Ferrari with no gps

Players have more individual skill than they ever have.

Kids are starting to play the game earlier, have access to more plentiful (and better resources) than previous generations, coaching has improved etc.

Naturally you would think this would translate to better overall basketball players...but that's not the case, at least from where I'm standing.

I often get asked, "what do you notice about players these days compared to when you were playing?". 

My quick response is, "the average player is definitely more talented than when I played. But percentage wise, there are less players that understand how to play - particularly in dynamic/unscripted environments."

Essentially we have more "ferraris" but they're lacking a gps. 
Individually talented but have limited understanding of when, how and why to utilize their talents. Players have more individual ability (than ever before) - manipulating the ball in all sorts of impressive ways (ball handling, finishing at the basket etc) but lack a deeper understanding how to play.

There is no simple answer to why this has happened but here are some possible explanations:

- Increase in individual skills training (players spending a disproportionate amount of time in a gym by themselves with a trainer).

- Less "free play" and random pick-up basketball where players are forced to find creative solutions in live environments. Players are over-coached these days (related to the point above).

- Highlight culture (on social media) giving a distorted picture of what impacts winning.

- Exposure-obsessed parents and players that shortcut the developmental process (jumping from one situation to another in attempt to have their individual talents best showcased without proper consideration for team fit and healthy team culture).

- Misunderstanding of what "skill" actually is (technique focus without the decision-making training).

- Majoring in the minor. Placing too much emphasis on things that don't really matter as it relates to improvement and impacting the game. (i.e. knowing the intricate technical details of a cross-step attack to  euro-step finish but not understanding basic spacing concepts).

- Lack of quality parent education - With more opportunities (teams, clinics, exposure events, prep schools etc) than ever before it has made it very challenging for parents to navigate these different situations. These opportunities are not all created equal and when things grow quickly it can take a while for the quality to catch up.  

So what does this mean?

There is a huge opportunity for players that do understand how to play. Learning to be a "Honda Civic" with a gps is more useful in team contexts than a ferrari without one. 

Parents should be asking the hard questions, pursuing resources to help them better understand the development process and the difference between skill (which includes decision-making) and technique, seeking out ways for their child to learn through play and finding (and sticking with) coaches that develop the whole athlete.

Please reach out for more guidance or specific resources to help in your developmental journey.

This post was written by Right Way Basketball founder, Mike Kenny, a former USPORTS National Champion, current coach educator, clinician and teacher of the game. ​