FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2004

ASSISTO6

Gheith Aref Najjar

RISE TO THE TOP WITH SHOOTING
dragan sakota
CARLO RECALCATI
ATTACKING THE

ZONE
UNORTHODOX ZONE
Josè Maria Buceta
THE MOTIVATION
OF ELITE PLAYERS

DEFENSE
Don (Butch) Steponchev
OFFICIATING OF WHEELCHAIR
BASKETBALL
Dave Norris
NORTH HARBOUR BASKETBALL
ASSOCIATION
 EDITORIAL

COACHING
challenges
in fiba oceania
Coaching in these current times presents many challenges. Application of coaching theory was the emphasis of the
Players ask more questions, challenge ideas, challenge course taking into consideration cultural, population,
coaches and other players. Coaches are constantly chal- geographic, basketball standards and understanding
lenging themselves and their peers on coaching methods, characteristics within and between countries.
concepts and techniques in an effort to improve their coa- FIBA Oceania has also regularly conducted Coaching
ching expertise. Clinics for players and coaches competing at the FIBA
Oceania Youth Tournaments.
There is a much greater need now for coaches to be able to
answer these challenges and develop a sound understan- Every two years coaches from the BAITCP, the AIS and
ding of WHY is it that they coach particular skills and con- coaches from Oceania embark on an international study
cepts in both individual and team play and WHAT is the logic tour to USA and Europe. Funding assistance for the study
and rationale behind their coaching techniques. tour is provided by BA and FIBA Oceania with each par-
ticipating coach making a personal contribution.
There is no doubt that formal coach education provided
through coaching accreditation courses, licensing systems, Exchange and sharing of information is vital and under-
universities and colleges on the theory of coaching plays an pins many coaching programs in Australia and Oceania.
important role in the development of coaches. Clearly thou- BA requires that, where funding assistance is provided
gh, for coaches to be effective teachers of our fine game of by BA, the participating coach is required to write a coa-
basketball there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on ching article and conduct a coaching clinic to share coa-
coaches exposure to the informal coaching experiences ching information gained.
such as coaching clinics, conventions, study tours and coa-
ching exchange programs to complement the more formal FIBA Assist magazine has proved to be another valuable
coach education courses. method of sharing information, and is read with great
interest by everybody involved in basketball.
At the last World Association of Basketball Coaches
(WABC) Executive Board meeting in Geneva it was decided Provision of both formal coach education courses and
to embark on a program of creating consistency in coach informal coaching experiences should provide coaches
education world wide. Discussion was also held on develo- with high quality opportunities to develop and grow as a
ping coaches through formal coach education courses and coach. The teaching of the application of coaching theory
informal coaching development experiences. This of course holds the key to answering some of the many challenges
will take some time, but it is a most worthwhile challenge. before us in coaching.

In FIBA Oceania the process of standardising coaching The formula is simple - The better the coach, the better
courses and coach development programs has begun with the quality of opportunities they will be able to provide
a pilot project. players to grow and develop as players and as good peo-
ple.
Development programs for coaches and players have been
delivered consistently by using the model of the Basketball These challenges are exciting. We do not hold all the
Australia (BA) Intensive Training Centre Program (ITCP). answers, far from it, but we are continually looking
Teaching coaches how to apply coaching theory is a priority forward to striving to meet the challenges and wish all
of this program. coaches success in also striving to meet them.

FIBA Oceania have recently conducted a Coaching Patrick Hunt

Presenters course for coaches of young players at the President of the Association of Basketball Coaches
Australian Institute of Sports (AIS), based on the excellent FIBA-OCEANIA
FIBA publication “Basketball for Young Players”.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA
International Basketball Federation by Patrick Hunt 3
8, CH. Blandonnet, 1214 Vernier/Geneva
Switzerland
Tel. +41-22-545.000, Fax +41-22-545.0099
www.fiba.com
e-mail: info@fiba.com COACHES
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti-BT&M,
Cantelli Editore, Italy FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
PARTNER WABC (World Association One-on-One Skills: The Dribble 6
of Basketball Coaches),
Dusan Ivkovic President by Al Sokaitis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Giorgio Gandolfi
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, Rise to the Top with Shooting 14
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castelmaggiore (BO),
Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328813, by Gheith Aref Najjar
Fax +39-051 6328815
E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net
OFFENSE
THE MISSION Attacking the Unorthodox Zone 22
Our objective is to help basketball grow globally
and improve in every aspect. Our goal is to pro- by Dragan Sakota
duce a technical publication of the highest level,
but one that is easily understood and apprecia-
ted by everyone. An ample section of the maga- Offensive Out-of-Bounds Situations 25
zine is devoted to the coaches - more precisely,
youth level coaches - because coaches compri- by Bob Huggins
se the largest part of our readership. Basketball
can improve only if every aspect of this sport
improves and moves forward. For this reason DEFENSE
the magazine is also devoted to topics of interest Zone Defense 29
for team executives, referees, doctors, conditio-
ning coaches, trainers, and mini-basketball by Carlo Recalcati
instructors, as well as national Federations,
FIBA Zones, Leagues and teams.
PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION
The magazine is published 6 times per year. The Motivation of Elite Players 35
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief are
not responsible for the opinions expressed in the by Josè Maria Buceta
articles. All rights reserved.
The National Federation and their affiliates can
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the
magazine to an external publisher without the The Hellenic Basketball Association 37
written permission of FIBA. by Theodoros Bolatoglou
All information in this publication is provided as
news matter only and is not to be used to viola-
te any local or national laws. HOOP MARKET
Printed in Italy. One-on-One Videos and Books about Offense 38
Copyright 2003 by FIBA. by Raffaele Imbrogno
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the following persons
and publishers:
Corrado de Belvis, Lisa Cavallini, Gerald
Couzens, and Raffaele Imbrogno, Tom
2004 FIBA CALENDAR
Hathaway and Shawn Sell of Cincinnati FEBRUARY 21-23.05 FIBA Women's World League 2004,
University for the photos of the article of Bob 06.02-01.04 8th South American League for Men 2004 Preliminary Round in Taipei, Chinese Taipei
Huggins, Paul H. McCarthy for the photos of the in Santiago, Cordoba, Puerto La Cruz, 28-30.05 FIBA Women's World League 2004,
article of Al Sokaitis, Coaches Choice for the
permission to reprint the excerpts of the book of Riberao Preto Preliminary Round in Sao Paolo, Brazil
Bob Huggins “Special Situations - Making the 23-28.02 COCABA Championship for Men 2004 in San
Most of Limited Possessions”, Dr. Richard Salvador, El Salvador JUNE
Bouché for the permission to reprint the article 12-13.06 Central Board of FIBA in Geneva, Switzerland
“Tibial Fasciitis, a Type of Shin Splint”, and MARCH
Emanuele Manzini for the Spanish translation. 14-19.06 U20 South American Championship for Men
12-13.03 6th Board of FIBA-Europe in Moscow, Russia 2004 in Ancud, Chile
AN INVITATION TO OUR READERS 27-28.03 FIBA-Europe Cup Men 2004 - Final Four 16-20.06 15th Centrobasket Championship for Women
No matter what the level of competition you are 2004 in Guatemala
concerned about, we invite you (coaches; FIBA APRIL
Zones, Federations, Leagues, and team executi- 01-05.04 21st U18 European Championship for Men
ves, referees, doctors, trainers, conditioning JULY
2004 - Challenge Round tba 19th African Cup for Men's Champion Clubs
coaches, minibasket instructors, journalists) to
send articles to us for publication. The article 02-04.04 NCAA Women's Final Four 2004 in New Qualifying Round
must be no longer than 5/6,000 characters, spa- Orleans, USA tba 3rd U20 African Championship
ces included. If diagrams of plays, drills or sket- 03-04.04 FIBA-Europe Cup Women 2004 - Final Four
ches are used, please limit them to 12 or less. for Men in Senegal
03-05.04 NCAA Men's Final Four 2004 in San tba 2nd U20 African Championship for Women
All manuscripts must be written in English,
transmitted by e-mail or faxed to the Editorial Antonio, USA tba 3rd U16 European Promotion Cup
Office listed above. 16-18.04 FIBA EuroLeague Women 2004 - Final Four for Men in Andorra
The manuscript will become property of the 23-25.04 FIBA Europe League 2004 - Final Four
Publisher and the author will automatically be tba 3rd U16 European Promotion Cup for Women
granted the rigths of publication, without asking MAY in Andorra
any fee now or in the future. 14.05 7th Board of FIBA-Europe in Prague, tba 9th European Promotion Cup for Men in
The Editorial Staff will decide if and when Scotland
articles will be published. Czech Republic
There is no guarantee that manuscripts will be 14-16.05 49th Session of FIBA-Europe in Prague, tba 8th European Promotion Cup for Women
published, nor willl manuscripts be returned. Czech Republic in Luxembourg

PAGE 4 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE DOCTORS, CONDITIONING
AND COMMISSIONERS COACHES AND TRAINERS
DOCTORS
Officiating NCAA Women’s Basketball 40 Technology and Basketball Training 57
by Sally Bell and Marcy Weston by H. C. Holmberg

CONDITIONING COACHES
Officiating of Wheelchair Basketball 42 Conditioning System in Croatian Basketball 59
by Don “Butch” Steponchev by Igor Jukic

Right or Wrong? 44 TRAINERS

Tibial Fasciitis: a Type of Shin Splint 61
Training Courses for Officials 45 by Richard T. Bouché
by Alison Muir
MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL
SPORT MARKETING AND GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
MANAGEMENT MINI-BASKETBALL
Mini-Basketball Drills 63
EXECUTIVES AND MARKETING by Inaki Refoyo
Alba Berlin: Market Orientation and Continuity 47
by Marco Baldi SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
Coordination Drills 65
The Philippines Basketball League 49
by Noli Eala LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 66
FIBa zones, federations and leagues
North Harbour Basketball Association 51 attention:
by Dave Norris
for readers who are interested in contacting the
FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE authors of the articles, please send an e-mailto
Trade Fair: Huge Success for FIBA Partners 55 fibaassist@cantelli.net
by Aldo Vitale

tba 27th William Jones Cup for Men and 31.07-03.08 2nd FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament for tba Paralympic Games 2004 in Athens, Greece
Women in Taipei, Chinese Taipei Men 2004 in Belgrade, Serbia & 30th European Championship for Women
05-14.07 18th U16 European Championship for Montenegro 2005 Division B Qualifiying Rounds
Men Division A in Amaliada, Greece
07-11.07 19th Centrobasket Championship for Men AUGUST OCTOBER
in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic tba 15th U18 African Championship 12-17.10 FIBA Women's World League 2004, Final
09-18.07 21st U18 European Championship for for Men 2004 Round
Men 2004 Final Round in Zaragoza, Spain tba U18 Oceanian Championship
09-18.07 21st U18 European Championship for for Women 2004 NOVEMBER
Women 2004 Final Round in Bratislava, tba U20 Oceanian Championship 19-20.11 Central Board of FIBA in Kuala Lumpur,
Slovak Republic for Men 2004 Malaysia
12-18.07 South American Championship for Men 05.08 1st FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament for tba 8th Board of FIBA-Europe in Estonia
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Women 2004 in Iraklion, Greece tba 19th African Cup for Men's Champion
14-18.07 U20 Centrobasket Championship for Men
in Chiapas, Mexico 06-15.08 18th U16 European Championship for Clubs 2004 Final Round
23.07-01.08 7th U20 European Championship for Men Men 2004 Division B in Manchester, tba U20 Oceanian Tournament for Men 2004
2004 Final Round in Brno, Czech Republic England tba U20 Oceanian Tournament for Women
23.07-01.08 3rd U20 European Championship for 13-29.08 28th Olympic Games: Tournament for 2004
Women 2004 Final Round in Vannes, Men 2004 in Athens, Greece
Quimper, St. Brieuc, France 13-29.08 28th Olympic Games: Tournament for DECEMBER
27.07-01.08 U20 Panamerican Championship for Men Women 2004 in Athens, Greece tba 9th U18 African Championship
in Halifax, Canada for Women 2004
30.07-08.08 18th U16 European Championship for SEPTEMBER
Women 2004 - Division A in Biella, Turkey tba 34th European Championship for Men
30.07-08.08 18th U16 European Championship for 2005 Division A & B Qualifiying Rounds
Women 2004 - Division B in Tuzla, Bosnia tba 30th European Championship for Women
& Herzegovina 2005 Division A Qualifying Rounds

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 5

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

by Al Sokaitis
ONE-ON-ONE
Al Sokaitis is the head coach of the
University of Alaska - Fairbanks. He
THE DRIBBLE
stion you see above. Although I had
lectured and demonstrated many
to winning is creating opportunities for
high percentage shots.
also coached North Adams State and times before, the simplicity of what I
Southern Maine. Expert on teaching was asking seemed to strike a chord There are essentially four ways you
one-on-one, he appeared for 14 con- with the players. Since that time, my can create scoring opportunities:
secutive times as lecturer at the clinics and demonstrations have revol-
Coaches Clinic at the NCAA Division I ved around the theme of how to score. 1. Dribble Moves
Final Four, and also at clinics in 2. Live Ball Moves
Greece and Lebanon. He works with I start teaching one-on-one play with a 3. Movement
NBA players and coaches for impro- simple premise. I tell every player that 4. Screening
ving the one-on-one. although basketball is a team game, at
some point they will be required to On this article I will write on dribble
“At some point in every game, it’s just score. They will simply have to beat moves. I would advise the reader that
you and your opponent, can you the man in front of them. One-on-one in order to be a great player, you do
score?” basketball is all about creating the not need a hundred different moves.
space you need to take a shot you can What you do need, however, is a move
In 1985 while giving a clinic at a high make. and a countermove and execution. Do
school all-star camp I posed the que- Anyone can get a shot off but the key a few things very well and you are on

SEQUENCE 1

PAGE 06 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROP

skills:
you way to a great career. not into trouble. C. Combination moves
C. To change a passing angle. 1. Fake crossover to crossover
DRIBBLE MOVES D. To get to the hoop. 2. Fake crossover to spin
The defense is trying to contain the 3. Stop and go to crossover
ball. The ball handler is trying to force II. TYPES OF DRIBBLE MOVES 4. Between the legs to spin
the defender out of stance and out of A. Change of speed moves 5. Stutter to crossover
balance. You, the ball handler must 1. Acceleration 6. One hand cross to crossover
make the defender lunge, straighten 2. Stutter step 7. Spin, between the legs, crossover
his knees, go back on his heels or 3. Stop and go
cross his feet. You accomplish this 4. Fake crossover III. AN EXPLANATION
goal by using a change of speed, a OF THE DRIBBLE MOVES
change of direction or a combination B. Change of direction moves A. Change of speed moves.
of the two. 1. Crossover 1. Acceleration. The intent of accelera-
2. Pullback crossover tion is to lull the defender into a false
I. THE DRIBBLE 3. Between the legs sense of security about your speed of
You should use the dribble to: 4. Around the back travel and then spring by the defender.
A. Create space. 5. Spin moves The keys to acceleration are:
B. To get yourself out of trouble, 6. Slide dribble into a spin a. Act relaxed before exploding to the

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 07

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

SEQUENCE 2

hoop. should either land on two feet or take a You begin with the ball in your right
b. Look up, to further lull the defender second small step and hop back to two hand. As you approach the defender you
into a relaxed state. feet. take a step to the left before pushing
c. Keep the ball protected. The defender must now react and move back to the right. The best description of
forward to close the space created by this move is to imagine ice skating and
2. Stutter. The stutter is executed by your back up. pushing off your right foot and then back
dribbling at a defender and freezing When the defender moves forward you out to the right. This slight shifting of the
him/her by stopped your forward motion should look up at the hoop before hand over the top of the ball is the most
and rapidly moving your feet up and quickly exploding to the basket. The significant part of the move. The keys to
down before exploding to the hoop. keys to the stop and go are: the fake crossover are:
The stutter should resemble a foot fire a. Keep the ball low throughout the a. Allow your body to move left while
drill. The keys to the stutter are: move. keeping the ball on your right.
a. Keep your knees bent to make your b. Make sure your knees are bent as you b. Slide your hand over the top of the
move to the hoop quicker. look up so you can explode to the hoop. ball without carrying the ball.
b. Look up before going to the hoop. c. Sell the fake with your eyes, your c. Keep the ball low so that it is easier to
hand that is not dribbling the ball and slide your hand over the top.
3. The stop and go. The stop and go is your body language.
actually a stop, back up, look up and go. B. Change of direction moves.
The first part involves dribbling at the 4. The in and out or fake crossover A change of direction move involves
defender and quickly stepping back off move. The fake crossover is intended to changing the ball from one side of the
your leg opposite the ball. give the defender the illusion that a body to the other. It also involves chan-
As you push back off your leg you crossover move is about to take place. ging the direction of travel in an
PAGE 08 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
attempt to make the defender cross 2. Pull back crossover. The pullback your feet are landing in a simultaneous
his/her legs or come out of stance. crossover is executed by dribbling the motion on the ground (the end of the step
ball (in this example) with your right back), cross the ball.
1. The crossover move. The crossover is hand and stepping hard at the defen-
executed by pulling the ball from one side der with your left foot. As your weight 3. The between the legs moves. Dribbling
of your body to the other. transfers over your left or front foot, between the legs allows you to change
The exchange of the ball should be quick, you lift your back foot off the ground. the ball from hand to hand while protec-
hard and low. It is common to add a step This allows you to step back (or push ting the exchange with your body. The
back to the move before the crossover to back) off your front foot. When your right ball should always travel from front to
eliminate any chance of the defense foot comes down on the floor you lift your back away from the defender. You should
knocking the ball away. The keys to the left foot off the ground and hop further also allow your body to dip (similar to sit-
crossover are: back off the plant off your right foot. The ting in a chair) as the ball is passing
a. Pull the ball as opposed to simply drib- result of a coordinated well executed between your legs. This will set up your
ble the ball across the middle of your move is to create approximately seven body to spring in the opposite direction
body. feet of space between you and the defen- (sequence 3). The keys to the between
b. The ball should travel from outside your der (sequence 1). The ball has stayed in the legs, dribble are:
leg on the right to outside your leg on the your right hand throughout the move. As a. Don’t pound the ball through the legs,
left or vice versa. the defender scrambles to recover and dribble the ball through.
c. Keep the crossover low. Bringing your close the space between the two of you, b. Come to a two-footed stop before drib-
hand down to the floor helps to keep the it is the optimum time to execute a hard bling between the legs.
ball low. crossover (sequence 2). A key teaching c. Always dribble the ball between your
d. Sell the move with your shoulders. point is to remind your players that as legs from the front to the back so the ball
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 09
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

SEQUENCE 3

is moving away from the defender. move, the spin move is often set up
by the defender. When the defender SEQUENCE 4
4. Around the back move. The reaches for the ball, you protect the
around the back move is ideal to ball by stepping toward the defender
change the passing angle. The move with the foot furthest from the ball.
is actually set up when a defender You now execute a reverse pivot
lunges for a ball that is being drib- away from the other hand. After
bled at your side. The object is for completing the pivot you change the
you to cross the ball from one hand ball to your other hand (sequence 5).
to the other behind your back. You The keys to the spin move are:
must learn to get your body in front a. Set up the defender by moving in
of the ball before making the one direction before attempting the
exchange from hand to hand to eli- pivot.
minate the possibility of a carry call b. Seal the defender with the pivot.
by the officials (sequence 4). The c. Upon completion of the pivot, the
keys to the around the back dribble toe of your front foot should be poin-
are: ted at the hoop. This will insure you
a. The around the back move must are moving north to south (hoop to
change your direction. If you main- hoop) rather than east to west (side-
tain a straight line of travel, even line to sideline).
though you changed hands on the d. Complete the pivot before chan-
ball, a charge will mostly likely ging hands on the ball.
occur.
b. Keep the ball low to avoid a carry 6. Slide dribble spin. This move was
call. made popular by Magic Johnson.
Magic would execute a slide
5. The spin move. The spin move is a (similar to a defensive slide) while
change of direction move that allows dribbling the ball. He would stand
you to seal the defender with your facing the sideline and bounce the
body. Similar to the around the back ball near his foot that was located

PAGE 10 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

furthest from the defender. If the defen-
der tried to come around his front, he
would simply spin away.

C. Combining moves.
An ideal way to beat a defender is to
employ two moves in quick succession.
The first move should be a slower or
setup move to lead the defender in one
direction before exploding in a second
direction: An example of some of the
combination moves you might employ is:

1. Fake crossover to crossover

2. Fake crossover to spin
3. Stop and go to crossover
4. Between the legs to spin
5. Stutter to crossover

The moves described above have

already been explained in terms of hand
position, footwork and execution. The
following two moves need further exami-
nation.

6. One hand cross to crossover. The ball

handler takes the ball in his right hand
and bounces it across his body. He then
uses the same hand to bring the ball
back to its original starting point. The
ball is bounced in a rhythmic one-two
motion. When the ball returns to its ori-
ginal spot, the ball handler now explo-

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 11

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

SEQUENCE 5

des into a crossover. We sometimes 2. Weight should be equally distributed stands at one end of the gym facing a
call this the bad crossover, good cros- on the balls of your feet. line of ball handlers. The coach quickly
sover move. The first motion is meant 3. Head up. A good teaching point is to pivots 180 degrees away from the
to lull the defender before exploding to hold up fingers while someone is drib- players. When he pivots the ball hand-
the hoop. bling and have them call out the num- lers dribble as fast as they can while
ber of fingers you have up. This tea- the coach counts loudly and quickly to
7. Spin, between the legs, crossover. This ches the ball handler to look up. five, yells red light and pivots back to
move actually requires three changes 4. The ball is controlled on the fingertips. the ball handlers. If he catches them
of direction in a very short time period. moving they return to the starting
The ball handler starts by spinning B. Drills to practice the basics. point. The object is to be the first to
away from the defender. He then drops 1. Dribble a ball side to side and front reach the coach. This ‘child’s’ game
the ball between his legs as the defen- to back while looking up. Repeat the teaches stop and go and ball control.
der is sliding back into position. Once drill with either hand. You can handle 5. Dribble tag. Place ten players with
more as the defender fights to recover two balls at once as the skill level basketballs in the half court area and
the ball handler drops his foot closest increases. designate the player that is poison. The
to the ball and executes a hard crosso- 2. Practice running forward at 3/4 player that is poison must touch
ver. speed and then accelerating. another and pass the poison. When the
3. Use cones or chairs to practice coach calls time, the last player with
IV. BALL HANDLING DRILLS changing directions and going around poison must run sprints.
A. Body position. objects. 6. Dribble tag versus the group. One
1. Knees bent, feet shoulders width 4. Play “red light” to practice sprinting member must touch each person in the
apart. and stopping with the ball. The coach group in a prescribed time.

PAGE 12 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

7. Dribble tag with two people as poi- 4. One on two half court. Two defen- returning from the floor to your hand
son. ders try to corner and trap the ball you throw your hand over the ball to
handler. The ball handler tries to keep fake a pass. The heel of your hand
C. The Advanced drills. the ball alive for twenty seconds. should start the ball moving forward
1. One on one full court zig - zag. The 5. Play one on one where the ball hand- like an intended pass only to be pulled
ball handler works on pullbacks, chan- ler starts ten feet from the defender back by your fingertips at the last
ge of direction and change of pace and dribbles at his opponent trying to second.
moves while working his way down the execute a quick dribble move.
court versus a defender. The defender C. Fake around the back pass. As the
does not try to steal the ball. V. PASS FAKES OFF THE DRIBBLE ball is returning from the floor to your
2. The ball handler is face guarded by a Because you are moving when you hand you cup the ball and fake passing
defender and must get free for an dribble the ball it makes a pass fake it around your back and return it to its
inbounds pass. As soon as he receives very effective. The following are pass starting point.
the ball he must play full court one on fakes you should master.
one against a second defender who is VI. A FINAL NOTE ON BALL HANDLING
waiting ten feet back. A. Hard drive, jump stop and pass fake. Take a ball with you everywhere you go
3. One on one half-court. The defender The key is to stay low and step in the and you will become proficient in no
gets in defensive stance with his arm direction of the pass. You should be time. Regardless of your size, work
extended. The defenders job is to stay able to create space, step back and with your handles. Make the most of
within six feet of the ball handler for shoot. practice. In lay-up lines execute a dif-
five seconds. The ball handler must ferent dribble move every time you go
work to break contact. B. Fake one hand pass. As the ball is to the hoop.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 13

FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

ATTACKING
THE UNORTHODOX ZONE

by Dragan Sakota

Dragan Sakota coached Zadar and Cibo-

na Zagreb (Croatia), Paok, Iraklis, Peri-
steri, Aris, AEK, and, this season, Olym-
piakos (Greece). In 1991 he won the Sa-
porta Cup with Paok.

When putting a team together, every ba-

sketball coach wants to have a satisfying
number of good defensive players on his
roster. This is also the main reason why a
coach spends a lot of his practice time
working on team and individual defense.
Since the primary defense for most
teams is man-to-man, the coach’s bigge-
st satisfaction is when he sees that his
defender is able to successfully guard
the opponent’s outstanding player.
In reality, everybody knows that guarding
the opponent’s “star” is a very difficult
task. It is also difficult for a team to mat-
ch-up with a team that has a high level of
collective offensive play and can attack
in a variety of ways. Facing these two
kinds of problems are the coach’s main
reasons for using alternative defenses,
such as the simple zone defense and the
unorthodox zone defense.
My subject of discussion is the offense
that can be used against the one-four zo- closely guarded by a man. The opposing BOX-AND-ONE DEFENSE
ne. However, before I delve into the phi- team then switched from the one-four The box-and-one defense consists of
losophy of this defense and my theory of back to a simple zone defense and the four men playing a box zone defense,
how to attack this and other zones, I game fortunately turned in our favor. with one man playing aggressive man-
would like to share with you my expe- From that day on, I spent a lot of time to-man defense against the best offensi-
rience facing the one-four. The first time thinking about how to face this kind of ve player (diagr. 1). The goal of this de-
was in 1987 at the final game of the “Yu- defense and before every game I now fense is to neutralize the scoring poten-
goslavian Cup.” Like any young and inex- pay special attention to the possibility of tial of this player. The box is used to for-
perienced coach, I was surprised and that defense being used. My players and ce the outside shot by preventing easy
unprepared when the opposing team I will not be caught surprised and unpre- shots from close range. However, this
switched to the one-four zone. Since I pared. I always have a play prepared for defense has its weaknesses.
had no organized offense for this kind of every kind of unorthodox zone defense: The box-and-one is not a good choice to
defense, I acted on my instincts. I quickly the box-and-one, the triangle-and-two, use against a team with several good
substituted the player that was being and finally, the diamond-and-one. outside shooters and can easily be

PAGE 22 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

broken with penetration at the gaps.
The best way to attack this defense is to
place one man in the gap between the
two defensive guards. This man should
then make an effort to penetrate in this
gap, with the intention of drawing the
two men to cover him. This quickly opens
room for the wing man. Once the ball is
kicked outside, the offense should not
differ much from any other offensive mo- D.1 D.3
tion used against a zone defense.
The slight difference though, is seen
when an individual player is pressured
by a defender who is not following the
zone formation. In order to give more
space to his teammates and remain an of-
fensive threat as well, this player should
always set up outside or near the baseline.
In this offensive motion, however, a pro-
blem can occur when the individual player
that is being pressured is the team’s point
guard. In this case, the point guard must D.2 D.4
switch positions with the 2 guard, with the
2 taking on the point guard duties. Howe-
ver, the best solution is to have two point
guards in the game at this time so the of-
fense can run easily and effectively. ve a double pick from players 2 and 5 (dia-
With this offense, you can see that the in- gr. 3). Since the whole defense is focused
dividual player’s job can be difficult when on the ball and looking for a shot to come
confronted by this defense. For this rea- off the double pick, this double pick can be
son, the other four players have a bigger used as a decoy so the play can quickly be
responsibility. They must attack based on transferred to the other side. At the same
principles from offenses against a normal time when 3 comes of the double pick, 2
zone. The best way to prepare for this kind aggressively sprints to the opposite side D.5
of defense is to use an exercise “shell” and 4 pops out to the high post to receive
during practice sessions. We force the of- the ball from the 1 (diagr. 4). As soon as 4
fense to penetrate in the gaps in order to gets the ball, he must immediately pass to DIAMOND-AND-ONE
disorientate the defensive formation and 2, who should now be open for a shot. The principles of this defense are similar
create easy free shots. When preparing When 4 passes the ball, he has to cut to the to the box-and-one defense, with the
for this defense, it is of vital importance to basket, looking for a return pass and an only difference being in the formation of
make the right player selection. You easy lay-up. 2 has several options. Consi- the players. The alignment consists of an
should have four effective shooters from dering the fact that he is a good shooter, odd-man front. The clear purpose of this
the perimeter. They should be very agile his first option would be to face the basket defense is to attack the point guard in or-
and good passers. Since you are confron- and, if open, shoot. He should also see that der to disorganize the offense (diagr. 9).
ting a defense with plenty of rotations, you 4 is cutting to the basket for an easy lay-up. This defense is weak against teams with
should have a big low-post man who is ca- However, 2’s third option is to look at 5, good shooters and players who can pe-
pable of finishing mismatches and getting who has flashed at the high post area. 2 netrate from the baseline. For this rea-
offensive rebounds. When you have fini- can pass to him for a shot or involve him in son, the same principles that we use in
shed your preparation for attacking this a high-low game (diagr. 5). an offense against the box-and-one can
defense and have selected your best In case that 2 does not do any of this, he re- be also used against this diamond-and-
players, you can then proceed in choosing turns the ball to the point guard, who now one defense. Penetration is a very
the one or more systems you might have makes a strong move towards the ball to powerful weapon against this defense.
for the box-and-one zone. At this point, I receive the pass. Not only because of the kick-out pass
will show you the system I have used for a After the pass, the team’s alignment is option, but because it offers the chance
long time against the box-and-one, an ef- exactly the same as it was at the beginning for an inside game as well; the diamond
fective system that still helps me today. of the play, only the players are now on the defense is particularly weak and vulne-
opposite sides (diagr. 6). rable at the low post.
OFFENSE Therefore, 2 sets the double pick for 3, and
The basic alignment for this attack is one- runs to the opposite side, followed by 5, OFFENSE
four low (diagr. 2). The man in position 1 or- who pops out to receive the pass from 1 One particular offense that has been te-
ganizes the play in such a way that he (diagr. 7). Then, 5 passes to 2, who in this sted a number of times and with great
waits for 3, who is being pressured to re- moment should be able to attack the basket success against this kind of defense is
ceive a back pick from 4 and then conti- either by feeding 5 on the post, or using him the following (diagr. 10): 3, who is facing
nues on the other side. Here, he will recei- for a pick-and-roll game (diagr. 8). the man-to-man defense, stands in a

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 23

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

ses it to 1, who rolls in towards the basket af-

ter the pick. The pass to 1, as well as the pass
to 5, are the two possible final passes that
can happen. During the course of this attack,
however, the option for making a diagonal
pass to an open player- due to a possible de-
fensive delay-always exists. Obviously, in or-
der for any of these options to work, good ti-
ming between the players is a must.
D.6 D.10
CONCLUSION
Never allow yourself or your team to be sur-
prised when facing this kind of defense. By
being prepared, you let your opponent know
that you have been expecting his move.
▼ Use all offensive principles against a
zone defense.
▼ Choose a wise offense in which the
tightly-guarded player can move in
such ways that he would give his
teammates more space to create and
D.7 D.11 be effective offensively.
▼ The four men that are facing the zone
defense should have a greater
responsibility in the game than they
usually have, since their
closely-guarded teammate will give
them more space.
▼ As long as the tightly-guarded player is
the point guard, it is recommended that
he switches his position with another
guard who is not being pressured or, if
possible, have two point guards in the
D.8 D.12 line-up.
▼ After every shot shot,
be in position for the
offensive rebound
since this defense is
vulnerable to that
aspect of the game.
▼ It is vitally important
to make a wise
selection of the four
players who will be
D.9
facing the normal
zone defense. The
wing players should
be good shooters, and
the “4” man, who is
the key against this
kind of defense, should also be a good
stack position next to 4. In the meantime, makes a strong pick for 5, who uses that shooter and a good passer.
the ball is being passed around the peri- pick to cut towards the ball and possibly ▼ Insist on an aggressive defense that
meter. Once 2 receives the ball, he drib- receive an easy pass either from 2 or 4, will gain quick possession of the ball
bles down, opposite from the stack, and according to the timing of the movement. and run the fast break at every
passes it to 5, who pops out to the corner. In this triangular position, 2 and 5 now ha- opportunity. This will prevent the zone
2 then cuts to the opposite side. While he ve a good chance for an easy shot. 3 is al- defense from setting up properly.
is cutting, 4 makes a flash to the level of so in position for an open jump-shot from Many coaches consider these unorthodox
the foul line, and receives the pass from 1 the foul-line if the defense is not aggressi- zones a poor way to play defense and I agree.
in order to then pass it to 2, who should be ve. If, however, none of this occurs, 2 re- However, since the nature of using these zo-
on the other side in a triple-threat offensi- turns the ball from his triple-threat position nes is to surprise the opponent, I strongly re-
ve stance. (diagr. 11). However, when 4 to 4, who again passes it to 3, who has just commend that before a game, a coach
has the ball on the foul line, 3 moves to the received a pick from 1 in order to get open should spend a few minutes reviewing what
other side, intersecting with 2’s cut, and (diagr. 12). If 3 does not have a shot, he pas- to do if one of these defenses is used.

PAGE 24 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

by Bob Huggins

Bob Huggins is one of the most successful

college coaches. He was assistant coach
of Ohio State, and then head coach of
Akron. For the last 14 years he has been
the head coach of University of Cincinnati.
He reached the Final Four in 1991-92, and
was chosen as National Coach of the Year
by ESPN and various publications in 1998,
2000 and 2002. He has written eight techni-
cal books with Coaches Choice. This arti-
cle is an excerpt from the book “Special
Situations-Making the Most of Limited
Possessions”, 2002.

END OUT-OF-BOUNDS
LOB FOR THE BIG PLAYER
1: Screen down hard on his defender
(diagr. 1 and 2).
If the lob is not available, 1 cuts by 2’s
screen to the corner for the inbounds
pass.
If the ball come to 1 in the corner, 1 looks
to feed 4, who has stepped inbounds and
posted.

2: Screen down hard on his defender.

If the lob is not available, 2 side screens
for 1 so he can cut to the corner.
If 2’s man switches on 1, 2 seals 1’s man
and steps to the basket.

3: Screen down hard on his defender.

If 3’s man tries to anticipate the lob and
go behind the line, 3 cuts to the open
basket area.

OFFENSIVE
OUT-OF-BOUNDS
SITUATIONS FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 25
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

4: Takes the ball out-of-bounds to move his

taller defender away from the front of the D.1 D.3
basket.
Looks first for the soft lob to 5, who cuts
behind the line of screens in front of the
basket.
Second read is 1 clearing to the corner; if
the pass goes to 1, then 4 steps in and calls
for the ball at the post.

5: Starts to cut as if going in front of the

line, then V-cuts and goes behind the line
for the lob in front of the basket.
If possible, 5 should try to catch and shoot
D.2 D.4
before bringing the ball down.
If 5 defensive man anticipates and goes
behind the line early, then 5 simply steps to
the ball and scores.

SLASH TO THE BASKET AND THE LOB

1: Reads the play in one of our four ways:
▼ First is to inbound to 3 making a
basket cut (diagr. 3).
▼ Second is to inbound to 4 making
the second basket cut.
▼ Third to inbound to 5, if X5 moves
to either cutter.
▼ Four is to inbound to 2, step in,
and come off a screen to 2’s side.

2: Delays for a count and then cuts to the

ballside wing, making himself ready to
receive the safe entry pass.
Catches the ball looking either for a shot,
for 1 coming inbounds and off the baseli-
ne screen, or for 4 posting up on the
block.
If 4 is fronted, looks for 5 who has flashed
to the high post for a high-low with 4 (diagr.
4).

3: The ball side player cuts first off 5 and

can cut on either side of 5, but normally
goes to the side away from the ball.
Attempts to rub his defender off on 5, while
at the same time creating another screen
for 4.
If the ball is inbounded to to anyone else,
immediately thinks - “offensive rebound”.
Posts up big if 5 receives the ball at the
high post from 2.

4: Is the second cutter off 5.

Attempts to rub his man off on 5 or hang
him up as he cuts off 3’s tail.
Reads 3 to make sure he cuts away from
ballside.
Moves to the ballside and posts hard.
If the ball is inbounded to 2, he screens for
1, who is stepping inbounds.
Continues to post hard and, if fronted, pins
defender and expects the ball to be pas-
sed to 5 at the high post for a high - low
feed.

PAGE 26 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 3: Spots up outside the three-point line for a
D.8
shot and targets the ball with his hands.
If the ball is passed to him, looks for the
shoot or 5 posting up in the lane.

4: Reads how the defense is playing him and

makes one of the following decisions
accordingly:
▼ If X4 steps above 5 on the left, 5
D.5 will cut left to the basket and 4
will go right to the basket.
▼ If X4 steps above 5 on the right, 5
will cut right to the basket and 4
D.9 will go left to the basket.
▼ If X4 plays behind 5, then 5
screens X4, and 4 pops straight
out, as far as his shooting range
will allow.
If the entry pass comes to him, he looks to
catch and shoot if the defense doesn’t get to
him.
If the defense comes out to guard 4, he
D.6
looks to make a high-low entry to 5 posting
in the lane.
Could receive a lob from 1 if the defense
sags too deep on the stack.

5: Faces the basket and reads how his

defender and 4’s defender are playing
them:
▼ If X4 is above him on the left, he
cuts left to the basket.
▼ If X4 is above him on the right, he
cuts right to the basket.
D.10
D.7 ▼ If X4 plays on the baseline side
of him, 5 screens down to him.
▼ If 4 gets the ball high, he posts
5: Stands facing the basket six or seven 4: Receives the screen from 2. hard in the lane and looks for the
feet from the baseline. Catches the entry pass from 3. high-low feed.
Reads his defender as he acts as a screen Reverse the ball to 1. If 2 or 3 receives the ball, 5 posts up strong
for 3 and 4. Cuts behind the zone, receiving a screen on the ball side.
Slips to the basket or looks for the lob if his from 3.
defender moves to cover either cutter. Catches the ball at the highest point for a 1-4 LOW, DOUBLE SCREEN FOR THE BEST SHOOTER
If 2 receives the ball on the wing, he flashes lay-in or a dunk. 1: Spots up behind the three-point line, tar-
to the high post and looks for high - low geting the ball with his hands and looking
feed. 5: Post up looking for a direct entry pass for a shot (diagr. 10).
from 3. Keeps the defender occupied and backcuts
LOB VERSUS A ZONE DEFENSE Flashes to a spot between the two low if the defender loses vision or double-teams
1: Receives a screen from 2 (diagr. 5). defenders in the zone to set them up for the the ball.
Receives a reversal pass from 4. back screen. Sets down-screen toward the block if X2
Takes a hard dribble away from 4. Targets the ball as he flashes, looking to anticipates the double-team and cheats
Looks to 5 flashing into the lane. receive a pass from 1 and scores. toward the side of the double screen (diagr.
Looks for lob to 4 behind 3’s screen. 11).
TANDEM STACK FOR THE L0B OR POST UP
2: Screens the top of the zone to get 4 open. 1: Reads 4’s defender, X4, to anticipate 2: Inbounds the ball to 5 on a pop-back cut
Sets screen for 1 to get open for the rever- which cut will open (diagr 7, 8, and 9). near the elbow.
sal pass. Feeds 4 or 5 cutting to the basket. Sets his man up and runs off the double
Steps back for a shot and occupies the Enters the court away from the ballside. screen set by 3 and 4.
zone defender in his area (diagr.6). Reads how his defender plays the double to
2: Spots up outside the three-point line decide if he is going to curl or flare off the
3: Inbounds the ball to 4. for a shot and targets the ball with his screen.
After the ball is reversed to 1, 3 steps hands. If X2 anticipates the double screen and
inbounds and screens the back defender in If the ball is passed to him, looks for the cheats toward it, 2 comes off the single
the zone. shoot or 5 posting up in the lane. screen set by 1.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 27

 3: Comes in from the corner on the inbounds
pass and sets up on the bottom side of the
double screen (the better shooter between
3 and 4 goes to the bottom of the double).
As soon as 2 has cleared the double screen
out of his line of vision, 4 screens down on 3
defender, and 3 “pops the stack” cutting up
the key looking for the shot or feed down to
4, who is posting (diagr. 12).
D.11
4: Has the freedom to cut to the ball if X4
relaxes or loses vision.
As the ball is inbounded to 5, 4 sets up as D.12
the top man in the double screen with 3.
After 2 has cleared the screen, 4 screens
down for 3 and then posts looking for high-
low from 3, who has popped the stack and
gone to the high post.

5: Attempts to pin his defender and receive

a lob from 1.
Tries to duck in and post if X5 is between
him and the basket.
Pins X5 and pops out to the elbow to recei-
ve entry pass. D.13
Reads 2’s defender and looks for him either
coming off the double screen or the single
screen by 1.
Reads the stack and looks for either 3 pop-
ping the stack up the key or 4 screening
down and posting up.
If 2 uses the single screen, 5 can also bounds and is spotted up on the three-point
read the switch and feed 1 as he splits the line.
switch.
2: Lines up below the triple stack below 1.
SIDE OUT-OF-BOUNDS D.14 Screens for 1 as he curls to the corner.
BEST SHOOTER OFF Cuts between 4 and 5 as they close the
A TRIPLE STAGGERED SCREEN gate.
1: Sets up defender and comes off 5’s Angles his cut, squares his feet, and cat-
screen (diagr. 13). ches the ball in “ready shoot” position to
Catches the ball at the top of the key and shoot the open three.
looks for 2 coming off the staggered If he catches the pass but cannot get a
screen. As 2 goes off the screens, 1 looks good look at the basket, he immediately
for any of the screeners slipping the makes a return pass to 3 stepping inbounds
screen for a shot. for the three.

2: Initiates the play from out-of-bounds 5: Starts the play by setting a down-screen 3: Looks first for 1 in the corner for the three;
and passes to 1 flashing to the top of the for 1. passes him the ball so he can catch and get
key. Turns and sets the first screen of the triple off a quick shot.
Runs off the triple stagger sets by 5, 4, and for 2. Second look is for 2 stepping through the
then 3. Reads his defender as 2 uses his screen double screen to the top of the key for a
After curling around 3 screen toward the and looks to slip the screen and post. three.
three-point line, looks for a pass from 2 for Immediately steps inbounds and spots up
the shot. A LAST-SECOND THREE for return pass and a three-point shot.
1: Starts in the middle of the triple stack
3: Sets the final screen for 2 making sure between 4 and 5 (diagr. 14). 4: Lines up nearest the ball in the triple stack
that he has a great angle for 2 to curl. Cuts to the basket and uses 2’s screen to and screens for 2 as he cuts to the top of the
As he is screening, 3 reads the defense and curl to the corner. key.
looks to slip if his defender cheats. Angles his approach to the three-point line Steps to the ball if neither 1 or 2 are open
so that when he catches the ball, his feet and makes a quick return pass to 3.
4: Sets the final screen for 2, attempting to are squared up and clearly outside the line.
make a contact in the key. If he catches the pass and cannot get off a 5: Lines up on the far side of the stack.
Tries to make his defender switch and then good shot, he immediately makes a return Sets a screen for 2 as he cuts to the top of
opens to the ball and posts up. pass to 3 who has stepped in from out-of- the key.

PAGE 28 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

ZONE DEFENSE
by Carlo Recalcati

Carlo Recalcati coached the Divi-

sion I Italian teams of Bergamo,
Cantù, Reggio Calabria, Milan, Vare-
se, and Fortitudo Bologna. He won
two Italian Championships with Va-
rese and Bologna. He has been the
coach of the Italian Men’s National
team since 2001 and won a bronze
medal at last year’s European Cham-
pionships.

This defense is built after taking into

consideration the particular talents
of each player and then giving each a
specific task they need to carry out
on a particular area of the court (dia-
gr. 1 and 2).

▼ X5 is the center and he guards

both the high and low post. He guards
the offensive center on the ball side,
but I do not want him to go outside
the lane to guard the players in the
corners.
▼ X4 is the power forward (of the
two big men he is the most reactive,
and must be able to shut down the
penetration of the players on the pe-
rimeter). He covers the post and the
players in the corners. When he is on
the help side, he is in charge of gui-
ding the defense. He must close the
rebounding triangle and cover all
cuts in the lane.
▼ X3 is the small forward and the be-
st rebounder among the perimeter
players. He
guards the
D.2 D.3
wing, and this D.1
allows X5 to
stay in the lane.
When he is on the
help side, he has
the same tasks as
X4.
▼ X2 is a guard
and he covers the
offensive wing
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 29
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

D.4

D.5

D.6

D.6bis

and guard, as well as the corner of the free- player who received the pass.
throw lane on his side.
▼ X1 is the point guard or a small guard. DEFENSIVE SETS
When the ball is in the corner and X3 guards Even offense (with one front player): X1
the player with the ball, he must be ready to guards the offensive player in the middle of
rotate to let X3 guard the player in the cor- the court (diagr. 3).
ner. He also covers the offensive wing, Odd offense (with two front players): X1
guard, and high post. guards the left offensive guard, while X2 co-
When other offensive players pass through D.7
vers the right offensive guard (diagr. 4). If
their area, all the defenders must be ready there are two low posts, they are defended
to help out and then quickly recover. against as shown in diagr. 5.
When a skip pass, a pass from one side to If there is a low post on the right side of the
the other side of the court, is made to his lane and a high post, the appropriate defen-
area, the defender must sprint to cover the sive set is shown in diagr. 6.
PAGE 30 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 D.8 D.12 D.15

D.9 D.13 D.16

D.9bis D.14 D.17

D.10 On the other hand, if there is a low post set with the ball and also play in front of the high
up on the left side of the lane and a high post, post. If the ball is passed to the wing or to
X4 and X5 will change their defensive posi- the corner, he must anticipate the pass to
tions (diagr. 6 bis). the high post. If the high post receives the
Finally, if there are two high posts, X4 and X5 ball, he must quickly go to defend at the cor-
will defend as shown in diagr. 7. ner of the free-throw lane.
Pass from the corner to the wing, and then to
OFFENSIVE SETS the middle of the court: X1 helps and then re-
Let’s review the defensive sets based on par- covers, and X3 goes up (diagr. 11).
ticular offensive sets. Skip pass from one side of the court to the
1-2-2 offense: The defenders will set up as other (for example, from left to right), and
shown in diagr. 8. then from the corner to the wing: X1 and X2
1-3-1 offense: The defenders will set up as will slide, as in diagr. 12.
shown in diagr. 9. Indirect change of side, made with two pas-
If the offensive low post is on the right side, ses: X1 will slide over the high post (diagr.
the defensive set to use is shown in diagr. 9 13).
bis. Direct change of side with one pass from the
1-4 offense: The defenders will station them- wing to the other wing: X1 will slide behind
selves as shown in diagr. 10. the high post (diagr. 14).
Movement of the ball with the dribble: If the
D.11 RESPONSIBILITY offensive player in the middle of the floor
OF EACH DEFENDER dribbles to the left or to the right, X1 will slide
as shown in diagr. 15.
X1’S RESPONSIBILITY
Initial position: This player must not go past X2’S RESPONSIBILITY
the three-point line. With the ball in the X2 starts out by placing himself between the
middle of the court, he must cover the man corner of the free-throw lane and the three-
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 31
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

point line (diagr. 16). position (diagr. 22).

Ball in the wing: X2 keeps the ball on this si- Pass from the wing to the corner or vice-
de of the court. versa: X3 recovers with a “banana”-slightly
Ball in the corner: X2 must place himself curved-movement (diagr. 23).
between the corner of the free-throw lane Direct change of side with a skip pass to the
and the three-point line (diagr. 17). wing: X3 guards the player, who received
Indirect change of side, made with two pas- the ball (diagr. 24).
ses: X2 must help and recover (diagr. 18). Ball in the opposite corner: X3 helps on the
Direct change of side with one pass from the pass to the low post, while X5 is fronting the
D.18 wing to the other wing: X2 guards the wing, low post (diagr. 25).
but, if the pass is made to the corner, he hel- Ball to the high post, with a low post: X3
ps and recovers (diagr. 19). plays in front of the low post (diagr. 26).
Movement of the ball with the dribble: If the Movement of the ball with the dribble: If the
dribbler goes to the center of the court, X2 dribbler goes towards the baseline, X3 must
D.19 follows him and then changes with X1. follow him.
However, if the dribbler goes to the corner, If the dribbler goes to the middle of the
X2 follows him and then chances with X4 court, X3 changes with X1 (diagr. 27).
(diagr. 20).
X4’S RESPONSIBILITY
X3’S RESPONSIBILITY Initial set: X4 stays with a foot in the lane,
Initial set: X3 stays between the corner and and, if there is a low post player, he plays in
the three-point line (diagr. 21). front of him (diagr. 28).
Ball in the wing: X3 keeps the ball on this si- Ball to the wing: X4 stays in a position
de of the court. between the low post and the corner (diagr.
Ball in the corner: X3 keeps the ball in this 29).
Ball in the corner: X4 keeps the ball in this
position.
D.20 Ball to the high post: If there is a low post, X4
plays in front of him.
The ball comes high by dribbling: X4 follows
the dribbler and then changes with the nea-
rest defender.
Ball on the opposite side: X4 helps on the
pass to the low post, while X5 plays in front
of the low post (diagr. 30).
Indirect change of side with more passes:
D.23 X4 helps and recovers (diagr. 31).

X5’S RESPONSIBILITY
Initial set: X5 stays with a foot in the lane
D.21 and, if there is a low post, he plays in front of
him (diagr. 32).
Ball in the middle of the court: X5 plays in
front of the low post (diagr. 33).
Ball in the wing: X5 plays in front of the low
post.
Ball in the corner: X5 anticipates the post on
the low side (diagr. 34).
D.24
The defensive moves I have just described
also apply to offensive situations that are
run on the other side of the court
Ball to the high post: X5 guards him face-to-
face (diagr. 35).
D.25 Indirect change of side of the ball, with two
passes: X5 slides over the low post (diagr.
36).
Direct change of side with a skip pass to the
wing: X5 slides under the low post (diagr.
37).
Pass from the wing to the corner: X5 helps
and recovers (diagr. 38).

D.22 HOW TO DEFEND AGAINSTTHE CUTS

Cut in the middle of the three-second lane:
PAGE 32 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 D.28

D.27
D.26

D.29

D.30

D.31

D.32

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 33

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

X1 follows the cutter, and then changes with Or, if the cut is made on X4’s side, X4 follows
D.33 X4, while X2 helps on the low post (diagr. 39). and then changes with X1.
Cut along the baseline: X4 follows the cutter
and then changes with X3, while X5 helps PICK-AND-ROLLS
and recovers (diagr. 40). Pick-and-roll in the middle of the court: X1
Diagonal cut from one side of the court to slides under the pick and X2 goes out to
the other: X3 follows the cutter, and then slow down the dribbler (diagr. 43).
changes with X4, while X5 helps in the lane Pick-and-roll in the wing area: X3 slides un-
(diagr. 41). der the pick and X1 goes out to slow down
Cut toward the middle of the court: X3 fol- the dribbler (diagr. 44).
lows the cutter and then changes with X1 Pick-and-roll for the guard: X1 changes with
(diagr. 42). X2 (diagr. 45).

D.42

D.34 D.38

D.35 D.39 D.43

D.44

D.36
D.40

D.41 D.45

D.37

PAGE 34 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

THE MOTIVATION
OF ELITE PLAYERS
Part I

by Josè Maria Buceta

Josè Maria Buceta is a Doctor in

Psychology, and Professor of Psychology
at UNED University, Spain: He was head
basketball coach of the Women’s
National Team of Spain from 1985 to 1992,
and a FIBA instructor since 1988. A reco-
gnized expert in the field of sport psycho-
logy, he is also Head of the Department of
Sport Psychology at Real Madrid.

This is the first part of the article. The

second part will be published on the next
issue No. 7, March/April.

Motivation is one of the key psychological

aspects needed in order to succeed in
sport and life. In professional team sports,
such as football or basketball, most of the
players are naturally highly motivated in
“big games” and “top specific periods”
(for example, the play-off period).
However, in many cases this is not enou-
gh to achieve the goals of the season. The
coach and his assistants, within their
main tasks, should help to enhance and
strengthen the motivation of their players,
both in general and for specific moments
in which “extra” of motivation may be
needed.

The first thing is to understand that moti-

vation can not be very high all the time.
The season is very long and the players
can not always function at their maximum
potential. Thus, it is normal that their moti-
vation fluctuates, being higher or lower
depending on different circumstances.
Therefore, the task of the coach and his
assistants is not to keep motivation very
high all the time. They need to learn how
to efficiently handle the fluctuations in
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 35
 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

motivation, knowing the periods in which

an “extra boost” in motivation is needed
for the benefit of the team performance.

In general, coaches must adopt measu-

res to strengthen a good and stable level
of individual interest for the common
goals of the team (“basic motivation”),
and to use specific strategies to improve
“daily motivation” for practices and
games when this be appropriate.

Individual meetings between the coach

and the players are convenient ways to
enhance and strengthen basic individual
motivation. These meetings should not
take place very often and should consist
of a good give-and-take between coach
and player. By this I mean it should not
consist of the coach doing all the talking
and the player just listening. Rather, the
coach should ask, listen and negotiate to
achieve common conclusions, which may
positively affect the player’s motivation.

In general, it is a big mistake of many coa-

ches to ignore players’ interests, opinions
and feelings, especially when they are
experienced top players. The coach
should not give up the great opportunity
of considering the experience of each of
his players. Further, through listening to
the players and making them feel that
they are understood and considered,
players will be more involved and com-
mitted to the team.

The coach should know and understand

the individual interests of each of his
players, and be able to negotiate with
them, so they feel that by helping the
team they will fulfil their own personal
goals. This interaction between team and
individual interests is the most crucial
factor needed to enhance and strengthen market value. This helps prevent individual stand their goals, motivation will drop off
team and individual motivation and dissatisfaction and low motivation when, dramatically sooner or later, and then it will
performance. later on, players compare their salaries be very difficult to recover.
with the salaries of their teammates.
In fact, the first step to control this factor Further, it is important to establish an What kind of attractive challenge might I
comes when the club initially negotiates effective reward system linked to the suggest to this player? This is a key que-
with the players to sign them to the team. results of the team. If this system is pro- stion that coaches should ask and answer
At that point, it is important to ensure the perly organized, it may have a positive regarding each of his players. The same
players that they will be able to get enou- impact on motivation. goes for the team as well.
gh personal benefit by playing in the
team, that they will be happy with their One of the most important tasks of the In both cases, team and individual goals
role on the team, and that they know and coach is to find attractive and challenging should be attractive and challenging, but,
accept what the club expects from them sport goals for the team as a whole, and for at the same time, realistic. Realistic goals
in all aspects. Furthermore, it is important each of his players at individual level. help to strengthen self-confidence, and
to fit the salary of each player within an Sometimes, this is difficult when the team through this pathway comes motivation.
objective hierarchic system with two, consists primarily of older veteran players Both motivation and self-confidence must
three, or four main levels depending on and/or players with a significant history of grow together. As the season progresses,
factors such as the age, experience, success. However, it is crucial to find out this initial level of player motivation should
background, seniority on the club, or the their goals. If the coach doesn’t under- be enhanced and strengthened.
PAGE 36 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS

THE HELLENIC
BASKETBALL
COACHES
by Theodoros
Bolatoglou
ASSOCIATION
Theodoros Bolatoglou is an Assistant Professor of Physical
Education and Sport Science at Athens University. He was head
coach of the Greek basketball Cadets and Junior National team
and also head coach of Division I and II teams in Greece. Since
1998, he has been the General Secretary of the Hellenic Basketball
Coaches Association (HBCA).

The Hellenic Basketball Coaches Association (HBCA) was charte-

red in 1971 and now has 2,600 members. The annual membership is
36 Euros. The aim of the HBCA is the continuing education of its
members and the promotion of their professional interests.

FORMAL COACH EDUCATION COURSES

The most significant event of the HBCA is the annual International already coached at least one year and have participated in one
Clinic, which is open to all our coaches. In the past, we hosted inter- International Clinic. The school program lasts four weeks and inclu-
nationally renowned NBA coaches, including Pat Riley, Don des 60 hours of theory and 90 hours of practice. Graduates can
Nelson, Mike Fratello, Hubie Brown, Al Gentry, Tex Winter, Larry work with all teams participating in national leagues apart from the
Brown, Lenny Wilkens, and others. A1 league.
Since 1996, the HBCA has been offering 14 one-month scholarshi- c. Level 1 School: Can be attended by graduates of Level 2 School
ps to its members to attend the training sessions of NBA and NCAA who have already worked in the field for at least two years and
teams. These coaches are given the opportunity to gain knowled- have also participated in two International Clinics. The school pro-
ge and experience, which they then bring back to Greece and gram lasts three weeks and includes 100 hours of course work
share through the HBCA Graduates can work with teams at any level of the Greek
To help with ongoing coaching education, we produce a bi-monthly Championship.
magazine, “Basketball Coach”, which is distributed free to all our ▼ University Graduates with physical education degrees who have
members and athletic associations. The HBCA maintains a national specialized in Basketball. This major is taught in two semesters and
and international library and has an extensive video archive that is includes 150 hours of theory and practice. Graduates are accredi-
continuously updated and made available to all its members. ted at Level 1 and can work with teams at any level of the Greek
The HBCA also hosts a popular Internet website Championship.
http://www.sepk.gr and provides national and international basket-
ball news as well as coaching information (drills, techniques, tac- FOREIGN COACHES
tics). A coach coming from a country outside the EU can only work for a
team in A1 league in Greece. These coaches must not be older than
SCHOOL LEVELS - COACHING CATEGORIES 55 and must have previously served as the head coach of the men’s
Coaching in Greece is open to: national team of their country for at least one year, as a coach of an
▼ Graduates of schools organized by the General Secretariat of A1 league team of their country for at least three years, or as a col-
Athletics (GSA), which are divided into three levels: legiate coach for an NCAA Division I team for three years.
a. Level 3 School: Can be attended by high school graduates who
have been playing basketball for at least five years before entering CLINICS
the school. This school lasts five weeks and includes 80 hours of The crowning event of the HBCA will be the upcoming International
theory and 120 hours of practice. The degree obtained by all those Clinic, which will be held August 24-27. This clinic will take place
who pass the final exams allows them to coach foundation teams during the Olympic Games at the Marousi Sports Hall. All the top
and teams participating in local championships. coaches from the NBA, NCAA, and European clubs have been invi-
b. Level 2 School: Open to graduates of Level 3 School who have ted to attend.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 37

 FIBA EUROPE EDITORIAL
COACHES - HOOP MARKET

ONE-ON-ONE VIDEOS AND

BOOKS ABOUT OFFENSE
In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs,
and other tools that are primarily aimed at coaches, but cer-
tainly useful for all of our readers. Please send your sugge-
stions and comments about our basketball-related media for
review in this section.
by Raffaele Imbrogno

Raffaele Imbrogno, former Director of the Italian Basket- When it comes to perimeter players, some of the best vi-
ball Federation Study Center, is an Instructor with the Ita- deos have been produced by Steve Alford, the head coach
lian National Coaches Committee of the Federation. Im- of the University of Iowa. His videos include The Shot:
brogno is the author of several technical basketball publi-
cations.

There is one thing all basketball coaches will agree: ba-

sketball is an exciting game based on one-on-one play.
One-on-one, the sum of all the individual offensive moves,
means being able to turn, face an opponent, and succes-
sfully score a basket.
Although seemingly simple, it actually entails a vast
amount of technical knowledge and skills, good physical
conditioning, and an ability to understand where the player
is in relation to the other players on the court.
Improving one-on-one skills is a quick way to enhance
scoring opportunities.
Here is a select list of some of the top videos and books
that will help boost a player’s one-on-one abilities.

The rich catalogue of Championship Books and Videos

Production shows a wide spectrum of products dedicated
to one-on-one (www.champonline.com). Kevin Eastman,
the former coach of the University of Washington State,
produced four videos based on drills and movements to im-
prove the basics and all the necessary moves for playing
one-on-one. His videos include: Chair Drills: Shooting
Workout for Inside Players; Chair Drills: Shooting Workout
for Perimeter Players; Multiple Player Chair Drills; and Dif-
ficult Shooting Drills.
Eastman, who worked last summer helping develop the
fundamental skills of LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), demonstrates in
over seventy innovative drills how to create shots and play
with and without the ball. He has also published books on
the topic. (www.kebccamps.com).
Pete Newell, one of the best college coaches ever, and a
guru when it comes to teaching inside offensive moves to
big men, has produced two videos for Championship: Pete
Newell Big Man Training Series: Offensive Low Post Mo-
ves; and Pete Newell’s Big Man Camp.

PAGE 38 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 Shooting Drills & Technique;
and Moving Without the Ball
(Championship).
Among the best videos on fun-
damentals and teaching
methods are two by coach
Rick Torbett.
We recommend Better Ball
Handling and Better Shooting,
as well as Better Passing
(www.betterbasketball.com) .
On the Internet site www.hoo-
psking.com it is possible to find
three videos containing the most
advanced one-on-one moves
(more than 75) described by Ben
Holowicki, coach at the famous
Five-Star Camp.
The videos to get include Inner
City Moves Vol. I and II, and Inner
City Board Drills.
Sysko (www.sysko.com) offers two
excellent videos produced by Al
Sokaitis, the coach of University of
Alaska-Fairbanks (he has also writ-
ten booklets on these topics), and a
popular teacher of one-on-one moves at many basketball cli-
nics throughout the U.S. and abroad.
His videos, One-on-One Basketball, and Shooting for Suc-
cess contain an ample demonstration of dribbling and live
ball moves, as well as many individual offensive and defensi-
ve drills.
Other two interesting videos are those produced by Ganon
Baker, a former college player, who now specializes in tea-
ching the one-on-one moves of the pros.
His two videos are Street Moves You Can Use: 22 “Game Ti-
me” Drills to Make it Happen, and 35 Moves You Can Use
(Championship).
Two videos worth adding to your collection are those of Kel-
vin Sampson, coach of the University of Oklahoma: Develo-
ping Intensity in Practice, and Sooner Competitive Drills: Of-
fense.
Coaches Choice (www.coacheschoice.com) is also another
company with a vast library to delight the basketball student.
Among the most interesting videos on one-on-one include
Advanced Basketball Skills and Drills Volume I-II-III-IV by
Don Meyer, coach of Northern State University, and Jerry
Krause, one of the most prolific authors of basketball videos
and books in U.S. Krause is Director of Basketball Operations
at Gonzaga University.
Individual Improvement Drills, by Tom Crean of Marquette
University, one of the best young coaches in the college
ranks, and Progressive Practice Drills for a Winning
Program, by Henry Bibby, coach at the University of Southern
California, are two interesting videos.
There are also three books you should also consider.
The first two, published by Lessiter Publications, include,
Prototype Player, by Michael Podoll and Basketball Basics
by Bill Salyers (www.lesspub.com).
Alan Lambert, of the Internet site www.bbhighway.com, is
the author of Basketball Highway’s Playground Pointers, an
excellent book detailing a variety of easy-to-learn tips for im-
proving one-on-one skills.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 39
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

OFFICIATING NCAA
WOMEN’S
BASKETBALL
by Marcy Weston
and Sally Bell

Marcy Weston is the Senior Associate Director of ▼ Meet the recreation director in your local area
Athletics at Central Michigan University. She is also Chair about their program.
of Boards of Directors of NASO (National Association of ▼ Meet an athletic director or coach at a local
Sports Officials), and National Coordinator of the NCAA elementary or high school about how they recruit
Basketball Officiating. An inductee to the Women’s officials.
Basketball Hall of Fame, she refereed Women’s NCAA ▼ Check with the local authorities about local, state
Championship game in 1982 and 1984. or national agencies that handle sports officiating.
▼ Attend all required meetings and training sessions.
Sally Bell officiated at every level and the top basketball ▼ Find a mentor you believe in and attach
events. He refereed four NCAA Final Four, and all the top yourself to him/her.
FIBA events since 1983 to 2002: Olympic Qualification, ▼ Officiate as many games as possible.
Olympic Games, World Senior and Junior Championships, ▼ Attend summer camps designed for college
University and Goodwill Games. She received in 1991 the officials.
prestigious Naismith Award as the Women’s Official of ▼ Make the commitment and make yourself
the Year. available.
▼ Find a college mentor you believe in.
MANAGING YOUR OFFICIATING CAREER ▼ Be respected for your professionalism.
The opportunities presented in sports officiating in general, ▼ Be a mentor.
and basketball specifically, are unlimited. The interaction
with players, coaches, administrators and fans offers some 1. Be humble and respectful.
of the most rewarding opportunities and successes you will 2. Be available.
ever encounter. However, like everything else in life, suc- 3. Be supportive and encouraging.
cesses do not come without hard work, dedication, and an 4. Be patient.
innate drive to be the best. 5. Be a friend.
6. Most importantly, be honest with your assessments.
It is important to understand that we are all unique perso- Be patient. It is better to get there too late than too soon!
nalities who will handle success and failure in different Everyone wants to move up to the Finals, Conference
ways. No matter what, our successes and failures must be Tournaments, and NCAA Tournaments. So how do you get
handled professionally. Professionalism is the key to beco- them?
ming a successful official. It is true you must know the
rules, be in shape, communicate well, and use proper ▼ Be professional at all times.
mechanics, but none of these are more important than ▼ Don’t politic for games. Assignors and committee
being a professional on and off the court. members know who the good officials are.
▼ Fulfill every assignment you take. Don’t play
GETTING STARTED (HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE) games with supervisors or assignors.
▼ Attend a local game and talk to the officials about their ▼ Be realistic in what your schedule and
organization or association that assigns the games. advancement should be. Make sure you under
PAGE 40 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 stand where you fit into the big picture. Are there basketball games during the regular season
more experienced officials available for that big preceding the tournament.
game? Are there geographic considerations in the ▼ Be recommended to the NCAA by the coordinator
assignment? And most importantly, do you really of officials in the conferences the official works.
deserve that big game assignment? There are
only so many officials needed on any given night. OFFICIALS SELECTED TO THE NCAA DIVISION I TOURNAMENT
▼ Give the assignor reasons to pick you! Be a good ▼ The National Coordinator receives the names of
official on and off the floor. Be a good partner. approximately 200 officials who have been
Don’t flatter yourself into thinking you are the recommended from their conference
only one qualified to do the big game. coordinators.
▼ Believe in yourself. You must exude confidence ▼ The National Coordinator and the officiating sub-
without being arrogant. Know you are assigned committee of the NCAA Division I Women’s
for the right reason. Basketball Committee review the nominees and
▼ Know the rules and mechanics. When you select the 112 officials who will work the NCAA
consistently and accurately apply the rules, tournament. Selection to the tournament is based
coaches and players gain confidence in your on regular season rankings, conference
judgments. The more confidence they have in you, tournament experience and positive evaluations
the more you will have in yourself which will lead from games officiated in previous NCAA
to more and better assignments. tournament games.
▼ With success should come some humility. Will ▼ 96 working officials and sixteen stand-by officials
Rogers said, “Let someone else blow your horn are assigned to first- and second-round games.
and the sound will travel twice as far. 36 officials and four stand-by officials advance to
” Don’t confuse success with arrogance! the regional semi’s and finals with 9 officials with
one stand-by move on to the Women’s Final Four.
The final “secret” to moving up and improving your sche- ▼ Officials are evaluated at each round of the
dule is simple: tournament. The evaluations are used to assist
GET THE CALLS RIGHT! the committee in making assignments for the
current year. These evaluations also become a
MENTAL TRAINING part of the cumulative evaluation record for that
▼ Rules knowledge: It is not good enough to “know” official’s consideration for future tournaments.
the rules; you must understand the intent
and purpose of the rule. CONTINUING EDUCATION
▼ Mechanics knowledge: Study the mechanics ▼ Once an official is added to a Division I
manual. This is your road map that allows you to conference women’s basketball officiating roster,
be in the best possible position to make good, she/he must take steps to continue their growth
accurate and consistent judgments. as a referee.
▼ Game knowledge: It will be very difficult to The following steps are suggested.
advance if you don’t understand the game. Know ▼ Review videotape evaluation of their game
terminology, strategies, and fundamentals of the performance.
game. ▼ Review written and/or verbal critiques of game
▼ People knowledge: Officiating is a performances completed by the coordinator
communications business and the best of officials or a trained observer in their
communicators will advance. respective conference(s).
▼ Study the rules, interpretations of playing rules,
PHYSICAL TRAINING points of emphasis, mechanics of officiating
▼ Get in shape. and game management strategies.
▼ Stay in shape. ▼ Become a mentor and continue to be mentored.
▼ Serve as a mentor to a less experienced official
REQUIREMENTS TO REFEREE IN THE NCAA and you will experience personal growth
DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT as an official.
▼ Register and complete one of the regional ▼ Continue to work with the person who mentored
officiating clinics held annually in October in the you. Growth occurs at every level of experience.
United States cities of Chicago, Dallas, One must continue to learn to see improvement.
Philadelphia, Atlanta and either Los Angeles or
San Francisco. We are hopeful that the information presented in this
▼ It is necessary to submit a signed release form article will give prospective officials and fans of women’s
allowing a background check to be conducted. basketball insight into what it takes to be an NCAA
Individuals convicted of a felony will not be eligible women’s basketball official.
for selection to the tournament. Officiating is a rewarding vocation. Take it seriously and
▼ Referee a minimum of twenty Division I women’s work to be the best referee possible.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 41
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

OFFICIATING
by Don (Butch)
Steponchev
OF WHEELCHAIR
BASKETBALL
Don (Butch) Steponchev is the Secretary, of the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. A lower point count identifies
International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) the player with a higher level of disability and the higher
Technical Commission. Senior Referee of IWBF, he was point count identifies the player with a lower level of disa-
President of Canadian Wheelchair Basketball bility. The point counts in between represent varying
Association (CWBA). levels of disability as determined by the Commission.

This article will attempt to explain the major differences

between the official basketball rules of FIBA and those of
the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation
3. Point count of participating players. At no time in a
game shall a team have players participating whose
total points exceed the 14-point limit. If, at any time during
(IWBF). a game, a team exceeds the 14-point limit, a technical foul
The game of wheelchair basketball is played under the will be charged to the coach with a correction in the line-
jurisdiction of the IWBF and is based upon the rules up to be made at the same time. Player cards are maintai-
determined by the International Basketball Federation ned by the table officials to verify the players’ classifica-
(FIBA). tions and total point count.

The IWBF recognizes and acknowledges the support of

FIBA in our continued development of the sport. 4. Dribble rule. A dribble is made when a player, having
gained control of a live ball on the court pushes his
wheelchair and dribbles the ball simultaneously or alter-
The major differences are related to: nately pushes the wheelchair and dribbles the ball. The
ball shall be placed on the lap while pushing the wheel-
1. The chair chair and one or two pushes shall be followed by one or
2. Player classification more dribbles; or use both of the above sequences alter-
3. Point count of participating players nately. A double dribble violation is not possible. If a
4. Dribble rule
5. Alternating process
6. Technical fouls by a player
7. Substitutions
8. Act of shooting
9. Leaving the court without permission
10. Contact situations
11. Three-second rule
12. Principle of verticality

1. The chair. It is the officials’ responsibility to ensure

the wheelchair meets the specific dimensions for a
legal wheelchair, because the chair is considered to be
part of the player. Contravention of these rules will result
in the wheelchair being banned from the game. Specific
measurements include: cushions, footrests, maximum hei-
ght of the chair, dimension of the large wheels, the anti-tip
castor(s), handrims, no steering devices, brakes or gears
are allowed and tyres that may mark the floor are not
allowed.

2. Player classification. Player classifications are

determined by the Player Classification Commission
of IWBF and shall have point values as follows: 1.0, 1.5,
PAGE 42 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
player pushes on his wheels more than twice while holding Experienced wheelchair officials will not allow the noise of
the ball on his lap without again putting the ball to the contact to affect the judgement of what constitutes a foul
floor, passing, shooting or coasting, it is a violation for pro- and what is considered to be incidental contact.
gressing with the ball.

5. Alternating process. Each period begins with a tap-off

(jump ball). The team not gaining control of the ball
11. Three-second rule. Because of the wheelchairs’
size, players are often held by opponents in attemp-
ting to delay their departure. In situations such as this, the
following the tap-off will start the alternating process. On officials are authorized to withhold the violation call while
all ensuing throw-ins, the ball will be taken to the nearest the player is attempting to leave and at times, the defensi-
free throw line extended or the centre line opposite the ve player may be called for a foul because of holding with
score table, depending on where the infraction had occur- his wheelchair. The more significant difference in the
red. three-second rule is that an offensive player may not be
positioned in the restricted area prior to the presentation of

6. Technical fouls by a player. The more significant tech-

nical foul infractions by wheelchair players involve
leaving the court; raising out of the wheelchair; raising
the ball to the thrower-in while in an out-of-bounds throw-
in situation. Should this occur, an immediate violation will
be called on the team in possession for the throw-in.
both rear wheels off the floor; taking the foot/feet off the
foot rests; using any part of the lower limb(s) as an aid to
stopping or changing the direction of the chair and using a
wheelchair that contravenes the definition of chairs, all
12. Principle of verticality. Each player has the right to
the space (cylinder) on court occupied by his
wheelchair and his torso when in the upright seated posi-
with the intention to gain an unfair advantage. tion. When in the act of shooting, a defensive player rea-
ches through the shooter’s cylinder and causes contact

7. Substitutions. Substitutions for a free-throw shooter,

or in a non-shooting event, are dictated by the total
point count limitation. All FIBA regulations apply but the 14-
resulting from hand, body or wheelchair contact on the
shooter, it will result in a foul being assessed.

point maximum classification rule must be adhered. In the One of the more common misconceptions is players are
event where the free-throw shooting team makes a multiple incapable of regaining their position in the chair once they
substitution in order to maintain the 14-point limitation, have been dislodged through contact. Nothing could be
then the opponents may also make a multiple substitution further from the truth. Only in limited cases are the players
in order to be able to match up and not be put in an unfair not able to establish themselves back in the chair. Under no
advantage situation. circumstances are the officials to assist with repositioning
a player.

8. Act of shooting. IWBF rules define the act of shooting

to include the act of cocking or to “cock”. By definition
this means, “To position the shooting hand(s) so that the
If a player does fall from the chair and is in direct relation-
ship to the play, the officials are authorized to blow the play
palm is almost fully or partially turned upwards when pre- dead and allow for repositioning of the athlete. If, however,
paring to throw or release the ball towards the basket”. The a fallen player is not directly involved in the play, the offi-
significance in this is to recognize that players of differing cials shall withhold their whistle until the play has been
abilities shoot, or release the ball in different ways. As an completed.
example, a lower point player may shoot the ball in a
“scoop” fashion (underhanded) as compared to a higher A few of the more interesting dynamics in the development
classification player shooting the ball in the more traditio- of the wheelchair game have included the increase in the
nal way. size of the large wheels to 69 cm; the advent of the three-
wheeled chairs; allowing all players, not only those with

9. Leaving the court without permission. Players leaving

the court occurs more often in wheelchair basketball
than in running basketball. A technical foul shall only be
more severe disabilities, to strap themselves to the chair;
and the addition of anti-tip castors to prevent players from
falling backwards onto the playing surface.
assessed when the player tries to gain an unfair advanta-
ge. If an offensive player violates the rule for the first time, To further illustrate the extent to which the wheelchair
the official shall call an infraction (loss of possession of the game has progressed, a sub-committee of the Technical
ball) and warn the captain of the offending team. The war- Commission is reviewing a proposal from the Brazilian
ning applies to the entire team for the remainder of the Federation of Wheelchair Basketball to modify the dribble
game and results in a technical foul being assessed upon rule to more closely reflect the FIBA and worldwide defini-
the next violation. If the defending team violates the rule, tion. Should this proposal be adopted by the Congress, it
the warning is given at the end of that phase of play. Each would have a significant impact on the game of wheelchair
subsequent violation is a technical foul. Incidental leaving basketball.
of the court shall not be penalized.
Should additional information on rule books, videos and

10. Contact situations. FIBA principles of contact are

administered within the following definitions: 1. A
player’s path. 2. Defence must be seen to be “covering the
interpretations be required, please feel free to contact me
at: Don (Butch) Steponchev, Secretary Technical
Commission, 258 Willoughby Crescent, Saskatoon,
path” of the offensive player. 3. Principle of “time and Saskatchewan, Canada, S7H 4W7 or e-mail: don.stepon-
distance for legal position” is strictly enforced. chev@shaw.ca
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 43
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

RIGHT OR WRONG ?
QUESTIONS ANSWERS
1. Just as a shot at the basket by A5 has touched the rim, 1. Yes. The 24-second signal has sounded in error and shall
the 24-second signal sounds. Neither team has control of be ignored. Play shall continue. (Art. 39, FIBA Rule Change,
the ball at the time the signal sounds. Shall the officials September 2003)
ignore the signal and allow play to continue uninterrupted?
2. No. The calling of a foul during an alternating possession
2. The ball is at the disposal of A3 for an alternate posses- throw-in does not cause a team to forfeit its right to that alter-
sion throw-in, but, before the throw-in is released, A4 fouls nating possession. The foul by A4 shall be penalized accor-
B4. Shall team B be entitled to the next alternating posses- dingly. Team A shall continue to have the right to the next
sion throw-in? alternating possession. (Art. 21, FIBA Rule Change, May 2003)

3. With ten (10) seconds remaining on the 24-second clock, 3. Yes. The interruption of a game to search for a contact lens
play is interrupted to search for a contact lens lost by shall be considered to be the same as interrupting the game
defensive player B3. When play resumes, shall team A be because of an injury. If the interruption is because of a
awarded a new 24-second period? player on the defensive team, the offensive team shall be
awarded a new 24-second period. If the interruption is
4. At the jump ball that begins the first period, the ball is because of a player on the offensive team, play shall conti-
legally tapped by A4 to A5, whose foot is touching the out- nue without resetting the 24-second clock. (Art. 14, FIBA
of-bounds area. Shall the jump ball be repeated? Interpretation)

5. A shot for a basket by A3 is in the air when A6 and B6 4. No. A5 has committed a violation. Play shall resume with
commit a double foul. The ball goes in the basket. Shall a throw-in awarded to team B at the place where the viola-
play resume with an alternating possession throw-in? tion occurred. The alternating possession arrow will be
awarded to team A. (Art. 21, FIBA Rule Change, May 2003)
6. On a final free throw, shooter A5 misses the entire
basket. Shall play resume with a throw-in by team B at that 5. No. Play shall resume with a team B throw-in from the end
end line? line. (Art. 45)

7. During an extra period, team A does not use the time-out 6. No. Play shall resume with a team B throw-in at the free
to which it is entitled. The game is tied and goes to another throw-line extended. (Art. 57)
extra period. Shall team A be entitled to two time-outs in
the additional extra period? 7. No. Teams shall be entitled to only one time-out for each
extra period; unused time-outs may not be carried into an
8. While the ball is live, coach B requests a time-out shor- additional extra period. (Art. 27)
tly before A5 scores a field goal. The timekeeper stops the
game clock and attempts to notify the officials of the time- 8. No. The clock was properly stopped (and remains stop-
out request but players and officials cannot hear the signal ped) and the ball became dead (and remains dead) following
because of excessive noise. the A5 field goal. The table officials should do their best
Immediately after the first pass of team B from the end line, (even by throwing an additional ball on the court) to attract
A3 gains the ball and scores a field goal, after which the the attention of the officials and players to let them know
time-out request is brought to the attention of the officials. that the game is interrupted. After that, the time-out shall be
Shall the goal of A3 count? granted, following which team B shall be awarded a throw-
in at the end line behind the team B basket. (Art. 27, 10, FIBA
9. A technical foul is committed by B4 during the half-time Interpretation)
interval. Shall the third period begin with a team A throw-in?
9. No. After the free throws by team A, the third period shall
10. Shortly after the first period has begun, it is discovered begin with a jump ball. (Art. 21)
that A5 is participating although he was not listed as one of
the team A players who were to begin the game. 10.No. A5 shall be permitted to remain in the game. (Art. 16.3,
Shall A5 be required to be substituted at the next opportu- FIBA Interpretation)
nity?
PAGE 44| 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

TRAINING
by Alison Muir
COURSES
FOR OFFICIALS
Alison Muir is a FIBA Commissioner ▼ Communication, table AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
from England. She has been involved officials mechanics, signals ▼ A working knowledge of the
with basketball as a table official, re- to floor officials, end of game. rules of basketball and their
feree and coach. She holds the posi- interpretation.
tion of Director of Competitions and OFFICIATING MANUAL ▼ The ability to properly apply
Commissioner Appointments Officer An essential element to the course, the mechanics of table
for England Basketball. this manual is intended to be used, officiating.
primarily, as a mean of instruction in ▼ A good knowledge of signals
Detailed below are the different stan- the skills necessary to table officiate a used by both floor and table
dards required to officiate in England game of basketball to a basic level of officials.
and the Training Courses available to competence. ▼ A basic knowledge of shot
achieve them. It may also be used as a source of re- clock mechanics.
ference throughout the candidate’s
ORGANISATION OF THE COURSE
APPRENTICE LEVEL ONE AWARD formative years of officiating.
Candidates are required to attend a
The award is a practical assessment
ASSESSMENT course of at least three hours dura-
of the candidate’s ability to officiate a
Completed during a competition/tour- tion. If possible a practical session
game at a basic level. A successful
nament. should be included in this time.
candidate will demonstrate the skills
The course will include a 45 minute
in the syllabus below.
TABLE OFFICIALS multi-choice theory paper.
The course consists of one 2 hour ses- LEVEL TWO AWARD
This course is aimed at applicants with SYLLABUS
sion to be held in conjunction with a
some basic basketball knowledge. As per apprentice award with the fol-
tournament or competition.
lowing additions.
▼ Shot Clock Mechanics, team
SYLLABUS control.
▼ Organisation of table, teams,
players, substitutes,
ASSESSMENT
captains, coaches, assistant
The examination consists of both
coaches.
theory and practical tests.
▼ Duties and powers of floor
officials, referee, umpire,
violations, referee signals. THEORY
▼ Duties of timekeeper, game Pass Mark 70%
clock operation, playing
time, time-outs, extra PRACTICAL
periods. The candidates must officiate 6 games
▼ Duties of the score keeper, - three score and three time. The can-
relations of clock to score didate should notify the match offi-
sheet, recording of charging cials PRIOR to the game that they are
time-outs, team foul markers, undertaking the Level Two Table offi-
coach, bench technical fouls, cials award.
tied scores, extra periods, The candidate will be given an asses-
team control, substitutions. sment form, which must be signed by
▼ Scoresheet, preparation - both floor officials after each game,
headings, choice of ends, as long as a satisfactory performance
scoring field goals, free has been given. The games must be ti-
throws, finishing off the med as per FIBA rules with a stopping
score sheet. clock.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 45
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

Games undertaken as part of the test SYLLABUS and officiated senior NBL games in
must be officiated by two floor offi- ▼ Mechanics of Table Officials order to apply.
cials, both of whom must hold an En- and rules appertaining to
glish Basketball refereeing award. table officials. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
▼ Working with ▼ Involved in table officiating
For the successful candidates a certi- Commissioners. at Regional and National
ficate will be awarded. ▼ Duties and powers of floor level.
officials. ▼ Either to be an approved
TABLE OFFICIALS ▼ Duties of time keeper. table officials tutor or
LEVEL THREE AWARD ▼ Duties of score keeper. assisting the regional tutors.
An advanced Table Officials award of ▼ The score sheet - ▼ Able to table officiate
England Basketball (EB), the candida- EB and International. competently in all three
te is expected to attain a high level of ▼ Duties of shot clock duties - scoring,
operator. timekeeping and shot clock.
practical performance and theory
▼ Communication and signals. ▼ To be able to use both EB and
knowledge. Level Three Table Offi-
cials can be appointed to National International score sheets.
ASSESSMENT/EXAMINATION
Competitions.
The examination consists of a theory REQUIREMENTS
paper and practical tests. Candidates ▼ Potential candidates must
Candidates must have been an active apply to the EB Officiating
must have successfully passed the
Level Two Table Official, officiating at Committee to be considered
theory paper before beginning the
a reasonable standard, for two years. for Level Four.
practical part of the examination. If a
candidate fails the theory paper, they ▼ Potential candidates must
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES provide a resume of their
▼ A sound knowledge of the must wait three months before re sit-
ting, using the alternative paper. The table officiating history to
rules of basketball and their the EB Officiating Committee.
interpretation. paper questions will be based on the
EB scoresheet and regulations, and ▼ Regions should support an
▼ The ability to properly apply application for Level Four
the mechanics of table there will be a requisite to complete
candidates.
officiating. part of an EB and International Score
▼ When excepted as a Level
▼ Through knowledge of sheet. The theory and examination
Four candidate, a table
signals used by both floor paper is marked Nationally.
official will be required to
and table officials. complete an application
▼ A full knowledge of shot PRACTICAL form.
clock mechanics both in For the practical test, candidates mu-
theory and practical. st score, timekeep, and use a shot EVALUATION/EXAMINATION
▼ Be confident in man clock. The games must be as per FIBA The evaluation and assessment of
management to deal with all rules with a stopping clock. candidates will normally be spread
possible situations.
over a season.
Games must be of a high standard at
ORGANISATION OF THE COURSE Senior level. Assessment of the can-
Candidates will be required to attend
Candidates are required to attend a didate at the games must be under-
at least three National Competition
course of at least 5 hours duration. If taken by an approved assessor. Both
games during a season. This will in-
possible, a practical session on the floor officials must hold an EB referee
volve theory and practical asses-
use of the Shot Clock device should award, Level Three or above. Candi-
sments.
be included in this time. dates should notify the floor officials
Theory Paper passmark is 75%.
The course will include a one and a PRIOR to the commencement of the
half hour theory paper with a pass game, that they are undertaking the
Candidates will be assessed on:
mark of 75%. Level Three award. Floor officials
The course will be organised by should sign the assessment form after ▼ All duties of a table Official
Areas/Regions. the game, if the performance has ▼ Man management
Recognised Tutors by the EB Officia- been satisfactory. ▼ Dealing with incidents
ting Committee shall tutor the cour- ▼ Working with
ses. TABLE OFFICIALS Commissioners,
Candidates will be issued with a Table LEVEL FOUR AWARD statisticians, etc.
Official’s manual and rule book on at- This is an advanced knowledge and
tending a course. practical ability award for experien- Reports received from Commissioners
The Region is responsible for the ced Level Three officials. and referees following national ap-
practical assessment of the level th- Officials at this level can be appointed pointments, will be considered by the
ree candidates, although this may be to National Competition and Interna- National Examiner in arriving at the fi-
delegated to areas where appropria- tional games. Table officials must be nal assessment.
te. qualified at Level Three for two years
PAGE 46 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

ALBA BERLIN: MARKET

ORIENTATION
AND CONTINUITY
by Marco Baldi

Marco Baldi started working for Alba there are numerous variations that I will be market-oriented. Alba Berlin belongs to
Berlin, a Division I team in Germany, in not mention in this article. this group.
1990, becoming a team Vice President in
1999. He is currently a member of the Some clubs build their economic base on Market orientation means analyzing the exi-
Board of the German Division I League, private individuals or companies, which sting specific market conditions. Basketball
and a member of the Board of the invest considerable sums of money for the is still a relatively new sport in Germany, but
Euroleague. love of sport and/or as a way to gain social the popularity of the sport has grown enor-
standing. In this case, the widening of the mously over the last decade. When compa-
It is essential for professional sports economic base or a significant return on ring attendance at games, the BBL of
clubs to expand their economic base in investment is of less importance than the Germany now ranks third in Europe, behind
order to sustain growth and develop- ultimate won-lost record for the year. This is the ACB (the Spanish League) and just
ment. There is no guaranteed “one-size similar in the case of a second group of behind the A League (the Italian League).
fits all” way to achieve this goal. A look clubs, which have strong support from their Basketball plays an important social role in
at the top European basketball clubs local communities or which belong to a lar- all BBL cities in Germany, although the
shows that the economic viability of a ger club with high social standing in the national recognition of the league beyond
club is affected by diverse factors. community. The third group is made up of its centers still needs to be improved.
Please note that the following descrip- clubs that generate their income almost
tions should not be viewed as inflexible; solely from the market and therefore have to Special conditions are prevalent in Berlin: 5

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 47

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

ches and player salaries) and other costs to make the purchase of tickets as easy as
has changed from 85:15 (1990) to a current possible.
ratio of 60:40. Still, Alba Berlin was able to
increase the budget and provide more We make a concerted effort to approach
funds each year by building up a powerful companies, institutions, and social groups
and market-oriented organization. to make them aware of our ticket products
and how they can be used as rewards for
MARKET ORIENTATION good customers. We have received impor-
ALBA Berlin’s marketing activity credo can tant ticketing tips and help from the
be described quite simply: Act! Don’t react! Euroleague, which has initiated a special
This goes for marketing and ticketing as Euroleague Ticketing Program in which all
well as for public relations. It is vitally Euroleague clubs can participate.
important that all these departments inte-
ract with each other. ALBA has six DEPENDENCY
employees who are specifically active in Such a market-oriented club as ours is
these areas and systematically work the dependant upon the overall development
market. of basketball. In addition to tradition, the
quality, image, and attractiveness of a
MARKETING AND TICKETING sport are extremely important parameters
million people live in the Berlin area. Ten In the marketing department, we directly influencing its popularity and resonance
different daily papers are published and approach potential partners to whom we within the market. Disagreements conduc-
numerous TV and radio stations broadcast present specific, meaningful marketing ted in the public arena and the divisions
every day. Yet, paradoxically, there is a data and then offer them a clearly-defined between FIBA and ULEB are absolutely
relatively weak economic infrastructure service package. We differentiate counter-productive in this context.
due to the years of isolation and then the between three types:
recent reunification with East Germany. ▼ Main sponsors (use of name, general Periods of economic downturn also have a
Competition in the sports and leisure sec- supplier and uniform partner) direct effect on our profit situation. For this
tor is extreme. In Berlin alone, there are 90 ▼ Official sponsors (advertising partners reason, it is of utmost importance to provi-
teams in a variety of sports that participate with mostly national orientation) de professional support for existing custo-
in the most competitive national leagues. ▼ ALBA club partners (advertising mers in order to build up a long-term rela-
In addition, Berlin offers extensive cultural partners with mostly regional tionship of mutual benefit.
and leisure alternatives, which is unique in orientation) However, it is still a successful, compe-
Germany in both diversity and volume. In titive, and enthusiastic team that creates
brief: we have a huge potential on one In addition to the agreed advertising, main the best conditions for positive develop-
hand and intense competition on the other. and official sponsors have industry exclu- ment. This is why funds need to be con-
To succeed in the face of this stiff compe- sivity. We are currently working with three tinually generated. And this is where we
tition, certain key points need to be kept in main sponsors, nine official sponsors, and come full circle.
mind at all times: twelve ALBA club partners.
▼ The team must be high performance,
offering a high level of local and The fourth level and the transition to our
national identification. ticketing department is our hospitality pro-
▼ A strong social acceptance of the gram, which offers companies and other
team in Berlin. institutions various hospitality arrange-
▼ Business must be conducted ments at home games. The products we
in a professional and diligent manner. offer range from the classic VIP ticket with
▼ The organization and infrastructure of access to the hospitality lounge, to the
the team must be able to work event package, which can be booked by
and react to the existing market. customers who wish to treat a group of
any size to a special program.
All these points are interlinked and must
ultimately be seen as unified. Nevertheless We are currently modifying our classic
- as the subject demands - I would like to ticket sales and sales methods with the aim
focus in this next section on one final point. of making optimal use of the arena, the-
refore increasing ticket sales. ALBA Berlin
ORGANIZATION AS AN ASSET now offers a comprehensive ticketing ser-
Eighty-five percent of Alba Berlin’s profits vice. Tickets for all ALBA home games are
are obtained from sponsorship and ticket available via a ticket hotline, from fifty ticket
sales. The available budget has increased sales locations throughout Berlin, via the
tenfold since 1990, although in the past two Internet, at the arena ticket office, and
years we were not able to increase it due directly from the ALBA office. The tickets
to the weak state of the economy. can be picked up at the time of purchase,
picked up at a later date, delivered by cou-
Over this period, the cost ratio between the rier or mail, or left at the arena ticket office-
sporting area (mostly consisting of coa- whatever the customer wants. Our goal is
PAGE 48 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

THE PHILIPPINES
BASKETBALL
LEAGUE
by Noli Eala

Noli Eala is the Commissioner of the To the ordinary fan, the PBA offers an the games every time Crispa and
Philippines Basketball Association. escape from the clutches of endless Toyota played,” said legendary Crispa
politics, the troubles around the mentor, Baby Dalupan.
From the upper deck of the coliseum, world, the pangs of hunger, and the From the litter of the disbanded Toyota
where the floodlights have been swit- litter of broken dreams. The PBA pro- squad, the soul of the Ginebra team
ched off one by one, one can see the vides a kind of shelter. It is as if once soon coalesced, forming the spirit
slow queue of people moving towards inside a basketball arena, starry-eyed behind the most popular team up until
the exits. Some talk excitedly; others fans filled with awe and bewilderment today. Robert Jaworski. Dondon
awkwardly mimic highlight plays of a have entered a different world, lea- Ampalayo. Dante Gonzalgo. Marlou
game just finished. From a higher van- ving the rest of reality behind for a Aquino. Noli Locsin. Vince Hizon. Bal
tage point, the spectators look like fleeting moment. David. Jun Limpot. Erik Menk. Mark
ants in disarray, searching for the Nobody expected things to be like this Caguioa. Whoever it was in a Ginebra
nearest safe passage. From the from the start, though. uniform, he was sure to become an
overhead loudspeakers, a familiar In 1975, the team owners banded icon for the masses.
musical refrain belts out like a closing together, declared themselves profes- Yes, the PBA quickly hit the roof in
church hymn, ushering the last few sionals, and formed the first-ever pro popularity. When the late 1990’s saw
who remained from an earlier, noisy league, one that is now the longest the decline of gate attendance amidst
audience. running and most successful profes- the Asian economic crunch, nobody
It’s been another night, another play- sional basketball league in Asia. was alarmed. The PBA was still worth
date in the Philippines Basketball At first, none of the founding fathers a look-see, for sure.
Association, the PBA. In a country were sure of
obsessed with hoops, the PBA is like a where it would all
long-running television soap opera, lead. But then
each episode intertwined with the came Crispa and
previous one, and the ones that came Toyota, two popu-
long, long before it. To many, the PBS lar teams that
means a lot of things. defined basket-
To the young, bright-eyed kid challen- ball rivalry like no
ging other shirtless playmates in side other in the coun-
streets to a game of three-on-three, try, except perha-
the PBA is a means to an end; the final ps the varsity
destination of everyone who has ever wars of feuding
dreamed of making a living through schools, Ateneo
basketball. To the serious follower, the and La Salle.
true PBA fan, the PBA is a hobby pas- “Taxi drivers and
sionately indulged, so that a thing jeepney drivers
such as the country’s place in Asian would stop plying
basketball becomes a serious disser- their routes just
tation, even in the most inebriated to listen to the
discussions. radio coverage of

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 49

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

The League’s handlers didn’t feel they

had to press the panic button. This
was still basketball. And as much as
team owners were not getting the
return of investments they had hoped,
it was still basketball and they stuck
with the League.
“To be a team owner, nowadays, you
have to really love basketball,” said
former team manager Elmer Yanga. “If
you took the money a team owner
spends a year, you could buy full page
ads in the leading newspapers every
day of the year. But why do the team
owners spend so much to maintain a
team in the PBA? Love for the game,
pure and simple,” he added.
So, when they can, a basketball nut
with deep-enough pockets will still
turn to the PBA for marketing and
advertisement. Besides, they certainly
get value for their investment
since the teams play almost fiesta-like atmosphere the PBA brings
year-round. about, there is hope that local players,
There are 10 teams in the PBA and Filipino basketball in general, can
and all teams are sponso- catch up with the foreign competition.
red/owned by strong corpora- An Invitational tournament has already
te companies (San Miguel been organized, and the PBA has
Beer, Coca Cola, FedEx, and shown it can compete with powerhou-
Shell are just some of the se China, at least on a club level.
major sponsors) that operate “It’s at the national team level that we
excellent promotion and still have a lot of catching up to do, but
marketing programs through that’s because our players get
the PBA. The PBA plays three together only once every four years,”
conferences per season: All said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
Filipino Conference, Soon, though, Eala hopes to synchro-
Governers’ Cup, and nize the League with the FIBA calen-
Commissioner’s Cup. Each dar so it can have players available for
conference is played for a bench player. The sight of basketball the Asian Basketball Championships
almost two and a half months (games players in the flesh is enough for a and other international tournaments.
are played on Sunday, Wednesday, fan’s lifetime of storytelling. And the PBA evolution continues. Will
and Friday, with two games played League Commissioner Noli Eala hopes it lead to somewhere new? Will the
each day) with a two-week break the PBA will soon be among the top rebirth lead to something big like the
between them. The season starts in three in the sport in Asia. “We know it League’s original nativity? The
February and ends in December. All can be done. We know we have the answer is in the near future, in the
PBA games are covered live and tools,” said Eala. “It’s just a matter of intertwined episodes that are yet to
broadcasted simultaneously on two TV getting our act together and opening come.
channels. The PBA is also carried on the League to the style
radio and the newspapers offer cove- of international basket-
rage almost every day of the year. ball. Who knows? We
But the fans are the true lifeblood of soon might be playing
the PBA. Even though the shopping for berths in the
malls, DVD players, Playstation, and Olympics and the World
other forms of entertainment have Championships again.”
lured some fans away from the gates, Already, the League has
the fans still look up to the basketball sent four teams to the
players like gods. In out-of-town Asian Games, earning a
games that the League has instituted silver medal in Beijing in
to link up provincial followers, hoop 1990, its best showing so
fans wait outside the hotel where far.
teams are staying, sometimes up to With foreign-bred
the wee hours of the morning, just to Filipinos flying back
catch a single fleeting glimpse of even home to be part of the
PAGE 50 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

NORTH HARBOUR
by Dave Norris
BASKETBALL
ASSOCIATION
Dave Norris, Chief Executive of North Harbour
Basketball Association, is a former New
Zealand Basketball and Olympic Long & Triple
Jump representative and former Coach of the
New Zealand Junior (Under 20) Men’s
Basketball Team. In 2002 he was made an
Officer of the New Zealand Order Of Merit by
Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to sport.

New Zealand? 4th place at the World

Championships? How did a country with barely
four million people and no proven international
record in basketball achieve this?

Likewise, how did we succeed at international

level in such a wide range of sports? We’ve
had extraordinary success in Olympic Rowing,
Sailing and Middle-Distance Running; World
Championships Rugby Union, Triathlon,
Canoeing and Netball; America’s Cup Yachting
and Motor Racing. It is raw talent combined
with a gut desire to prove one’s self despite the
odds.
But there is always more than one reason for
success.

To succeed on the international stage and so

suddenly on the world’s basketball courts there
has to have been some sort of foundation
within the country; some remarkably succes-
sful development program.

In the case of basketball, New Zealand has

fewer than 30,000 registered players, in 46 affi-
liated area associations throughout a country
roughly the size of Great Britain.
One of the most successful associations is
Harbour Basketball, situated in the city of
North Shore, “across the harbour bridge” on
the northern shore of Auckland City in a region
known as North Harbour. It has some 6,000
members, 70% of whom are still at school.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The Pathways Chart shows the various pro-
grams and opportunities for youngsters to

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 51

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

reach National representation at North

Harbour. Most enter the sport as members of
their school team. Competitions are run star-
ting at about 8 years of age, and there are cur-
rently 150 school teams. All games are run in
four quarters and with clock-stopped timing,
so that players get a feel for the full game right
from the start. 73 club teams compete in 5 gra-
des in the community program, with the top
grade playing full international rules. All refe-
rees are trained, hold local badges and are
paid per game and start from the pre-teens.

There is a consistent shortage of knowledgea-

ble coaches, however, so other measures had
to be taken to ensure that playing standards
improved. In the 1970’s, Barbara Wheadon,
then President of Harbour Basketball, and now
Basketball New Zealand President and
Oceania Representative on FIBA, implemented
an In-Schools coaching program.

Specially trained senior players and local coa-

ches can be employed by schools for any num-
ber of one hour sessions, to coach fundamen-
tal skills to the teams that enter in competi-
tions. They are encouraged to have a tea-
cher/parent/older sibling volunteer coach
attend the sessions so that they are upskilled
along with the players, and they are given an

PAGE 52 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

excellent coaching manual, with lesson plans,
and free entry to Harbour Basketball’s coa-
ches’ clinics. Three-day coaching camps are
also held each school holidays.

Later, a coordinated individual’s development

program was added for those with stronger
personal ambition or talent. Youngsters can
join the “People With Potential” (PWP) pro-
gram which offers small-group weekend coa-
ching of fundamentals from the age of 5
years.

Players can graduate from PWP at about 13

years of age, into the “Harbour Zone” pro-
gram offering more advanced individual coa-
ching. The PWP and Zone coaching consists
of carefully structured building blocks of indi-
vidual skills, leading to wider game and court
knowledge and team tactics. Advanced, more
intensive, one-on-one coaching sessions are
also available beyond that, so that teenagers
have good chances for talent development.

Using National League players as coaches

ties Harbour’s elite “shop window” teams
(called Harbour Heat for the men and Harbour
Breeze for the women) into the schools,
offering inspiration to the youngsters and
recruiting spectators for the major games.
NBA players Sean Marks (Spurs) and Kirk
Penney (Heat) came through these Harbour
programs.

Some support comes from sponsorships and

grants, but essentially all these programs are
on a user-pays basis.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
For those who stand out, Harbour has 24
representative teams that compete in
Regional tournaments and can go on to
National finals, in Under 12 ,14, 16, 18, 20, 23
years grades and National League First and
Second Divisions. Except for the men’s natio-
nal league, all these 60 coaches and team
managers are unpaid volunteers.

Basketball New Zealand has its National age

grade teams that play in Australia as the logi-
cal next step from the Regional teams. The
New Zealand Academy of Sport supports the
best young players after that in its Carded
Athletes’ program, leading to the National
teams. The men’s National team is called the
“Tall Blacks” and the women “Tall Ferns”. This
is part of the country’s marketing of its National
teams, following the international renown of
the All Blacks Rugby team.
The hockey team is the “Black Sticks”, the
cricket team the “Black Caps”, the women’s
netball the “Silver Ferns”, the women’s rugby
team the “Black Ferns”, etc. An interesting

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 53

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

NORTH HARBOUR
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
ORGANISATION
A non-profit organisation, governed by a 5
person volunteer board and managed by a
paid staff of 3.5 people. Supporting them is
an army of unpaid volunteers, including 60
representative age grade team coaches and
managers and hundreds of school and team
coaches.

FUNDING
Annual income of just over $NZ 1 million is
derived from players fees (40%), sponsorship
and grants (55%), commercial activities (5%).

FACILITIES
Headquarters is a 4 court, 5000 seats stadium
(The North Shore Events Centre) financed by
the City Council and a Charitable Trust but
conceived and created by Basketball and
Gymnastics administrators. Managed by a
volunteer Community Trust Board.
Basketball is also played within the region
in three other 2-court stadia and numerous
school gyms.

outcome of the Tall Black’s Indianapolis suc-

cess is that nowhere in the country does one
hear the public or media refer to the “New
Zealand Men’s Basketball team”; it’s always
“the Tall Blacks” both to them, and to the kids
who play the game.

New Zealand takes much inspiration and some

ideas from Australian Basketball, and there are
regular exchanges between the two countries’
teams, but the responsibility for development of
players at the base of the pyramid rests with the
local associations such as Harbour. The game’s
popularity is soaring, with a 30% increase in
Harbour Basketball membership last year.
Recruitment schemes are not necessary; orga-
nizers can barely cope with the increase.

Like the Australians, Kiwis are a naturally

strong, athletic and sporting people. The athle-
tes have always been here, but now, thanks to
the Tall Blacks at the World Champs and to the
incentive of there now being two places availa-
ble for Oceania at Olympics or World Champs,
the sport is undergoing an astonishing growth
as it becomes an attractive alternative to the
traditional sports for physically larger boys,
such as Rugby Union, Rugby League and
Rowing and the National women’s game,
Netball. New Zealand basketball administra-
tors are determined to prove that 4th place at
Indianapolis was no fluke and associations
such as Harbour Basketball are the foundation
for this.

PAGE 54 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

TRADE FAIR: HUGE

by Aldo Vitale
SUCCESS FOR FIBA
PARTNERS
For the fourth time, the FIBA
Research and Study Centre
once again participated in
FSB, the International Trade
Fair for Amenity Areas, Sports,
and Pool Facilities in Cologne,
Germany, from 5-7 November.
This year’s motto was “Fit for
Business.”

The FIBA Research and Study

Centre was founded in 1993
with the goal of increasing the
number of sports facilities
throughout the world, equip-
ping these facilities, encoura-
ging the construction of basic
facilities and the refurbish-
ment of older ones, coordina-
ting research initiatives, and
offering consulting services
for materials, equipment desi-
gn and construction. The
objective has been to attain a
high standard of quality,
safety, and technology for the athletes, the public, and the Regioberg Bascats joined the festivities at various times
media. It all began in 1994 with three partners. In the throughout the three days at FSB, providing an energetic
ensuing nine years, it has grown to 46 partners. atmosphere that reflected the excitement of the sport. The
players displayed their skills on the court, signed auto-
FIBA had one of the largest display areas at FSB, bringing graphs, and posed for photos with fans. They also visited
together the FIBA Study Centre partners from around the each of the booths of the Study Centre partners throughout
globe. Showing the “ideal basketball world”, 18 partners the FIBA. Young mini-basketball players also participated on
were there, representing each of the FIBA Study Centre’s the court, proudly showing off their talents. They learned
five product categories: backboard support units, basket- from expert teacher Maurizio Mondoni, the former head
balls, electronic systems, sports floorings, scoreboards, coach of all mini-basketball in Italy and currently a professor
and miscellaneous products. at the University of Milan.

At the heart of the action was a scaled-down basketball Another important component of the FIBA participation was
court with full-size basketball hoop units and a score- a large interactive exhibit of basketballs, giving visitors an
board. This allowed visitors to see some of the partners’ opportunity to see and touch the full range of basketballs
products in use. The flooring was provided by Robbins and available from all of the FIBA Study Centre partners.
Sport Court, highlighting both wood and synthetic flooring
options. The backboard units were supplied by Mondo and For the first time, the Secretary General from each of the five
Schelde, along with a full-size scoreboard from Bertelé. FIBA Zones also attended FSB. Dr. Alphonse Bilé (Secretary
General of FIBA-Africa), Mr. Yeoh Choo Hock (Secretary
Players from Bayern Leverkusen, Telecom Bonn, and General of FIBA-Asia), Mr. Alberto Garcia (Deputy Secretary
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 55
 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

General of FIBA-Americas), Mr. Nar Zanolin (Executive the Study Centre partners at their booths and he attended
Director of FIBA-Europe), and Mr. Steve Smith (Secretary the special Partners’ Dinner that took place at the nearby
General of FIBA-Oceania) took this great opportunity to Hyatt Regency Hotel.
interact with all of the FIBA Study Centre partners and
learn more about the activities of the Study Centre. This “FSB is the place to be for everybody who produces high
was very helpful for them as they are now able to take quality basketball equipment”, said Mr. Baumann. “The
back the information to each of their respective zones and FIBA Study Centre is unique: no other sports organization
help the national federations even more as they seek assi- has an entity which helps improve the facility and equip-
stance for the basketball facilities projects in their coun- ment standards, and creates additional business opportuni-
tries. ties for our partners at the same time. Our success over the
past years in the field confirms that we have taken the right
Numerous meetings with future Study Centre partners, direction.”
FESI, IAKS, and facility planners from around the world
took place throughout the three-day fair with Mr. Aldo Overall, 476 companies from 38 countries presented their
Vitale (Director of the FIBA Study Centre), Ms. Nora new products and innovative developments at the fair. With
Szanto (FIBA Study Centre Manager) and FIBA Study record figures and renewed increases in the foreign share
Centre’s engineering consultant, Mr. Pier Luigi Marzorati. in terms of exhibitors and visitors, FSB 2003 was a more
The numerous meetings demonstrated the development international event than ever before. Over 60 percent of the
and expansion of the Study Centre over the years as well exhibitors and approximately 55 percent of the visitors came
as the increased interest internationally in building and to Cologne from abroad, with the greatest increase coming
equipping basketball facilities. from Southern and Eastern Europe.

Amid the busy activities of the fair, the Decision Board of Approximately 13,000 visitors from 85 countries utilized their
the FIBA Study Centre met to discuss business issues from time at the fair to gather information about new products
the past year. Mr. Patrick Baumann, Secretary General of and innovations; they searched for solutions for a variety of
FIBA, attended the meeting to share his thoughts on the problems; attended meetings and established important
tremendous growth of the Study Centre. Mr. Baumann also contacts; and initiated dialogues with a variety of new com-
took the opportunity throughout the day to visit with all of panies.
PAGE 56| 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

TECHNOLOGY
AND BASKETBALL
TRAINING
by H. C. Holmberg

H. C. Holmberg, the Head Physiologist for the Swedish Olympic

Committee, was the former head coach of the Swedish national
cross-country skiing team. As a cadet and junior, he also played for
Sweden’s National basketball team, later going on to coach in the
Second Division.

It is well known that basketball is among the most physically

demanding of all team sports. Numerous researchers have demon-
strated that both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems play an
important role during the course of a full-court match. There is a
wide range of work intensities during a game, from continuous
sprinting baseline to baseline in an up-tempo game to standing
almost motionless on the foul line while shooting free-throws. The
best way to measure the work intensity and metabolic response of
players in team sports is to monitor heart rate and take measure-
ments of blood lactate concentration. Commercially-available
heart-rate monitors transfer heart rate signals from a transmitter
belt worn on the chest to a wristwatch, from which the athlete can
see a continuous display of heart rate. These monitors are practical
for endurance athletes in skiing, cycling, and running, allowing
them to follow their heart rate during training or race situations and
guide their exercise intensity. However, in team sports such as
basketball, this precise monitoring is impossible because players
are forbidden to wear wristwatches during competition due to the
inherent risk of injury. Hitting an opponent with a hard plastic wri-
stwatch can cut or bruise a player.
In order to gauge exercise intensity of basketball players, the impor-
tant questions of exercise physiologists include: What are the
benefits of following basketball players’ exercise intensity level in
real time? If there are benefits, how could such monitoring be
performed without injuring a player?

PRACTICAL USE OF HEART RATE MONITORING

Before beginning training sessions for the Eurobasket 2003
Championship, the Swedish national team requested assistance
from the Swedish Olympic Committee to investigate the overall phy-
sical status of its players. This was accomplished by performing
several special tests in the research laboratory. The results were
then used to help develop practical exercise guidelines for the on-
and off-court training of the players.
Again, a critical question was how to determine the specific physi-
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 57
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

cal intensity level at which the

player trained and played
basketball. As exercise scien-
tists, this request motivated us
to better understand the phy-
sical demands required by the
elite-level basketball player.
We contacted a Swedish
research-based company,
Activio (www.activio.se), that
has developed a telemetry
system for heart rate monito-
ring. Using their equipment,
we were then able to monitor
training and practice games
online without putting any
players at risk of injury. The
heart rate data was presented
online on a laptop, making the
exercise intensity information from all players easily accessible. ferent players spent in different heart rate intensity zones.
To monitor exercise intensity, each player wore a standard heart By using this system and getting fast feedback in real time, the
rate transmitter belt on the chest, complemented with an additional players were well informed. By knowing that they were training in
light-weight unit (50 grams). Using radio technology, this unit sent the correct heart rate zone proved to be a good motivation tool for
heart rate data continuously to a receiver connected to a courtside the players.
laptop computer (see picture, the unit). Our research determined that many of the players showed different
This space-age system makes it possible to perform on-line analy- recovery patterns after hard games and recovered with diverse
sis during physical activity. In a practical sense, this allows an assi- time patterns after more intense up-tempo parts of the game. It was
stant coach to continously follow the exercise intensity of a parti- obvious that after such periods, prolonged fatigue directly influen-
cular training session or game. On the screen, he can choose to fol- ced the number of turnovers and individual shooting percentages.
low the heart rates of the five active players on the court and simul- Based on our recent experience with the national team, we now
taneously follow the recovery rate of the substituted players sitting believe that with the help from an online telemetry system it will be
on the bench. All heart rate data is automatically stored in the com- easier to coach and to judge individual playing time during games.
puter, which simplifies the data administration process. Diagrams Picture 2 shows the heart rate curves of two players from one of the
and tables can be presented to the coach and the players as imme- practice games prior to the Eurobasket 2003 Championship.
diate feedback . We also found that ordinary training is not sufficient for developing
the necessary aerobic capacity for basketball players. The total
RESULTS AND EXPERIENCES number of training hours for a Swedish top player is approximately
After carefully analysing the physiological capacity profile of the 10 to 12 hours a week, and this includes strength training and low-
national team, our main goal was to significantly increase the intensity shooting drills. The fact that basketball players in Sweden
players’ aerobic capacity while maintaining muscle strength, do not work as full-time professionals requires them to be extre-
speed, and jumping ability. A critical question was whether the cur- mely time-efficient. Heart rate analysis of exercise intensity helps
rently prescribed on-court basketball training was intensive enou- us to better balance how many hours in off-court training each
gh. We felt that the aerobic demands of the upcoming Eurobasket player should perform each week. This has proven to be very effec-
2003 tournament were going to be very high. There would be many tive during a season where different players perform various work-
games played over a few days and maintaining the team’s current loads depending on their playing time. To keep all players at opti-
stamina and performance level over that period would be a major mum cardiac output, we used our heart rate analysis to determine
priority. which player needed extra training sessions. It turned out that
We decided to perform heart rate monitoring during training on- and those players who didn’t get much playing time in the games nee-
off-court as well as during practice games. In addition, we monito- ded the extra work to compensate for their overall lower workloads.
red blood lactate concentration to better determine fatigue levels. Modern technology in a modern sport?
The heart rate monitoring was initially used to determine a good Today, Sweden may not be among the world’s basketball powers
intensity level during the general off-court aerobic training. Prior to but we think that the Swedish team prepared as well as any for
Eurobasket 2003, the team used interval training with a heart-rate Eurobasket 2003. One main objective was to develop scientifically-
intensity of 90 percent to 95 percent of their maximum heart rate based training methods for individual and team practice sessions
three times a week. These running workouts included 4 to 5 inter- that would enhance aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We achieved
vals of three to four minutes duration, with three minutes of active that goal.
rest between each sprint interval. Basketball is considered to be one of the most developed sports in
Of equal importance was the need to precisely monitor the training the world when it comes to learning and analysing technique,
load during hard training days and recovery days. This would allow performing tactical analysis, and for using game statistics. It is our
us to personalize and follow the training loads of each player. The belief that the use of modern medical technology can also be an
new heart rate monitoring system allowed us to follow the players important tool to help optimize physical training, taking the game to
on-court during training and also during the practice games. On the a higher level in the process.
display, we received information directly on how many minutes dif-

PAGE 58 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

CONDITIONING SYSTEM
IN CROATIAN
BASKETBALL
Igor Jukic is the Professor at the Faculty of Vrankovic, Gordan Giricek, Bruno Sundov, Dalibor
Kinesiology at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, Bagaric, all former or active NBA players.
and works for the Croatian Basketball Today, each of all 10 national basketball teams
Association. has own physical conditioning coach. Croatian
physical conditioning coaches are not only invol-
INTRODUCTION ved in preparedness for international competi-
by Igor Jukic First sport in which physical conditioning coaches tions. They follow players during all year, they are
started to work in Croatia was basketball. This making diagnostics, training programs, nutrition
happened in Seventies of last century. In ex- plans etc. Five years ago we started to make data-
Yugoslavia, Croatian physical conditionig coa- base with tests results of physical conditioning
ches were dominantly involved in preparedness abilities for all age groups and both sexes.
of national teams. Did you know that Kresimir We also have many private physical conditioning
Cosic and Drazen Petrovic had already their pri- coaches which have great contribution in basket-
vate physical conditioning coaches in the ball. It seems now that individualisation of physi-
Seventies or Eighties? Same practice continued cal conditioning preparedness will mark near
until today with Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, Stojko future of sport preparedness.

TABLE 1 - CROATIAN PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

COACHES EDUCATION PROGRAM
SEMESTERS
8 Diploma of Professor of Kinesiology
UNIVERSITY
7 with specialization in physical
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY
6 conditioning
WITH SPECIALIZATION
5
IN PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
4 Basic kinesiological study
3
2
1

5 PROFESSIONAL STUDY
4 FOR COACHING EDUCATION
3 Coaches level study WITH SPECIALIZATION
2 IN PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
1

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 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

EDUCATION OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING COACHES

Education system of physical conditioning coaches TABLE 2 - EDUCATION PLAN
is especially important. In Croatia, until 1999, physi-
cal conditioning coaches were persons which
were educated on Faculty for Kinesiology. They A - BASIC LECTURES HOURS 855
were professors of physical education with specia- Kinesiology Basics 60
lizations in particular sports. In 1999, under the pro-
gram of the same study started specialization in Sport History 45
physical conditioning preparedness. This study
lasts 8 semesters. Until 2001, we have 5 semesters Sport training 75
study for physical conditioning coaches. Biomechanics of Sport 75
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING COACHES ASSOCIATION General Physical Conditioning 75
In November 2002, in Zagreb, was founded Croatian Pedagogy 45
Physical Conditioning Coaches Association. Every
physical conditioning coach from any sport can find Functional Anatomy 60
a role in this association. The primary aim of this
association is to protect rights of physical condi-
Physiology of Sport 75
tioning coaches and to help their improvement fol- Sports Medicine 75
lowing world trends. The members of association
can only be the persons who were educated as Psychology of Sport 75
physical conditioning coaches. Temporary mem- Sociology of Sport 45
bers can be the persons who hasn’t finished edu-
cation yet. Basics of Statistics and Informatics 60
Under the program of this Association a physical Sports Managament 45
conditioning training magazine is to be promoted
and this will be a magazine with international Foreign Language 45
review.
One of the most important tasks of this Association
is cooperating with similar organisations in the B- SPECIALIZATION LECTURES HOURS 960
world and especially in Europe.
History and
CONCLUSION Organization of Phy.Conditioning 60
Physical conditioning preparation in basketball is
very important factor for making grate results. Antropological Analysis 60
Demanding basketball games from one side and Kineziological Analysis 120
development of sport science from the other, made
contribution to greater popularity of physical condi- Training Methods I
tioning preparation and physical conditioning coa-
ches in basketball. (Young athletes) 75
We have to conclude that physical conditioning and Training Methods II
physical readiness are not the only and crucial fac-
tors for getting great sport results. Physical condi- (Performance Develop.) 300
tioning training can give strong base for specific Planning and Programming
and situational basketball addition but the main
reason in eral competition conditions for winning of Training 90
will be technical and tactical baskeball knowledge
and skils, beside other, on optimal level of functio-
Preparedness Control 60
nal and motoric abilities. Sport 1 (Track and Field) 45
Twenty-thirty years ago national teams from our
area has history of bad results after coming from Sport 2 (Swimming) 45
USA. They rarely lost any game with less then 30 Sport 3 (Kinesiterapy) 45
points differences. Just to remind you players who
were playing than were: Cosic, Dalipagic, Elective Lecture 30
Delibasic, Jerkov, Kicanovic, Slavnic etc. Those Diploma 30
players were dominated in world amateur basket-
ball, but they were not able to come even close to Practical Work
NBA players. Today, from same area of the ex-
Yugoslavia 16 players (Serbia and Montenegro 9,
Croatia 4, Slovenia 3) are playing in NBA.
One of the most important reasons why they actual-
ly managed to play in NBA is physical conditioning. TOTAL HOURS A+B 1815
Their basketball talent was never questionable.

PAGE 60 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

TIBIAL FASCIITIS:
A TYPE OF SHIN SPLINT

by Richard T. Bouché

Richard T. Bouchè is Staff Podiatrist

at Virginia Mason Sports Medicine
Clinic in Seattle, Washington. Past
President of the American Academy
of Podiatric Sports medicine, he
wrote several articles on the
subject. He is staff podiatrist of the
Seattle Storm, the WNBA team.

DEFINITION
A shin-splint is the most common
cause of exercise-induced leg pain
encountered by athletes of all levels.
It is commonly used as a “garbage
can” term to include a variety of
exercise-induced leg pathologies but
actually represents a very specific
problem.
It is essentially an inflammatory reac-
tion involving the connective tissue of
the leg (called the deep or crural
fascia) at its insertion into the inside
(medial) or front (anterior) aspect of
the leg bone (tibia).
Thus “tibial stress syndrome” is the
common medical term used to refer
to this condition though I prefer the
term “tibial fasciitis” because it spe-
cifically implicates the deep fascia as
the etiologic anatomic structure
involved. This condition needs to be
differentiated from other common
and uncommon causes of leg pain as
the correct diagnosis will dictate
treatment.

Treatment for shin-splints can vary

depending on the location (medial
versus anterior), duration and seve-
rity of the problem.
Listed below is a comprehensive four
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 61
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

stage initial (versus resistant or recal-

citrant) treatment program that has
met with excellent success at our
sports medicine center.
It is important to complete all four sta-
ges of the program to obtain a more
predictable result. If the response to
this program is not favorable then re-
evaluation of the patient is indicated.
If the diagnosis remains firmly establi-
shed, additional (more aggressive)
treatment measures may need to be
considered, i.e., steroid injections,
surgery, etc.

INITIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM

PHASE 1- ACUTE PHASE:
Decrease acute pain and inflammation:
▼ Absolute rest-non weight bearing
with crutches
▼ relative rest- weight bearing boot
or walker
▼ “ICE” (ice; compression; elevation)
▼ Non steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs

Note: Depending on the severity of the pro-

blem the acute phase can be bypassed,
but should always be considered especial-
ly if clinical symptoms are significant.
When palpation of the involved shin area
exhibits minimal to no discomfort the reha-
bilitation phase can be initiated.

PHASE 2- REHABILITATION PHASE:

Further decrease pain and inflammation:
▼ Ultrasound
▼ Phonophoresis
▼ Neuroprobe
▼ Contrast baths
▼ Decrease scar formation:
▼ Transverse friction/deep
tissue massage therapeutic exercise Initiate preventive strategies:
▼ Augmented soft tissue ▼ Plyometric training (trampoline, ▼ Orthoses PRN
mobilization (ASTM) then jumping rope, then “vertical ▼ Appropriate athletic shoewear
▼ Maintain/increase flexibility of jumps”) ▼ Functional exercises (i.e., pilates,
injured (and surrounding) tissue plyometrics)
▼ Active / passive joint range of motion Protect injured area during functional acti- ▼ Revise training program
▼ Stretching exercises vity:
▼ Strengthen fascial/bone interface ▼ Shin taping Note: In my experience there is an approxi-
▼ Open to closed chain therapeutic ▼ Neoprene shin sleeve mate one month window after the patient
exercise (isometric / isotonic / ▼ Consider leg brace (Air Cast) returns to their activity where the chance of
isokinetic) ▼ Orthoses PRN re-injury is great. Patients must realize their
▼ Appropriate athletic foot gear limits and be patient!
Note: When patient can complete these I feel if this treatment plan is followed, as
exercises without symptoms, then the Note: This is probably the most important described, treatment outcomes for this com-
functional phase can begin. The techni- phase because it prepares the patient for mon pesky problem can be more predicta-
ques used to decrease scar formation their return to activity. Care needs to be ble.
can initially exacerbate the condition, taken at this stage not to allow the patient
especially when using ASTM. to overdo these exercises and stay within TIPS
their limits as re-injury can easily occur. ▼ Don’t forget to stretch and warm
PHASE 3- FUNCTIONAL PHASE: up before playing.
Functionally strengthen fascial/bone PHASE 4- RETURN TO ACTIVITY ▼ Wear supportive shoes.
interface (and surrounding tissue): Return to desired sport activity: ▼ See your sports podiatrist if pain
▼ Continue open to closed chain ▼ Gradual, systematic, “to tolerance” persists.
PAGE 62 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

Mini-Basketball
by Inaki Refoyo
Drills
Inaki Refoyo is a professor at the Spanish 2 Equipment and details:
Institute of Physical Education (INEF) of a) Necessary materials: One ball for D.1
Madrid. He is a master at the top level of every child.
coaching in the Spanish Basketball b) Number of players: Four or more.
Federation. He has written several arti- c) When to introduce in a practice
cles about basketball and conditioning. session: At the beginning.
d) Aim of the game: Introduce children
“JUMP” to physical activity. Warm-up exercise.
1. Description: Spread the youngsters out e) Physical requirements: low.
on the court for the following exercises: f) Suggested time: 5 to 10 minutes.
a) Run around the court and come to a
complete stop at the signal of the “COUPLES”
instructor, and then jump up (on one 1. Description: With the children paired
or two feet) as high as possible and holding hands, they run all over the
and then begin running again. court. At the instructor’s signal they then
b) Repeat the drill. At the instructor’s perform the following exercises:
signal, the children must to change a) Form new couples and run again.
direction, run sideways for awhile, b) Change couples and run again, hand
crossing the legs as they go, running in hand, same as above.
backwards for awhile, then turning c) The couple sits down on the floor and
and jumping up as high as possible at the instructor’s signal, gets up and
until the instructor signals them to stop. runs around the court.
c) Each child holds a basketball with d) Sit down on the floor. At the
arms extended out in front of their instructor’s signal, quickly get up, D.2
chest. At the instructor’s signal, they search for a new partner, and,
begin running slowly, trying to touch holding hands, run around the court
the basketball with an upraised knee. together.
This drill can also start with the child e) Sit down on the floor. At the
holding the ball behind their back. As instructor’s signal, get up, choose an
the child runs slowly, he should try to opposite sex partner and, holding
touch the ball with his heel. hands, run around the court.
d) Children start with a ball in their f) Jump off two feet as high as possible
hands. At the instructor’s signal, they and while in the air clap hands with
throw it upward as high as possible your partner, then run around the
and then run to catch it before it hits court again.
the ground. After catching the ball, g) Every child is grouped as a couple. At
they jump up as high as possible and the instructor’s signal, they run on the e) Physical requirements: low.
then repeat the drill. Another version: court and touch various lines on the f) Suggested time: 5 to 10 minutes.
After the ball is thrown up in the air, court, returning back to the starting
they jump up as high as possible on point as quickly as possible (diagr. 2). “DISCOVERING THE COURT”
one or two feet and clap their hands 1. Description: With all the children
together (in front of the chest, behind 2. Equipment and details: spread out on the court, complete
the knees, or behind the waist) before a) Necessary materials: None. the following exercises.
the ball comes back down. b) When to introduce in the practice:
e) The child throws the ball up and then At the beginning. a) Walk or run around the court. At
tries to run under it as many times as c) Number of players: Four or more either a visual or auditory signal
possible before the ball comes back d) Aim of the game: Introducing the from the instructor, stop, change
down (diagr. 1). child to exercise. Warm-up exercise. direction, and increase or

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 63

 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

decrease speed. f) Suggested time: 5 to 10

b) Walk or run on the minutes.
court. As each child
reaches the middle “HUNTING”
of the court, he 1. Description: Using the
jumps as high as half court, the children are
possible. As he divided up into two teams
reaches any line on and placed behind the
the court, he baseline. Two children are
repeats the designated as defenders
D.4
jumping exercise. D.3
and placed inside Swedish
Another version: benches (is this a “balance
Carrying a beam” that they use in gym-
basketball, he nastics competition) on the
performs the same other half court, with
jumps, raising the basketballs on the floor
ball as high as behind them. At the instruc-
possible at the tor’s signal, the first children
height of the jump, run and try to steal basket-
bringing it down to balls and bring them back to
waist level as he their teams without being
lands on the floor. tagged by the defenders. If
c) Half of the children the “thief” has been caught
walk around the court with a ball in with the ball, he has to give it back. He then
their hands, passing it to a teammate returns to the end of his line. After a desi-
that they encounter as they go around gnated amount of time has elapses, the
the court. team with the most stolen balls is declared
d) Walk and grasping strong the ball the winner. (diagr. 4).
with the hands, and throw it in every
direction. 2. Equipment and details:
e) Holding the ball at chest level, walk a) Necessary materials: From 10 to 12
or run forward, backwards, and late balls, 4 Swedish benches.
rally as they move around the court. b) Number of players: Eight or more. D.5
f) Get down on the floor on hands and c) When in the practice:
knees. At the instructor’s signal, At the beginning.
push the ball forward with the head, d) Aim of game: Improve lateral
chasing after it on hands and knees, movements, and develop quick moves.
continuing to push it to the other e) Physical requirements: High.
side of the court. f) Suggested time: 5 minutes.
g) Walk or run across the court keeping g) Possible alternatives: a] without
one eye closed. benches and more hunters b]
h) Roll the ball with your preferred dribbling the ball after “stealing” it.
hand, then with the other hand,
changing hands when you meet a “GAME WITH BENCHES”
particular teammate, a line, or at the 1. Description: Two rows of three to five chil-
signal from the instructor. dren. At a distance of eight meters from the b) Number of players: Minimum 6,
i) The same exercise, rolling the ball benches, (two benches have a ribbon on maximum 12.
with the feet. top), place cushioned mats on the floor, and c) When in the practice:
j) Roll the ball both with the hand and behind each mat a row of children. When the At the beginning.
with the feet sitting down. instructor gives the signal, the first child from d) Aim of the game: Work on ability
k) Roll the ball and, at the instructor’s each group has to crawl over the mats, run to and quickness.
signal, stop it with a hand, foot, or the first bench, pick the ribbon from one e) Physical requirements: Low.
any other body part. (diagr. 3). bench, and place it on the next bench. They f) Suggested time: 8 minutes.
return to the starting position by running and g) Possible options: a] Instead of
2 Equipment and details: jumping over the bench, giving a high five to using benches as obstacles, you
a) Necessary materials: One ball for the next teammate, who then completes the can use the children’s rucksacks;
every child. course. The winner is the team that gets all b] Instead of jumping over the
b) Number of players: Four or more. children to finish the course first. (diagr. 5). benches, run a precise route
c) When to introduce in practice: At the inside the court, taking a ribbon
beginning. 2. Equipment and details: from one bench and placing it on
d) Aim of the game: Introducing the a) Necessary materials: Balls, mats, another; c] Have children dribble
child to exercise. Warm-up exercise. rucksacks, Swedish benches, and a basketball while completing
e) Physical requirements: low. ribbons. the exercise.
PAGE 64 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

school games
and activities
COORDINATION DRILLS exended) passes under, turns around, ball above the head and then below
1. Roll the ball and try to hit a target (a returns to starting position, stops, the legs.
moving ball, circle, clubs, numbers turns, and passes the ball to “B” who 24. Same game, pass the ball
drawn on the wall, inside the squares then repeats the same drill. sideways to the right and then to the
of wall bars, etc.). 14. Standing up, ball held in front of left.
2. Run, with one arm forward and the the chest with arms extended: let it 25. In pairs, facing each other: “A”
other held above. drop, clap hands behind the back and rolls the ball to “B” and “B” passes
3. Throw the ball and try to make it grab ball before it hits the ground. the ball back with his feet.
pass through a hoop held by a team- 15. Same game-holding the ball 26. In pairs, sitting facing each other,
mate. behind back: clap hands and grab the one ball each: exchange balls by rol-
4. In pairs (one ball each): try to touch ball before it hits the ground. ling, bouncing, and throwing.
the back, knees, and the ball of the 16. Same game-with the ball held in 27. Throw the ball it at a designated
partner (the one who manages to front of knees. target.
touch the other the most times in a 17. Dribble simultaneously with three 28. In pairs: “A” makes any movement
designated period of time wins the balls. he wants while dribbling and “B” imi-
game). 18. In pairs (one ball each): “A” drib- tates “A”; change roles at a designa-
5. Same game-play with three, four, bles forward and “B” dribbles ted signal.
and five children. backward; change direction at a desi- 29. In pairs, with a ball between
6. Dribble in place with two two gnated signal. backs: walk forwards, backwards,
basketballs. 19. Same game-players dribble and sideways without dropping the
7. Same game-run while dribbling. sideways. ball.
8. Reverse walking, dribbling with two 20. In pairs, one ball each: “A” throws 30. Same game-move in tandem with
balls. a bounce pass to “B” and “B” throws the ball held between foreheads.
9. In pairs, dribble with two balls, a two-handed chest pass back to “A”. 31. In pairs, lying face down on the
exchanging balls at a designated 21. In pairs, “A” standing with the ball floor, one ball each: pass balls back
signal. and “B” sitting without a ball: “A” and forth to each other.
10. Same game-play with three, four, passes to “B” and sits down, “B” pas- 32. In pairs: “A” passes the ball to “B”
and five children. ses back to “A” and stands up. and “B”, before receiving it, must clap
11. Dribble a figure “8” pattern with 22. In pairs, make a two-handed chest hands.
legs apart. pass, bounce pass, side pass, side 33. In pairs: “A” throws the ball high in
12. Dribble a figure “8” pattern with a bounce pass, hand-off, bowling pass, the air and “B” tries to hit it with his
partner. baseball pass, and two-handed own ball.
13. With a partner, “A” dribbles overhead pass. 34. Same game, except the balls are
towards “B” (legs apart and arms 23. In pairs, back to back: pass the rolled on the floor.

BASKETBALL FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

Guidelines for Coaches
This very useful 364-page book published by FIBA is aimed not only at basketball
coaches who work with young players, but also at schoolteachers who want to
learn more about basketball and discover ideas for games and drills to use during
their lessons. Written by some of the top experts, the book clearly explains how to
teach basketball fundamentals, drills, and strategy, with suggestions of how to
teach the game to children as young as six. The book is available in English,
French, and Spanish, at the cost of e. 20, plus shipping and handling costs.
For more information, please call FIBA at ++41-22-545.0000 or fax at ++41-22-
545.0099.
FIBA also produced the CD of the book in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and
Russian.
Keep checking the FIBA Internet website (www.fiba.com) for the latest informa-
tion. Several Federations (Serbia & Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sweden,
and Latvia) already have the book written in their native language. Contact these
Federations directly for more information.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 06 2004 | PAGE 65

 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

play
BASKETBALL MEMORABILIA
with us Thank you for your kind words and suggestion. As we tell
I am taking time to write you to ask a little help. I am a our many readers who inquire about subscriptions, we
collector of all sorts of basketball items, from pins and are still formulating plans in that regard. For now you can
stickers to team pennants and key rings. While you must download our past and current issues from the FIBA
be extremely busy, please pass on my message to your Internet site. Regarding the basketball gear, please, let
technical staff, your friends, and colleagues in the us know which items you are specifically interested in
basketball world: I am looking for basketball memorabi- and we will provide pertinent companies and their
lia. I currently have 3,500 pins, 4,000 flags, pennants, and addresses. For the latest in coaching tool, refer to our
stickers, as well as different medallions, badges, basket- No. 5 issue.
balls, and other accessories having to do with the game
of basketball. I have made over 5,000 inquiries around REQUESTS FOR YOUTH TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
the world over the years and have received a poor I had the pleasure of reading your FIBA Assist magazine
response. I do not ask people to give me things they real- online. I used to play with local teams here in Jordan until
ly care about, but only items they can spare. I built this an injury sent me to the sidelines permanently. I still stay
basketball collection for my grandson who plays now the in touch with the game by coaching youth teams and
game. I am 65 years old (the “crazy” grandfather) and volunteering for basketball-related activities in my coun-
practice our favorite sport once a week in the super try. I am currently a member of the basketball develop-
veteran section (the “old slippers” as the younger mem- ment committee for a league in Amman. Our main spon-
bers of the club call us) of my local team. sor for the Amman Little League is ready to sponsor two
Maurice Collard - Route Jean XXIII N°7 teams (under 12 & under 14) to participate in internatio-
4837 Baelen Belgique - playoff54@skynet.be nal tournaments for this age group. What I am hoping is
that you can help put us in contact with the association
Your letter is certainly different from the usual letters we or committee in charge of these tournaments.
receive from coaches, referees, and executives from Hussein Bakri, Amman, Jordan
around the world, but we are very glad you wrote. This
tells us that our magazine is also read by non “basket- We will be very glad to provide you with addresses and
ball operators,” as well as by active people who have a contacts. Please specify which countries you would
strong passion for the sport. I personally will send you like to play and the period of the year that your teams
some pins from our collection, and I invite our readers to will be available for competition. In the meantime, we
do the same. have published a very good article on shooting drills in
this issue by Gheith Aref Najjar, a leading Jordanian
SUBSCRIPTION AND BASKETBALL GEAR coach.
I am really happy that your magazine exists. I have
been involved with youth coaching, preparing teams to
participate in regional tournaments. I am also involved
with secondary school basketball teams in the Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013
Solomon Islands. After discovering all the great infor- Castelmaggiore (BO), Italy
mation that you have in your magazine, I wonder if you Tel.+39-051-6328813- Fax +39-051-6328815
are offering subscriptions. If so, I am interested in the Editor-in-Chief: GIORGIO GANDOLFI
subscription rates. I would also like to be added to E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net
your mailing list. Finally, a suggestion: It would be inte- Note: Readers who wish to send technical or non-techni-
resting for many basketball fans if you were to add a cal articles are kindly requested to read the information in
page in each issue about the latest basketball gear the box INVITATION TO THE READERS on page 4 (or onli-
and how to purchase it. ne at www.fiba.com).
Eric Chow, Solomon Islands
PAGE 66 | 06 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE