training methods when tractile units. ving specific neuromuscular adap-
looking to enhance an athletes All aspects of intramuscular tation(s).
muscular power characteristics. recruitment have been shown to
These types of training are charac- adapt favourably to plyometric trai- To maximize power performance
terized by exercises that demand ning in moderately resistance trai- training should expose the athlete
the individual perform large ned individuals. to an array of training stimuli which
amounts of mechanical work in considers the multi-faceted nature
short periods of time. Plyometric exercises such as boun- of power development and how it
These exercises aim to optimise the ding, hopping and jumping are pertains to the individual.
relationship between force produc- among the most specific types of Finally, strength and power charac-
tion and contraction velocity to resistance training exercises for teristics developed in the weight
achieve high power outputs. Power basketball. room need to be transferred onto
snatches, power cleans, squat These types of exercises provide an the basketball court with an empha-
jumps and bench throws are exam- excellent stimulus to improve intra sis on specific skill acquisition,
ples of activities that fit into this and intermuscular coordination at during practice and conditioning
category. contraction velocities similar to activities.
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 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

Core Stability
by Timothy Hansen Training in Low
Back Rehabilitation
Tim Hansen is in his 5th year at University working with the football, trunk muscles are then exercised to
Georgia Tech as assistant athletic trai- men’s basketball, wrestling, and teach the spine how to stay in that
ner, working with the men’s basketball lacrosse teams. Hansen is licensed by position.
program. He joined the Tech staff in the state of Georgia and certified by
2000 after two years as a graduate the National Athletic Trainers THE COMPONENTS OF THE “CORE”
assistant athletic trainer at Syracuse Association. The lumbar spine is inherently unsta-
ble. Therefore it relies upon the
The occurrence of low back muscles that support the area for dyna-
picture 1 pain in basketball players is mic stability. Your core consists of
a fairly common condition. more than just your abdominal
Typically, the sources of muscles. It includes the deep trunk
pain experienced by these muscles that attach to your spine and
high-caliber athletes are pelvis. They include:
due to injuries to the soft tis- ▼ Transverse Abdominus and Internal
sue structures that include / External Obliques - Act to transmit
the muscles, fascia and liga- compressive forces that increase
ments. Most of these cases the intra-abdominal pressure to
resolve within 2-4 weeks. help to stabilize the spine. The tran-
However, many of these sverse abdominus is found to be in
individuals will have a a weakened state in patients with
recurrence of symptoms at chronic back pain.
some point in their collegia- ▼ Multifidus - A vital postural muscle
te or professional careers. of the spine. When co-contracting
picture 2 The causes of these injuries
can be linked to lack of flexi-
with the transverse abdominus, it
acts to increase spinal stabilization
bility, lack of strength, poor by forming a deep internal “corset”.
technique, and improper Has been shown to be active in all
body mechanics. In recent ranges of motion.
years, one of the key deve-
lopments in treating low ▼ Interspinalis / Intertransversari -
back injuries has been Deep muscles that stabilize each
understanding that the deep adjacent vertebrae.
trunk muscles, or “core” ▼ Thoracolumber fascia - Provides
muscles, play an important tensile support to the lumbar spine
role in supporting the spine. and is used to transfer loads
Core stability training, also through the lumbar region.
known as lumbar stabiliza-
picture 3 tion, is an active form of IMPLEMENTING CORE TRAINING
rehabilitation designed to IN A REHABILITATION PROGRAM
strengthen the muscles that With any lower back rehabilitation pro-
support the spine in an effort gram, flexibility plays a vital role in
to treat and to help prevent allowing the pelvis to move correctly.
low back pain. Through a Stretching of the hamstrings, glutes,
series of exercises, and with hip flexors, and hip rotators will assist
the instruction of an athletic the athlete in their rehabilitation pro-
trainer or therapist, the ath- gram. Before beginning a program, the
lete is trained to find and athlete must first learn the most pain-
maintain their “neutral” free and balanced “neutral” position
spine position. The back and and how to maintain it. To accomplish
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 61
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

this, they need to co-contract both the between the table and their back. athlete place their feet flat on the
transverse abdominus and the multifi- Instruct them to draw their belly button table. Have them perform the
dus muscles effectively - a key to spi- toward the spine. The trunk muscles abdominal brace then lift their hips
nal stabilization. Have the athlete lay should contract in unison. Applying to the ceiling (picture 2).
on their back with their knees bent. The your fingers over the transverse abdo- ▼ Sidelying Hip Lift - Sidelying posi-
lumbar spine should be neither arched minus will provide tactile feedback. tion, knees extended. Have them lift
up nor flattened against the table, but This is considered to be the neutral their hips to the ceiling (picture 3).
aligned normally with a small gap position that they need to learn to ▼ Neutral Spine with leg extension -
maintain. Since the core muscles act Have the athlete attain the neutral
picture 4 as stabilizers that involve static or iso- spine position on an exercise ball,
metric contractions, they must be trai- then extend the leg (picture 4).
ned in that manner to build endurance
of the muscle fibers. Have the athlete INTERMEDIATE LEVEL EXERCISES
hold this contraction for 10-15 seconds ▼ Bridging with exercise ball - Have
or to fatigue and repeat 5-10 times (pic- the athlete place their shoulders on
ture 1). Once the athlete has good con- the ball with their knees flexed, then
trol bracing their abdomen, they can be extend the hips to be parallel to the
progressed to the following exercises. floor. Make sure to have them keep
their pelvis level (picture 5).
BASIC LEVEL EXERCISES ▼ Kneeling on exercise ball - Have the
▼ Supine Hip Bridging - Have the athlete begin by kneeling and pla-
cing their forearms on the ball. Then
have them lean forward, rolling onto
picture 8 their elbows (picture 6).
▼Back extensions on ball - Have the
picture 5 athlete place their abdomen on the
ball, and then extend the trunk off
the ball (picture 7).

ADVANCED LEVEL EXERCISES

▼ Human arrow position - Have
the athlete roll their body
straight out until their feet are
the only body part on the ball.
Have them keep their body
straight while maintaining their
neutral position (picture 8).
▼ Sidelying on Ball - Place athletes
picture 6 picture 9 elbow on the ball, then lift hips to
the ceiling (picture 9).
▼ Advanced Bridging - For increased
difficulty, have the athlete extend
their leg while the other leg has an
unstable surface underneath (picture
10).
▼ Lunges - More functional. Have
the athlete perform a lunge while
maintaining their neutral spine.
As you can see, there are many varia-
tions of the same exercise. Always try
to challenge the athlete and be creati-
picture 7 ve with your progressions. I typically
picture 10 will start out by having them hold each
position for 10 seconds with 10 repeti-
tions, progressing to a 30 second hold
with 20 repetitions. However, you must
emphasize meticulous technique in
order to develop true stability through
core strengthening. The whole essen-
ce of core stability is to teach the body
to control lumbar function during their
sport in an effort to reduce the chance
of re-injury.

PAGE 62 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

FRENCH
MINI-BASKETBALL
PROGRAM
A HIGH-REACHING “MINI” Commission, created in 1988, mana- aptitude for competition by way of
The French Basketball Federation ges the Mini-Basketball Project. training based on psychomotricity,
has a very special place for Mini- Besides giving the children an intro- while maintaining competitiveness
Basketball. The charter dictates that duction to our sport, the project also within the framework of education,
it should be expanded to as many aims to develop the individual and controlling aggression, working on
clubs as possible, and now a national teach them to reach their potential in technique within the game and lear-
convention is bringing Mini- life with respect for themselves and ning to live like a team in society.”
Basketball to schools. for others. This former sports trainer is careful
Every great sport that takes itself René Lavergne, co-founder and about amalgamation. Training a child
seriously knows that its future is staunch defender of the “Mini- within this particular framework has
being built today, and that future ine- Basketball” cause, speaks passiona- nothing to do with training a small
vitably depends on training. The tely about his baby: “Mini-Basketball adult. Children are different. For
French Basketball Federation is aims to awaken and highlight the example, competitiveness is adapted.
working to highlight basketball for creative forces of children. “We don’t reject competitiveness,”
children. The Federal Youth To do this, Mini-Basketball develops he continues. “It’s an important moti-

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 63

 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

vator that allows the child to acquire

qualities that will serve him in life,
and also a source of information to
get to know the child better.
On the other hand, what we reject is
brutal opposition, exaltation of vic-
tory and searching for stardom.”
Above all, it is a matter of giving a
basic training, which allows the child
to approach basketball in the best
way possible.

A CHARTER WITH
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Mr. Lavergne, together with André
Barrais, had previously started to
develop “Basketball Tots” in 1950
using adapted material.
Twelve years later, in Spain, Anselmo
Lopez linked this adapted game to the
acceptance of responsibility by
young people. He called this activity
“Mini-Basketball”. The President of
the French Basketball Federation at
that time, Robert Busnel, gave René
Lavergne the task of carrying out the
Mini-Basketball mission successfully
in France.
It was 1965, and the project was
underway.
Today, clubs form in numerous
schools in France, and they expand
according to the demands of the
youngsters and their parents.
These learning and playing locations
are “framed” within the clubs. The
Mini-Basketball school charter
brings to mind the fundamental prin-
ciples that any system worthy of that
name should respect.
Values are at the top of the list: con-
ceived by or for the child, the charter
contains certain points designed to
meet the child’s aspirations.
Respect for others, for the game and
for the environment is as important as
tolerance, autonomy and solidarity.
As a reminder that schools are struc- group, the petition, once complete, rise sharply. “For the parents, it’s a
tures made up of managers, technical will be sent to the French Basketball sign of the quality of the establish-
staff, youth leaders and parents, the Federation where it will be examined. ment,” he says.
charter sets out the tasks of each The goal is to obtain the federal stan- “Proof that the children are happy:
one. dard, symbol of a strictly followed 80% participate in practices each
Also mentioned are topics such as charter and of a vibrant school ser- year.” Others see it as an acknowled-
organisation, academics, evaluations ving active youngsters. Since it was gement from the Federation that
for tracking acquired knowledge, created in 1999, 117 schools have allows them to continue alongside
access to competitions, and to the received the designation “French other major sports such as rugby in
responsibilities that will fall to the School of Basketball” from a repre- the southwest, for example.
child. sentative of the Youth Commission. And others welcome the requirement
Each school that follows this copious But what does this honour actually to improve, so as not to fall into the
programme to the letter can then sub- provide? Some, such as Xavier routine of a programme that is already
mit a petition of recognition, if desi- Languénou, President of the functioning well.
red. Intended to gather in one docu- Landerneau Club (400 graduates), To that end, the National Mini-
ment all action taken within the have seen their membership numbers Basketball Forum, the first meeting of
PAGE 64 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
which was held at Sablé-sur-Sarthe
in 2003, has allowed many educators
to profit from the experience of their
peers in order to improve.

AN IMPORTANT NATIONAL CONVENTION

Every year in May, the clubs clear the
decks for action and organise the
National Mini-Basketball Festival
under the auspices of the Federation.
This is a fun and friendly way to round
off the season.
For one whole day, the little ones
have priority and simply play on
courts set up here and there. Baskets
and balls abound in the car parks, the
streets and the town squares inviting
children to join in tournaments and
other activities.
It is the grand finale of the work
undertaken by Mini-Basketball
schools. 110,000 children play basket-
ball during this festival, more than
500,000 people all over France are
involved and the Federation, through
its partners, provides presents for
each child!
But Mini-Basketball School does
mean school. At the beginning of
2004, the French Basketball
Federation signed an important natio-
nal convention linking it to the
Ministry of National Education, the
SUPE (Sports Union of Primary
Education) and the NUSS (National
Union for School Sports), where
departmental committees play a cen-
tral role. To train the teachers and
help them introduce basketball to
their pupils, four CD-ROMs (from nur-
sery school level to the fourth year in
primary school) will be provided for
them by a nearby club, with which the
school will have signed a partnership
agreement.
The club, given the name “Technical
Resource Centre”, will lend six balls
given by the Federation, and supple-
mentary material if considered neces-
sary. The club will also be able to
make a qualified technician available,
or help to organise an inter-class tour-
nament. Each “Technical Resource
Centre” will receive a “Prospective
Basketball School” form to be comple-
ted with the respective establishment
and returned to the Federation. To
allow each pupil to participate in
several levels of basketball during his
education, to understand the rules, to
appreciate the game and to become
an avid (live or TV) spectator will
surely help to develop the culture of
basketball in France.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 09 2004 | PAGE 65
 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

play
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING: A MUST
with us French Basketball Federation
I am a young strenght and conditioning trainer from Bel- Tel. ++33-1-53942500 - Fax: ++33-1-53942680
gium and I find your articles on this topic extremely intere- E-mail: info@basketfrance.com - www.basketfrance.com
sting. I think a team with a superior conditioning can over-
come lack of technique. I want to improve as much as I can, Italian Basketball Federation
so I’ll be very grateful to you if you can tell me if and how I TEL: ++39-06-36856509 - FAX: ++39+06-36856552
can contact experts on strength and conditioning, who wri- e-mail: segreteriagenerale@fip.it - www.fip.it
te in your excellent magazine. Thank you very much.
REACHING THE TOP
Fabian Van Delf, Gent (Belgium) My name is Annitah Takawira and I am from Masvingo Pro-
vince in Zimbabwe. I am twenty years old and act as a vo-
Thank you for your appreciation of the magazine. lunteer coach at a school. I am writing to ask for some help
We also think strength and conditioning is a vital part of in furthering my coaching abilities. As I am young and still
basketball, and on the same level as fundamentals. learning the game myself, it is important that I teach my
Its significance in the last decade has increased tremen- team the right way to play. Can you give me some advice on
dously, and now strength and conditioning coaches are on how to manage and direct my young players? And, also,
the same level of assistant coaches in the U.S. Here is a list how can I emphasize team play among them? I would ap-
of these, who could help you to improve your knowledge: preciate all of your advices, since it is my dream to become
one of the best young coaches and I will work hard to
Bill Foran, Miami Heat - bforan@heat.com achieve my goal. I look forward to your response.
Yours in basketball,
Jay Sabol, Miami Heat - jsabol@heat.com
AnnitahTakawira, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, taz@luxmail.com
Rutenis Paulaskas - rutenis2000@yahoo.com
We hope to see you sometime on some top teams’benches, becau-
Francesco Cuzzolin - fcuzzolin@libero.it se you show such a great enthusiasm. For improving your know-
ledge of the game you need to read books, to talk with coaches at
Igor Jukic - (e-mail of the Croatian Federation): different levels, to watch games and practices, something easy to
hks-cbf@zg.tel.hr say, but difficult to do, especially in countries where there are very
few occasions to do this. Our suggestion is to start to go on many
MINI-BASKETBALL INFORMATION different web sites and start to pick up drills, articles and where to
Mini-basketball is very popular in Europe and countries su- order books and videos. You can find many basketball web sites on
ch as Spain, France, and Italy are the top. the past issue of FIBA Assist, through www.fiba.com. Then, you
We do not have the same level of experience, tradition and can make the subscription to FIBA Assist Magazine, contacting us
knowledge of mini-basketball, so it could be helpful for me at the same e-mail address. Good luck,... coach.
to contact the mini-basketball department of these national
federations: Are you able to give me their addresses? Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013
Carlos Arroyo, Caracas (Venezuela) Castelmaggiore (BO), Italy
Tel.+39-051-6328813- Fax +39-051-6328815
Here are the addresses of the Federations you requested. We do Editor-in-Chief: GIORGIO GANDOLFI
not have the direct numbers of the mini-basketball departments, E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net
but you can ask them directly or find them out on their web sites: Note: Readers who wish to send technical or non-techni-
cal articles are kindly requested to read the information in
Spanish Basketball Federation the box INVITATION TO THE READERS on page 4 (or onli-
Tel. ++34-91-3832050 - Fax ++34-91-3027431 ne at www.fiba.com).
e-mail: secretaria@feb.es - www.feb.es

PAGE 66 | 09 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE