While we certainly are working on the fundamental parts of the game from ball handling, passing, dribbling and shooting, we are also looking to advance our motion offense development this year and we have jumped immediately into working on cutting, screening and reading the defense. One of the most difficult things for a player to learn is to cut based on the positioning of her defensive player. Most players grow up offensively watching the ball. So this week we introduced the down screen and the cuts off the down screen. We worked 2-on-1 Down Screen without the ball (to help them with recognition) and 2-on-1 Down Screen with the ball (to help them with timing). Teaching players to "think" is an ongoing process and the mental demands we make on them also takes away from them physically -- so it was a very tough week.
But we responded well! Most notably our freshman showed some toughness getting through the week. Bryeasha Blair, Andrea Hines, Meghan Keough and Stephanie Taylor really did a nice job with so much new stuff being thrown at them. And of course, our returning players did a wonderful job of helping them get through everything. Right now we are getting some great leadership especially from Aisha Kelly and Aisha Patrick.
Now the goal is to put together another great week -- and keep that string going!
Practice Pics from August 25, 2011: http://on.fb.me/pTl9qV
