The Help Side: Basketball Coaching and Analytics Podcast

In Episode 36 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the end of the NBA season. We go team by team and talk about the relevant teams end of season and what they need to do going forward. PLEASE NOTE: This was recorded right after the NBA finals and before the Chris Paul trade. In the analytics section we talk about instilling system and culture to your team during the summer and what that looks like. In the strategy session we are going to talk about repetition in the summer and how important it is to turn your repetitions into winning habits.

In Episode 34 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the end of the college basketball season. We go in depth into all the storylines of March Madness and the marquee teams who made exits earlier than they expected. We preview the NBA playoffs and make picks for the East and West and an overall champion. In the analytics section we talk about Jeff Van Gundy at the Sloan Analytics Conference talking about how there is never a time when a player should take a bad shot. We break down that idea and why it is so important for the chemistry and balance of a team. In the strategy session, we pair that concept with knowing time and score situations. We look at the importance of understanding time and score at every point in a game, or even a pick up game, if we want to win. As always check out The Help Side YouTube channel where we break down clips from college basketball games.

In Episode 34 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the progress of my team's season with two and a half weeks to go before conference tournament. We talk about Kyrie Irving requesting a trade as well as load management in the NBA. We also talked about the missed call against Lebron James at the end of the Boston game and how coaching challenges should be changed for the betterment of all teams. In the analytics section we talk about the value of a 20 point lead at different points of a game. In the strategy session we discuss the value of running set plays if your coaching at a level where there is little to no scouting done on your team, and how that can give you a huge competitive advantage over other coaches. 

In Episode 33 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about basketball season which is now underway. We talk about Adam Silver listening to this podcast and finally broaching the subject of tanking, and my idea of promotion and relegation. In the analytics section we talk piggy back on a conversation from a previous podcast where we talked about Draymond Green passing up a wide open lay up to pass to Steph Curry for a wide open three. In that episode we made a hypothetical percentage for Steph to shoot for it to be better for the Warriors to take the three than to take the two. Here we take that a step further and talk about the implications of Steph missing the three and how the possible transition opportunities for the other team change the math on whether or not its still the right play. In the strategy session we talk about motion offense in terms of your offense being scouted by opponents. What are the positives of running motion in terms of your opponents preparing for what you do offensively in the motion. Please visit our youtube page, The Help Side where we break down college plays and look at what teams did well and what they could do better. 

In Episode 32 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the just concluded NBA finals. We talk about what this result means for both teams going forward. In the analytics section we talk about dealing with first half foul trouble for one of your best players. We discuss the pros and cons of sitting a player with two fouls in the first half as well as when to play them with those two fouls. In the strategy session we talk about changing defenses for the last possession of a game, as in, switching to a zone from man during a crucial late game possession. We talk about why or why not to do it in the first place. Then we switch sides and think about it from the perspective of it happening to us. How we prepare for that situation and how to be ready for when it happens. As always, you can see video breakdowns of college basketball plays on YouTube at The Help Side, and Twitter and Instagram are The Help Side as well.

In Episode 30 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast I go on two rants about the current state of the NBA. We talk briefly about the playoffs and who I think will win the championship this year, then I talk about two things I see in the NBA that are very concerning to me. In the analytics section, I am very excited to talk about the analytics side of the Golden State Warriors offense. They appear to be very analytics oriented when they run their offense, and look to find the highest percentage shot on each possession. I call this "Unlocking the best shot" on each possession and we take a deep dive into exactly how the Warriors do this, and how this can translate into something valuable for your teams.

In Episode 30 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the big NBA trade between the 76ers and Nets, we talk about the first four days of March Madness and the teams that are left in the field. In the analytics section we talk about a cool little trick at the end of a half to take away your opponents try to get a two for one. And in the strategy session, we break down the dribble hand off. We look at when to use it, specifically against which types of ball screen defense, how to execute it, and what you are trying to get out of it. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at The Help Side. We also have a Youtube channel where we break down plays in the world of basketball. You can find that on Youtube at The Help Side.

In Episode 29 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the beginning of my teams college season. We took a bad loss to start the year, on a night when we couldn't make any open shots and were dominated in all areas of the game. In the analytics section we talk about a first coaching job and the things to do to make that first job successful. We also briefly talk about the learning to get to that first job and be prepared. In the strategy session we talk about leaving your comfort zone. The reason we played poorly in our first game is the opponent played faster and harder than us, and to compete we had to leave our comfort zone and in doing so, we weren't able to make shots and compete where we needed to. We talk about how to recognize that in your own team, and how my team is changing that and hopefully raising our comfort level as we progress. 

You can follow my on twitter and instagram at the help side, would love to hear questions, or topics to talk about in the future.

In Episode 28 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we are back and have lots to talk about. We start with our basketball roundup where we talk about the college season just two weeks away as well as what happened in the offseason in the NBA including trades and signings. In the analytics section we begin a two part series talking about making teammates better. A look from a coaching perspective on what should be instilled in players as they try and make their teammates better. In the next podcast, in part two,  we will talk about getting your teammates engaged. And then in the strategy session, we talk about the concept of tagging. Its something I stress in my practices and something coaches at all levels should be making their players aware of.

In Episode 27 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we are back and take a look at the major players in the NBA playoffs, taking a deeper look into a team like the Utah Jazz, where I think they made some bad coaching decisions and could have made adjustments and beaten the Clippers. We take a look at the Bucks and Suns in the NBA finals as well. In the analytics section, we look at the NBA play in tournament and how the math doesn't make sense for something like that and how it devalues the regular season. Finally, in the strategy session, we look at managing and being efficient during timeouts and halftime. There is a finite amount of time in both settings, and utilizing that time is important for your team to be on the same page for the rest of the game.

In Episode 26 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we get caught up on the world of basketball post Super Bowl. We discuss the NBA and NCAA and what top teams are doing at this point in their respective seasons. In the analytics section, we talk about sacrifice and what it means from the perspectives of players, assistant coaches, and head coaches. In the strategy season we respond to a listener email asking about the pros and cons of different presses. We look ath the press we run, the 2-2-1 passive press, as well as a 1-2-2 trapping press, and a run and jump press.

Note: I said Jim Beilein but of course meant John.

NOTE***- At one point I say that a 75% free throw shooter will miss one 56% of the time and make both 44% of the time. These numbers were said backward. He will make both 56% of the time and miss one 44% of the time. My apologies for the confusion.

In Episode 25 of The Help Side: Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast, we have made it to Episode 25! I had decided when I started this podcast that if I ever made it to 25 episodes, the 25th would be about whether or not to foul while up 3. So thats what we did. First we do our basketball roundup, where we talk about the beginning of the NBA season as well as whats going on in college basketball. Then we combined the analytics section and the strategy session into one deep dive segment as to both sides of the foul or not foul while up 3 argument. The discussion is both analytical and strategy based so it made sense to combine it all into one segment. The podcast did cut off towards the end, but we are just about to wrap up when it cut. 

If you haven't been to the website yet, visit thehelpside.com to see more coaching content. And probably more exciting, we have launched a YouTube channel called The Help Side. On this channel I will be doing play breakdowns, where I take a play from a college or NBA game and break down the play basically frame by frame to what each team did and what they could have done better. Please comment on those videos and let me know what you see and we can have a discussion and learn from each other!

In Episode 24 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we take a few minutes to discuss the NBA finals. We talk in detail about the performances of the two teams, and specifically of Jimmy Butler, Lebron James, and Anthony Davis. We also look at the future of both of these franchises. In the analytics section, we talk about sponsorship. Not in terms of money, but in regards to having someone go to bat for you. How we all need to have someone who is willing to write us a great letter of rec or make a phone call on our behalf when we need it, and what it takes to get there. In the strategy session we talk about making a defender trail over the top on a ball screen. What that does for the offense in terms of getting an advantage over the defense and having open teammates all over the floor.

In Episode 23 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we catch up on the NBA playoffs. We talk about the shocking loss of the Clippers to the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers, Celtics, and Heat advancing to the conference finals. I then go on another flopping rant. In the analytic section we talk about an interesting article I read on the negative overall impact of offensive rebounding in certain situations, as well as putting offensive rebounders in strategic positions. In the strategy session, we break down what the Nuggets did offensively against the Clippers, and what the Clippers could have done differently to slow down the Denver offense.

In Episode 22 of the The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we talk about the NBA bubble and how I think the bubble will affect play during the playoffs. We also talk about the Zion Williamson at Duke allegations and dig into that situation. In the analytics section we talk about subbing out players and effective ways of communicating with players after they are taken out of the game. Finally, in the strategy session, we talk about boxing out. I talk about its importance, and some drills that I have found to be effective incorporating the skills of boxing out.

Note*- I referenced a talk about boxing out I saw online years ago, and I said it was a speech by Coach K, I meant to say Coach Cal(apari). Sorry for the mistake. 

In Episode 21 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we talk about an idea I had about Covid testing and we talk about the Michael Jordan documentary now that it is finished. In the analytics section we go through the do's and don'ts when helping a recruit make a highlight film and sending a professional email to coaches to help that player get recruited. In the strategy session we talk about a ball screen twist and how it can be used as a counter to teams who guard pic and roll well.

In Episode 20 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we talk about the world with the Corona-Virus. We talk about the how hard it is to build a championship roster and those teams losing out on the opportunity to compete for a ring. We also talk about some things that happened in the NBA before the season was suspended. In the analytics section we talk about the importance of game film and how it can help you take away the things your opponents want to do. In the strategy session we talk about running your best shooter off screens when he/she is face guarded, and then engaging the screener's defender so they can't help off on that cut to the basket. 

In Episode 19 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we start with an update on my team as we have finished the non-league portion of our season and look forward to starting our conference play. We also talk about the NBA and the powers in the East and West. In the analytics section we talk about using a box score effectively to learn about the players on your opponents team. Also we talk about playing off guys who aren't outside shooting threats. In the strategy session we talk about bluff and recovering on the strong side and not helping from the strong side on a drive or post double.

In Episode 18 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics Podcast we talk about whats been happening in the NBA, specifically with the Lakers and how LeBron has taken on the role of facilitator to make the Lakers a contender in the West.  I also talk a little bit out my team and how we are doing this season and how I have had to work to make my team better defensively and fundamentally. In the strategy session I talk about guarding the flat screen against a fast point guard. We played against a team who had a fast point guard and a pick and pop big making it a tough play to guard. I talked about how we went about guarding it and an effective way to rotate to take away what they want get out of it offensively.

In Episode 17 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we are back and its basketball season! First we talk about a situation I had with one of my current players becoming ineligible due to his playing clock running out. I discuss the situation and the need for junior colleges and four-year colleges to work together to ensure the academic success of student-athletes. In this episode we combine the analytics and strategy session into one. We talk about scouting your own team, and thinking about how your opponents look at you and what you can do to counter their strategies against you. We also talk about putting in set plays. In the past I have put in lots of sets before the season started and also put in new sets during the season to stop opponents from scouting them. I talk about the merits of both ways.

In episode 16 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching and Strategy Podcast we are back after a long hiatus. I talk about the next step in my personal coaching career as I have accepted a new coaching position. I also get caught up on some of the things that I missed in the last month and a half. I also do a very early prediction on where I think teams will finish in the very tough Western Conference. In the strategy session I talk about preparing for an interview and how I prepped for this most current one. When all the other applicants are doing the same thing, I think its important to do something different. And I talk about a few of those things that I do differently from most other applicants.

In Episode 15 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we start by talking about the NBA playoffs up to this point. We look back at the Warrior's series vs the Rockets and Blazers as well as the just concluded series between the Bucks and Raptors. We then do a quick preview on the NBA finals. In the analytic section we talk about charting defense. Most teams chart and look at offensive numbers, but I haven't found a lot on charting how good players are defensively. We talk about how we could do this to get a better idea of who are better defensive players are. In the strategy session, we talk about charting hustle points and giving an award for it at the end of the year. We also talk about how players knowing that they are being charted, and competing for a hustle award, affects how they play, knowing that those things are being documented.

In Episode 14 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we talk about the NBA playoffs and the NCAA tournament. I predict winners in each series and recap the excitement of  March Madness. I talk about a couple scenarios where my theory of fouling while up 2 would pay off and a couple scenarios where coaches had the decision to foul or not foul up 3 late in game. Next we talk about the amazing out of bounds play that Virginia Tech ran against Duke which almost got them the upset in that game. Finally, in the strategy session, we talk about hedging. I love to hedge ball screens and I put in a drill many years ago called the "hedge drill," that is really good for working on your teams hedging skills. I go in depth on the drill and how I like to hedge from the positions of the man guarding the screener and the man guarding the ball, as well as rotations by all the rest of the guy on the floor.

In Episode 13 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching Strategy and Analytics podcast we have a lot to catch up on. The trade deadline has come and gone and we talk about how these things have affected the top teams in the East and West. We also talk about the favorites in college basketball. We talk about the implosion of the Lakers and Celtics, and how you need Hall of Famers to win in the NBA. In the analytics section we talk about fouling while up by 2 points late in a game. While this is an experimental strategy, I think it holds merit in many scenarios. We dig into the numbers and talk about if it is a viable strategy.

In Episode 12 of The Help Side Basketball Coaching and Analytics podcast we catch up with what happened on the Christmas Day NBA games. We talk about contenders in both the East and the West and then of course we talk LeBron. Lebron has been hurt, and while hurt, he called himself the GOAT. In the analytics section we talk about the play run by Northern Kentucky where they started all 5 guys out of bounds on their own baseline. We also talk about thinking about and designing your own plays. Finally, in the strategy session we talk about subbing during free throws and how that can be an effective way to control the pace of the game after a made free throw.