FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR BASKETBALL ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2005

ASSIST12

FABRIZIO FRATES
THE OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS:
SKIP PROSSER - DINO GAUDIO
the SPACING AND RHYTHM OF
PLAY
JONAS KAZLAUSKAS
SCOUTING THE 2004
OLYMPIC GAMES WAKE FOREST
OFFENSE
paT ROSENOW
THREE-PERSON OFFICIATING
LARS NORDMALM
CHALLENGES AT THE FIBA
EUROBASKET 2003
TONY WARD
REDUCING THE RISK OF RE-INJURY
 EDITORIAL

Women’s
basketball
in africa
is moving up
The Athens Olympics were remarkable in many Women's sport in Africa needs further sup-
ways. One moment in Olympic history deserves port on every level. It is not only the often
special attention, especially as it almost got mentioned lack of financial resources and
unnoticed during the many sensational perfor- facilities which makes it difficult to run proper
mances during the Games - the women's classi- development programs. The traditional role of
fication game for the 12th place. When the women in society and certain religious norms
women's team from Nigeria celebrated a 68-64 can create further burdens. Saying that, it is
win over Korea after coming back from a 18 - 30 obvious that the popularity of the game is
margin midway through the second period, this high and Africa's basketball is full of talent. It
marked the first ever African victory of a is our duty to encourage young female
women's team in Olympic history. This is even players to play basketball and give them the
the more remarkable, as it was only the 3rd opportunity to compete on the highest level.
appearance of an African team in the Olympics
against a world class team that was playing for The FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship
Bronze just 4 years ago in Sydney. The perfor- 2005 in Tunisia this summer is a brilliant occa-
mance of the Nigerian team has not only put sion to do that. For the first time a FIBA World
African women's basketball on the world map, Championship will be played on African soil.
but also proved the growth of the sport on the The People’s Republic of Congo and host
continent. Tunisia will play against the world's best
female athletes in that age category. Their
It is no coincidence that Nigeria was coached experience, as well as the public attention
by Sam Vincent, a coach from the USA and for- the event will create in Africa, is invaluable.
mer NBA player. Although we have to applaud Mfon Udoka, the Nigerian forward and one of
the initiative and courage of the Nigerian the best players at the Athens Olympics, sum-
basketball Federation to hire such a high profile med it up perfectly after the game against
coach from abroad, it also reminds as of the Korea: "Our participation in these Olympics
fact, that Africa is still missing a broad base of means a lot for African basketball. We are
high level coaches. A lot of work lies ahead of us learning how to compete against the rest of
and the initiative by FIBA Africa to publish "Afro- world here."
Technic" the first ever magazine for the African
basketball experts is excellent. Hopefully this
magazine will help to create a broad and vivid Ms. Salamatou Maiga
community of basketball experts. Member of the FIBA Central Board
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 03
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA by Salamatou Maiga 3
International Basketball Federation
8, CH. Blandonnet, 1214 Vernier/Geneva
Switzerland
Tel. +41-22-545.0000, Fax +41-22-545.0099
COACHES
www.fiba.com
e-mail: [email protected] FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
Offensive Fundamentals:
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti-BT&M, The Spacing and Rhythm of Play 6
Cantelli Editore, Italy
PARTNER WABC (World Association by Fabrizio Frates
of Basketball Coaches),
Dusan Ivkovic President
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Croatian Basketball and Its Young Players 9
Giorgio Gandolfi by Boris Jakimenko
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore,
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castel Maggiore
(BO), Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328811, 2010 Cameroon Basketball Project 12
Fax +39-051 6328815 by Felix Simen Gaping
E-mail: [email protected]
THE MISSION The Weekly Practice Schedule 16
Our objective is to help basketball grow globally by Slobodan Subotic
and improve in every aspect. Our goal is to pro-
duce a technical publication of the highest level,
but one that is easily understood and apprecia- OFFENSE
ted by everyone. An ample section of the maga- Wake Forest Offense 21
zine is devoted to the coaches - more precisely, by Skip Prosser and Dino Gaudio
youth level coaches - because coaches compri-
se the largest part of our readership. Basketball
can improve only if every aspect of this sport Multiple-Choice Offense 25
improves and moves forward. For this reason by Aca Petrovic
the magazine is also devoted to topics of interest
for team executives, referees, doctors, conditio-
ning coaches, trainers, and mini-basketball The Pick-and-Roll on Offense 29
instructors, as well as national Federations, by Saso Filipovski
FIBA Zones, Leagues and teams.
The magazine is published 6 times per year. Scouting the 2004 Olympic Games 32
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief are by Jonas Kazlauskas
not responsible for the opinions expressed in the
articles. All rights reserved.
The National Federation and their affiliates can PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their Mental Conditioning before the Game 35
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the
magazine to an external publisher without the by Albert Rodionov
written permission of FIBA.
All information in this publication is provided as
news matter only and is not to be used to viola- NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS
te any local or national laws. Israeli Basketball Coaches Association 37
by Dov Binshtok
Printed in Italy.
Copyright 2005 by FIBA. HOOP MARKET
The DVD Invasion 38
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS by Raffaele Imbrogno
We would like to thank the following persons:
Corrado de Belvis, Lisa Cavallini, Gerald
Couzens, and Raffaele Imbrogno; Katie
McMahon, Chad Bauman and Thom
McDonald, of Championship Productions,
for the pictures for the article of Raffaele
2005 - 2006 FIBA CALENDAR
Imbrogno; Michael Bertsch, of the Wake february may
Forest Media Relations Department, and South American League for Men's Clubs tba FIBA Central Board in Geneva,
Brian Westerholt for the photos of the
article of Skip Prosser and Dino Gaudio. Switzerland
march 06 - 08.05 EuroLeague Final Four in Moscow, Russia
tba Board of FIBA-Europe 07 - 11.05 FIBA Asia Clinic for International Referees
AN INVITATION TO OUR READERS
No matter what the level of competition you are tba South American Championship for Women in Kazakjstan
concerned about, we invite you (coaches; FIBA 10.03 Draw for FIBA U21 World Championship 14 - 15.05 General Assembly of FIBA Europe in
Zones, Federations, Leagues, and team executi- for Men in Mar del Plata, Argentina Portoroz, Slovenia
ves, referees, doctors, trainers, conditioning
coaches, minibasket instructors, journalists) to 18.03 Draw for FIBA U19 World Championship 14 - 20.05 FIBA Africa Clinic for International
send articles to us for publication. The article for Women in Nabeul, Tunisia Referees in Gabon
must be no longer than 5/6,000 characters, spa- 19 - 24.03 FIBA Africa Clinic for International 20 - 22.05 2nd FIBA Women's World League Group A
ces included. If diagrams of plays, drills or sket-
ches are used, please limit them to 12 or less. Referees in Tripoli, Libya in Seoul, Korea
All manuscripts must be written in English, 27 - 29.05 2nd FIBA Women's World League Group B
transmitted by e-mail or faxed to the Editorial april in Havana, Cuba
Office listed above. 02 - 04.04 NCAA Men's Final Four in St. Louis, USA 29.05 - 05.06 Asian Champions Cup for Men
The manuscript will become property of the
Publisher and the author will automatically be 03 - 05.04 NCAA Women's Final Four in Indianapolis,
granted the rigths of publication, without asking USA june
any fee now or in the future. 08 - 09.04 FIBA Asia Clinic for International Referees tbd South American Championship for Men
The Editorial Staff will decide if and when
articles will be published. in Malaysia 07 - 09.06 FIBA Asia Clinic for International Referees
There is no guarantee that manuscripts will be 11 - 13.04 FIBA Asia Clinic for International Referees in Kuwait
published, nor willl manuscripts be returned. in Korea 14 - 15.06 FIBA Asia Clinic for International Referees
22 - 24.04 FIBA EuroLeague Women Final Four in Yemen
27 - 28.04 FIBA Europe League Final Four 19 - 26.06 Asian Championship for Women in China*

PAGE 04 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 CONDITIONING COACHES
REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE Athlete Nutrition - Part I 58
AND COMMISSIONERS by Drew Cleary

trainers
Three-Person Officiating 40 Reducing the Risks of Re-Injury 62
by Pat Rosenow by Tony Ward
Improving Officiating Skills Through Mentoring 42
by Bill Mildenhall MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL
Right or Wrong? 45
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
MINI-BASKETBALL
SPORT MARKETING AND Mini Is Getting Bigger in Portugal 64
MANAGEMENT by António San Payo Araújo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 66

EXECUTIVES AND MARKETING
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july tbd FIBA Americas Clinic for International Referees in Guatemala

01 - 07.07 FIBA African Clinic for International Referees in Lunda, 08 - 16.09 Asian Championship for Men in Doha, Qatar*
Angola 02 - 11.09 European Championship for Women in Bursa, Izmir,
tbd U16 African Championship for Women Ankara, Turkey*
08 - 15.07 FBA Africa Clinic for International Referees in Luanda, 14 - 18.09 FIBA America Championship for Women*
Angola 16 - 25.09 European Championship for Men in Podgorica, Vrsac,
15 - 24.07 FIBA Women's U19 World Championship 2005 in Hammamet Novi Sad, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro*
and Nabeul, Tunisia 22 - 28.09 Oceania Championship for Women in New Zealand*
15 - 24.07 U18 European Championship for Men
22 - 31.07 U16 European Championship for Women october
tba U16 Panamerican Championship for Men
29.07 - 07.08 U16 European Championship for Men
tba African Cup for Women's Champions Final Round
11 - 16.10 2nd FIBA Women's World League Final Round in Russia
august
16 - 25.08 African Championship for Men in Algeria* november
05 - 14.08 FIBA U21 World Championship for Men in Cordoba and Mar tbd Central Board of FIBA
del Plata, Argentina 08 - 19.11 African Championship for Women in Nigeria*
14 - 19.08 Oceania Championship for Men in Dunedin, Auckland
and Wellington, New Zealand* 2006
24.08 - 4.09 FIBA America Championship for Men in Santo Domingo, 19.08 - 03.09 FIBA World Championship for Men in Japan
Dominican Republic* 12.09 - 23.09 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil

september * These championships qualify for the FIBA World Championships

tbd FIBA Americas Clinic for International Referees in Antigua 2006 in Japan and Brazil

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 05

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS:
by Fabrizio Frates

THE SPACING AND

RHYTHM OF PLAY
Fabrizio Frates was head coach at Cantù, where his
team won the Korac Cup. At Treviso, his team won
the Italian Cup. He also coached at Milan,
Montecatini, Gorizia, Siena, and Udine. He was
elected Coach of the Year in Italy in 1995. In 2003, he
became coach of Reggio Emilia, and won the A-2
League. For the past four years, he has been the
assistant coach of the Italian National team.

The introduction of the 24-second rule convinced

me of the importance of daily work with my team on
spacing on the court and of the need to move on
offense without the ball. This is necessary to avoid
an exaggerated use of the one-on-one.
We want a good ball movement on offense, which
helps create fluid and dynamic movement of
players. To achieve this aim, we need to give our
players some simple rules governing movement on
the open court.
The goal is to have the players understand the
importance of correct spacing, pushing them to
make even the smallest adjustments to facilitate ball
movement, so eventually we have created a system
of play based on passing, not on driving.
We put particular emphasis on the timing of the
pass, and to "rhythm of the play." By this, I mean that
to create a good shot, the entire team is involved,
moving as one, as if they were in an orchestra. Yes,
individual creativity has its own place on the team,
but it can't be allowed to supercede the "rhythm of
play." I liken it to a jazz jam session, where the single
artist releases his creativity, but without moving
away from the basic theme created by the rest of the
band.
I start with the rhythm of shooting and the timing of
passing with these two drills (diagr. 1, 2, 3, and 4).
The player with the ball must be able to pass at the
proper time to a teammate so he can receive the ball
and shoot immediately without much difficulty. The
passer must know the shooting skills of each of his
teammates. For example, if he is able to shoot from
long range, he will receive the ball outside of the
three-point line. At the same time, the teammate
who will receive the ball, must time his movements
properly so he can take the pass and be ready to
shoot immediately without having to make too many
body adjustments.

PAGE 06 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROP

The next teaching step is to recognize the spaces

and distances: The teammate who receives the ball
cannot shoot immediately, but must dribble and
create a new situation. In short, there are now two
different situations, and both players must collabo-
rate to create the best shooting opportunity, always
respecting space and timing.
In this drill, the movements must be based on the
direction of the drive: If the teammate with the ball
drives toward the baseline, the teammate must play
D.1
(diagr. 5) behind him ("shadow"). However, if he dri- D.6
ves toward the lane, he must move in the opposite
direction (diagr. 6).
I particularly emphasize the type of passing, and the
movement of the player without the ball. I prefer
lateral moves, so the player can always have his feet
and the shoulders pointed toward the basket, the-
reby optimizing his chances of scoring after getting
a pass. Collaboration with three players is next on
the practice session: with the court shortened, it's
necessary to pay even more attention to spacing
and timing. I introduce the concept of reversing the
D.2 ball on the other side of the court (diagr. 7, 8, 9, 10, D.7
and 11), and the use of the skip pass. In this drill, the
players must react to the drive and choose a side of
the court, with a player always positioned on the
opposite corner. They use a skip pass and react to
the drive on the center and on the baseline.

Analyzing the different situations on the court, I

teach them how to create a shot with one pass
(diagr. 12), and then with two passes (diagr. 13). The
player drives and kicks out, while the other teamma-
tes must move without the ball. They must create a
D.3 shot with two passes. D.8

After I have defined with simple rules the move-

ments of the perimeter players, I now add now an
inside player. With him, we can now build rules of
collaboration, which makes ball movements and
respect of the spaces much easier. The inside player
is forced to improve his play facing the basket,
working on receiving the ball and shooting. He must
also improve his passing, which reverses the ball.
He must see both sides of the offensive court, and he
must avoid dribbling immediately. His goal is a colla-
D.4 boration with his teammates, which is achieved with D.9
quick passes and picks. Watching the baseline, he
must be able to see all his teammates, and read the
situations when the ball is reversed.
I suggest using the two-hand overhead pass to
reverse the ball. If the dribbler drives to the center of
the lane, the inside player goes to the short corner
(diagr. 14). However, if he drives to the baseline, he
then goes to corner of the free-throw area (diagr. 15).
Once the players have acquired and understand
these rules, I will add the defenders. They can also
play three-on-three with an inside player, who must
D.5 be very alert to read the situations after the reverse D.10
of the ball.
An easy rule is to base offensive movement depen-
ding on the reaction of defenders. For example, a
player can make a pick on the ball if his defender
stays in the three-second lane, and will have not

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 07

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

D.11 D.16 D.21

D.12 D.17 D.22

D.13 D.18 D.23

enough time to recover and help the defender on the

ball (diagr. 16). However, if his defender comes out
aggressively, he then screens away (diagr. 17).
Moving to full court situations, the offense is for-
ced to find the open teammate, always playing
with the proper spaces, and respecting the distan-
ce between each other. This is the case of four-on-
three situation (diagr. 18, 19, and 20). The defense
can play a triangle zone or man-to-man. They
D.14 D.19
guard the ball and the other two defenders cover
the players nearest to the ball, forcing the offensi-
ve players to watch the weak side, possibly
thinking to reverse the ball so they can create an
easier shot.
When a fourth defender is added, more problems
are created for the offense (diagr. 21, 22, and 23).
The offensive player must penetrate, respect the
spacing, and read the defense.
Working daily on these principles has improved
the individual feeling of the rhythm of the play,
peripheral vision, and play without the ball. These
D.15 D.20 drills have also helped my players understand the
proper use of the spaces. They are involved in a
real collective system of play, where the individual
one-on-one skills have still a great importance, but
within a frame of rules that respect team play and
their other teammates.

PAGE 08 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

CROATIAN
by Boris Jakimenko
BASKETBALL
AND ITS YOUNG
PLAYERS
Boris Jakimenko is the Sports Director of
the Croatian Basketball Federation.

In the wide-ranging European basketball

family, Croatia is certainly represented
with most prominent individuals.
The fact is even more considerable when
you realize that Croatia has only a little
more than four million citizens.
Such a small country has produced ten
basketball players that have played in the
National Basketball Association (Drazen
Petrovic, Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, Stojko
Vrankovic, Zan Tabak, Mate Skelin, Bruno
Sundov, Dalibor Bagaric, Gordan Giricek,
and Zoran Planinic). Croatia also has had
a number of great players who have won
more than 60 individual medals at the big-
gest FIBA World and European
Championships (Kresimir Cosic, Giuseppe
Giergia, Nikola Plecas, Petar Skansi, Rato
Tvrdic, Zeljko Jerkov, Damir Solman,
Velimir Perasovic, Mihovil Nakic, Andro
Knego, Duje Krstulovic, Branko Skroce,
Aleksandar Petrovic, Zeljko Poljak, Petar
Popovic, Veljko Petranovic, Franjo
Arapovic, Zoran Cutura, Danko
Cvjeticanin, and Ivan Sunara).
In addition, Croatia has also produced
players that have been selected as the
best European young players (Dubravko
Zemljic, Nikola Vujcic, and Josip Sesar).
Croatia has a seemingly inexhaustible
source of basketball talents.
Still, on a national team level, Croatian
basketball has not been able to stay atop
the European and world basketball ranks
since winning the bronze medal at the
European Championship in 1995 in Athens.
This is all the more surprising, because
Croatian clubs have won the European
Championship five times; three times by
Split CO Split (Jugoplastika, 1989, 1990
and POP 84 1991) and twice by Cibona

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FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

Zagreb (1985, 1986). players, who represent top world because it could negatively affect the
After the political independence of basketball potential. So, where's the future of the club.
Croatia, the official independence of problem? Sometimes, coaches aren't even inclu-
Croatian basketball started on January Let's review the situation. A young ded in the process of choosing players
19, 1991 when the Croatian Basketball talented Croatian player at the age of for their club.
Federation became a member of FIBA. 18 falls into one of the following cate- Earlier, coaches were involved in the
It is important to stress that the gories: club's policies and they worked conti-
Croatian Basketball Federation was 1. Those players who have been reco- nuously for the same club.
founded in 1948 and that the begin- gnized as having great potential will Today, coaches are constantly being
nings of basketball in Croatia go back leave for other European clubs, fired and replaced. Team managers are
to the 1920s. without having ever played a single in charge of policies and the choice of
The Croatian basketball national team game with their clubs' first teams. players, so a coach isn't able to really
played its first official game on May 20, Furthermore, there are cases when improve the young players' abilities.
1992 in Slovenske Konjice against a 19-year-old player with exceptio- The main principle being used is: "Why
national team of Slovenia and earned nal physical characteristics goes spend the time and effort to create a
its first victory (93-74). That was a pre- directly to the NBA without having player when he can always be bou-
paration game before the Barcelona played with the senior team, and ght?"
Olympic Games in 1992. then stays on the NBA bench for Other than that, once a player has pas-
The Croatian national team was led by five years. sed to the senior level he is no longer
its first captain, Drazen "Amadeus" taught the fundamentals of the game.
Petrovic. By winning in a close semi- 2. Players, who haven't been offered There's little time spent on individual
final game against the USSR, Croatia to play abroad, stay in Croatia and techniques and tactics, instead the
reached the big final against the only then a few years pass (with a mini- practice time is only increased.
real and original Dream Team, the USA mum of minutes played per game) In past times, when a player was part
national team. Croatia won a silver before they get a real chance to of both the junior and the senior team,
medal with a golden shine. play. he would spend up to eight hours at the
That was, and remains, the biggest
success of Croatian basketball and 3. Players, who, due to
Croatian sport in general. various circumstances
It was an unforgettable Olympic final, (most often because of
but, unfortunately, also the last game the clubs' financial ina-
of Drazen Petrovic for the Croatian bility to buy experien-
national team. Petrovic's death in a ced players), become
traffic accident stunned the basketball leading players for
world, but, more than anything, it their clubs (which is
wrecked Croatian basketball. If you the preliminary condi-
had never watched Petrovic play in tion for a player's deve-
person, you missed the opportunity of lopment).
seeing one of the most exciting players
ever. One of the primary condi-
If there is consistency in Croatian tions for developing a top
basketball, it is with our young players, player is for players to
who have won medals at various tour- begin playing for the first
naments. team at the age of 16 or 17.
The Croatian Junior Men's Team won At this point, I must
the FIBA European Championship gold emphasize the word
1996 in France, silver in Bulgaria in "playing" and not being the
1998, silver in Croatia in 2000, and gold 12th player on the bench.
in 2002 in Germany. They also won the Only by playing, a player
FIBA Junior World Championship bron- can develop and have
ze medal 1999 in Portugal. The Young results. This problem can
Men's Team won the FIBA World silver be solved solely by coa-
medal in Japan in 2001, and the ches.
cadets won the FIBA European Today, however, coaches
Championship gold in Portugal. are pushed by the club's
Considering all that has been said, the management that is exclu-
question arises: Why hasn't the sively interested in results.
National Men's Team won a single It's quite risky for a coach
medal in the last eight years, and why to give a young player a
has it missed the FIBA World chance to play at the
Championship and the Olympics? It is expense of winning.
beyond question that Croatia has a Young players aren't given
disproportionate number of talented a right to make mistakes,

PAGE 10 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

basketball court.
Players would, by themselves, come
earlier and would stay late after the
practice in order to improve their tech-
niques and shooting skills.
Today's young players, however, are
more focused on managers and promi-
sed earnings than on working at impro-
ving their skill levels.
Interest that is shown in the young
players by scouts from European and
NBA clubs gives them a false sense of
basketball stardom. At this stage of
their athletic careers, they are only on
the way to possibly one day becoming
stars. They shouldn't enjoy such "star"
status until they achieve a representa-
tive result in the senior category. If
players transfer to a club abroad, while
still too young, many can't handle
themselves in a foreign country with
completely professional conditions, so
they often stagnate and even fall
backwards in their basketball skills.
It is not unusual for a young player,
who has been invited to preparations
for official competitions of the young or
senior National team, to have played
more minutes per game at the prepara-
tions than throughout the season in
their own club. This represents the
fundamental problem.
The work done with the National Team
should be just an addition to the work
done in clubs, only a fine correction of
the skills that are already there.
The focus of the National Team should
be on the team's technique and team
play. This is not the case, however.
The coaches have to spend most of
their energy on basketball fundamen-
tals than on the coordination of the
team for the official competitions. The
fundamental basketball unit must be
the club, and the National team should
only be a mirror image of the efforts
made in clubs. This, unfortunately, is development and the biggest chance to team and achieve the best results
not the case. turn their potential into the makings of
Another extremely important problem a great player. ▼ A player has to gain experience, has
is that clubs are often unwilling to let Of course, this can only be said about to become the leader of his team in
their players participate in the prepa- the best of Croatian clubs where the- order to develop into a top player
rations of the National teams, because, re's much attention paid to individual
other than the fact that players' sum- work. ▼ The National team has to be viewed
mer leave is shortened, there is the For them to go abroad at a later time is as a "sacred" team and everyone
increased possibility of injuries. a logical choice both from the perspec- should want to play for the team
Players will often listen to the wishes tive of the player's improvement and
of their clubs, oftentimes leaving the from playing for top-level clubs. ▼ The National team has to be led by
national team without the most talen- the top coaches
ted players. In conclusion:
Those talented young players, who ▼ Young players are the foundation of Once these objectives are met, the
have, nonetheless, stayed in Croatia basketball in Croatia-the goal is to senior National team can justifiably
and became leaders of the first team of create a top player, and this is the expect to win medals in European and
their club have the most harmonious only way to develop a top National world competitions.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 11

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

2010 CAMEROON
by Felix Simen Gaping
BASKETBALL PROJECT
Felix Simen Gaping, head coach of the
senior basketball team of the Univer-
sity of Yaounde, Cameroon, had pre-
viously been head coach of the Came-
roon junior national team and assistant
coach of the Women’s national basket-
ball team. He is a FIBA Expert Coach.

Cameroon is now devoting more atten-

tion to basketball, taking part in several
international tournaments that have re-
cently been held in Africa. To solidify
our efforts and add goals to our basket-
ball future, we created the “ 2010 Ca-
meroon Basketball Project.” To follow
these are our aims:

1) Promote the practice of basketball

in Cameroon’s primary schools.

2) Establish and promote mini-basket-

ball in Cameroon.

3) Provide the opportunity to youths to

have their best performances befo-
re the age of 20.

4) Enable Cameroon to become a

great African basketball nation by
2010.

What do we teach in our basketball

centers?

THE COORDINATION QUALITIES

The coordination qualities are generali-
zed psychomotor performance pre-
conditions of the athlete. They have the
function to regulate.

The coordination qualities play an im-

portant role for all motor actions. They
are necessary for quite a number of
motor actions.
At present, we focus on seven coordi-
nation qualities:
▼ Orientation capacity;
▼ Combination capacity;
▼ Differentiation capacity;
▼ Balance capacity;
▼ Rhythm capacity;

PAGE 12 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 me and to realize it and/or find the
own dynamics in the course of move-
ment.

Example:
▼ Running for an open space.

The reaction capacity is the athlete’s

ability to perform effective actions
quickly and purposefully according to a
signal and/or sudden change of the si-
tuation.

Example:
▼ Rebound and subsequent fastbreak.

The adaptation capacity is the athlete’s

ability to adapt the original program of
action to the changing situation.

Example:
▼ Fake instead of shot;
▼ Shot with left hand instead of right
hand under the basket;
▼ Shot with right hand instead of left
hand under the basket;
▼ Dribbling.

TRAINING -
METHOD DEVELOPMENT
RULES
The following rules are very important
when we are planning and organizing the
development of the coordination quali-
ties in our centers.

First Rule:
▼ The development of the coordination
qualities has to be started quickly.

Second Rule:
▼ Reaction capacity; ▼ Ball reception and shoot. ▼ The development and perfection of
▼ Adaptation capacity. one coordination quality needs the
The differentiation capacity is the athle- application of several different mo-
The orientation capacity is the athlete’s te’s ability to perform the action with re- tor actions, which serve the deve-
ability to determine the position and mo- gard to strength, time, and space accor- lopment of this particular quality.
vement of his own body and/or of a mo- ding to the aim of action.
ving object (opponent, ball, teammate) Third Rule:
with regard to space. Examples: ▼ The coordination qualities are deve-
▼ Spatial perception; loped in general, but already aimed at
Examples: ▼ Short and long passes; the sport and in connection with
▼ Ball reception on a fastbreak; ▼ Free-throw. other performance factors (fitness,
▼ Rebound; tactics).
▼ Games on small court. The balance capacity is the athlete’s
ability to keep the total body in a certain Fourth Rule:
The combination capacity is the athle- position or to re-establish it. ▼ The specific coordination qualities
te’s ability to coordinate partial move- are trained together with other trai-
ments of the body with regard to space, Example: ning means.
time and dynamics and/or to perform ▼ Jump shot.
this coordination during a game. Fifth Rule:
The rhythm capacity is the athlete’s ▼ The degree of difficulty of exercises
Examples: ability to understand the structure of a mastered is to be increased conti-
▼ Ball reception and pass; course of movement with regard to ti- nuously.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 13

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

ORGANIZATION OF TRAINING ▼ The action with regard to strength, For the development of the adaptation
time, and space according to the capacity the following method measures
PRINCIPAL ASPECTS program of action. are especially suitable:
The organization of the training of the ▼ To change the outer conditions;
coordination qualities is aimed at: For the development of the differentiation ▼ To combine motor skills.
capacity the following method measures
▼ Variety of motor requirements which are especially suitable: To develop effectively the different coor-
serve the development of the re- ▼ To vary the performance of the mo- dination qualities in the basketball trai-
spective coordination qualities; vement; ning we applied the following training
▼ Increase of the coordination requi- ▼ To vary the outer conditions. method measures:
rements by the following training- ▼ To vary the performance of the mo-
method measures: DEVELOPMENT OF THE BALANCE CAPACITY vement;
a. Variation of the performance of the To develop the balance capacity it is ne- ▼ To change the outer conditions;
movements; cessary ▼ To vary the intake of stimuli;
b. Variation of the conditions to take in ▼ To keep the total body in a certain po- ▼ To combine motor skills.
stimuli ; sition;
c. Combination of motor skills; ▼ To re-establish it in case of devia- Coordination qualities are the pre-condi-
d. Change of outer conditions; tions. tions for coordination performances. The
e. Practice under pressure; higher the requirements to the co-ordina-
▼ Low number of repetitions. For the development of the balance ca- tion performance, the stronger their in-
pacity the following method measures fluence upon the competitive result.
The better the mastery of the exercises, are especially suitable:
the wider the variety of the training- ▼ To change the outer conditions, and
method measures. thus, the intake of stimuli.
The coordination qualities possess a
general and specific aspect. DEVELOPMENT OF THE RHYTHM CAPACITY
To develop the rhythm capacity it is ne-
ORGANIZATION OF cessary:
THE GENERAL TRAINING ▼ To understand the structure of a
course of movement with regard to
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORIENTATION time and dynamics, to store and to
CAPACITY realize it;
To develop the orientation capacity it is ▼ To find the own dynamics in the cour-
necessary to take in and process cor- se of movement.
rectly information on:
▼ The position and the movement of For the development of the rhythm capa-
the body in space; city the following method measures are
▼ The movements of teammates and especially suitable:
opponents. ▼ To vary the performance of the mo-
vement;
For the development of the orientation ▼ To combine motor skills;
capacity, the following method measu- ▼ To change the outer conditions.
res are especially suitable:
▼ To practice under pressure; DEVELOPMENT OF THE REACTION CAPACITY
▼ To combine motor skills. To develop the reaction capacity it is ne-
cessary to perform fast and purposeful
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMBINATION actions:
CAPACITY ▼ According to a signal;
To develop the combination capacity it ▼ In a suddenly changed situation.
is necessary:
▼ To coordinate the partial movements For the development of the reaction ca-
of the body with regard to space, ti- pacity the following method measures
me, and dynamics; are especially suitable:
▼ To perform this coordination under ▼ To practice under pressure ;
the condition of an existing oppo- ▼ To vary the intake of stimuli;
nent or at an apparatus; ▼ To practice after preceding load.
▼ To combine sports technical skills in
a game situation. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADAPTATION
CAPACITY
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIFFERENTIATION To develop the adaptation capacity it is
CAPACITY necessary:
To develop the differentiation capacity it ▼ To adapt the original program of ac-
is necessary to process information on: tion to the changing situation.

PAGE 14 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

They:
▼ Are no independent qualities;
▼ Mainly exist as a complex;
▼ Promote the combination of different
partial actions to one total action;
▼ Only exist in connection with one or
several performance pre-conditions
as fitness, sports technique, and
sports tactic.

The coordination qualities are expres-

sed by:
▼ The quality of the movement;
▼ The speed of motor learning;
▼ The ability to update programs of
action;
▼ The economy and aesthetics of the
movement.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 15

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

THE WEEKLY
by Slobodan Subotic

PRACTICE
SCHEDULE
Slobodan Subotic was head coach of fensive rotations, good assists, a gether. Centers and power forwards
the Slovenian Men's National team. slow defensive transition, and good work together.
He has coached many Greek teams, screens. During the practice, each player must
including Iraklis, Aek, Aris Thessalo- I show certain bad and good highli- score between 600 and 700 baskets.
niki (which won a Korac Cup), Pa- ghts repeatedly and discuss with All shots must be taken in game-like si-
nathinaikos (one Greek title), Panio- players the movements that need to tuations.
nios, Paok, and Olympiakos (one be made. If necessary, we will stay
Greek Cup). Now he is head coach of for an hour discussing all of this in Afternoon
Jesi (Italy). the video room. We play a friendly game and if we can-
not find a team to play, we create two
During the first year of my career as a 2. Monday afternoon practice is balanced teams out of our team. We
head coach I was very lucky because I always a practice devoted to de- scrimmage with referees, scorer, and
had an opportunity to work with Pro- fense. We work on improving a statistician.
fessor Aleksander Nikolic, one of the things that gave us problems du-
greatest coaches ever in Europe. ring the last game. THURSDAY
Nikolic, who recently passed away, For example, defensive rebounds, Morning
was selected as a member of U.S. Ba- zone, and man-to-man defense, 1. One hour working with weights.
sketball Hall of Fame. From the first and skills one-against-one full The weights are less than on Mon-
day working with him, he gave me im- court, two-against-two, three- day, but the movements are faster.
portant advice on how to prepare a against-three, four-against-four,
team before and during the season. and five-against-five. 2. One hour shooting practice where the
After my ten years as a head coach I players score at least 250 baskets.
keep following Nikolic's advice becau- TUESDAY
se it always brought me good results Morning Afternoon
and great success. Free The most difficult practice of the week.
We show our players the offensive and
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Afternoon defensive systems of the opponent.
For the first time, we show the players The head coach chooses three or four
MONDAY highlights of the team that we will play plays of the opponent. During the prac-
Morning the next weekend. tice, we split the team in three teams
The practice is a physical conditioning This practice must have lots of running of four players-groups A, B, and C.
session. and we work on improving our offensi- We start with playing four (group A)
1. 75 minutes working with weights. ve plays. against four (group B) and the rest four
I recommend starting the practice with (group C) are waiting aside. Teams are
2. Weather permitting, we run outside four-against-four with three teams. using the plays of the opponent. The
for 35-40 minutes to improve aero- The team that scores remains on of- team that scores remains on the court
bic conditioning. fense. At the end of the practice, the and faces the team waiting on the si-
players work on improving their sprin- delines. All this is happening on a half
Afternoon ting ability. court. At the end of the practice, we
1. Before the practice session, play five-against-five, full court, but
players watch 15 minutes of video- WEDNESDAY we use our own plays.
taped highlights of the last game. In Morning
this tape, we show both good and Shooting practice. FRIDAY
bad things. Players come in two groups. Morning
For example, I will keep in bad de- Guards and small forwards work to- Free

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FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 17
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

Afternoon
1. Video room to watch highlights of
the opponent.

2. Practice starts with five-against-fi-

ve, half court and five-against-five
full court for two games.
One game is strictly man-to-man,
with the other zone or zone press.
At the end of the practice, 10 minu-
tes are devoted to jump shooting
and 5 minutes to shooting
free-throws.

SATURDAY
Before lunch, we once again show hi-
ghlights of the opponent as a final re-
minder.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
FOR TEAMS WITH
TWO GAMES PER WEEK
For example, when the team is playing
a game on Wednesday and Saturday.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY
Morning
Practice is never scheduled.

Afternoon
We have practice in two separate
groups. In one group there are the
players who played more than 20 mi-
nutes.
Following a good stretching routine,
they work on shooting skills for 20-30
minutes.
At the same time, the other players are
doing a normal practice with lots of
running, two-against-two, three-
against-three, and four-against-four. If
necessary, we show the highlights of
previous night's game.

MONDAY
Morning
We split the team in two groups.

Group A
First half of the practice is spent
working with weights.
Second half of the practice is spent
shooting practice. Players must make
at least 250-300 baskets.

Group B
First half of the practice is spent shoo-
ting practice. Players must make at

PAGE 18 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

least 250-300 baskets.
Second half of the practice is spent
working with weights.

Afternoon
The most difficult practice of the week.
We show our players the offensive and
defensive systems of the opponent. The
head coach chooses three or four plays
of the opponent. The whole team is split
in three groups of four for teams A, B,
and C. A plays B with C waiting on the si-
delines. Everyone uses the plays of the
upcoming opponent. The team that kee-
ps scoring remains on court. At the end
of the practice we play five-against-five
full court using our own plays.

TUESDAY
Morning
Free

Afternoon
1. Video room to watch taped highli-
ghts of the opponent we will be
playing.

2. Practice starts with five-against-five,

half court, and five-against-five, full
court, for two games. One game is
man-to-man and the other is zone or
zone press. At the end of the practi-
ce, 10 minutes are spent with jump
shooting and 5 minutes shooting
free- throws.

WEDNESDAY
The game.

THURSDAY
Morning
Free

Afternoon
We first watch the video highlights of
the team that we are going to play on
Saturday. We follow with the same
practice we had on Sunday afternoon.

FRIDAY
Morning
Free

Afternoon
Before we start practice, we show five
players the plays of the opponent and di-
scuss how we are going to defend them.
We continue the practice the same way
as on Tuesday afternoon (second part).

SATURDAY

The game.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 19

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

WAKE FOREST
by Skip Prosser by Dino Gaudio
OFFENSE
Skip Prosser was head coach at Loyola
College in Baltimore, then Xavier and, sin-
ce 2000, at Wake Forest University. He is
the only collegiate coach who has brought
three teams to the NCAA Tournament in his
first year. He was selected as the Atlantic
Coast Conference Coach of the Year in
2003.

Dino Gaudio was assistant coach at Xa-

vier, before becoming head coach at Army,
and then Loyola College. He joined Coach
Prosser at Wake Forest in 2001.

Due to the limited space, we are unable to

show all our offensive plays, so we would
like to introduce only few that we use
against the man-to-man defense.

SECONDARY BREAK
After a made shot of the opponent, we run
the secondary break. 1 passes to 4, 4 pas-
ses to 3, while 5 follows the movement of
the ball, and goes in the low post position
on the same side of the ball. 2 replaces 5 in
that position. 4 tries to pass to 5, while 5 is
cutting in the lane, and then to 3, if 5 is not
open. If it is 3, who receives the ball, he
tries to pass to 5 in the low post (diagr. 1).

After the pass to 3, 4 picks for 2, who comes

out of the screen and receives the ball from
3. After the pick, 4 goes in the low post on
the other side of the lane (diagr. 2).

When 2 receives the ball and cannot shoot,

4 and 5 cut and take a strong position in the
lane, sealing off their defenders. 2 can pass
the ball to one of the two (diagr. 3).

If the 2's defender tries to cheat on the pick

and goes high, 2, instead going toward the
screen, cuts low and around 5, and 3 can
pass the ball to him (diagr. 4 and 5).

"LOBO" PLAY
We use this play against the teams, which
defend strong on the pick. This means we
use it when the screener's defender shows
up high to help his teammate, who is scree-
ned. Starting from a one-four set, 1 dribbles
toward 5. If X5 shows up in advance to help
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 21
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

out, then 1 changes the side of the ball and

passes to 4, who has stepped out of the cor-
ner of the free-throw lane to receive the ball
(diagr. 6).

On this pass, 5 cuts to the basket and 4 pas-

ses to 5 (diagr. 7).

It is crucial that the point guard, 1, gives the

impression to X5 that he wants to go around D.6
the screen, thereby forcing X5 to show up
strong.

"45 OUT" PLAY

1 dribbles toward the right side of the floor,
and this is a signal for 4, who came high, to D.1
go around 2, and make a pick on the ball for 1
(diagr. 8).

As soon as X4 starts to show up strong, 4 "sli-

des" in the middle. This means he cuts strai- D.7
ght to the basket, without screening for 1. If 4
is free, 1 passes to 4 (diagr. 9).

If 4 does not receive the ball from 1, 2

screens for 5. 5 comes up in the middle of the
court, and plays pick-and-roll with 1. In the
D.2
meantime, 4 goes in the corner, 2 continues
the cut and comes out of the lane. If, on the
dribble penetration, the defenders help out, 1

D.8

D.3

D.9

D.4

D.10

D.5

PAGE 22 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 D.11

D.12

D.13

can also pass to 2, 3, or 4 (diagr. 10). the dotted line of the lane. As before, 1 pas-
ses to 4 and screens for 5 (diagr. 14).
"45 DOWN" PLAY
We start from a one- four set. 1 passes to 4 4 passes to 5, who, after the screen, comes
and picks for 5, who comes out to the three- out of the three-point line. When 5 sees that
point line. After the pick, 1 goes to the wing X4 is lower than 4, he fakes a pass to 1, then D.14
position, and 2 goes in the low post area passes to 3, while 2 comes, as usual, high to
(diagr. 11). set a back screen for 4 (diagr. 15).

4 passes the ball to ,5 and 5 then changes When 2 sees the position of X4, he screens
the side of the ball, passing to 1. 2 makes a again X4, and 4 cuts toward the baseline to
back pick for 4(diagr. 12). receive the ball from 3 (diagr. 16).
If we call "54 down" and "54 down reverse,
1 can pass to 2, who comes out of the pick, the play is the same, but is run for 5.
or to 4 in the low post (diagr. 13).
"ZIPPER 3"
"45 DOWN REVERSE" PLAY 1 dribbles toward the left wing, and 3 comes
Starting from the same set one-four and high and replaces 1 in the middle of the D.15
with the same beginning of the play descri- court. At the same time, 5 goes in the low po-
bed before, we want to show an option of st on the same side and 2 cuts along the ba-
the play, based on the reaction of the de- seline, and goes in the corner on the ball si-
fenders. de (diagr. 17).
We call for this play when X4, the defender
of 4, tries to avoid the back screen of 4, sli- 1 passes to 3 and 5, with his back to the
ding in advance in a position lower of 4, near baseline, starts to make some steps in the
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 23
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

lane to bring his defender under the basket

(diagr. 18).

3 dribbles hard toward the other side of the

court on the wing, and then passes to 5, who
turned and faced the ball, or to 4, who is in the
corner of the free-throw area (diagr. 19).

"ZIPPER 2" PLAY

The play is the same, but it is run on the other D.16 D.18
side of the court for 2 (diagr. 20 and 21).

If 4 is fronted, 2 passes to 5 and then 5 passes

to 4 for a "high-low" play between the two posts
(diagr. 22).

D.17 D.19

D.20

D.21

D.22

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 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

MULTIPLE-CHOICE
by Aca Petrovic
OFFENSE
Aca Petrovic was head coach of Cibona Zagreb
(Croatia) at three different times and won a total
of six championships and one Cup of Croatia. He
was also the assistant coach and head coach of
the Croatian National team. He coached Caja
San Fernando and Lleida in Spain, as well as
Anwill Wloclawek in Poland.

Basketball is constantly changing and it can be

said that we are witnessing some sort of basket-
ball evolution. The worst thing that could possibly
happen to any coach at any level is to be stuck in
one time period, and stop developing his basket-
ball knowledge or upgrading his methods of coa-
ching (either tactical or theoretical).
Methods of preparation for the game are diffe-
rent today than they were 10 or 15 years ago, and
defense is starting to play a crucial role in a
team's preparation process. Therefore, I truly
believe that coaches have to start paying more
attention to specific details in their offensive sets
if they are going to succeed. When I say details, I
mean that today we have to focus on reading the
defensive position, mismatches, and defensive
mistakes. In other words, we have to use the ver-
satility of our players to the maximum. To go along
with that statement, modern offense has to be
composed of several scoring options. With this
type of diverse offense, the team is going to be
difficult to scout and prepare for. That is one of
the many reasons why I picked what I like to call
a multiple-choice offense. Before I start with an
explanation of the offense and break down little
details, let me just point out several preconditions
that have to be satisfied in order for this offense
to work. First, not to diminish the importance of
other players, but this offensive set can't function D.1
to its potential if the team does not have versatile
players at the 2 and 3 positions. If those players
have well developed skills, they can play with
their back to the basket, and are genuine shoo-
ting threats, then we can explore all options of
this offense. I am not saying that the other three
positions are less important but for this particular
set to work properly, the versatility of the outside
players present the key to successful implemen-
tation.

This offense begins in the classic "two players D.2

high set," with 4, the power forward, and 5, the
center, on the high post area, while 3, the small
forward, is in the low post area, opposite to the
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 25
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

ball and 2, the shooting guard, is near the three-

point line. The play begins when 1, the point
guard, dribbles the ball laterally on the side of 4
or 5 (it's his decision to make; the play can be
executed on both sides). In this case, he dribbles
on the side of the 5. At the same time, 5 uses a V-
cut technique and gets free to receive the ball
(diagr. 1).

D.3 D.6
Immediately after he receives the ball (ideal area
for receiving the ball is near the three-point line),
2 has to set a strong screen for 3 on the opposite
low post area. This screen presents a precondi-
tion for the continuation of the play (diagr. 2).

In order to create proper offensive spacing when

the screen between 2 and 3 is occurring, 4 sets a
flair screen for 1, the point guard at the top of the
lane. It is essential that, after this flair screen, 4
pops out and keeps a good space between him
and the man with the ball (diagr. 3).
D.4 D.7
At this point, we have an opportunity to read the

D.5

PAGE 26 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 defensive position for the first time. If 2 had set a The dribble to his left side signals to 2 to go to the
strong screen on 3, and if the defense did not opposite low post spot to set a screen for 5
defend well (they failed to use the bump move, or (diagr. 9).
if they did not jump to the ball to create space),
then we can expect the pass from 5 to 3 in the When the screen occurs, 5 cuts to the ball side
low post: he can play one-on-one, with the back and the action is going on between 1 and 5 on
to the basket (diagr. 4). the side. His other teammates have to keep good
offensive spacing. The first option is to pass to 5
If 5 cannot pass to 3, there is a possibility of pas- in the low post for a back to the basket play
D.8 sing the ball to the top to 4. After the pass to 4, 5 (diagr. 10).
receives a back screen from 3. This again crea-
tes a triangle between 3, 4, and 5 on one side of If, by chance, there is no open passing lane for 5,
the floor, with an option for a low post play, with the final option is the side pick-and-roll between
the back to the basket (diagr. 5). 1 and 5 (diagr. 11).

If the triangle does not present an opportunity for Let's return to the situation previously described
a low post play, the next option is to pass the ball in diagram 8. If 1 does not dribble to the left side,
to 3, and play pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop out, the action continues on the right side of the floor.
depending on the 4's shooting ability) between 1 Which means that 4 passes the ball to 1, while, at
and 4 (diagr. 6). the same time, the back screen is run between 3
and 5 (diagr. 12).
D.9 At this point, we are going back to the situation
previously described in diagr. 3. Let's assume 1 has the ball on the left side, 4 is setting the side
that the first option could not be run, so the ball screen for 3. If there is a good timing of the
is passed from 5 to 4 up top, and, immediately screen, and if 3 brings his defender into the
after, a back screen is run between 3 and 5 screen, there is a great chance that 3 will be
(diagr. 7). open for a three-point shot (diagr. 13).

When there is a back screen between 3 and 5, In case that 3 is not open for the shot, we want 5
the ball is passed to 1. At this point, we are again to clear the weak-side low post. At this time, we
looking at two possible options. This decision is also want 3 to decide if he has an option to play
up to our point guard after he reads the position one-on-one. If he chooses to do so, then 4 has to
of the defenders. Now, let's assume that he can- slide to the corner as a safety option for an out-
D.10 not pass the ball to the right side, so he decides side shot if his defender decides to help out on
to dribble to the left offensive side (diagr. 8). the drive of 3 (diagr. 14).

This is a final option, but I must admit that I pre-

fer for the play to be finished before this option
has to be used. There are several reasons for
this. First of all, the option is the pick-and-roll
between 3 and 4. Obviously, this is the final
option of this play, but I always tell my players to
use it only if it is absolutely necessary. You have
to realize that, at this point, there is not too much
time left on the shot clock and that playing the
pick-and-roll between 3 and 4 is not as effective
because it presents an easy switch situation for
the defense. So, again this is the part that is used
only if we run out all other options. I have to say
that if we practice particular segments of the
play in detail that we will hardly ever have to use
this option (diagr. 15).

I would like to say few words about what we like

to do when practicing particular segments of
this offense. There are many ways of practicing,
but what I do is separate the team into two grou-
ps and pair the players up (for instance, two
positions in couples, guards/wings and big men),
or I will separate them by position and practice
just their particular segments. For instance, they
will practice setting screens, stepping in for the
big men and reading, passing, cutting, using
screens for guards and forwards. I believe that

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 27

FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

both ways of practicing are good and they both

yield good results. If performed correctly, you
should try to practice both ways during the cour-
se of the week. Sometimes, the team will perform
individual drills in the morning, and then combine
the morning drills in the group work during the
afternoon practice. However, there are several
segments of these drills that need special atten-
tion:
D.11 D.14
▼ Setting screens, either guard for the big men
or opposite: This segment becomes crucial
because there are number of teams which do
not pay attention to small details such as
screen angle or timing of the screen. These
details are very important and they give the
edge in this kind of offensive set.
▼ About screens: We have to teach our players
to use screens, to read the defensive position,
and gain advantage from that position.
▼ Moving without the ball: Players need to be
active and make themselves an offensive D.12 D.15
threat all the time. If they move properly
without the ball, they are very hard to guard,
and our offensive flow is much better.
▼ Passing: There is not much to explain here.
This is simple detail, but a very important one.
Players must be taught to make good deci-
sions. When they pass the ball, the passes
should be on target, allowing the teammate to
score immediately after receiving the pass.
These simple details are often overlooked,
but they play a very important role in succes-
sful completion of this play.
D.13
After we practice these technical segments and
have become comfortable in executing
them, I like to focus on particular options in
the offensive set. Of course, I am not trying
to make my players move mechanically
without thinking about what is going on,
but I am just trying to use repetition in
order to achieve perfection. By doing this,
I know that they will gain even more confi-
dence in the play and start to make some
good reads. It is the responsibility of the
coach to teach them and point out all
necessary options that the play consists
of. As a final segment of the preparation, I
have them play five-on-five on both sides
of the floor. This is an ideal way to practice
both offense as well defense. Earlier in the
season, when we are introducing the
plays, I allow only certain options to be
executed at certain times. By doing this, I
force them to focus and make them think.
During the course of the season, I have
noticed that there is a growing number of
coaches, who are using multiple-choice
offenses, and that guarantees dynamic
offensive solutions, keeps the defense
guessing all the time, makes the team
more dangerous and less predictable, and
hopefully, more successful.

PAGE 28 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

THE PICK-AND-ROLL
by Saso Filipovski
ON OFFENSE
Saso Filipovski has been assistant
coach of Olimpja Lubljana, Slovenia,
from 1996 to 2003. After becoming head
coach in 2003, his team won the
Slovenian Supercup and the national
title.

INTRODUCTION
Coaches the world over have their own
philosophy when it comes to offense
and defense. To defeat their oppo- D.1
nents, they use tactics which are
adapted to the players they coach.
Many offenses use the pick-and-roll to
help players increase their scoring
opportunities with open shots. There
are many ways of defending against
the pick-and-roll, and one of them is to
direct the pick away, it means take
away the screen. The purpose of the
defense is to keep the offensive
players away from the three-second
lane and force them to the baseline D.2
with the helpside teammates ready to
help, rotate, or steal the ball.
This defense is also used to cover up
the lack of talent, especially of the big
men.
This type of defense has many different
rules (trapping and stealing, rotating of
all the defenders, helping and recove-
ring, and switching) that must be maste-
red if the defense wants to be truly
effective. To be effective against this
defense, the offense also has to know
these rules.
Therefore, the offense against the
defense of the pick-and-roll has to be
practiced a lot (from two-on-two to five-
on-five).
It is especially important to practice the
five-on-five matchups because it dupli-
cates game situations with time pressu-
re, where decision-making comes in
milliseconds.
As there are many different ways to
defend the pick-and-roll, there are
many options to attack the defense. In
this article, I will review some of the
possibilities that are used by top
European basketball teams.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 29
 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - OFFENSE

DIFFERENT OPTIONS
5 screens X1 and 1 is free to shoot a
three-point jumpshot (diagr. 1).

5 screens X1, 1 makes two strong drib-

bles toward the sideline, and takes the
open jumpshot (diagr. 2).

5 screens X1 and 1 drives in the middle

between X1 and X5. The teammates
must be aware of 1's drive, and be
ready to rotate: 1 can pass to 4, 3, and
2 (diagr. 3).

5 screens X1 and 1 takes two strong

dribbles to the sideline. When X5 goes
toward 1 to help, 1 changes the pace
and immediately penetrates on the
baseline: again. The teammates must be
aware of 1's drive: 1 can pass to 4 or 3
(diagr. 4).

5 screens 1, who fakes to drive to the

baseline. 5 re-screens (changing the
angle and the height of the screen) X1 to
the middle and creates space for 1 to
penetrate in the middle (diagr. 5).

D.3 D.6

D.4 D.7 D.9

D.5 D.8 D.10

PAGE 30 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 5 screens X1, rolls to the corner of the free- 5 screens X1 and pops out to the three-point
throw lane, receives the ball from 1, and line, while 1 drives to the baseline and goes
shoots (diagr. 6). directly to the basket. He can also pass the
ball to 5 (diagr. 17).
5 screens X1 and rolls inside the three- If X1 and X5 switch while 1 is driving to the
second lane. 4 flashes to the high post area. baseline, 1 can pass the ball to 5 (diagr. 18).
1 can pass to 5 or 4 for a "high-low" play 5 can pass back to 1 and 1 can shoot or drive
(diagr. 7). on X5 (diagr.19).
After the pass to 1, 5 can make a direct cut
D.11
5 screens X1, pops out to the three-point to the basket, or go to the low post area and
line, and receives the ball from 1 (diagr. 8). receive the ball from 1. 4, after the cut of 5,
After receiving the pass, he has many flashes to the high post area, receives the
options: ball from 1 and plays "high-low" with 5, who
is now guarded by X1, a smaller defender,
▼ Shoot; and tries to take advantage of the situation.
▼ Penetrate in the middle and shoot, or (diagr. 20).
pass to 4, 3, or 2 (diagr. 9);
▼ Change sides to the ball, passing to 2, CONCLUSION
who can penetrate and shoot, or pass to It is very important to attack this defense
3 (diagr. 10); and this will rely on a precise execution of
▼ Pass on the same side to 1 (diagr. 11 technical and tactical offensive elements.
D.12 and 12); Fundamentals, spacing, complete vision of
▼ Penetrate toward the baseline and pass the floor, timing, patience, and team coope-
to 4 or 3 (diagr. 13). ration on offense without selfishness are the
keys to success. For the offense to work
5 screens X1 and pops out to the three-point effectively, players need to become consi-
line (diagr. 14). After receiving the pass from stent in their actions and behavior on the
1, he has many options: floor, helping each other by talking constan-
▼ Pass to 2, who can immediately make a tly as they get the offense in motion.
pass under the basket to 4 (diagr. 15).
These two offensive players can also
play two-on-two, with a hand-off or fake
D.13 and hand-off, and penetrate or make a
backdoor cut;
▼ 5 can also screen down X1, and 1 can:
receive a pass from 2 and shoot imme-
diately, make a backdoor cut, a curl, or
fade away to the corner (diagr. 16).
D.18

D.14

D.16 D.19

D.15

D.17 D.20

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 31

 FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

SCOUTING THE 2004

OLYMPIC GAMES
by Jonas Kazlauskas

Jonas Kazlauskas was the head coach of

the Zalgiris Kaunas (the winner of one Eu-
roleague championship and two national
titles), and the Lietuvos rytas Vilnius,
clubs in Lithuania. He was also head coa-
ch of the Lithuanian National Cadets, Ju-
nior, and Men's teams. He was elected
European Coach of the Year in 1999. At the
2004 Olympic Games he was assistant
coach of the Chinese National team.

Everything in basketball is developing so

fast (just like real life), and every player
needs to work hard, so they don't fall
behind the other players. Not such a long
time ago, the USA national team was ma-
de up of university students and they were
formidable opponents.
The USSR national team lost a game
against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1987,
even when the Bucks played without its
top players. Much has changed since
then. Now, the USA national team is com-
posed of the leading NBA players and they
have a hard time wining against internatio-
nal teams. International basketball has
made huge progress and it was so intere-
sting to watch the most recent games of
the FIBA European and World Champion-
ships, and the Olympic Games.
During the FIBA European Championship
in Turkey in 2001 the leaders of the teams,
such as Nowitzki, Kirilenko, Stojakovic,
and Gasol, have prevailed over the team-
mates so much, that they had to drag all
the game load on the top games.
The same situation remained during the
next FIBA World Championship in Indiana-
polis in 2002. Most of success and failure
of the teams was based on the performan-
ce of the top players. The leader's success
as a main factor is evident in difficult ga-
mes and in the final minutes of the games.

PAGE 32 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

Things are starting to change. At the FIBA However, after good teamwork, the team
European Championships in Sweden and in achieved great results. The Italians have
Olympic Games in Greece it could be noti- showed just how dangerous two-on-two
ced that teams that demonstrated good play can be, especially when you have inge-
"team" play, such as Italy, Lithuania and, of nious players. Bulleri and Pozzecco have
course, Argentina, did very well. Argentina, done a great job, and have fascinated not
with many talented players, was able to only me, but all the coaches, with their un-
handle their players and show high-class selfish play. In many cases, these players
collective play, using the strongest sides of used different variations that made it very
its game in different ways. hard for the opponents to foresee. D.1
The Lithuanian team also demonstrated so-
My favorite combinations from Argentina's lid play and the peak was reached during
play is shown in diagr. 1 and 2. The players 2 the game against Greece in the Olympics.
and 3 make a staggered pick for 4: it seems As usual, Lithuania had many good scorers
a very easy play, but the key is that each and their tactics were to use those scorers
player finds his right place on the court. The and structure the best plays so they could
team could then run the offense in various score. From that point of view, double-
directions. screens or triple screens, when the power
The Italian silver medal was also an outco- forward jumps back into three-point area,
me of good collective work and, especially, left the low post area free for the center, and
an excellent coaches' work. It should be it proved to be very effective (diagr. 3 and 4). D.2
mentioned that the Italian team was not on This play worked well at the European
the list of favorite teams before the Euro- Championship in Sweden (diagr. 5), but was
pean Championship or before the Olympics. less effective during the Olympics, probably

D.3

D.4

D.5

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 33

FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE

D.6 D.7 D.9

because of the poor play of the big men in

the three-second lane.
What about the team from China? The best
result, which was reached in Olympics
and World Championship before, was pur-
sued again. The Chinese lost some games
by big margins, which shows a lack of indi-
vidual player strength and little experience
playing games against high-level teams. D.8
D.10
The Chinese players had so many turno-
vers that it was impossible to run a suita-
ble attack. Still, the Chinese did make it to
the final eight, playing in a group, where on defense, follow the cutters, and the de-
the Serbia and Montenegro (gold medal at fense collapses on the center, this play is
the 2002 FIBA World Championship) and not very effective. If the defender follows
New Zealand (fourth place at the same the cutter, it is advisable to make a double
event) had poor results. Chinese basket- cut on the opposite side (diagr. 10). At the
ball is developing very fast, and much at- beginning of this play, we could distract
tention is now paid by the government and the opponent or check their defense with
huge resources are put into basketball in the cut of 3 or 2 (diagr. 11). After the ball is
passed back to 1, 2 and 3 (there should be D.11
whole country. It seems that Chinese ba-
sketball players will become very powerful a space of three to four meters between
in the future. them) cut to opposite sides and take their
China has a star basketball player, Yao positions. After the second cut, 4 and 5
Ming, who plays for the Houston Rockets play "high-low." The power forward on the
in the NBA. Obviously, the main goal for weak side could jump back for scoring ac-
the coaches in the Olympics was to use cording his skills. A double cut with the fol-
this superstar and direct their offensive lowing "high-low" play gives a big advanta-
plays through this player. The main goal for ge in specific area and opens up the three-
the opponents was to isolate this player. second zone.
Talking about defense, the zone defense or During the last few years players became
the mixed defense, the use of the double acquainted with the 24-second rule on of-
D.12
and triple team against the top players, fense and the play is becoming faster and
caused many problems. faster.
In playing against a zone defense, we
used our main weapon, the "high-low" The team that has dominant centers (Chi-
plays, with different cuts. This combina- na with Yao Ming, and Lithuania with Arvy-
tion starts from the easy cut (diagr. 6). 1 das Sabonis) can use the following combi-
passes into the corner for 3 or 2 and then nation.
cuts to the corner. 4 and 5 play "high-low." When 5 brings the ball into high post, three
At this time, the player with a ball has to other players on the strong side should ro-
evaluate the situation and pass the ball to tate. If any free player does not receive the
make it difficult for the opponents (diagr. ball, the center has more free space to
7). In case of a failure, the ball should be play one-on-one in the three-second area D.13
returned to the player 5, then passed into or else the ball should be passed to the op-
the opposite corner 2 or 3, and after the posite side to 4, and, further, to the corner
cut the "high-low" game is played again (diagr. 12).
(diagr. 8 and 9). When the ball is in the possession of the
During this set, all the players should mo- cutter, additional cuts should be made
ve. If players 4 and 5 are good scorers, (diagr. 13). When the ball is in possession
they will make it very difficult for the oppo- of the center, this play is not effective
nents. If the defenders move properly, talk against the zone defense.

PAGE 34 | 12 2004 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

MENTAL
by Albert Rodionov
CONDITIONING
before THE GAME great player, somebody who really impres-
Albert Rodionov has a master's degree in
Sports Psychology. He has been working sed you with a mastery of certain skills. Try
with the USSR/Russia Men's and Women's "to see in the mind," to use "the mind's eye"
National basketball teams as a psycholo- to visualize how he plays, how he uses his
gist since 1969 and is now the Chief of the particular skills and fundamentals.
Scientific Group. He has published books
and articles on sports psychology and has OTHER IMAGE: HIS OWN
directed seminars on the topic all over the The use of visualization can improve your
world. He is currently President of the outlook and self-concept. It can change the
Russian Association of Sports way you talk to yourself, see ourselves, and
Psychologists. perceive events around yourself. This, in
turn, affects your behavior, including how
The mind is a powerful tool. Have you ever you take care of yourself.
thought about shooting the ball and scoring Visualization also improves motor learning.
during a big game and found that you were Understanding this, it is necessary to be
moving your feet and hands when you did able to see yourself playing confidently and
this? You may not have known it, but you effectively, and convincing yourself that
were practicing something called visualiza- your opponents are always a step slower
tion, or mental conditioning. than you, that they cannot jump as high, or
To create anything, players must first have shoot as well.
a mental image conceived in their mind-this In this first part of the mental conditioning
is true even of every invention created before the game, it is better to use the
throughout history, and also true for basket- approach called "self-suggestion." You do
ball players trying to perfect their game. this by repeating the phrase: "I can!" In this
Players must first construct the shot-or formula of self-suggestion, it is imperative
other basketball skill-in their minds before to avoid the word "not," which has a strong
they can expect the body to perform it pro- negative influence on the sub-conscious of
perly. However, visualization should not the athlete.
only be used on the basketball court, but for
daily five to 10-minutes sessions at home. RIGHT BEFORE THE GAME
This way, a new program is created within
the subconscious for the body to follow. Visualization is the ability to create an idea,
The mental conditioning and visualization a mental picture or a feeling, a sense of
for a game can be divided into two different something. In creative visualization, you
parts: the day before the game and the use your imagination to create a clear
moments right before the game. image, idea, or feeling of something you
wish to manifest. Then you continue to
THE DAY BEFORE THE GAME focus on the idea, feeling, or picture, regu-
larly, giving it positive energy until it beco-
The psychological training needed for the mes objective reality, until you actually
day before the game begins with the use of achieve what you have been imagining. To
mental images. We all have the ability to use creative visualization, it is not neces-
visualize game situations in our minds and sary to believe in any metaphysical or spi-
how to execute a basketball fundamental. ritual ideas, although you must be willing
This visualization can consist of many diffe- to entertain certain concepts as being
rent positive images. possible.
The mental conditioning right before the
IMAGE OF A GREAT PLAYER game is based on the assumption that the
It is advisable to imagine in your mind a player must be on the top from a psychologi-

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 35

 COACHES - PSYCHOLOGY AND MOTIVATION

cal standpoint (naturally, as well as on phy-

sical conditioning and basketball technique).
He must reach this level also having a fee-
ling of certain emotional excitement, without
which it is impossible to play effectively.
To reach this aim, it is necessary that the
player practices what is called "mental
rehearsal." This method consists of thinking
about basic player movements on the
court. If the player mentally rehearses the
act of a inside pass to the big man or of
taking a long-distance shot with a few
seconds left on the clock, when it actually
comes to making those movements on the
court, he will act and move just as he had
imagined in his mind right before the begin-
ning of the game. It is thought that imagi-
ning a particular basketball movement, or
any physical movement for that matter,
subtly activates the muscles a person uses
for it, giving them practice.
Real practice helps more than mental
rehearsal, and the real workout has to
come first, but mental rehearsal certainly
has a role in game preparation. The mental
rehearsal allows the player to think things
over quietly before the start of a game, and
it almost guarantees that in the difficult
game situations, the player will know what
has to be done. It will not be necessary for
him to think how to play better and avoid
mistakes, he will just do what is necessary.
The previously mentally rehearsed move-
ments and game situations will help the
player successfully carry out the moves
during the game. Time will not be wasted
thinking during the game about what
should or shouldn't be done, because the
athlete has already rehearsed his move-
second part, intensive drills like jumping or level of mental conditioning he has reached.
ments and knows what has to be done. This
any other intensive physical activity is requi- If, however, it is impossible for the player to
form of mental training will also help relieve
red. The movements with wide amplitude reach any internal or external reason, the
feelings of uncertainty and pressure from
remove stress and help players to relax. player can obtain the best results by explai-
the athlete before the game.
When the player enters the court, it is ning quietly to himself the reasons why he is
In order to practice mental rehearsal, just
necessary to warm-up gradually. Using in an adverse condition, and then start to
before the game the player must create the
breathing exercises, a player can "warm-up" find the best way to escape from this condi-
proper, quiet feeling of confidence, while at
mentally, with the help of a different tion with the less amount of damage.
the same time maintaining a proper degree
breathing pace: a deep, slow breath, for Before entering the court, it is advisable for
of toughness, ready to face the game. This
example, followed by a short exhalation, the athlete to have a word or a brief phrase
feeling of confidence basically moves from
then a deep, fast breath, followed by a slow in mind, which is a strong "key" to trigger
the sphere of consciousness to the sphere
exhalation successful moves on the court. It is useful to
of unconsciousness. It is enough to think: "I
The exercises on alternation of a tensing tell himself in the first minutes of game, "I
shall do it" and the message will be sent
and relaxing of the muscles are useful. Such control the situation." This phrase helps to
from the subconscious to the body.
methods are especially effective, if the create a feeling of confidence and strength.
All mental conditioning is aimed at prepa-
respiratory and physical exercises are alter- Key words can constantly be used during
ring the player to give his/her maximum
nate with imagined mental pictures: for game, such as the phrase: "Concentration is
effort in the game. Such conditioning is cal-
example, the player, while making vigorous basic." Before the release of the basketball
led IPS, or "Ideal Psychic State". This state
respiratory exercises, can imagine him/her- for a shot, the player can think: "Two points!"
must be created some hours before the
self while grabbing a rebound under the or something like that, again reaffirming his
beginning of the game (for the young
opponent's board or a lay-up, after beating confidence.
players, much earlier, while later for the
the defense. It is important to remember that the main
veterans), with a state of excitement, fol-
The basic methods of mental conditioning task of the mental conditioning is to overco-
lowed later by a quieter state.
are essentially two: 1) adaptation; 2) rationa- me a variety of negative factors at the
In the first part of the physical warm-up to
lization. Adaptation means that the player beginning of game, as well as to overcome
reach this mental state it is necessary to
should be ready to face any extreme situation the difficulties encountered during the
make wide and quiet movements. In the
in an upcoming game, thanks to the optimum game.
PAGE 36 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - NATIONAL COACHES ASSOCIATIONS

ISRAELi BASKETBALL
by Dov Binshtok
COACHES
ASSOCIATION
Dov Binshtok, the Chairman of the Israeli Basketball Coaches REQUIREMENTS TO ATTAIN A LICENSE
Association, has coached at every level of the sport for the past Youth coaches must pass 200 class hours and 20 hours of first aid.
28 years. He serves as an advisor to the Israeli Basketball The hours are broken into the following:
Association's Performance Committee for both the men's and ▼ 75 hours of life sciences
women's national teams. ▼ 15 hours of anatomy
▼ 15 hours of physiology
The Israeli Basketball Coaches Association is a part of the Israeli ▼ 15 hours of developmental psychology
Basketball Association. There are eight coaches on the Coaches ▼ 15 hours of coaching skills
Association Board, and three more on the Review Committee. ▼ 15 hours on children's physical development
Ralph Klein is the Honorary President of the Coaches Association. ▼ 125 hours of basketball skills.
The coaches, who are Members of the Board, are elected by the
members of the Israeli Basketball Coaches Association. Senior coaches must pass 400 class hours.
The hours are broken into the following:
GOALS OF THE ORGANIZATION ▼ 75 hours of life sciences
▼ To develop and advance the sport of basketball in Israel. ▼ 15 hours of anatomy
▼ To promote and protect the professional rights and status of all ▼ 15 hours of physiology
coaches. ▼ 15 hours of sports psychology
▼ To promote and develop relationships with professional coa- ▼ 15 hours on movement
ching associations abroad. ▼ 30 hours of coaching skills
▼ To monitor and foster relationships between coaches, referees ▼ 15 hours on coaching youth
and players in Israel. ▼ 15 hours on nutrition
▼ To raise the level of knowledge and professionalism of coa- ▼ 15 hours sports injuries
ches via enrichment classes. ▼ 20 hours on using a weight room
▼ 245 hours of basketball skills, including game situations.
All members of the Israeli Basketball Coaches Association Board
serve in a volunteer capacity for the sake of the coaching commu- The course takes place over three semesters.
nity. During the second year, each coach-in-training must work 100
hours under a coach's supervision and pass an evaluation.
The organization will have 600 members for the 2004-2005 season,
some of them senior coaches licensed to guide teams from the
junior level (age 16) and up, while others only licensed to coach
young players.
To become a member of the Israeli Basketball Coaches
Association one must meet the following requirements:

▼ Must hold Israeli citizenship or have attained permanent resi-

dence status.
▼ Accredited as a coach according to the Israeli Sports Law.
▼ Paid membership for two years (Euro 30 for a licensed youth
coach, Euro 60 for a licensed senior coach).
▼ Successful completion of an enrichment class at least every
two years.

A foreign coach can also join the Israeli Basketball Coaches

Association provided that he meets the following criteria:
▼ Coached a team at the highest level league in his home country
for a least one season (For an American coach, a season at a
NCAA Division 1 college is acceptable as well).
▼ Coached a European 'A' level senior national team.
▼ Coached a team that has won a European title.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 37

 FIBA EUROPE EDITORIAL
COACHES - HOOP MARKET

THE DVD INVASION

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

by Raffaele Imbrogno

Raffaele Imbrogno, former Director of the Ita-

lian Basketball Federation Study Center, is an
Instructor with the Italian National Coaches
Commitee of the Federation. Imbrogno is the
author of several technical basketball pubbli-
cation.

In the recent past, CD-ROMs dedicated to the

teaching and training of basketball was huge
compared to the use of the DVDs, with a rate
approaching 1 to 9. Now, the situation has
completely changed, thanks to the introduc-
tion of low-cost DVD players.
In recent months, the catalogs of the major
companies that produce technical basketball
videos are now filled with DVDs of college and
high school coaches. fers "Secrets of Winning Basketball-Volu-
Championship Productions (www.champion- me I and II," along with Dave Arsenault, the
shipproductions.com), the international leader coach of Grinnell College, who was selec-
in the marketing of visual products for basket- ted as one of the ten most innovative ba-
ball coaches, now offers many DVDs in their sketball coaches by Sports Illustrated ma-
latest catalog. Ganon Baker, who teaches at gazine, “Running to Win”.
the NIKE Skills Academy, offers "Superman On defense, I recommend "Mastering the 2-
Workout for All the Players," and "Training in 3 Zone Defense," by Wayne Morgan of Iowa
the Triple-Threat," where he shows many fun- State. Quin Snyder, coach of the University
damentals and conditioning drills, as well as of Missouri, has released "The Five Defensi-
the most advanced one-on-one-moves. ve Absolutes," while Lute Olson of the Uni-
When it comes to fundamentals and drills, the- versity of Arizona has "1-1-3 and 1-3-1 Mat-
re are some other DVDs to recommend, inclu- ch-up Zone Defense."
ding "7 Components for a Successful Pro- Human Kinetics Publishers (www.humanki-
gram" by 2004 National College netics.com or www.amazon.com) offers
Coach of the Year Phil Martelli of
St. Joseph's College. Billy Dono-
van, head coach at the University
of Florida has "10 Aggressive Tran-
sition & Conditioning Drills," while
Steve Smith, the high school ba-
sketball coach at Oak Hill Academy,
offers the excellent "15 Competitive
Practice Drills for Success."
For the offensive minded, the top
DVDs include "10 Variations of the
Kentucky Flex Offense" by coach
Tubby Smith. Hubie Brown, the former
coach of the Memphis Grizzlies (and
last year's NBA Coach of the Year) of-

PAGE 38 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 team press drills.
I would also like to cite the "Lenny
Wilkens Legacy," a set of four
DVDs, which cover all aspects of
basketball, as well the set of DVDs
called "Better Basketball," by coa-
ch Rick Torbett. These include
"Better One-on-One Defense," "Bet-
ter Passing," "Better Shooting," and
"Better Post Play" (www.betterba-
sketball.com).
Among the vast American produc-
tion of coaching DVDs, www.hoo-
psking.com offers the excellent se-
ries by the late, great "Pistol Pete" Ma-
ravich, "Homework Basketball."
From Argentina, Ruben Magnano, the coach
of the national team and winner of the gold
Medal at the recent Olympic Games in Athens,
along with his conditioning and strength coa-
ch, Mario Mouche, have produced two sepa-
rate DVDs on basketball strategy and conditio-
ning for basketball, which can be ordered at
www.deposoft.com.ar/dvd.htm.

"Winning Hoops with Coach K," by

Mike Krzyzewski, the famous Duke
University coach. They include,
"The Team Defense," "The Transi-
tion Game," and “Championship
Practices." Human Kinetics also of-
fers a set of DVDs from Morgan
Wootten, the acclaimed former coa-
ch of DeMatha High School. They co-
ver a complete range of technical ba-
sketball topics, from the fundamen-
tals to the out-of-bounds play, to diffe-
rent types of offensive plays (flex, 2-3,
stack, etc).
Sysko has offered DVDs for several
years. Some of the best from this com-
pany (www. syskos.com) are "Basket-
ball for Beginners" by Larry Wallace. Fe-
ver River Production, distributed by Sy-
sko's, has two DVDs by Forrest Larson, inclu-
ding "Getting Better with the Basketball," which
covers footwork, shooting, and spacing. "Sim-
plified Run and Jump Press for High School" is
a good DVD for those interested in learning
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 39
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

THREE-PERSON
OFFICIATING

by Pat Resenow

Pat Rosenow has refereed high school

and college in the United States for ore
than 25 years. He has also been a FIBA
referee for 20 years.

In the United States we have a saying

that "Two is company-three is a crowd."
Even though that saying is about ro-
mance and couples, there are some
people who feel the same way about
basketball referees. However, now that
FIBA requires three referees in the
highest level games (and allows three
in others) more and more basketball
referees around the world will need to
get used to working with not one, but
two partners.

Of course, in the United States we have

been using three referees in many
games for years. We use three referees
for all of our high level competitions. Al-
most all Junior games have three refer-
ees. The same is true of many Cadet
games. We are lucky to have enough
qualified men and women to fill three
referee positions for each game and
enough fan support to pay them.

I have been a FIBA official since 1984. I

recently refereed an international tour-
nament with partners from around the
world. It involved high level men's play
and our officials were either Division I
national or FIBA referees. However,
since the tournament was not techni-
cally an "official FIBA" competition, the
organizers had the option of using three
referees on some games. Only three of
us had any experience in three-referee
PAGE 40 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
games. Most of the others were reluctant two, but there is less contact. about going to the "right" spot. There is
to try adding a referee, and expressed nothing worse than having three whistles
some reservations about what it would 3. The three-referee mechanics are com- remain silent after a violent foul in the
do to the games. plicated. That is simply not the case. I ad- lane, because the referees were afraid
mit that in our "experiment" we did not do that they might be out of their area. Again,
The organizers decided that we would everything perfectly according to the FI- we didn't have that problem in our tourna-
use two referees for the pool play and BA book. We did take a very few short- ment, because even though they were
then switch to three referees for second cuts to save time and keep it simple. new to the three-referee system, we had
round and medal play. We had a few Nevertheless, all of our officials had es- excellent and experienced referees.
meetings to review the FIBA three-refer- sentially learned the basic FIBA three-ref-
ee mechanics and floor coverage. 4. It's harder/easier to work in a
Then we plunged into the second three-referee system. Well,
round games with three referees that's both true and false. In
on each. I am sure an experienced some ways, it is easier. To begin
FIBA referee, who is familiar with with, each referee has 17% less
FIBA three-referee mechanics, floor to watch. In a three-referee
would have noticed an occasional crew, for instance, we are a lot
error in rotation or switching. How- less likely to miss the original
ever, I thought the results were re- foul and only see the retaliation.
markable. The organizers were de- In a two-man crew, there may be
lighted with the quality of the offici- some sometimes when both ref-
ating and we had no major prob- erees are straight-lined and nei-
lems. ther is able to referee the de-
fense. With a third referee that
By the end of the tournament, even should almost never happen,
the most reluctant referees were since the mechanics are de-
believers and fully converted to the signed to give at least one refer-
positive aspects of having three of- ee a perpendicular view of each
ficials. They found out that some of play. That means less guessing
the things they thought about the and an easier game to call.
three-referee system were not
true. For example: On the other hand, instead of
having two people who must
1. Good physical condition is not as work as a team and find a con-
important in a three-referee crew. sistent approach to the game,
Obviously, the total distance a ref- you have three. That makes it
eree may have to run during a harder. That third personality
game might be a bit less with three must be able to fit in. However,
referees. However, referees still having a third personality can be
have to be quick enough to get to a plus. It can give the referee
the right spot. With a three-referee team one more way to deal with
crew, there is almost no excuse for coaches and players. So yes, it
the lead referee to be beaten on a is both harder and easier to work
fast break by any player. Finally, an in a three-referee game.
out of shape or overweight referee
loses respect whether he or she is In many parts of the world it may
on a three or two man crew. So take a while for basketball to de-
yes, it's just as important to be in velop to a level that will support
shape in a three-referee system. the use of three referees in most,
or even many, games. However,
2. Having a third referee will result in eree mechanics by their second or third if our experience in the United States is
more fouls and violations. Actually, our game. By the end of the tournament it was any example, that time will come sooner
history here in the United States is that automatic for most of them. We did have a than you may think! We have another
three-referee crews don't really call very experienced group of referees and saying in the United States: "You can't
more fouls. In fact, in the international that helped. But the important point is that teach an old dog new tricks." That's not
tournament when we switched from two good two-man referees can easily master true, either. I know the outstanding inter-
to three referees, we had no increase in the three-referee mechanics. national referees from our tournament
the number of fouls or violations. What overcame their doubts and enjoyed work-
happens is that after one or two whistles, The single biggest problem I've seen in ing in the three-referee system.
the players learn very quickly that there is referees going from two-man to three-ref-
a third set of eyes watching them. They eree crews is that they worry more about Good referees, who become part of a
stop the rough off-ball play and we have a mechanics and coverage than calling the three-referee crew, will do a fine job just
cleaner, better game. So, three referees game! We've had young officials miss ob- as they have done in two-man crews, and
call about the same number of fouls as vious calls because they were worried the game will be better for it.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 41

 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

by Bill Mildenhall

Bill Mildenhall, an Australian FIBA

referee since 1978, has been working
for the Australian Basketball
Federation as the National Referees
Manager since 1991. He is responsi-
ble for the education, training, and
resource production for Australian
referees at every level. He has offici-
ated at two Olympics Games, and five
FIBA World Championships.

Basketball officiating can be a lifetime

career, but the type of career you build
is up to you.

I'm sure we all know officials, who

have been around for ever and a day,
working their low key games, while
there are others who have also been
around for ages working the elite,
more demanding games.

Whatever the standard or level of

games, the recreation and enjoyment
derived from serving others in a useful
capacity is an experience that can
never be replaced.

This experience is something that can

IMPROVING
OFFICIATING SKILLS
THROUGH
MENTORING
PAGE 42 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 43
 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

be enjoyed for a lifetime as long as a ref- officiating skills, act

eree never ceases trying to improve. as a sounding
If ever an official believes they have learnt board for problems,
everything they need to know, that is the help identify some
time to retire. weaknesses or just
be a source of
Like in all facets of life, improvement will motivation and a
only occur if the individual acknowledges reminder that you
there is room for improvement. are doing a great
"The perfect game hasn't been worked job.
yet, but that is no reason to stop trying."
Officials should never be totally satisfied. Mentoring is not
They should always be questioning their only an extremely
own judgement and evaluating the way effective educa-
they deal with difficult situations. tional tool for inex-
perienced officials,
The term "the cream will always rise to the but it can be just as
top" is very appropriate for basketball offi- beneficial for
ciating, as a referee, who shows excep- those, who have
tional promise, will eventually be noticed. been around for
However, it is so imperative that an official years. Everyone
is prepared and is willing to seize the needs feedback,
opportunity when it arises. constructive criti-
cism and someone,
From this basic springboard, referees can who they can turn
work to improve their skills by preparing to for help and sup-
patiently and persistently in all aspects of port. Mentors for
officiating, thus giving themselves every senior officials can
opportunity to succeed when the oppor- easily come from
tune time comes. peers, referee eval-
uator/coaches and
Mentoring is a catchy term that has been from observers
bandied around recently as a very effec- who have a good
tive educational tool to assist officials to understanding of
improve their skills. the craft of officiat-
ing.
Mentoring is nothing new in sport and in
particular to basketball officiating. I am Mentoring relation-
sure we have all turned to an experienced ships can be for-
friend or colleague for advice, especially mally structured, as
when we are learning something new or in a referee evalua-
are facing a new challenge. tor/coach, or they
can grow out of a
All officials, no matter at what level of offi- chance encounter
ciating, need experienced advisers, who with a like minded
offer support and advice in all aspects of official and remain very informal. They offer guidance or to seek guidance. It is
officiating. Successful referees have can be equally useful for the referee, who often advisable for young officials to take
someone, somewhere, who, somehow is being mentored, and for the referee the initiative and ask a more experienced
cared about their growth and develop- who is acting as a mentor. Learning is a official for this advice. Surprisingly, the
ment. They are their respected mentors. two way street. experienced officials are honoured to be
Mentoring is a highly effective way for asked and are more than willing to impart
lesser experienced officials to learn the It does not matter what form a mentoring their hard learned experiences and
art of officiating. Mentors can bring life to relationship takes, as long as both the advice.
a theoretical concept, usually by referring official and the mentor see value in the
to first hand practical experiences, and relationship, and it helps them to develop Officiating is a craft that always requires
being able to impart this experience to and become better officials. improvement. The challenge for officials is
others. "From my experiences the best to seek this improvement with the assis-
way to deal with a situation like the one Establishing a mentor relationship can tance of others. Mentoring is a means to
you had in that game is to." be achieved by the mentor or by the offi- an end. All officials need a mentor and at
cial, who is to be mentored. Either way, some stage all officials need to be a men-
Mentors usually demonstrate practical someone must take the first steps to tor.

PAGE 44 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 REFEREES, SCORER’S TABLE AND COMMISSIONERS

RIGHT OR WRONG?
1. During an alternating possession
throw-in that is to begin a period,
thrower-in A3 commits a violation. A
throw-in is awarded to team B as a
result of the violation. Shall team A
continue to be entitled to the next
alternating possession throw-in?
2. A10 enters the game to replace A5 who
is injured. Team B is then granted a
time-out. Before the time-out has
ended, A5 recovers and asks to re-
enter the game. Shall the request be
granted?
3. With 10 seconds remaining in the 24-
second period and team A in control of
the ball, the ball is above the ring other
than on a shot for a field goal. B4 then
commits a violation by reaching throu-
gh the basket and contacting the ball.
A throw-in is awarded to team A. Shall
team A have only 10 seconds remai-
ning in the 24-second period?
4. The ball is within the basket as the
result of an A3 shot for a field goal
when A1 contacts the ball. Shall the
ball become dead immediately?
5. While team A has control of the ball in
the team A frontcourt, a pass from A2
to A4 strikes an official, after which the
ball immediately returns to the back-
court. The ball is next controlled by A3.
Has team A committed a violation by ANSWERS
illegally returning the ball to the back- 1. No. (Article 12.4.7)
court? 2. Yes. (Article 19.2.4)
6. Team A is awarded an alternating pos- 3. No. (Team A shall be awarded a new 24-
session throw-in from a sideline in the second period. The action by B5 was itself
team A frontcourt. May the thrower-in a violation, the same as when a player
pass the ball to a teammate who is in strikes the ball with a fist or licks the ball.
the team A backcourt? Not to award a new 24-second period
7. A shot for a field goal by A1 is in the air would be to reward bad defense. Article
when the 24-second signal sounds. The ball then fails to touch the ring or 50.2)
enter the basket, after which it is immediately controlled by a team B player. 4. No. (Once the ball has entered the basket, the
Shall the officials disregard the signal and allow play to continue without offense cannot commit interference. Article
interruption? 31.2.4)
8. During the pre-game warm-up, a technical foul is committed by a team A 5. Yes. (When the ball strikes an official, it is the
player. Shall this technical foul count as one of the fouls leading to the same as if the ball strikes the floor where
penalty situation in the first period? that official is standing. Article 30.2)
9. Team A has had control of the ball is the team A backcourt for 5 seconds 6. No. (Article 30.1.2)
when B3 deliberately contacts the ball with the foot. A throw-in is awarded 7. Yes. (Article 29.1.2)
to team A. Shall team A also be awarded a new 24-second period as well as 8. Yes. (Article 38.4.1)
a new 8-second period? 9. Yes. (Articles 28, 50, FIBA Interpretation)
10. Team A is in control of the ball with 15 seconds remaining in the 24-second 10. Yes. (Articles 42.2.7, 50.4)
period when a fight situation occurs. Following the interruption of the game
because of the fight situation, the officials determine that all penalties can- Corrections
cel each other. Shall play resume with a throw-in for team A with 15 seconds The correct answer in FIBA Assist 11,
remaining in the 24-second period? question 6, is yes.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 45

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

FRENCH BASKETBALL
INFORMATION
PROGRAM
by Alexander Carlier Alexandre Carlier was a journalist has several benefits. every day, probably without even
who worked for the French new- To control essential information knowing all the advantages it has
spaper "But" before joining the about basketball and make it ac- to offer.
French Basketball Association in cessible to fans, the French Ba- The aim of this tool is to manage li-
2002. sketball Federation has been using cences.
a tool since 2001 that has turned It allows committees to validate
For four years, the French Basket- out to be indispensable. French and then register each one. Jean-
ball Federation has been working Basketball Information, more wi- Jacques Krief, head of the Infor-
with a special tool called Basket- dely known as FBI, is a goldmine of mation Technology Service of the
ball Statistics for France, which information for those who use it French Basketball Federation, is

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 47

 proud of the system's speed: "Each new
licence is validated two hours after
being created." The number of players
affiliated in this way can therefore be
counted daily thanks to the statistics
provided by French Basketball Informa-
tion, which also provides the number of
halls, clubs, or games played since the
beginning of the season.
"Having such statistics is a great lear-
ning tool," he continues.
"For example, we know that about 80%
of licences are registered within a 10-
week period, from mid-August to the
end of October.
That allows us to manage any possible
over-loads by adapting our servers to
these peaks. "
FBI is also extremely important for col-
lecting the results that are generated
each weekend in basketball stadiums
across France.
As soon as the game is over, a manager
can pass on his team's result to French
Basketball. agreement with a tour guide and route- and aim for "zero default".
The information can be sent in several planning site, www.viamichlein. "As Presi- Today, information technology can stir
ways: Minitel, Internet, or Audiotel. dent Yvan Mainini says, "we must evolve passions.
The information gathered is then picked in order to be true to our mission of public Everybody claims to understand it, or be-
up by the respective regional commit- service," Krief explains. lieve he is a computer expert, but when
tee and finally passed on to the French "We bought a number of pages where a there is a problem, these people turn
Basketball Federation for collection in- game is being played by going to the Fren- their backs.
to a suitable database. By way of illu- ch Basketball Federation Website. Our goal is also to restore confidence in
stration, on May 7, 2004, 247,756 games This tool has completely changed the ha- information technology.
were played in 6,134 halls between 4,451 bits of basketfrance.com's regular users. There have always been programs to
clubs. From now on, anyone can look up Nearly 100,000 requests of this type have pass information to the Federation. The-
these results on French Basketball been made each month, peaking in March refore, the FBI had to be convincing in its
Information itself or on the Federation's 2004 when the number simply doubled. benefits, and novelty. It was a case of
Website, www.basketfrance.com. This was a huge increase that shocked proving the theory of "machine in the ser-
Checking results is in fact the most com- even Patrick Baumann, Secretary Gene- vice of man" and not the opposite.
mon use of the Website. ral of FIBA. Today, the future belongs to a new modu-
"This is why it is so important," notes "We gave him a demonstration and he le: French Basketball Licences (FBL).
Jean-Jacques Krief. said he would like the same thing for the A new tool that Yvan Mainini already
"It is an auxiliary tool that is aimed not European competitions." uses has the advantage of providing new
only at the 99 regional committees and Besides all these functions, FBI also information about how basketball is
the 30 league, but, first and foremost we helps in naming referees and table offi- played in France.
serve the 445,100 licensed players in cials, an essential part of the basketball For example, for each regional commit-
France, as well as their friends and rela- family, as it is used by those responsible tee and club, it will be possible to find the
tives." The second most visited team for assigning officials. It can even cal- early dropout rate, which is the number
sport site on the Web (approximately culate their travelling expenses. of people who do not renew their licen-
4,500,000 pages read each month), ba- The men with the whistles have access- ces from one year to the next. It will also
sketfrance.com should be changing its thanks to a personalised code-to their be possible to see which category is mo-
look next season. own page where they can find complete st affected by early dropouts, and if it is
Since each association is carefully re- information about their schedule, and mostly men or women. In each area, it
corded in the FBI's files, any authorized can print out their assignments. will also be possible to find out the player
individual can find information about a The advantage of a tool like FBI is that a ratio (the number of basketball players
club, whether it is the name of the repre- considerable amount of time is saved. divided by the number of inhabitants).
sentative, the address of a junior player, There is no need for a third party at the This is a great benefit when it comes to
or the telephone number for the gymna- Federation. "Committee members can se- gaining the loyalty of an expanding pu-
sium or stadium. curely place information on our servers," blic, which grew by 4.63% this year
This last point was the cause of a recent explains Krief. (425,389 licensed players for the
innovation on the French Basketball Fe- "The information is circulated and regula- 2002/2003 season). In addition, Krief con-
deration's Website. ted automatically. Our main concern is ri- cludes, "FBL will be a great marketing
The institution made a partnership sk management. We must face our goal tool."
PAGE 48 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

FULLY INTEGRATED
by Randy Hersch

PROMOTIONS
by William Sutton

Randy Hersh is former Vice President daunting the

Team Marketing and Business Operations next time
of the NBA. ▼ To create a
m a r k e t
William Sutton is one of the top US ex- "buzz" to ini-
perts on sport marketing. He is NBA Team tiate on and
Marketing Consultant and is also profes- off sports
sor at Central Florida University, de Vos page public
Sport Business Program. Sutton is one of and com-
the authors of the two books, "Sport munity rela-
Marketing" and "Sport Promotion and Sa- tions value opportunities - cutting th-
les Management", published by Human rough the clutter! point? Does it establish a brand that the
Kinetics. customer associates with both the team
2. As a Revenue Platform: and/or partner(s)?
In determining how effective a corporate ▼ To develop a sales platform for increa-
partnership will be the question that needs sed ticket, sponsorship and broadcast C - We consistently integrate promotional
to be asked is...How much will the concept sales volume (this is the easy one be- activity across all channels. Ask the fol-
be integrated into other activities and how cause it's based on easily trackable re- lowing questions: Are we accessing all
much support will these other activities re- sults) of the organization's assets? Are those
ceive? ▼ To build attendance, which in turn in- assets integrated and consistent? For
creases facility revenues (parking, con- example, is the e-marketing message
This article addresses the importance of cessions, merchandise, etc.) consistent with the print advertising?
fully integrated promotions, how to SCORE Are partner retail promotions integrated
(capitalize) with them, and is illustrated by 3. As an Entertainment Platform: with the messaging? Does the consu-
the NBA Promotional Wheel Model. ▼ To create a memorable fan experience mer see "one voice" behind the promo-
that brings fans back tional platform?
In trying to articulate the aggregate super ▼ To deliver new broadcast and Internet
value of fully integrated promotions, in di- features O -We objectively set realistic goals and ex-
scussion with so many of our teams, we ▼ To produce an opportunity to incorpo- pectations. What is the purpose of the
came to the realization that it is not just rate past and present players (this one promotion? Is it to sell tickets? Is it to dri-
about revenue and tickets sales, although is not easy to track, it's more of an in- ve partner activation? Is it to generate
that is usually the major part of it. Most tangible) and strengthen the emotional impressions and visibility? Once the ex-
teams are looking at the opportunity from a connection with players and fans, pectations are set, what are the drivers
few different perspectives... whether it is direct interaction or indi- determining success?
rect - this is what engages our custo-
1. As a Marketing Platform: mers! R -We measure results. Was the promotion
▼ To establish a foundation and "brand" profitable? Was it a break-even? Did the
for future applications Here are the ways NBA teams SCORE with team and/or partner see a marketable
▼ To create an environment that will build Fully Integrated Promotions: return for the investment, value added,
equity/value each year S- We strategically create a unique promo- satisfaction?
▼ To develop a "blueprint" to emulate so tional theme. Is the promotion uniquely
that once they have the organization- identifiable? What's the hook? Does it E - And after we measure results we eva-
wide process down for communication meet the objectives of the team and/or luate. If it didn't turn a profit is there
and participation it won't seem so the partner from a promotional stand- anything to build on? Are there things

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 49

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

in exchange? How did the sponsor activate tiatives and events, integrating talent and
the promotional concept? How did the or- driving tune-in.
ganization support the part-
TICKET ner at retail? Advertising - We're talking about creating
SALES Did players, ow- awareness with conventional mediums like
COMMUNITY
RELATIONS CORPORATE ners or other team radio, TV and newspaper, and also with
MARKETING personnel make non-traditional "guerilla" marketing type
appearances? efforts like chat sites, street teams, fliers,
Was there an in- posters, etc.
store/on pack
MERCHANDISE / offer, boun- Interactive Services - This is the team web-
CONCESSIONS ce-back site including featured articles, photos, rela-
GAME coupons ted links. It is also e-marketing initiatives, in-
PRESENTATION (a cou- cluding e-newsletters, data collection and
pon en- online functionality. It is merchandising and
PROMOTION couraging auctions and an electronic advertising me-
the consu- dium for online banners and buttons.
mer to visit the
INTERACTIVE
place of busi- Merchandise and Concessions - Are teams
SERVICES
PUBLIC ness of the selling promotional themed merchandise in-
RELATIONS sponsor) or arena? Are there special concessions; food,
other drive to drinks, novelties, etc. that are available th-
retail? What roughout the arena and special pricing?
about premium
ADVERTISING giveaways and on- Community Relations - Here we included
BROADCASTING court contests, sponsored areas grassroots programs, community connec-
of the arena, signage, etc. How did tions, significant holidays, reading pro-
the sponsor activate? grams, player participation and charitable
events.
that we would do the same, things we Game Presentation - Going beyond just ga-
would do differently? What did we me presentation, this is the arena atmo- This is a model, and like any other model it
learn? And for programs that were pro- sphere, certainly the in-game entertain- can be customized or altered to adapt to si-
fitable or successful, are we looking ment, but also the concourse and plaza acti- tuational marketing opportunities. Obviou-
around the organization at other oppor- vities, the crowd interaction, the opportunity sly, not every promotion will naturally check
tunities to emulate? Are there other to manifest the entire promotional concept off on every spoke of the wheel, but this is
partners that are potential candidates or theme within all the game night activities. the reminder that teams have the opportu-
for a similar promotion? Are we maximi- Are fans thinking about what they are wea- nity to consider it and work across organiza-
zing our promotions by emulating, at ring to the game, bringing to the game or tions to leverage all applicable assets in or-
least in part, the successful compo- doing at the game, even before they leave der to maximize results.
nents of this one? their homes or offices that somehow im-
pacts on the theme or promotion?
Using this model, we are talking about inte-
grating organization-wide assets to achie- Public Relations - How is the media en-
ve our goal (see the diagram). gaged to talk or write about the
promotion? What is it worth to
FULLYINTERGRATED PROMOTIONS MODEL you? Leverage PR assets to
Starting at the center of the wheel with the create awareness, this is the
promotional concept...how did it come free advertising. Think about
about? What are the goals and objectives? sports and non-sports media. In
What is the strategy or USP (Unique Selling this area, creating the "buzz" is so
Proposition)? important to getting storylines
out. The USP or the "hook" is im-
Ticket Sales - What is the incentive, or uni- perative, and has to be compel-
que value proposition that is going to drive ling to "break through the clutter
attendance; group sales, individual game in the market place and be noti-
sales, packages and the revenue associa- ced."
ted with these efforts?
Broadcasting - How do teams en-
Corporate Marketing - Was it sponsored? gage game broadcasts? Our
Was this a value added benefit for the teams have opportunities with na-
sponsor, or did the sponsor pay extra for tional broadcast partners and lo-
this opportunity, or give something valuable cal flagship stations, providing
content, promoting upcoming ini-
PAGE 50 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

CHALLENGES
by Lars Nordmalm

AT THE FIBA
EUROBASKET 2003
Lars Nordmalm was the Project ment allows many doors The program contained
Manager for the 2003 FIBA Men's to be opened and also seminars about TV, media
European Championship in Sweden. places a focus on service, team service, and
basketball years ahead local organization.
When Sweden was appointed to host of the actual event.
the Eurobasket 2003, it was the first One or two representati-
time in 36 years that a small country This increased aware- ves from our organizing
was given this honor. ness and publicity can committee also visited
only lead to an improved many FIBA events during
The preparations for a minor basket- image for our sport. the five years period befo-
ball country to host such a major tour- re Eurobasket 2003.
nament are markedly different from Furthermore, arenas are usually
larger countries with greater access owned by the cities and any invest- The organizers allowed us to study
to capital and other resources. ment needed to improve these venues the event "from the inside".
There is also more at stake than "only" must flow through them.
organizing the championship. Emphasis that such investment/ It is extremely important to listen,
improvements will benefit the local discuss, and share the experiences of
Challenges are plentiful. Some are community for years to come is best previous organizers.
obvious, some will be discovered made if the cities are involved early There is no need, and time, to rein-
along the way, and some will be reali- on. vent the wheel again!
zed afterwards.
Of course, it is essential that the key A special and heartfelt thank you to
From our experience in organizing persons of the organizations are Turkey (Eurobasket 2001) and USA
Eurobasket 2003, here are some experienced, enthusiastic, and hard (World Championship 2002).
examples of what a minor country can working.
expect along the road. GAME TIMES: A KEY ISSUE
Experts/ancillary enlisted from outsi- Proper planning of game broadcasts
PREPARATIONS de the basketball community and all is extremely important.
A minor country generally needs lon- others lacking experience in basket-
ger preparation period. ball must be appropriately trained. By using multiple cities and multiple
During this time, the support of FIBA venues, we were able to schedule
and the insight it has gained from past After being granted Eurobasket 2003, games in a manner that met the media
championships is essential. we took two trips to study a demands of each participating coun-
This invaluable information should be Eurobasket event; to France in 1999 try.
reviewed and utilized early in the pre- and to Turkey in 2001.
paratory process. Broadcasting games at optimal times
▼ France 1999. 20 persons from the allows countries to capture their best
I recommend this important step be host cities visited the event. TV audience and consequently maxi-
taken more than two years before the The trip gave them a good look of mize economic gain.
championship. what a Eurobasket tournament is
all about. In Sweden, we found that using multi-
Also important early on is the need to ple cities also increased basketball
find and involve competent partners ▼ Turkey 2001. After the four prelimi- exposure and countrywide promotion
from outside the basketball commu- nary rounds, Swedish cities had of our sport.
nity. been chosen, and 25 representati-
ves from these already active Similarly, local ticket sales must be
For example, involving city govern- working groups attended. kept in mind when scheduling.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 51

 SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

Again, an effort to maximize sales the team would make a breakthrough It was natural to approach those com-
when determining game times is on our home court. munities.
important.
Naturally, however, we could not build In Borås, where Croatia, Turkey and
At Eurobasket 2003, we determined the marketing of the event upon a Greece were playing, their fans made
the optimal times by considering both Swedish success. the event a great success.
of these factors.
TV-scheduling requests and schedu- This was a huge difference from pre- The neighboring countries
ling requests of local venues were vious men's championships in Europe, Partnerships with travel operators
reconciled in the following manner. where all host nations since 1971 had and tourist authorities at an early
reached the top 8. stage lead to more spectators.
A small working group with one repre-
sentative from FIBA Europe, one from Of course, our team was still one of Once we learn more about the expec-
the TV coordinator, and one from the the main marketing targets - "the ted visitors, our marketing can be
organizers was formed. All scheduling underdog versus world class teams on more targeted.
was done through this committee. the home court".
But the marketing spotlight should be Among our Swedish neighbors, espe-
In the end, the group was able to turned also to other teams and world cially Lithuania and Latvia, the fans
agree on the game times in 39 of the star players. have a tradition of travelling to
40 games. This was especially important in the Championships to support their teams
cities where Sweden was not playing. and they usually organize group trips.
Through this working group, we com-
posed a fair game schedule and were The main local marketing had three A market survey showed that there
able to satisfy needs of both interna- major target groups: had never been that many Lithuanians
tional television stations and local in Stockholm as there were during the
organizers. ▼ The local citizens weekend of the final.

We also found it advantageous to ▼ The immigrant communities We also expected large groups from
have local organizers participate in Germany and learned that the "avera-
the process of choosing local broad- ▼ The neighboring countries with ge" German likes to arrange his own
casters. good telecommunications. travel and go to Sweden by car or by
These forged relationships offer the available low-fare airlines.
best chance at maximizing champion- The local citizens
ship basketball exposure; clearly a Our four host cities of the preliminary MARKETING RIGHTS
goal of FIBA and all involved parties. rounds were Borås, Luleå, A well-planned marketing rights
Norrköping, and Södertälje, all cities structure can be profitable for both
Naturally, the earlier the host broad- having less than 120,000 inhabitants general partners and event partners
caster is on board, the better for pre- and geographically not very big. and thus bring in bigger revenue for
parations and marketing. Sweden was playing in Södertälje, the whole event-and the basketball
which is close to the capital, family.
MARKETING Stockholm.
One of the main objectives for a minor This is a balance between worldwide
basketball country organizing a major The average Swede is not familiar partners and local and/or event part-
event is finding ways to increase the with the world-class basketball ners-and also between long-term
popularity of basketball at home. players. agreements and being alert for short-
term event agreements.
For more established basketball We did not focus on their names, but
nations, this is of less concern, as rather to the fact that "the world class The marketing rights structure can be
popularity is already established and of sport is coming to your backyard". developed with good results for FIBA,
customs of the fans and media quite organizers-and participating teams-by
different. When is that going to happen again making some arena exposures exclu-
that you could watch world stars sively for each TV market.
Gate income is a bigger factor for within walking distance?
minor countries. Similarly, with the TV preparations,
You have to plan to attract wider grou- This kind of marketing leads to a pride the earlier this marketing structure is
ps and market teams other than your that "a big event is coming to my city". set, the better revenue from all par-
own. Even those who could not attend the ties.
A small country needs more interna- event felt the excitement.
tional spectators and this should be
considered in the marketing plan. The immigrant communities
Since the 1960's, many immigrants
Sweden had never made it to the have come to Sweden from former
quarterfinals, but our hope was that Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey.

PAGE 52 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

Considerations
by Daniel L. Benton
When Purchasing
a Wooden Sports
Floor
Daniel L. Benton is the Executive tion, as well as recreational play. In systems and portable wood systems.
Vice President for Robbins, Inc. He order to be approved by FIBA, wood Portable wood systems are typically
is responsible for worldwide Sales sports floor systems must meet the used in multi-use facilities such as
and Marketing for Robbins, Inc. He rigorous approval standards speci- municipal arenas, which may not be
has been in the Sports and fied by the FIBA Study Center, as well dedicated to year-round sports.
Recreational flooring manufacturing as other reputable organizations. Permanent wood systems are used in
business for six years. facilities which are dedicated to
Athletic facility managers interested sports such as basketball or volley-
The Wood Sports Flooring group is in acquiring a wood sports flooring ball.
made up of manufacturers from system have many options from The primary advantages of wood
around the world, each with a goal of which to choose. sports surfaces over other types of
providing the best sports floors pos- The first and primary choice to be flooring, besides the natural aesthe-
sible for FIBA level 1 and 2 competi- made is between permanent wood tic advantages, are the levels of

Shiroishi Arena equipped with Robbins Floor

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 53

 FIBA RESEARCH AND STUDY CENTRE

Sports floor by Mondo

energy absorption possible as well as costs that will be encountered during nal athletes and professional athle-
the optimal surface friction found the life of the floor, and then dividing tes.
with wood floor systems. Optimal this number by the expected lifespan Again, a FIBA partner manufacturer
energy absorption and surface fric- of the floor system. can walk the purchaser through
tion are two of the key factors, which these design decisions.
are commonly believed to prevent Wood floors in general have extre-
injuries to athletes. mely long life-spans, compared to Another important criterion, when
other surfaces, because wooden choosing a wood sports flooring
Wood sports surface systems are sports floors can be re-finished and system, is the reputation of the woo-
usually surfaced with either a solid or re-sanded multiple times over the den sports flooring manufacturer, as
laminated strip of wood. The wood course of its life. A good performing well as the installation company.
species most commonly found in the floor with a low lifecycle cost is a Always choose a reputable manufac-
best basketball floors are Maple, much better investment than a good turer, such as a FIBA partner and
Beech, and Oak. Solid wood strip pro- performing floor with a high lifecycle check references.
ducts can generally be sanded more cost. Permanent wood floor systems are
times than laminated floors over the usually installed by a company that is
course of a floor’s life. Another When choosing a wood sports surfa- different than the manufacturer. It is
important factor when developing the ce system, it is important to keep in extremely important to choose a
appearance of a floor is the finish. mind the type of competition to be reputable installation company.
The finish is what controls the level played on the floor, as well as the
of surface friction. FIBA Wooden type of athlete, who will perform on A properly maintained wood sports
Sports Floor partners use an appro- the floor. Wood floor systems are floor system should last the life of the
priate finish designed for sports required for FIBA level 1 competition, building.
floors. The finish can either be high- and there are minor differences Wood sports floors are a great and
gloss, which is typical to North between floors designed exclusively natural choice for any facility with a
America, Satin, or Low-gloss which is for competition basketball and floors focus on competitive and recreatio-
more typical in Europe. designed for recreational basketball nal sports. Please feel free to contact
and other sports. any member of the FIBA Wooden
One of the most important factors to A FIBA partner manufacturer will be Sports Flooring Group for additional
evaluate when choosing a wood able to guide the purchaser through information on the many choices of
sports floor system is the Life Cycle these decisions. It is also extremely wooden flooring products available.
Cost of the floor system. Life cycle important to identify the type of athle-
cost is generally calculated by te using the floor. There are differen- The FIBA Study Centre Partners con-
adding the initial cost of the floor ces between floors designed for tact details are listed on the
system as well as any maintenance younger (lighter) athletes, recreatio- www.fiba.com website.
PAGE 54| 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

HEALTH and
MEDICAL FACILITIES
IN A SPORTS HALL
by Jacques Huguet, with Alain Frey and Marc Lechable

Jacques Huguet has been the doctor accommodate about 10 people, with shelves; a large garbage
for the French National Basketball sometimes more, during main pail; a roll of paper towels; and
Team. He is currently President of competitions, when several coat hangers;
the FIBA Medical Comittee. Alain games are played in a row. On
Frey and Marc Lechable are emer- average: 4 to 6 athletes, 2 team ▼ A bathroom area with hot and
gency doctors. doctors, the supervisory doctor of cold showers in working order;
FIBA, 1 or 2 sample-taking offi- toilets, with a mirror placed in
Let us assume that, where basketball cers, sometimes escorts, and 1 front of or positioned at a 45°
competitions take place, the seating interpreter on occasion. angle behind the toilet seat; a
capacity in sports halls varies washbasin, soap, and toilet
between 5,000 and 15,000. ▼ A "Doping Control" sign must be paper.
The medical facilities in each hall displayed on the door. Only those
must include first-aid facilities and a people wearing a special "Doping ▼ One or two keys to the room.
doping control station. Control" badge are allowed entry.
MEDICAL & FIRST-AID FACILITIES
These must be in two separate pla- ▼ Access corridors leading to the These must be easily accessible,
ces, each with a separate entrance, doping control station must have correctly equipped, clearly posted
regardless of the hall's seating capa- a sign posted that says: "Doping with signs, regularly cleaned, and
city. Control". ready for use for every event.

THE DOPING CONTROL STATION The doping control station must The number of sick or injured per-
All organizers of FIBA official com- include the following: sons brought to the medical service
petitions, which involve national facilities and the kind of treatment
teams (World Championships, ▼ A waiting room with comfortable required will vary according to the
Continental Championships, Pre- chairs (minimum 10); a refrigera- event in question.
Olympic Tournaments) or clubs, must tor with drinks in cans or glass
ensure that a room is made available bottles sealed with caps; a table Venues with a large seating capacity
for doping controls, and that this with information leaflets on are not always used for sports
room complies with the standards doping; and, if possible, during events, but also for shows, concerts,
required by the FIBA Regulations. tournaments, a television and political meetings.
showing the games
Failure to comply with this require- "First-aid patients" require different
ment may result in sanctions. ▼ A processing room, comprised of treatment compared to Christmas
one or two rooms separate from and New Year's Eve revellers with an
▼ The doping control station must the waiting room and furnished upset stomach or dazed fans at a
be suitable for the intended pur- with a desk for writing and hand- rock concert.
pose and should not have any ling the urine bottles; a table at
other use (storage room, office, which the athletes can observe Basketball team members amongst
linen storage, or sickroom). the handling and sealing of their others, are usually accompanied by
urine and/or blood collection ves- their own medical staff (doctor and
▼ It should be large enough to sels; chairs; a lockable cupboard physiotherapist).
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 55
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

Massage tables should be provided in quency of events. STANDARD LIST OF EQUIPMENT

the changing rooms. The standard list of contents for the FOR THE SICK BAY
sick bay should not be exhaustive.
Events in gymnasiums and stadiums Only the necessary equipment listed Furniture
without air-conditioning and events will be provided in halls with small ▼ Office chairs - storage units -
organized during the hot summer crowds. lockable medicine cabinet - reco-
period can give rise to unusual medi- very couch - electrically adjustable
cal problems. Furthermore, from year to year, as examination table - refrigerator -
medicine advances, new equipment trolleys and wheelchairs - telepho-
Waiting in lines and overcrowding can will be required to meet modern tech- ne - paper for recording notes on
develop at the sick bay when specta- niques. the treatment administered (note-
tors find themselves being pushed book - computer)- spotlights/exa-
around in a crowd or involved in a TYPES OF ILLNESS REQUIRING TREATMENT mining lamps - torches.
possible scuffle. The reasons for seeking medical
attention range from cuts and bruises Basic equipment
Thus, it is vital that there are the to serious, even critical, problems. ▼ Stethoscopes - blood pressure
essentials needed to provide ambula- cuffs - emesis basins (kidney trays)
tory care, from minor injuries to the Trivial ailments can be varied, ranging - scissors - reflex hammer - dispo-
more serious, and to know how to from digestive troubles to back pain, sable tongue depressors - mini-
direct somebody as quickly as possi- migraines and nosebleeds, right mum ENT equipment (Clar mirror or
ble to the hospitals' Accident & through to stress, vagal syncope, othoscope - nasal speculum) -
Emergency Departments. A triage alcohol abuse, and hypoglycemia. Guedel cannula (for adults and
system must be developed. children) - tongs.
It is not uncommon for patients to arri-
SICK BAY ve with wounds that may need stit- ▼ Hot/cold cushion - ice bag or cold
For approximately 5,000 spectators ching, or injuries requiring special pack - cold spray - electronic ther-
A sick bay in a hall for 5,000 specta- support. mometer.
tors should have several rooms, if
possible, which will be needed if there Serious problems will be admitted to a ▼ Motorized syringe (mains or bat-
is a large influx of patients. hospital; the patient may be suffering tery operated) for slow injection
from a myocardial infarction (heart with a regulated flow.
It must be possible to treat one attack), cerebral vascular accident (a
patient, while attending to or exami- stroke), asthmatic attack (asthma), or ▼ Compress packages - bandages -
ning another. be in a coma. plasters.

Thus, a minimum of two examination It is advisable, therefore, to be able to ▼ Bottles of disinfectant.

rooms must be available, and provi- respond to the most common situa-
sions made for several patients to lie tions, but also to be prepared for all ▼ PH test strips (litmus paper).
down, preferably on trolley beds eventualities, without being obliged to
rather than fixed ones. get the patient to hospital as quickly ▼ Vacuum mattress - survival
as possible. blanket.
For approximately 15,000 spectators
A main sickbay is essential on the EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ▼ Nebulizer (aerosols).
ground floor, and at the same level as Once a patient has been diagnosed,
the playing court. the medical staff will be required to ▼ Defibrillator - monitor.
There should be first-aid rooms and act.
rest rooms on different floors and in The following should be available: Minor surgery
the gangways. ▼ Sterile fenestrated drapes - thread
▼ Medication. - clips - sterile gloves - dressing -
Provisions must be made to enable razors - Steristrips - minor surgery
casualties or sick patients to be tran- ▼ Material to dress and stitch up instrument set.
sported on stretchers or wheelchairs wounds, apply strapping or a
using the elevators. splint. ▼ Disinfectants - hemostatic spon-
ges (Merocel - Surgicel).
All the medical facilities and the first- ▼ Equipment to ventilate and to clear
aid workers must be linked together the airway and to provide oxygen. Supports
using up-to-date communication ▼ Support bandages, rigid and semi-
systems (cellular phones or walkie ▼ Equipment for the administration of rigid - ready-made splints -
talkies). intravenous fluids. Elastoplast - Elastomousse -
sprays for strapping - tubular ela-
The staff and the amount of necessary ▼ Equipment to monitor the heart stic bandages - San-Splint (low
equipment are usually proportionate rate and blood pressure. A defibril- temperature thermoplastic pro-
to the size of the arenas or the fre- lator should be available. duct).
PAGE 56 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
Ventilation ▼ Relaxants - tranquilisers. CATHLONS
▼ Ambu bag - oxygen tanks - various Intra vascular catheters with different
oxygen masks (adult and child) - ▼ Antiemetics - antidiarrheal drugs. sizes.
high concentration oxygen mask,
airway cannula,- suction system ▼ Antispasmodics - antihistamines. EPILEPTIC FIT
(endotracheal and gastric) - intu- ▼ Bricanyl (terbutaline - during an Epilepsy or epileptic disease.
bation system (adult and child) - asthma attack).
goggles for tube placement. DEFIBRILLATOR
▼ Loxapac (Loxapine - neuroleptic). Apparatus which delivers an electric
▼ Laryngoscope (+ battery + lamp + shock to prevent fibrillation of the car-
adult and pediatric blades) - Magill ▼ Loxen (Nicardipine - arterial hyper- diac muscle.
forceps - nasal aspirator - nebuli- tension).
ser. ▼ Narcan or Nalone (Naloxone - DEXTRO
Perfusion opiate antagonist). Device placed on the end of the finger
▼ Cathlon catheters of various cali- to measure the presence of glucose in
bres - infusion tubes with three- ▼ Anexate (Flumazenil - benzodiaze- the blood.
way taps - infusion stand and pine antagonist).
brackets - syringes (1, 2, 10, 20 and EPISTAXIS
50 cc) - IV needles - trocards - ▼ Rivotril (Clonazepam - for treating Nasal bleeding (nosebleed).
tourniquet strapping- OpSite dres- epileptic seizures)
sing. LARYNGOSCOPE
▼ Xylocaine (local anaesthetic). Fiberoptic instrument for viewing the
Diagnosis and monitoring larynx and glottis.
▼ Electrocardiogram (batteries - Staff
paper) - monitoring device with ▼ Doctors with experience in medi- HIGH CONCENTRATION MASK
alarm - saturometer (respiratory cal care in sports medicine and Mask used to deliver a high concen-
distress) - Dextro device (glyce- general medicine. tration of oxygen.
mia) - Peak-flow (asthma).
▼ Registered nurse. CLAR MIRROR ENT
Medication head mirror with lamp, used to exami-
Solutions: ▼ Personnel certified in first aide. ne the ear, nose and throat.

▼ Glucose ISO 5 % - 500 ml Evacuation MONITOR OR SCOPE

▼ Prior contact with the emergency Continual surveillance device (pulse -
▼ Glucose hyper 30 % - 500 ml services and police close to the blood pressure - ECG), with alarm.
site.
▼ Plasmion - 500 ml or Elohes - 500 ml OPSITE
- (hydroxyethylamine) ▼ Parking spaces reserved for Transparent adhesive dressing to
ambulances (occasionally a heli- keep perfusions in place.
▼ Physiological serum - 500 ml copter).
PEAK-FLOW
▼ Bicarbonate solution. ▼ 1 or 2 vehicles on site for priority Device that measures the volume of
emergency evacuation, if possible, air blown expired, to diagnose asthma
▼ Ringer lactate - 500 ml - (for trea- with a police motorbike. attacks.
ting dehydration).
SATUROMETER
Medication administered orally or GLOSSARY Device placed on the end of the finger
intravenously or attached to the ear lobe to measure
▼ Heparin - Trinitrin - Adrenalin - AMBU the oxygen saturation level; allows
Atropine - Solumedrol - Valium - Balloon and mask for ventilation. respiratory distress to be detected
Lasilix - Strong salbutamol Disposable. and quantified.
(Salbumol).
ANTIEMETIC STERISTRIP
▼ Sprays: Cortisone nasal spray - Medication used to treat nausea and Self-adhesive suture strips used to
Ventoline. vomiting. close wounds.

▼ Analgesics (it is difficult to super- BENZODIAZEPINE STRAPPING

vise a toxic drugs cupboard in a Anxiolytic. Support provided by adhesive elastic
sick bay). bandages.
GUEDEL AIRWAY
▼ Anti-inflammatories (anti-inflam- Airway canula device used to keep an
matory non-steroids, AINS- corti- unconscious patient's tongue in
costeroids). place.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 57
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

ATHLETE NUTRITION
by Drew Cleary part I
Drew Cleary enters his 8th season in will be a lot easier to get there psy- does not take a rocket scientist to noti-
the NBA and is currently the Strength chologically. Your performance is ce which of the two athletes took bet-
and Conditioning Coach with the based on the fuels you eat. If you don't ter care of his body.
Washington Wizards. He has worked believe me, don't eat at all the day of a Second, the types of food you consu-
with the Portland Trailblazers, the game, and see how well you play. Here me should be selected based on the
Orlando Magic and, individually, with is how it works. type of workloads placed on your body
Scottie Pippen and Monica Seles. Each meal has two important factors. during the day's activities. For exam-
The time of day (breakfast, lunch, din- ple, if you have performed a tough off-
DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING ner) and what your upcoming energy season weight lifting program, and
A LEAN PHYSIQUE requirements are for the day (practice, then played basketball for two hours,
What I am about to describe to you is game, weight training, etc). Let us clo- you will need more calories to repair
more that a "diet", this is a lifestyle sely examine these two factors to bet- the tissue and replenish the energy
change that feeds your body accor- ter understand how this works. stores depleted during the workout. If
ding to the activity level of your day. I First, each meal is designed to address you are relaxing at home on Sunday,
like to call this lifestyle "flow". Flow is the dietary requirements of that speci- watching American football or soccer
actually a psychological state that is fic time of day. This means the body on a day-off, you will need substantial-
most accurately described as the little needs different nutrients at different ly less calories as your body is at rest.
experiences we have everyday doing times of the day. The meals of breakfa- If you are going to build a one-story
something we love. It is the little buzz st, lunch and dinner have specific die- house, you need about four feet of
that we get that makes us love what tary needs that these respective meals foundation to build the structure. If you
we do. It could be as small as enjoying fuel. For example carbohydrates fuel were about to build a 100-story sky-
your kids, playing a guitar, or basket- the body's energy needs and proteins scraper you would need substantially
ball. It is the motivation we have to do repair torn and broken down tissues. more than four feet. And you would
it again and again. It makes you feel So, if you were about to run a need strong material, don't try to build
good. As you get better at the skill you marathon, you would not get up the a skyscraper out of a plaster founda-
become more and more addicted. Flow morning of the race and eat a steak tion. You will certainly need cement.
is the reason you play basketball. (protein). You need energy, you would Diet is no different. If you need strong
When you get in "the zone" and nobody eat carbohydrates. And, alternately, proteins to repair broken down tissue,
can stop you from scoring in a game, after lifting weights you would no eat don't eat some crap. Don't bring a
that high you are feeling is "flow". This pancakes (carbohydrates), your body knife to a gunfight! Above, all you need
style of eating I am about to outline is needs protein to repair the broken to live by the following principle "eat to
no different. It allows you to feed the down tissue from the hard workout. live, don't live to eat". You must feel
energy systems your body needs to You can not fuel a steam engine with good about each meal you consume
perform at your best, as well as crea- gasoline! A steam engine needs that the meal is feeding your needs to
ting the required energy to repair torn steam; a gasoline engine needs gasoli- perform at your highest level. This will
tissue from the workloads placed on ne. The quality of the fuel is also propel you into the next meal. You are
your body from practice, games and important. If you put low octane fuel in in flow. Here is how it works.
weight training. When you feed your your car you will get a low octane Athletes have specific nutritional
body the nutrients it needs at the time performance (less miles per gallon) needs at specific times of the day con-
of day, your body wants the nutrients and the engine will have a shorter life tingent on the activity levels of the day.
you will: span (low octane fuels have more I recommend eating specific meals
additives that clog pistons and even- based on the activity level. Obviously,
1. Develop a lean physique, which is tually result in the engine having a the more you train the more calories
more durable to the long basketball shorter life). The type of fuel you put in you will need to develop your body. If
season. your body is no different. If you put you choose to put poor quality fuels
2. Repair tissue that has been broken quality fuel into your body, it will burn into your body you will get mediocre
down from competition. cleaner, allowing you to perform at a results. Be specific about what you
3. Reduce recovery time, which will higher level and reduce the wear on are eating and why you are eating it. If
reduce injuries. your body. This will enable you to have you have weight concerns, these die-
4. Above all allow you to perform at a longer injury reduced career. tary habits will work for you.
your highest level. Charles Barkley and Karl Malone ente- Obviously, if you are over-weight, then
red the NBA one-year apart. Who had your dietary habits are not the best to
If your body is in the zone physically, it the longer, injury-reduced, career? It begin with. Let us start with breakfast,

PAGE 58 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 I mean it will stay with you during the
course of the day. The oatmeal seems
to sit in your stomach like a "brick"
propelling you without hunger to the
next meal. Although I also recommend
cereal, it does not seem to last as long
in your stomach as oatmeal. The num-
ber of calories per cup of oatmeal is
around 150 depending on the com-
pany that manufactures the product.
Oatmeal has a high amount of fiber
which also helps with the hunger
pains.
There are many different types of oat-
meal. Once you have selected the oat-
meal, you will need to prepare the
stuff.
HOW TO PREPARE OATMEAL
Some people prepare oatmeal with
milk. This is fine, but I would prefer
you to use water. We can control the
number of calories coming into your
body better if you use water. If you
want to use milk it is all right, simply
factor the extra calories that are in
the milk. If you are an athlete that
does not have body composition pro-
blems (athletes that are trying to drop
body fat) then using milk would be
fine, more on that in a minute. If you
a very important meal. very hungry very soon because the are trying to drop body fat, do not use
nutritional value of the sugar filled milk. After the oatmeal is cooked in
MORNING MEAL (BREAKFAST) foods are limited and short lasting in either the microwave or on the stove
(90% Carbohydrates - 10 % Proteins) your body. When you eat carbohydra- (makes no difference) it is preferable
Breakfast is a key meal, because it tes your body produces insulin to to sweeten the oats with some yogurt.
gives you the foundation of energy break down the carbohydrate (diabe- Why yogurt? Our stomachs have acti-
that you will use throughout your acti- tics inject insulin because their pan- ve bacteria that help with the dige-
ve day. A lot of athletes do not eat creas is unable to manufacture it). stion of foods. If you get sick and
breakfast. If you skip breakfast your One of the other effects of insulin on vomit (throw up), doctors will recom-
energy levels will be low all day. The your body is that it allows you to store mend yogurt as you recover, because
make up of breakfast has to be tailo- body fat. The more sugar you eat the it is soft (should you throw up again it
red to the energy requirements for the more insulin released by your pan- comes up easy) and it replaces the
day. It is the meal that will get you to creas, and the more fat deposits your lost bacteria in the stomach. It will
lunch. The energy required to get you body will be able to make. This is why help your stomach feel good. My pre-
to lunch is carbohydrate, specifically, the Adkins diet has been a success ference is for plain yogurt as it has
complex carbohydrate. even though it is very dangerous. The very little sugar. It makes the oats
On any typical day you will have prac- higher the glycemic index the more creamy, but not too sweet. Make sure
tice, maybe lift weights, go shoot, refined carbohydrate or sugar the the yogurt you choose has active
have a game or in the off-season play product has. We need to eat carbohy- bacilli. These are little bacteria that
pick up basketball. Either way, you drates for energy but we have to be are present in yogurt that are also in
will need energy to do these things. specific about which ones we eat. We your stomach. You may choose to use
Predominantly complex carbohydra- want high fiber, low glycemic index the flavored yogurts for a little extra
tes high in fiber are optimal for this foods. The below recommendations taste. This is fine; just understand
meal with a very small amount of pro- are cheap, good for you and will stay these flavored varieties have more
tein. Reduce the amount of simple with you longer until you eat your next sugar. Try to utilize the fat-free or low-
carbohydrate that you consume. This meal. Let me break down the breakfa- fat varieties.
means a pop tarts, donuts, or even st menu.
high sugar cereals such as fruit loops Some of the best breakfast sources 2. CEREAL
are out. The sugars in these foods are are outlined below. What you mix in with the cereal:
quickly broken down and taken into
your body, usually leaving you very 1. OATMEAL ▼ Cows Milk - Most people put milk on
hungry in a relatively short period of Oatmeal has been around for centu- their cereal or oatmeal which is fine.
time after consumption. You will be ries. It is reasonably dense. By dense I would recommend the lower fat
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 59
 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

think this is the best breakfast choice.

MID DAY MEAL (LUNCH)

60% Carbohydrates - 40 % Proteins
Lunch is a pivotal meal. In the NBA our
athletes practice in the morning, usually.
When you get up in the morning and
eat some oatmeal, full of complex car-
bohydrates ready for the morning
practice that is what the body needs at
that time of day, energy. After practice
we have depleted the body of sugar.
We have expended energy and broken
tissue down by running, cutting, stop-
ping, sliding (this is the stiffness we
feel after practice and games).
So, after practice we want a blend of
carbohydrates to replenish the lost
sugar supply (this is also tomorrow’s
energy supply) and protein so your
body can begin to repair the tissue that
has been torn down. The focus of this
meal is to replenish the lost carbohy-
drate stores and provide protein to
2%, or skim variety if you choose milk. 3. HOT BREAKFAST begin the repair of the tissue.
I would prefer you to use soymilk Everybody enjoys a hot breakfast every
though for the following reasons. now and then. This can be had occa- Lunch has three elements:
sionally. If you eat this everyday you
▼ Soymilk - I recommend the soymilk are not going to have an athletic physi- a. Carbohydrates
for breakfast over regular milk que, I promise. b. Proteins
because: What about bread, bagels, and c. Vegetables
a. Lactose intolerance. Many people pastries?
suffer from lactose intolerance, I am not a big fan of bread and baked A. CARBOHYDRATES
which means when you eat dairy goods. If you are attempting to change As we have expended a lot of energy
products such as milk, ice cream or your body composition then I would during practice, we need to put that
cheese you get diarrhea. Soymilk is definitely advise you to drastically energy back. This meal requires a
not from a lactating mammal (cow); reduce the amount of bread you consu- small amount of complex carbohydrate
it is from a plant (soy), so lactose me all the time. It seems bread is very that is high in fiber. As mentioned in the
intolerance is not a factor. easy to eat, as I am sure you are aware breakfast portion, try to avoid bread as
b. There is no cholesterol in soymilk. when a waiter brings you the breadba- the complex carbohydrate source. The
We consume a lot of animal pro- sket at a restaurant. Breads also have following are some acceptable forms
ducts during the day (chicken, pork, a high glycemic value that will cause of lunch time complex carbohydrate.
beef, fish, cheese, eggs). Milk is a extreme insulin release.
relatively small and easy animal We just plain don't like bread. Try to 1. Whole Wheat Pasta - Whole wheat
product to give up. Over time a quite stay away from it or at least reduce pasta has a lower glycemic value
substantial reduction in the overall your consumption. If you are eating out than the refined white pasta. That
amount of animal products that we don't let the wait staff even place it in means there is less insulin produ-
consume. The silk series are proba- front of you because I can guarantee, ced by the body when you eat
bly the best. Be careful with the fla- that if it is front of you, you will end up whole wheat pasta than white
vored varieties of soymilk, as they eating more bread than actual meal. Be pasta. The less insulin produced by
are higher in sugar. The stuff also polite but simply say "no bread thank your body, the less ability your body
lasts forever. It will not go bad for you". With the current Adkins diet being has to store fat.
about two months. so popular the wait staff hears that all
the time. Special Note On Preparation. Do not
▼ Berries - The morning is also a great The recommendation for breakfast is cook the pasta all the way until it is
time to eat fruit. Adding blueberries, oatmeal or cereal. The reason for this sloppy and soft. The sloppier or softer
blackberries, strawberries, raspber- is two folds. Firstly, oatmeal stays with the pasta the more you break down the
ries, bananas, etc, not only add the body for a little bit longer, meaning bonds of the pasta and the glycemic
great anti oxidants (anti aging vita- you will not get hungry as quick after index becomes higher (even in whole
mins) to your diet they also add fla- eating. Secondly, the composition of wheat pasta). Cook the pasta so it is
vor. Eat plenty of berries at breakfa- oatmeal is very good; there are around still a little stiff.
st. Eat plenty of fruit in the morning 27 grams of carbohydrate, 4 grams of This way the glycemic index stays
and eat NONE in the EVENING. fiber and around 5 grams of protein. I down and your body has to work a little
PAGE 60 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
extra to break it down.
CARBOHYDRATE DENSITIES
2. Brown Rice - When rice is harve- DENSITY LEVEL CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE
sted before being milled it is cove- 1 Green vegetables (Beans, Broccoli, Peas, Spinach)
red in a harder protective cover. As 2 Salad (salad is great use extreme caution with dressings)
we mill rice the outer protective 3 Yellow vegetables (corn, squash, carrots)
sheath (known as a husk) becomes 4 Fruit (high in sugar, also high in fiber which is good, not at night)
worn down and the outer husk is 5 Brown Rice, Whole wheat pasta the high density boys.
slowly removed. White rice has had 6* Bread (I don’t like this as a source but its alright occasionally)*
the entire husk removed. This is 7* Potatoes (High glycemic index, seldom eat these)*
known as refining. Just as white
pasta has been refined white rice is *Only on very hard training days should you eat bread and potatoes, never at night.
refined. White sugar has been refi-
ned from brown sugar. The following Rate your Day to determine carbohydrate requirements.
are some examples of brown rice.
LEVEL BODY WORK LOAD FOR THE DAY
Brown rice takes a little longer to cook, 1-7 Hardest training day on my body in a while
notice the cook time on the box of 30 1-6 Hard training day on my body
minutes. Choose the rice that is highest 1-5 Medium training day on my body
in fiber. 1-4 Low training day on my body
When choosing your brown rice, look at 1-3 Day Off no training on my body
the fiber content on the label. The
higher the fiber content in grams the
better selection of rice. As with pasta Unrefined Equivalent Carbohydrate the hustle and bustle of today’s world I
rice should not be over cooked either ▼ Whole Wheat Spaghetti understand that a sandwich is very
making it soft or “soggy”. Cooking easy to prepare and consume on the
brown rice will take longer than cooking ▼ Brown Rice run. So, occasionally it is alright to eat
white rice, because the outer husk is a some bread. If you must eat it try to uti-
little more resistant to the penetration of 3. Potatoes - Potatoes fall in with bread lize the breads that are highest in fiber,
the boiling water. Cook it until it is sligh- and I consider potatoes a simple car- but even these are high on the glycemic
tly “crunchy”. bohydrate because it causes such a index. Eat bread only occasionally at
spike in insulin. We just plain don’t like breakfast or lunch.
The following is an outline of the diffe- potatoes. Everyone loves a French fry,
rence in fiber content between whole which is OK occasionally. If you must CARBOHYDRATE DENSITIES
and refined carbohydrates. I know the have a potato every now and then try to Carbohydrates have densities. These
numbers do not look to be that much but get the baked variety with low fat butter densities range from low such as green
it is very important to select the highest and low fat sour cream. Make sure you vegetables through to high which is
fiber product. eat the skin of the potato as this is bread and potatoes at the top. The chart
where all the fiber is located. The white above is a break down of the carbohy-
Refined Carbohydrate fluffy inside is very high on the glycemic drate densities.
▼ White Spaghetti index. Based on them, I think you understand
the process. The harder you work on one
▼ White Rice 4. Bread - As mentioned in the breakfast scale the high up you can go on the
section we don’t really like bread. But in other. If you are on a day off you are not
going to need a big pile of rice.
You may still have a small serving but not as
much as you might have on a training day.
Common sense says you can have as much
green vegetable and salad (use caution
with the dressing) as you want here.
On off days you may want to eat some
more yellow vegetable or even some
beans (lima, navy, etc) instead of the
heavier carbohydrates such as rice,
pasta, potatoes.

For questions/comments, please write

an e-mail to: [email protected].
For more information, visit www.hoo-
pstrength.com, a free site for the deve-
lopment of strength and conditioning
specific to the basketball player.

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 61

 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

REDUCING THE RISKS

by Tony Ward
OF RE-INJURY
Tony Ward works as a Sports only injury treatment, but also in the pre- ankle injuries is stated to be around 25% of
Physiotherapist at the Australian Institute vention of sports injuries within various all basketball injuries arriving for treat-
of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. He is involved sport programs. I have recently under- ment at sports injury clinics. Although they
with the AIS men's and women's basket- taking a 3-year review into the incidence do not account for the greatest days mis-
ball programs, and was the team phy- of ankle injuries and the effect these inju- sed from the court per injury (knee injuries
siotherapist for the 2003 Australian FIBA ries have on the basketball programs at being the highest), their prevalence in
World Champion junior men's basketball the AIS. As numerous literature articles basketball accounts for a significant time
team. (email: [email protected]) have stated the incidence of ankle injuries in total athlete days spent out of team trai-
in sports that involve running, jumping and ning.
Through my role as a sports physiothera- cutting movements (of which basketball is
pist for elite athletes, I am involved in not one), is exceedingly high. The incidence of At the AIS we studied the injury rates in

PAGE 62 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE

 DOCTORS, TRAINERS AND CONDITIONING COACHES

our elite court programs and found that in we found that a lack of continued rehabi- been limiting the athlete's time from parti-
one year (2001), ankle injuries accounted litation, especially once the athlete had cipation in training sessions and also ser-
for 82 athlete training days lost from full returned to normal team training (average vicing a better outcome for the coaches
team practices in the men's program 5.8 days post injury) and poor athlete com- throughout the year. Results over the pro-
alone. Furthermore, the team had 19 ankle pliance, appeared to be the main determi- ceeding years from 2001, have shown a
injuries, affecting 58% of the team's athle- nants in ankle re-injury. clinically significant reduction in ankle
tes and of most significance 7 re-injuries injury and re-injury rates. The AIS men's
within the year. This accounted for AIS ANKLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND basketball team in 2003 had in comparison
approximately 1 re-injury in every 3 ankles PREVENTATIVE INTERVENTIONS (2001) only 7 (19) injuries, this being 35%
injured. Due to the statistics obtained from the (58) of the team's athletes and of most
men's basketball team in 2001, a review of significance 1 re-injury within the year.
Literature on ankle injury rates have sta- the preventative interventions and rehabi- This accounted for 36 (82) athlete training
ted that the biggest predictor of ankle inju- litation protocols was undertaken. This days lost from full team practices and
ries is in fact previous ankle injury. review prompted the following preventati- approximately 1 re-injury in every 7 (3)
Postural control deficits have been shown ve measures to be implemented or impro- ankles injured.
to be existent in athletes who had not ved.
performed balance retraining exercises 8 WHAT WAS THE OUTSTANDING REASON?
weeks post injury; even though the athle- 1. Team and athlete education: The athle- The ability to gain the athlete's compliance
te may have returned to playing high level tes had formal education sessions based to rehabilitation over an extended period
sport. Within the court sports at the AIS on common basketball injuries (including of time was the key factor in producing
(men's/ women's basketball and netball) ankle sprains). This covered management these positive changes in ankle injury
within the first 24 hours and continued rates. This was predominantly due to the
management following this period. introduction of a structured rehabilitation
Included in this session was appropriate protocol. Similar positive results have
self-ankle taping, where the team was been found at the AIS in the use of rehabi-
shown the expected requirements of litation training programs, for basketball
taping. At the AIS athletes are required to athletes returning to modified training after
tape and/ or brace for every court based injury or illness. Various structured pro-
training session. grams based upon expected training heart
rates and perceived exertion levels are
2. Balance control program: In conjunc- currently used to maintain strict training
tion with team weigh training, emphasis in loads for athletes in modified training.
special condition was given to balance These have successfully reduced pressu-
training as a means of ankle injury preven- re on the coaching staff in modifying exi-
tion, this involved the use of equipment sting team practices. It has facilitated the
such as wobble board, minitramp and athlete's understanding in the process of
balance beam. The challenge of these training within their injury capabilities, and
exercises was continually increased over developed greater success of the sports
time. medicine personnel in interpreting the ath-
letes modified training and integrating this
3. As well as these preventative initiatives back to normal team levels.
the rehabilitation management of ankle
injuries was upgraded and formalized by CONCLUSION
the development of a post injury ”21-day The AIS men's basketball program has
rehabilitation program”. This program shown a significant reduction in the num-
was based on functional requirements for ber of ankle injuries and re-injury rates
athletes returning to sport and used cur- with its scholarship year. This has been
rent ideas, established through an intensi- achieved through a multi level approach:
ve literature review on ankle injury and 1. Appropriate taping for games and trai-
prevention. The 3-week program allowed ning.
for early to late stage balance control, 2. Regular preventative team balance trai-
strength exercises and functional drills in ning.
the third "sports specific" week. 3. Appropriate acute injury management.
Importantly this program was continued 4. Full completion of a 21-day rehabilita-
for the full duration of rehabilitation, even tion program post injury.
once the athlete had returned to full team Combined with an athlete's understan-
training. ding of their injury and rehabilitation com-
pliance, a reduction of re-injury rates can
Over the last two years we have seen a be expected. The ability to limit ankle re-
reduction in ankle injuries within our court injury plays an important role in athlete
programs, but most importantly we have management and potential risk of further
been able to reduce the ankle re-injury injury to the ankle joint and surrounding
rates. The effect of these changes has tissues.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 63
 MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL
MINI-BASKETBALL, SCHOOL GAMES
GAMES AND
AND ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES

MINI IS GETTING
BIGGER
IN PORTUGAL
by António San Payo Araújo

António San Payo Araújo is now

Technical Director of the National
Committee of Mini-basketball,
Coordinator of the Formation of the area
of Mini-basket at the National School of
Basketball, and level III coach. He was ▼ Contribute to a harmonious develop- zations, municipalities, and enterpri-
previously a teacher of Basketball and ment of the children and to the begin- ses the importance and possibilities
Methodology of Sports Games at the ning of a sports activity. of mini-basketball, beside the capa-
Naval School Physical education Centre. ▼ Lead the children to regular sports city of organization of the CNMB.
activity. ▼ Bring mini-basketball to every munici-
“Say Mini-basket, not Mini-basketball. pality in the country, giving greater
Mini-basket means precisely that this is DYNAMIC OF THE NATIONAL expression to a regular and conti-
one thing, and basketball is another diffe- COMMITTEE OF MINI-BASKETBALL nuous practice all over the country.
rent game.” We would like to explain:
Mário Lemos ▼ Who we are. WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE
(one of the founder of mini-basketball in ▼ What are our targets. ▼ A sponsor, QUERU, a food company,
Portugal) ▼ What are our aims. who allows the presence of other
▼ What we already have. sponsors or partners - unless they are
After the excellent FIBA World Junior ▼ What we have been doing. in the same business.
Championship in 1999 in Portugal, mini- ▼ Our plan of action. ▼ A plan of action “Multiply 2000”.
basketball reassumed vital strategic ▼ 21 regional committees.
importance in regard of the development WHO WE ARE ▼ Protocols with municipalities.
of basketball in our country. Due to the We are the National Committee of Mini- ▼ Over 8,000 youngsters enrolled in FPB.
great enthusiasm during the World Junior Basketball – CNMB an organization ▼ A program of events, which is expan-
Championship, the National Mini- within the Portuguese Federation of ding to informal players. This may
Basketball Committee became active Basketball, FPB -, created at the begin- reach over 16,000 youngsters in Mini-
again. The recognition of coaches and ning of 2000 to develop mini-basketball in basketball.
clubs, which have been promoting chil- Portugal. CNMB coordinates 21 regional ▼ Information of all mini-basketball acti-
dren’s games all over the country, has committees. vities taking place around the country.
become the major task of the Committee. ▼ Mini-basketball within the Federation
This recognition is made through the free WHAT ARE OUR TARGETS in 148 municipalities. In 2000 there were
clinics organized by many clubs and by ▼ All municipalities in the country. only 112 with Mini-basketball clubs.
the schools for coaches and teachers all ▼ All schools from the 1st to the 6th year ▼ 347 clubs have mini-basketball.
over the country. With the clear notion of school, over 800.000 children.
that mini-basketball only acquires its real WHAT WE ARE DOING EVERY SEASON
meaning when it constitutes a true acti- WHAT ARE OUR AIMS ▼ Sports activity: We organize 4 events,
vity that gives pleasure and satisfaction ▼ To widen social and sports importan- which encompass all regional com-
to all children, priorities have been esta- ce of mini-basketball in every munici- mittees (2 national jamboree and 2
blished as follows: pality and every school in the first six national festivals). We also support a
▼ Give pleasure and satisfaction to all years all over the country. program of inter-regional committees
children. ▼ To show to all entities, official organi- festivals.
PAGE 64 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
▼ Formation activity: We organize 20 to CNMB GUIDELINES
25 clinics for coaches and teachers all The main CNMB guidelines, in regard
over the country. to social and sports reality, are as fol-
▼ Promotion activity: We organize 10 to lows:
15 promotion activities of mini-basket- ▼ Define the sport philosophy of mini-
ball every year. basketball and organise the annual
plan of activities.
PLAN OF ACTION “MULTIPLY 2000” ▼ Support technically and logistically
To think globally and implement regionally is the regional committees.
our way increase the development of mini- ▼ Develop and encourage projects,
basketball. Increasing the activity only has which lead to better quality and
a real expression and meaning if it is faced quantity of mini-basketball.
as a continuous, integrated, and global per-
spective, articulated with other projects, WHAT ARE OUR TARGETS
the aim of which is naturally the develop- Our future targets are:
ment of basketball. It is well known that ▼ To reach 2% of our target 800.000 chil-
occasional activities rarely bring lasting dren; approximately 16.000 mini-
results. basketball players.
The plan of action of CNMB is the creation ▼ Bring mini-basketball to all municipali-
of conditions of human and logistical ties of the country.
resources, which enable the development
of mini-basketball in a regular and conti- THE FUTURE
nuous way. With the very clear idea of sup- After a brief survey, we found that mini- formation and ways of recognition are
port and recognition of the human factor, basketball in Portugal has been growing essential in this process.
CNMB has a project with possibilities of since the year 2000, but it has not yet Under this point of view the new site of
coordination and development of the activi- reached the peak that we have in mind. the FPB is a good start and, at the same
ties, and also stimulates regional commit- We know that coaches and teachers are time, a good meeting place in order to
tees to promote the practice of mini-basket. of main importance for children’s intere- awaken and widen the interest of a large
The realisation of this project has only been st and the most important factor for the debate for developing this wonderful
possible through the combined efforts of development of mini-basketball. We activity called mini-basketball. If we are
clubs, coaches, teachers, municipalities must continue to help foster these very able to succeed, children will have a
and the help of the children’s families. important elements. Therefore, a regular happy future.

Regional Municipalities Municipalities Inhabitants Inhabitants Mini-basketball

Committees with practice 6-12 years players

Lisbon 16 12 2.051.937 152.008 895

Porto 18 14 1.678.380 150.103 517
Braga 14 7 815.976 76.079 401
Aveiro 19 12 673.447 58.452 992
Setúbal 13 10 768.224 57.150 639
Leiria 16 8 424.297 33.626 157
Santarém 22 8 457.412 33.411 231
Viseu 24 8 413.554 32.647 949
Alentejo 42 12 464.790 32.062 244
Algarve 16 9 362.854 29.846 331
Coimbra 17 7 430.977 29.408 570
Madeira 11 4 257.594 24.432 538
Vila Real 14 3 234.350 19,163 546
Viana 10 8 258.392 18.710 332
São Miguel 6 3 128.092 15.212 258
C. Branco 11 4 216.697 14.465 241
Guarda 14 12 184.510 13.483 163
Bragança 12 3 162.809 11.622 51
Terceira 2 1 56.540 5.099 248
Faial 4 2 29.740 2.461 62
S Maria 1 1 6.000 648 49
Total 302 148 10.076.572 810.107 8414

FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 12 2005 | PAGE 65

 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

play
GANON, THE ONE-ON-ONE MASTER
with us
In a past issue, n. 10, September/October 2004, I was very im-
pressed by the article and the description of the moves of Ga-
2. Wake Forest (Skip Prosser)
PO Box 7265
Winston Salem, NC 27109-7265
non Baker. He showed some of the NBA dribble moves. I am Tel.++336-758.5622
interested to know more about his background, how I can
contact him, and if he has written other materials on offensi- 3. Kansas (Bill Self)
ve moves. 1651 Naismith Drive
Pablo Laso, Buenos Aires, Argentina Lawrence, KS 66045-0001
Tel. ++785-864.3056
Ganon Baker is one of the most exciting young teachers of
the fundamentals, especially the one-on-one moves. A for- 4. North Carolina (Roy Williams)
mer player at the University of Richmond in Virginia, and as- PO Box 27515-2126
sistant coach at college level, he played and coached in Ice- Chapel Hill, NC
land, and then started a company called ShakenBake, in ++919-962.1154
which he offers teaching sessions, individual one-on-one
coaching, and lectures at camps, all over the nation. In short, 5. Duke (Mike Krzyzewski)
he has become very famous for his energetic and excellent PO Box 90555
way of teaching the basics of the game. He has started to run Duhram, NC 27708-0555
clinics and camps also abroad, including one in Australia. Tel. ++919-6137500
This summer he will also come to Europe. He is also one of
the members of the NIKE Skills Academy in Oregon, and this FIBA HOOPS COACH CD-ROM
summer he will teach the basics to the top high school pro- I saw the article of Raffaele Imbrogno on Hoop Market in the last
spects in the US. issue where he wrote about the CD-ROM, "FIBA HOOPS COACH".
He produced one booklet on drills and fundamentals (you can The players involved are really some of the best in Europe (and
order it at his site www.shakenbakebasketball.com, or e- some of them are also starring in the pros). I would like to know if
mail [email protected]), as well as two videos it is possible to buy this item, and where and how to order.
and two DVDs, produced by Human Kinetics (see also on pa- Carlo Vignolo, Italy
ge 38 and 39 for more details). [email protected]

COLLEGE MANIA This CD-ROM is very appealing our readers, and we started to
I would like to correspond with the coaches of some of the receive requests on how to purchase it. FIBA will ship the CD-
top college teams. Can you tell me which teams are at the top ROM to all the Federations in the world. Anyone else interested
on the sportswriters polls this season and provide me with in it can ask for it at their national Federation. Presently, FIBA
their addresses? has not decided if, how and when to sell this fundamental ba-
Tom Wilson, Leeds, UK sketball item. As soon as we know something, we will announ-
ce it in FIBA Assist Magazine.
As you'll see, we dedicated the cover of this issue to Wake
Forest, which was on the top of the polls at the beginning of Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013
the season. At the present time (end of January) these are Castel Maggiore (BO), Italy
the top five teams, listed with the name of the coach, the ad- Tel.+39-051-6328813- Fax +39-051-6328815
dresses and the phone number. Editor-in-Chief: GIORGIO GANDOLFI
E-mail: [email protected]
1. Illinois (Bruce Weber) Note: Readers who wish to send technical or non-techni-
1700 S. Fourth Street cal articles are kindly requested to read the information in
Champaign, IL 61820-6941 the box INVITATION TO THE READERS on page 4 (or onli-
Tel. ++217-333.3400 ne at www.fiba.com).

PAGE 66 | 12 2005 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE