FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE FOR basketball enthusiasts everywhere july / august 2008

assist33

Pianigiani-Banchi
The high
pick-and-roll
Ettore Messina
Pat Sullivan
The “point zone”
Lele Molin
Jim Cervo
Understanding
3-person mechanics Fitting
Rich Dalatri
Band exercises
the opponent
 tables of contents

2008-09 FIBA CALENDAR COACHES

FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL
JULY 2008
14 - 20.07 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Zone Offense Principles 4
Tournament for Men in by Don Showalter
Athens, Greece
17 -21.07 Centrobasket
Championship for Testing and Evaluating the Motor Potential 10
Women in Morovis, Puerto of Young Basketball Players
Rico
by Frane Erculj
29.07 - 01.08 FIBA Diamond Ball for
Men in Nanjing, P.R. of
China OFFENSE
AUGUST 2008 Fitting the Opponent 12
02 - 05.08 FIBA Diamond Ball for by Ettore Messina and Lele Molin
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE Women in Haining, P.R.
IS A PUBLICATION OF FIBA of China
International Basketball Federation 09 - 24.08 Olympic Basketball
Posting Up the Perimeter Players 16
51 – 53, Avenue Louis Casaï
CH-1216 Cointrin/Geneva Switzerland Tournaments for Men by Kestutis Kemzura
Tel. +41-22-545.0000, Fax +41-22-545.0099 and Women in Beijing,
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27 - 31.08 Centrobasket The High Pick and Roll 18
IN COLLABORATION WITH Giganti del Basket, Championship for Men in by Simone Pianigiani and Luca Banchi
Cantelli Editore, Italy
Cancun, Mexico
PARTNER
WABC (World Association of Basketball
SEPTEMBER 2008 DEFENSE
Coaches), Dusan Ivkovic President
06 - 17.09 ParaOlympic Games, The "Point Zone" 24
Wheelchair Basketball by Pat Sullivan
Tournaments in Beijing,
Editor-in-Chief
Giorgio Gandolfi P.R. of China
HOOP MARKET
2009 FIBA Coaching Library 31
Editorial Office: Cantelli Editore, by Raffaele Imbrogno
V. Saliceto 22/E, 40013 Castel Maggiore (BO), June 2009
Italy, Tel. +39-051-6328811, 07 - 20.06 EuroBasket Women in
Fax +39-051 6328815 Latvia
E-mail: fibaassist@cantelli.net
Printed in Italy.
REFEREES AND GAME
Copyright 2008 by FIBA.
The magazine is published 6 times per year.
July 2009
02 - 12.07 FIBA U19 World Champion
ADMINISTRATION
FIBA, Cantelli Editore and the Editor-in-Chief are ship for Men in Understanding 3-person Mechanics 32
not responsible for the opinions expressed in Auckland (NZL) by Jim Cervo
the articles. All rights reserved. 23.07 -02.08 FIBA U19 World Champion
The National Federation and their affiliates can
reproduce any part or all the magazine for their ship for Women in
internal use, but not sell any part or all of the Bangkok (THA) Right or Wrong? 34
magazine to an external publisher without the
written permission of FIBA. september 2009
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 07 - 20.09 EuroBasket Men in Poland SPORT MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT
Donato Viglione, Filippo Arduino, Gastone Marchesi, 23 - 27.09 FIBA Americas Champion EXECUTIVES AND MARKETING
Mirco Melloni, Corrado de Belvis, Gerald Couzens, ship for Women in Mato
Raffaele Imbrogno and Lisa Cavallini. FIBA Oceania's Women's Basketball Initiative 36
Groso (BRA)
in the Pacific Islands
by Judy Smith

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Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 3

 COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

Zone Offense
Principles
by Don Showalter

Don Showalter graduated with a physi- 1. Fast breaks beat the zone down the cally know what to do during the game
cal education major and a biology minor floor. when a similar situation arises.
at Wartburg College in 1974. In the same 2. We must have constant player move-
year he started his coaching career at ment. DRILL N. 1
Lone Tree Schools, where he worked 3. We must penetrate the gaps. ▼ 1 passes inside to 5 and moves to the
until 1976. From 1976 to 1984 he was head 4. We need to make all movements right or left away from the defender,
coach at Central Elkander Community meaningful and fast. preferably in the direction of the de-
Schools, where he also teached biology. 5. We need aggressive board play. fender’s back. 5 then passes back out
Since 1984 he is head coach at Mid- 6. We must show patience against all to 1 for an open shot (diagr. 1).
Prairie Community Schools. During his zone defenses. Point of emphasis: The offense should
career, he won 15 district titles. 7. We must find ways to get the ball in- always relocate after a pass. Do not
side. stand in the same spot you passed the
We look to play a very efficient and ef- ball from.
fective zone offense. To achieve our I will now suggest some specific drills
goal, the players must first understand that I find useful for helping players un- DRILL N. 2
the basic foundations of a solid zone of- derstand the correct application of these ▼ 1 penetrates the gap between X1 and
fense. Therefore, they need to under- zone offense concepts. Repeat these X2. Once X1 and X2 stop, 1 passes to 2
stand that: drills often and players should automati- or 3 (diagr. 2).
page 4 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.1 D.4 D.7

D.2 D.5 D.8

DRILL N. 7
▼ The perimeter offensive players, 1,
2, and 3, must make a pass and then
fake a pass the second time the ball
is touched. This is especially impor-
tant for the player on top of the key
(diagr. 7).
Point of emphasis: Pass fakes
against a zone are possibly more ef-
fective than the passes themselves.
By making a pass fake (selling it
D.3 D.6
with a good, hard fake), you can get
all five defenders to shift positions.
skip pass. 2 must stay outside 15-20
feet for the shot (diagr. 4). DRILL N. 8
Point of emphasis: Wing players should ▼ 3 puts up the shot and 2 crashes the
make themselves open for skip passes. board from the weak side (diagr. 8).
Point of emphasis: This is a great
Point of emphasis: Penetrating the DRILL N. 5 opportunity to get the rebound be-
gaps in the zone forces two defenders ▼ 1, 2, and 3 should reverse the ball cause there are no blocking out as-
to guard one offensive player, thereby quickly from one side of the court to signments.
opening up a teammate on another the other. This forces the low for-
part of the court. ward to step out and guard the wing DRILL N. 9
player (diagr. 5). ▼ 1 uses the dribble to drag the de-
DRILL N. 3 Point of emphasis: Once the forward fender over towards him. He then
▼ 1 passes to 5 on the low block. 5 turns commits to guarding the wing, the can pass the ball to 2, who is now
and passes out to 2 for a shot (diagr. 3). offense can attack. open, creating an attack situation
Point of emphasis: The ball must go (diagr. 9).
inside and then back out to the weak DRILL N. 6 Point of emphasis: Drag the defense
side perimeter. This technique keeps ▼ When ball is on the wing and the op- with you, then release the ball. The
the defense from cheating in too much posite low post 5 sees an opening in dribble will pull the defense out of
and should also help isolate the post the middle of the zone, he flashes to position.
player with the ball. that open spot (diagr. 6).
Point of emphasis: Post players must DRILL N. 10
DRILL N. 4 flash to the middle to keep the de- ▼ 3 dribbles up from the baseline, pull-
▼ 2 should step into the open spot for a fense honest. ing the defense up with him. 4 steps
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 5
 COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

D.9

D.10

out behind the zone. 3 passes to 4 for

the shot (diagr. 10).
Point of emphasis: Similar to the drag
dribble, 3 is creating an open space in
the zone by utilizing a dribble. The
ball-side low-post player 4 should rec-
ognize this and move to the now va-
cated area.

D.11 D.13 D.15

D.12 D.14 D.16

page 6 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine

 D.17 D.21

D.18 D.22

DRILL N. 11
▼ 1 passes to 4 in the short corner. The D.19 D.23
high post 5 dives to the basket down
the middle of the zone. 4 looks to then step to the ball. The perimeter
pass to 5 for the shot (diagr. 11). players can utilize pass fakes to set
Point of emphasis: If a player re- up the post player (diagr. 14).
ceives a pass in the short corner, the Point of emphasis: The screen can
defense should cover that player, be used to open up a player for a
thereby opening up the middle for skip pass. If defended, the screener
the high post. should step to the ball and may find
himself open.
DRILL N. 12
▼ 1 skip passes the ball over the zone When the moves of the previous drills
to 2. The opposite wing 2 stays out- are assimilated, we can sum them up
side the three-point line, and gets D.20 with the following 4-on-4 zone offense
ready to receive the pass and take plays:
the shot (diagr. 12).
Point of emphasis: 2, by staying out- Point of emphasis: The weak side Attack the diamond: 1 penetrates the
side the three-point circle, forces defense is probably already cheat- gap between X1 and X2 and passes to 3
the defense to stay spread out and ing to the middle of the court to cov- in the short corner; 3 makes a pass to 2
cover more area. er the post players. The penetration on the weak side. 4, who was in the low
might draw them in more and open post on the weak side, opens himself in
DRILL N. 13 up the court for outside shots. the short corner, ready to get the ball
▼ The wing players should look to pen- from 2 (diagr. 15).
etrate the guard/forward gap in the DRILL N. 14
zone and kick the ball out to the op- ▼ The post players 4 should look to 3 vs. box: 1 passes the ball to 2 on the
posite wing for the shot (diagr. 13). screen the baseline defenders and wing; 2 pretends to drive to the basket
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 7
 COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

D.24 D.26 D.29

D.25 D.27 D.30

but instead makes a pass to the weak to the low post on the strong side, ready
side player, 3, who penetrates and pass- to get the ball from 1, who received from
es again out to 1 (diagr. 16). 2 (diagr. 26).

Hi-lo drill: We want to train “hi-lo” “Hammer” offense: 2 receives the ball
moves. After a pass from 1 to 2, the ball from 1, then passes to 4 in the corner. 4
goes to the high post 4, who made a passes the ball to 3 on the opposite
flash cut, coming from the low post on wing and makes a flash cut to the ball,
the weak side. 5, who is in the low post exploiting a screen by 5, who opens in
on the strong side, opens himself in the low post (diagr. 27).
center of the area, ready to get the ball
from 4 (diagr. 17). D.28 “Iowa” offense: 1 passes to 3, who
passes back to 1, while from the oppo-
4-on-4 Zone: 1 penetrates the gap be- site wing, 2 cuts to the angle using a
tween the first defensive line, then strong side along the baseline, and 5 screen by 5, who opens up and is ready
passes to 2, who fakes a drive to the shifts centrally to the free-throw line to receive the ball (diagr. 28).
basket and passes the ball to the oppo- (diagr. 23). We can finalize: 3 can go to
site side to 3, who makes a dribble, then the basket or else pass to 4 for a shot “Martin” offense: 1 is in the middle of
gives the ball to 4, coming along the from the corner and then cut to start a the court with the ball. 2 is at the free-
baseline from the opposite side (diagr. new move; other players move at the throw line and 3, 4, and 5 are flanked in
18). same time (diagr. 24). low post. 2 opens in the wing; after this
Now, let’s take a look to some effective move, 3 opens in the opposite wing, 4
5-on-5 offensive plays. “Cyclone” offense: 1 drives and passes goes under the basket, and 5 opens in
to 2 on the wing. 5, who is in the low the middle of the lane ready to get the
1-3-1 offense: 1 passes to 3 on the wing, post on the strong side, fakes a cut un- ball from 1, to which 2 has passed the
while 4, from the low post, gets open in der the basket and turns again towards ball back (diagr. 29).
the corner (diagr. 19). 3 passes to 4 and the ball, ready to receive it from 2. In
cuts towards the basket, while 1 replac- the meantime, 4, moving from the low “Overload” offense: 1 passes to 3 on the
es him. 2 replaces 1 and 5 moves to the post on the weak side, makes a flash wing, 3 passes to 4 on the corner; mean-
elbow (diagr. 20). The ball is passed cut to the elbow on the strong side (dia- while, 2, coming from the opposite wing,
back to 1 and 3 continues his cutting gr. 25). cuts to the angle on the strong side, first
move to the weak side, while 5 goes to exploiting screens by 5, who cuts from
the low post (diagr. 21). Now we want to “Double” offense: 1 passes to 2 and the low post on the weak side to the
pass the ball: 1 passes to 2, 5 makes a cuts to the angle on the weak side. 2 high post on the strong side, and anoth-
flash cut toward the opposite elbow, dribbles to the opposite wing, while 3, er screen by 4, after he has has passed
and 3 opens in the wing (diagr. 22). from the wing, and 4, from the low post, back to 3. He opens in the corner, ready
When 3 receives the ball, 4 cuts to the set a stagger screen for 5, who moves to get a ball for the shot (diagr. 30).
page 8 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 COACHES - FUNDAMENTALS AND YOUTH BASKETBALL

TESTING AND EVALUATING

by Frane Erčulj THE MOTOR POTENTIAL
OF YOUNG BASKETBALL
PLAYERS
Frane Erculj coached all age categories of male and female was included in the data processing.
basketball players at the Slovan (Ljubljana, Slovenia) as well as
with different national team selections. He was awarded a doc- Table 1: Motor tests*
toral degree in 1998. Now he works as a Associate Professor at
Faculty of Sport (Ljubljana) for the subject Theory and Method-
ology of Basketball. He has published over 200 expert and re- CODE TEST ABILITY UNIT
search works on basketball in Slovenia and abroad. He is the
author and co-author of several basketball books and manuals CMJ Counter movement jump Speed strength and elasticity cm
and an active member of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia. BBT Basketball throw Speed strength and acyclic speed dm
He is also the head of the Basketball Measurement Team at the MBT Medicine ball throw Explosive strength dm
Institute of Sport, whose chief task is to perform measurements DJ25 Drop jump – height 25 cm Explosive strength and elasticity cm
and provide counseling to basketball players. S20 20 m sprint – high start Acceleration and cyclic speed sec
TT5 T-test (5 + 5 m) Agility and take-off reaction time sec
For several years, at the Faculty of Sport in Ljubljana we have S6x5 6 x 5 m sprint run Agility (changing of direction by 180°) sec
been systematically monitoring the motor abilities of elite young D20 20 m sprint dribbling Acceleration and cyclic speed
Slovenian male and female basketball players. We have created with a ball sec
an extensive database and based on that we have established D6x5 6 x 5 m sprint dribbling Agility in dribbling sec
norms for different age categories and playing positions. (changing of direction by 180°)
This enables a comparison between different generations of
male and female players and, based on the established norms, The body height and body mass of the players were also mea-
an evaluation of the results they achieve during the tests. sured.

From 25 to 30 June 2007 an FIBA International Basketball Camp

for U15 Girls was held in Postojna, Slovenia. It was organised by
the Basketball Federation of Slovenia. During this camp top
young female basketball players from 15 European countries (the
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Roma-
nia, Finland, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Aus-
tria, Wales and Scotland) were tested.
Each country was represented by two elite basketball players
who were also members of their national team.

Unfortunately, due to time pressure and the strenuous schedule

of the basketball camp, we were unable to test all players who
attended the camp and to use the complete test battery which is
commonly applied when testing young Slovenian male and fe-
male basketball players. The reduced test battery which was ap-
plied in this camp covers the basic dimensions of the
morphological-motor potential of young female players.
Figure 1. 20 m sprint (S20)
The test battery consisted of nine motor tests (Table 1). * Detailed description of the technology and tests that had been used can be found on FIBA EUROPE web site
The subjects performed each test three times and the best result (http://www.fibaeurope.com/)

page 10 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine

 Figure 3. T-test (TT5), including the arrangement of the photocells,
Figure 2. The shuttle run test, 6 x 5 m sprint run (S6X5) jump mat and indicator lights.

Figure 4. Printout of selected results

Thirty female basketball players were tested during the camp,
classified as 18 guards, 8 forwards and 4 posts.
All players were healthy and had no injuries. Their average age
was 14.73 (±0.45) years, body height 170.38 (±7.36) cm, body mass
61.88 (±7.28) kg, and number of playing years 4.83 (±1.66).

Table 2. Arithmetic means and standard deviations of the motor

tests

GUARDS FORWARDS CENTERS ALL

Code Unit Mean Std. Dev. Mean Std. Dev. Mean Std. Dev. Mean Std. Dev.
CMJ cm 27.52 4.76 29.22 2.94 27.64 2.94 27.64 4.19
BBP dm 68.77 7.28 78.37 7.52 78.37 7.52 72.64 8.60
MBP dm 43.77 4.90 48.62 4.17 48.62 4.17 45.62 5.02
DJ25 cm 25.21 3.81 25.82 2.04 25.82 2.04 25.22 3.27
S20 sec 3.52 .15 3.51 .14 3.51 .14 3.55 0.18 Legend:
TT5 sec 3.22 .21 3.19 .07 3.19 .07 3.22 0.18 Res rough result of measurement
S6x5 sec 9.65 .46 9.48 .43 9.48 .43 9.67 0.47 f (x) numerical evaluation (from 0.0 to 5.5)
Estim descriptive estimation (from very bad to excellent)
D20 sec 3.75 .22 3.73 .20 3.73 .20 3.75 0.21
D6x5 sec 10.03 .54 9.91 .50 9.91 .50 9.99 0.56

The data in the printout are analysed for each player separately
at the highest levels of the decision tree (POTENTIAL, Morpho-
The test results of individual players were processed by a spe- logical potential and Motor potential). Then the analysis covers
cial SMMS 1.0 software application designed at the Faculty of the results at lower levels as regards the morphological and mo-
Sport. The application is based on multi-parameter decision- tor potentials. In the decision tree that was used, the morpho-
making. logical potential only consists of body height. Motor potential is
structured at three levels, which is why the data are first analy-
Figure 4 shows a printout of the results of four guards of different sed at the top level (Conditional abilities and Technique and co-
quality levels. It consists of a decision tree, the players’ rough ordination) and then also at lower levels.
results and their conversion into numerical and descriptive
forms. The application multiplies the numerical results with re- The Faculty of Sport uses a similar method to process and evalu-
spective weights and divides the result by the weight specified ate the results of testing all young male and female players of the
on the first branch of the tree. Slovenian national teams. A more complex decision tree is used,
Then the results on each first branch of the decision tree are comprising a wider battery of motor, functional and psycho-so-
summed up. The outcome is an evaluation of the factor which cial tests as well as higher norms for evaluating the achieved
determines each first branch of the tree. This procedure involv- results (by gender, age and playing position). The results of our
ing multiplication, division and addition is carried out in the same studies show that the male and female basketball players of the
way at all higher-level branches, up to the trunk of the tree (PO- Slovenian national teams with high scores for the said morpho-
TENTIAL). logical-motor potential were also better players in general.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 11
 coaches - offense

Fitting
the opponent
by Ettore Messina by Lele Molin

Ettore Messina started his coaching ca-

reer with the youth teams of Reyer Vene-
zia, when he was only 16 years old. From
1980 to 1982, he was responsible for
youth teams at Mestre and in 1982/83 he
was assistant coach at Udine. In 1983 he
goes to Virtus Bologna, as responsible
for youth teams and assistant coach of
the main team. As head coach in Italy, he
coached Virtus Bologna (1989-93 and
1997-2002) and Benetton Treviso (2002-
2005), winning four Italian Champion-
ships, two Euroleague titles, eight Italian
Cups one European Cup and one Italian
Supercup. From 1993 to 1997 he coached
the Italian National team, winning the
gold medal at the Mediterranean Games
and the silver medal at the Goodwill
Games and at the European Champion-
ship in Barcelona. Since 2005, he coach-
es CSKA Moscow, where he won three
Russian Championships, two Euroleague
titles (2006 and 2008) and two Russian
Cups (2006 and 2007).

Lele Molin started to coach in 1978 as

assistant coach of the youth team at
Mestre. From 1985 to 2000 he worked at
Benetton Treviso, alternatively as head
coach of the youth team (1985-88 and
1992-95) and as assistant coach of the
main team (1988-92 and 1995-2000). Since
2000 he's assistant coach of Ettore Mes-
sina, first at Virtus Bologna, then at Tre-
viso and finally at CSKA Moscow.

CSKA is a team with strong defensive

skills; this is fundamental in building an
high-level winning group. However, de-
fense alone will not make the winning
difference. In fact, a well-balanced of-
page 12 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.1 D.2 D.3

D.4

D.5

fense, whose goal is to achieve an ad-

vantage by profiting from an opponent’s
weaknesses and using its own particular
offensive skills, is equally as important.
In the last three years, our defeats were
often due to an incorrect reading of the
opponent’s defense and to our failure to
properly instruct the team. This is partly
what happened in the first game of the
Euroleague playoff series against Olym-
piacos Piraeus.
On offense, Olympiacos, tried to reduce
the speed of the game and defy our de-
vensive set ups by isolating its best scor-
ers in one-on-one and two-on-two
situations. Obviously, our defense was an
important factor in containing one-on-
one plays and defending against the pick-
and-roll, but the way we attacked their
defensive selections was even more de-
cisive.
First of all, I should point out that Olympi-
acos is a tall team, with forwards and
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 13
 coaches
coaches--offense
offense
centers that are capable of exchanging
their defensive roles. They are extremely
skilled and quickly cover up spaces and
guard the basket very well. Iannakis
planned the following defensive match-
ups:
▼ Greer vs Holden.
▼ Blakney or Teodosic vs Langdon.
▼ Vassilopoulos vs Siskauskas
and Papaloukas.
▼ Boroussis or Tsakalidis vs Smodis.
▼ Woods or Printzesis vs Andersen. D.6 D.8
Their principal goal was to limit the inside
play of Smodis, Siskauskas, and Papalou-
kas. This would not allow us any advan-
tage with post-up offense, limiting our
scoring in the process but, most of all,
depriving our team of its most important
source of offense. According to their
strategy, the only mismatch allowed was
on Andersen, who should have sustained
all the offensive liabilities.
Since we showed little patience in
searching for the most opportune scoring
advantage and because we had a wrong
reading of what was happening to us on D.7 D.9
defense, we ended up abusing the pick-
and-roll.
I think that coach Iannakis foresaw all
this: their defense was perfectly arranged
against our offense with the pick-and-roll
(diagr. 1).
The defensive swap, with a three-man
rotation (diagr. 2 and 3) covering the pos-
sible advantageous mismatch near the
basket with X4 or X3, and kept us from
gaining an advantage with inside play.
Their size and their zone skills gave us a
mismatch situation far from the basket, in
congested spaces, and during the last
seconds of possession. This is just what
our philosophy would have avoided. Un-
fortunately, we understood it too late!
The series was already 0-1 and 48 hours
later we would play the most important
game of the season at Piraeus, in the
presence of 12,000 Olympiacos support-
ers.
Our first choice to get around their de-
fense was to reduce to a minimum (al-
most abolishing) all pick-and-roll
situations. Their tactics, using defensive
swaps, were successful and prevented
us from having a well-balanced offense.
Looking back, we should have been more
patient. We should have tried to pass the
ball to our centers in post-up situations
and we should have punished their de-
fense on the weak side. Their players lost
defensive match-ups in these situations
because they collapsed in the area to
prevent us from inside play.
When the center got the ball, offense
moved on the weak side (diagr. 4) and

page 14 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine

would have free up our shooters. This
would have allowed us to get the ball in
good scoring conditions, with plenty of
time on the click and space to play one-
on-one or, at least, pick up fouls.
That’s how you keep a well-balanced of-
fense! You need to not only look for ad-
vantageous mismatches near the basket,
but also for opportunities to pass the ball
to the low post, as well as read weak-
side situations (diagr. 5). We didn’t want
to renounce the post-up of Siskauskas
and Papaloukas, so we proceeded to a
peculiar reading of the incoming situa-
tion.
In our “2 low” offense that we use to get
Siskauskas the ball in the low post (diagr.
6), we didn’t attack on the first side, but
on the reversal side (diagr. 7). Siskauskas
and Papaloukas were free to get the ball
near the basket or, stretching spaces, to
run to the angle. In this last situation, ex-
pecially if X5 had made a swap, players
would have attacked one-on-one cen-
trally (diagr. 8). In this way, we took ad-
vantage of this situation and, at the same
time, we had a coreect spacing on the
weak side. Finally we decided to attack
their defensive match-ups that were so
effective in zoning against our pick-and-
roll, trying to create spaces for one-on-
one situations.
We did not add anything new, but, using
our defensive organization, we taught our
team to attack with the “fit spaces” sys-
tem. Every time that Siskauskas was
mtached-up with Woods and Vassilopou-
los, we made him run in our “1” offense
(diagr. 9).
When Siskauskas got the ball, he was al-
lowed to attack his opponent, playing
one-on-one (diagr. 10). Also in this case,
it was important to take care of the weak
side spacing so that we could punish
their floating defense. In an analogous
way, we played the same situation for pressure conditions. There was no doubt game knowledge, their experience, and
Langdon, when he was matched up with that our analysis and countermoves were their heart and courage were critical ele-
Macijauskas. In game 1, Greer was a cru- correct and effective, but their execution ments to our success. Without these im-
cial factor and so we thought not only to came down to the ability of our players: portant characteristics, no strategy
limit him offensively, but also to attack their individual technical abilities, their would ever have been successful.
him with Holden, in order to tire him and
trouble him with fouls.
Using Holden’s quickness in one-on-one
situations, we created an isolation situa-
tion (diagr. 11), in which we attacked
Greer in the early seconds of possession.
As you may know, the game ended with a
victory for us (83-73) and this proved to
be a fundamental step we needed to take
to eventually reach the title. Not only did
we qualify for the Final Four in Madrid,
but more importantly for us, it confirmed
that we could rely on our technical and D.10 D.11
mental skills in extreme psychological

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 15

 COACHES - offense

Posting up the
by Kestutis Kemzura
perimeter players
Kestutis Kemzura started his coaching throw line extended.
career in 2001, as assistant coach at The play starts with 1 passing the ball to
Besiktas Istanbul. From 2002 at 2004, he the top to 4 (PF), while at the same time
works with Lietuvos Rytas, first as as- 5 (C) sets a back screen for 1 who makes
sistant coach, then as head coach from a shuffle cut across the lane. 4 can pass
the second half of the 2003/04 season. In the ball to 1 for the lay up if he's open or
2004/05 he became assistant coach of hit 5, who flashes to the elbow after
David Blatt at the Dynamo St. Peters- making the pick for 1 (diagr. 1).
burg, where he won the Euroleague.
From 2005 to the first half of the 2006/07 When 5 receives ball on the elbow, 3
he was assistant coach of the Benetton (SF) cuts across the lane and sets a
Treviso, again with Blatt, winning one cross pick for 1, forcing defenders to D.1
Italian Championship in 2006. Since switch and create a mismatch situation
February 2007, he is head coach of the against smaller defender. At the same
Khimki Moscow, where he won the time, 4 screens away for 2 (SG) to occu-
Russian Cup and reached the finals of py defenders (diagr. 2).
Russian Championship in the last sea-
son. In 2005/06, he also worked in the The first option is to hit 3 deep in the
coaching staff of the Lithuanian Nation- paint (he has to set good screen and
al team. He won an Intercontinental Cup turn to the ball, making sure that he
in 2005 with the Lithuanian National B keeps the defender behind his back),
team. second, to hit 1 in the short corner (or
low post) for a jump shot, while the third
Every coach looks to highlight the strong option is to pass the ball to 2 and con-
points of his team and hide weaknesses. tinue play with high pick and roll (diagr.
D.2
He wants to create the best situations 3).
on offense for his best players so they
can have every advantage possible. The We can run the same play in a different
more versatile a team is on offense, the way using it even as a secondary of-
more difficult it will be to stop. fence. Every player runs their lanes on
the break and 1 then passes the ball
ahead to 3 at free-throw line extended
Because we had tall and athletic guards
and cuts to the strong side corner (diagr.
(Anton Ponkrashov) and small forwards
4).
(Kelly McCarty, Vladimir Dyatchok) on
the team, who could play with their
This simple action forces players to run
backs to the basket, we wanted to use
the floor harder and move the ball
their size and skills in different ways to ahead, so we can get into our set faster
get an advantage against our opponents. and attack the defense better. 3 passes D.3
We also had big players who could play ball to the top to 4 and receives a back
successfully on perimeter and be dan- screen for a shuffle cut. 4 can hit 3 back
gerous with their outside shooting. This for a lay-up if he's open, swing the ball
let us space the floor well and gave us to 2, or pass the ball to 5 on the elbow
an advantage in the paint by allowing us (diagr. 5).
to post up our guards and small for-
wards. If 4 passes to 5, 1 goes across the lane
and sets across pick for 3, while at the
We start our offence with this set: 1 (PG) same time 4 screens away for 2 (diagr. 6).
with the ball on right (or left) side of the
court at free-throw line extended, center If 5 hits 3 in the post, he screens away
(5) in mid post, power forward (4) at the for 2 and 4 down screens for 1 on the
top on three-point line, small forward (3) weak side (diagr. 7).
on the strong side corner, and the shoot- These actions occupy defenders and D.4
ing guard (2), on the weak side at free- help to space floor well.
page 16 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.5

D.6 D.7 D.9

If 5 can't pass the ball to 3 in the post, he

hits 2 at the top and sets a down screen
(or can receive a back screen) for 3,
while at the same time 4 down screens
for 1 (diagr. 8). 2 can pass to either 1 or 3
or play 1-on-1 by himself (diagr. 9).

If 4 swings the ball to 2, he and 5 set a

double stagger screen for 1. 2 passes
the ball to 3 into the post for a 1-on-1
play and keeps his man occupied (diagr. D.8 D.10
10).
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 17
 COACHES - offense

The
The high
high
pick-and-roll
pick-and-roll
by Simone Pianigiani

by Luca Banchi

Simone Pianigiani's first coaching ex- reer with the youth teams at Grosseto. Sana Basket Siena, where his teams
perience was with Mens Sana Siena In the 1985/86 season, he was assistant won two Italian Championships and
1871; from 1995 to 2006 he was assist- coach with Forze Armate Vigna di Valle one Italian Supercup.
ant coach in Italian Serie A with Mens (Italian serie B2), and a year later with
Sana Basket Siena, where his team Affrico Firenze he served as assistant READING AND SPACING
won the Saporta Cup in 2002, and one coach and was responsible for youth The evolution of the game (more speed,
Italian Championship and Italian Su- teams. From 1987 to 1999, he was at Don more strength, more athleticism, and
percup in 2004. He was also responsi- Bosco Livorno, where his teams won less time to end the play) and the fre-
ble for the youth teams until 2005, three Italian youth titles (1995, 1996, quent use of adapted defenses with
participating in eleven national finals 1997). In 1997/98, he became head systematical changes have led to an ex-
and winning five consecutive national coach of the main team (Italian serie ponential increase of the use of pick-
titles. Since the summer of 2006, he has A2). In 1999, he was head coach with and-roll.
been head coach of Mens Sana. In his Pallacanestro Trieste in the Serie A1. This collaboration of two offensive play-
first two years as head coach, his From 2001 to 2004, he worked again at ers allows us to find good conclusions
teams have won two Italian Champion- Livorno. In 2004/05 he coached Basket when we are not able to complete a
ships and one Italian Supercup (2008). Trapani and in 2005/06 Aurora Jesi, both particular play. Every player is capable
in the Italian serie A2. Since 2006, he of being involved in a pick-and-roll,
Luca Banchi started his coaching ca- has been the assistant coach at Mens even those who may not have the best
page 18 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 D.1 D.5

D.2 D.6

D.3 D.7

technical offensive skills or are sketchy

on fundamentals, both with and without
the ball. The pick-and-roll also enables
us to get on the court atypical, but ef-
fective quintets, where the role of the
forward practically disappears. All the D.4 D.8
perimeter players should be able to take
advantage of a screen while dribbling,
and, sometimes, the screener can be a the best from this offensive play. As a ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS
player who is able to face the basket coach who is introducing the pick-and- We must anticipate how and where
and shoot from the three-point line. Ac- roll to the team, the first goal is to con- we’ll attack the defense, exploiting our
tually, in last two years at the Monte- vey to the players the concept that this players’ skills and hiding their probable
paschi Siena, we’ve tried to work on is not just a two-man play. Rather, a play limits.
this phase of the game because the involves every player on the court. ▼ Developing the dribble/pass ability
pick-and-roll is a very important part of Moreover, for this play to be successful, under pressure;
our offensive system. We regularly work each player has to respect timing and ▼ Improving the technique of the
on it in practice because we have play- spacing when replacing, passing, driv- screener in rolling or fading away;
ers who have become experts at getting ing, and shooting. ▼ Taking care of replacing players on
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 19
 COACHES - DEFENSE
offense

D.9 D.13

D.10 D.14

D.11 D.15

D.12 D.16

the perimeter (up and down moves, pecially in relation to their characteristics
cuts), improving their technique and and opponents’ defensive habits, specu-
sense of timing; lating on their probable deficiencies.
▼ Improving the technique of the first This kind of collaboration allows us to
step on the drive, reversal pass, back set a screen on the ball with different
pass, diagonal skip pass, and faking angles, often managing to catch the de-
a pass. fender who can’t see the screen coming
We can position the players differently because he is concentrating on guard-
on the perimeter when they are not di- ing the ballhandler. The man who sets
rectly involved in the two-man play, es- the screen should fill the widest possible
page 20 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.17

D.18

D.19

D.20

area, having as references the defend-

er’s shoulders and hips. We can use a
flat (or back) screen when the defender
is parallel to the half-court line, because
he wants to contain both sides of driving
(diagr. 1). This screen will allow us to at-
tack him from the two sides of the court,
using a drive combined with a change of
speed that will be able to disorientate
the defense, making it more difficult for
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 21
 COACHES - DEFENSE
offense

D.21

D.22
defenses on the pick-and-roll. Defensive ceive the ball, punishing the recovery
reactions will depend on our aggressive- after the help with passes or a drive and
ness at setting and exploiting the screen; kick-off pass for the best positioned
we should gain a space and time advan- teammate. Many teams are worried by a
tage on these reactions. This advantage cutter’s aggressiveness and they tend to
must be preserved and exploited using jam the lane. Knowing this, the offensive
technique. If the defense makes an ag- player who receives the ball should be
gressive help that is perpendicular to the able to control his body in order to shoot
baseline, our ballhandler should be able or make a kick-off pass. This is the rea-
to step back, without stopping the drib- son why we ask the screener to sprint
ble, until he decides the moment of the the first meters of the cut after the
pass or the drive following the release of screen. We then want him to slide in or-
the helping defender. This player must der to get the best possible angle to re-
D.23 master the ability to step back and quick- ceive the ball against a possible
ly drive forward again. The screener, no- defensive rotation. He should be better
ticing the help, will roll hard to the positioned to get the ball and offers a
them to determine the driving side and
basket, preferably with a front turn, be- better target for his teammates to pass
the help side. We can also use a side (or
cause he’s far from the basket. He should to him (diagr. 7 and 8). After receiving the
perpendicular) screen, screening the
be taking care of the speed of his move. ball, the offensive player should be able
defender’s inside shoulder, when he de-
Once he’s near the basket, he should to exploit the advantage gained, having
cides to force the ballhandler towards
change his run to a slide, looking to cut used a correct technique of passes to
one side of the half court. The screen
off possible defensive rotations (diagr. 3 the lane or to the three-point line against
should be set strongly, having a low
and 4). This choice involves an offensive the defenders’ possible rotation (diagr. 9,
stance, hitting the defender with a tech-
overload under the ball line that we 10, 11 and 12) or drive to the basket on
nique similar to a jump stop. The player
could exploit only with the collaboration the opposite direction to the defenders’
needs to be in balance and take a tough
of every offensive player. recovery (diagr. 13 and 14). If the defense
and strong position (diagr. 2). Setting a
succeeds in anticipating the ball going
screen after a fake to go to the opposite
▼ First goal: don’t stop the dribble. to the perimeter, the reaction of the play-
side will help us to further reduce the
▼ Second goal: roll hard to the basket. er in the high post now takes on more
speed of the defender’s help on the fol-
▼ Third goal: create effective pass importance, because he’ll be the “play-
lowing drive. The next collaborations
lines (diagr. 5 and 6). maker” of the play and all the next solu-
will depend on the defenders’ reactions.
tions will come him: reversal pass,
Players need to learn to read and recog-
HOW TO BEAT A DEFENSIVE RECOVERY diagonal skip pass, or back pass to the
nize them during the practice sessions
OR ROTATION playmaker for another pick-and-roll. Be-
so they will be able to anticipate the
A side from the defensive mistakes that cause we have screeners on our team
moves of the defenders. We would like
allow the dribbler to cut the corner of the who are able to perform both the roll in-
to now analyze only the offensive play-
screen to drive to the basket, every of- side and the fade away move (Ress,
ers reactions when they face the help-
fensive player on the court should move Stonerook, and Lavrinovic), we added
and-recover, the trap, or the jam
in order to create a diagonal line to re- unpredictability to our play based on
page 22 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 based on the defenders' reaction. The
screener can pop out, keeping the de-
fense at the three-point line, thanks to
his shooting ability (diagr. 15).
The ballhandler should be able to use
passing technique on the screener’s fade
away, exploiting the pivot and turn
moves.
Whoever receives the ball should close
his move going toward the ball. This
means he should offer a wide target to
the passer in order to hinder the de- D.26 D.30
fender, who has rotated. The ultimate
effectiveness of the shot, drive, or pass
will be connected to the spacing ability
(diagr. 16 and 17).
If the defense rotates, the player, who
receives the ball, should use the revers-
al pass or a back-door pass to a team-
mate who is left alone by the defender
who has rotated (diagr. 18 and 19).
If defense decides to protect the area at
the time of the same screen, keeping
the defensive big man on the penetra-
tion line, new plays start to form.
D.31
The player who exploits the screen D.27

D.24 D.28 D.32

This allows us to make it difficult for de-

fensive recovery, except if the defense
makes a defensive change or a rotation
on the weak side to negate a shot. If this
move is exploited appropriately, it will
allow us to punish every rotation using a
reversal pass, a diagonal skip pass, or
back pass on a back door (diagr. 28, 29,
and 30). Finally, let’s analyze the attempt
of the defender to slide under the
screen. This defensive reaction will
D.25 D.29 force us to execute a second move,
bringing down the screen in the proc-
should reach the free-throw line to pro- help for stopping the ball-handler’s drive ess. This is a re-screen, with the screen-
voke the screener’s defender. He can and big man’s roll (diagr. 24, 25, and 26). er, who will pivot on the inside leg (diagr.
beat him by driving or with a jump shot, When the ball is passed out, reversal 31 and 32). This simple two-man play
or by making him vulnerable to the cuts passes and drives must be used, imme- can be very effective in our offensive
or to a re-screen in a more effective ar- diately pushing the ball to the floor right system only if every player will be able
ea of the court (diagr. 20, 21, 22 and 23). after receiving it, and determining the to move both with and without the ball,
The teammates on the perimeter should space where the drive could be more respecting timing and spacing in order
create exit-passing lines (security pass- effective (diagr. 27). to allow each of our players to be pro-
es) if the ballhandler is jammed by the We also look to utilize the screener’s tagonists in gaining and exploiting ad-
defense, and should punish the probable pop out against this defensive setting. vantages against the defense.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 23
 COACHES - defense

The "point zone"

by Pat Sullivan

Pat Sullivan, after a brilliant career as a

player at North Carolina, where he won an
NCAA title in 1993 and reached twice the
Final Four, became assistant coach at his
alma mater, reaching three times the Final
Four. He then was assistant coach at North
Carolina-Wilmington for two seasons. From
2003 to 2005 he was on a bench with the De-
troit Pistons of the NBA, winning a title with
Larry Brown as a coach. From 2005 to 2008
he was with the New Jersey Nets, and the
next season he will be again assistant
coach with the Pistons.

Our “Point” Zone has many of the same re-

sponsabilities we have in our man-to-man
defense. We will have good ball pressure,
our free-throws corners and low post areas
will be protected, and every defender must
move on the pass. It will look like a 2-3 zone
to decieve the offense at the start of the pos-
session. We will stay in a 2-3 look until the
ball leaves the middle one-third of the floor.
We want X1 to “point” the ball to start. X2 will
cover the next pass to his left and X3 the
next pass to the right. Once the ball is passed
out of the middle of the floor, we will “point”
and declare the cover of the ball hander and
the zone will look like a 1-3-1. Once we
“point” the ball, we will get in our “partner
system” (explained below). We want to pres-
sure the ball and have the other four defend-
ers “protect in and then recover out on the
pass”. Wherever the ball is located, free-
throws corners and low post areas are al-
ways covered and protected by the defenders
on the wings. These defenders on the wings
of the zone only rotate out and leave the
three-second lane when the ball is in the air.
page 24 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.1 D.5

D.2 D.6

D.3 D.7

D.4 D.8

Everyone must move and adjust as the ball PARTNER RULES

moves. X1 and X4 are partners, as well as X2 and X3.
When X1 “points” the zone, X4 has rim area
POINT ZONE INITIAL ALIGNMENT protection (deep man); when X2 points the
X1 and X2 will be on the left side of the floor. zone, X3 has rim area protection (deep
X2 e X4 will be on the right side. X5 is al- man).
ways between the ball and the basket (dia-
gr. 1). Note: We can also show the “point” if RULES FOR THE DEFENDERS ON THE WINGS
the offense comes down in a one guard The partners off the ball will form the “wings
front set. of the zone”. They will build a wall with X5 in
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 25
 COACHES - DEFENSE
defense

D.9 D.12 D.16

D.10 D.13 D.17

D.11 D.14 D.18

the middle and resemble the shape of an air-

plane wing. Wherever the ball is located, the
ballside free-throw corner and low post ar-
ea are covered and protected by the defend-
ers on the wings. These defenders cover
the next pass in their direction unless the
pass goes over and behind their head. They
must anticipate where their next pass will be
and they should only rotate out and leave the
three-second area when the ball is in the air.
Move as the ball moves. They should get
their head on a swivel and see/locate shoot- D.15 D.19
ers and cutters. The defenders on the wings
must adjust their position in relation to the
next pass. If there is no offensive player in RULES FOR X4 be prepared to cover and bump X4 off the
their vision, they should flatten out a little to X4 must be very active and read and com- ball.
anticipate their next pass/point. Do not guard municate to his teammates. His area of Wherever the ball is located, top (diagr. 2),
an empty area and stay usually three steps coverage will be basically from corner to wing (diagr. 3), corner (diagr. 4) or high post
down and three steps across from the de- corner. We want to limit the amount of (diagr. 5), the block and elbow are always
fender “pointing” the ball. X3 can always times X4 points the ball on the wing so X1 covered and protected.
take the next pass and X4 has to know where is not in the “deep” position often. If X4
he is on the floor and be prepared to bump if “points” the ball on the wing, we want X2 RULES FOR THE CENTER
the ball is above the first hashmark above to bump him down. Anything above the X5 is always between the ball and the bas-
the block. first hashmark above the block, X2 should ket. His positioning allows him to absorb all
page 26 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 D.22

D.23

D.24

D.20 D.21 D.25

penetration, defend the ball, if it gets into the X4 on the right side. We want X1 as much made to the left side with X1 and X3 (diagr.
high post, give help against high pick-and- as possible to “point” the ball handler, 7), if we see it is an overload. We are trying
rolls, and front the post if the ball is in the when we are in our 2-3 look, unless the ball to limit X4 from covering the corner to re-
corner. is past the pro lane extended on the right strict his area of coverage.
side of the floor. Our rule for defending the At this point, the rule is: when X1 or X4
HOW THE “POINT” IS INITIATED AND DEFENDING initial wing entry pass, is what we will hold “point” the zone, X2 and X3 are always in
THE INITIAL POINT TO WING PASS and bump against the first pass on the right the wing position and when X2 or X3
We will begin in a 2-3 zone alignment until side of the floor (diagr. 6) with X4 and X2 “point” the zone, X1 and X4 are always in
the ball leaves one-third of the floor. We (unless the first pass is made to the corner), the wing position. This will always give our
want X1 and X3 on the left side and X2 and and we will only bump versus the first pass point zone a look of a 1-3-1 zone. The ball
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 27
 COACHES - DEFENSE
defense

D.26 D.29 D.32

D.27 D.30 D.33

D.28 D.31 D.34

will see a 1-3-1 alignment unless the ball is DEFENDING THE SKIP PASS point is going to be. Close out in a no-
in the corner (diagr. 8, 9 and 10). As a re- If the skip pass is in front of his field of vision middle stance.
sult, since you would never rotate a de- as he looks directly to the ceiling, it is his 4. Open up after your man passes the ball
fender off the court, when the ball is in a “point” in the zone (diagr. 16, 17, 18 and 19); if with your butt to the baseline and point
corner, our zone will now look like a 2-3 the pass is behind his field of vision, it is the to your next rotation. Don't let cutters get
alignment. Thus, when X4 points the ball in next defender's point on the perimeter (dia- behind you.
the corner, X1 will be at the weakside el- gr. 20 and 21). For the most part everything 5. Your next “point” is your blockout as-
bow (diagr. 11). By rule, anytime X3 points above the free-throw line extended should signment.
the ball around the free-throw line extend- be covered by X1 and X2. 6. Weakside defenders must call out cut-
ed area and X5 is above the block, X4 ters and locate blockouts.
would cross the lane. X4 come across the AREAS OF COVERAGE 7. Don't get screened. Sit on the high side
lane and have his left hand in the low post In the diagram 22, the dotted lines refer to and leave when the ball is in the air.
almost touching X5's right hand (diagr. 12). the areas of coverage each player will have 8. When the ball goes into low post, X5
In spite of the rule, we will have X4 make in the “point” zone; in the diagram 23, in- have to defense.
the decision how far he will rotate over stead, X5 will work the “small triangle” and 9. Must adjust quickly on bumps, especially
based on wheter the ballside corner is will be between the ball and the basket. In X1 on X2/X4 bump down.
filled or not. If the ballside corner is empty, the definition of “areas of coverage”, there
X4 can cheat towards the rim and kick X2 are important points of emphasis: DEFENDING THE HIGH PICK-AND-ROLL VERSUS THE
out (diagr. 13). X4 must talk to X5 and tell 1. We must declare “the point”. POINT ZONE
him he is by himself to defend the low post. 2. Once the “point” has been established, it We will determine wheter X1/X2 will go over/
If X5 is on the block or below, the opposite is crucial that we control the ball. We under the pick based on scouting. We want
defender on the wing will not rotate over. need good ball pressure to limit crisp the defender on the ball to keep coming and
X3/X4 will stay weakside. X5 will front the passes. stay with the ball. X5's job in the zone is to
post (diagr. 14 and 15). 3. You must always know where your next stay between the ball and the basket. He will
page 28 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
D.35

D.36

D.37

give support by either “showing” or be in a

“loose and protect” position. The defender
on the guard off the ball will stunt as the ball-
handler is turning the corner to slow him
down (diagr. 24).

SPECIAL HIGH PICK-AND-ROLL COVERAGE: “FIRE”

X1 passes th ball off to X2. X2 takes 5's roll. as the ball is in the air. Do not bite on ball the bump, X1 must sprint back to 1, while X2
X1 takes 4 on the replace (diagr. 25). fakes! If the screen is up higher on the lane, must charge the ball and force him back to
we should go on the low side (diagr. 27). X1.
DEFENDING THE SIDE PICK-AND-ROLL VERSUS THE
“POINT” ZONE CHANGING POINTS VERSUS THE DRIBBLE DEFENDING THE HIGH POST IN THE POINT ZONE
We want to “blue and release” versus the We will bump any dribble up/down if the ball High post responsabilty is shared in the
side pick-and-roll. We want to push the ball enters another defender's area of coverage. “point zone”. When the ball is on the wing,
towards the baseline and then “pass off” the In the diagram 28 we find a situation where the defender on the wing closest to the el-
dribbler to either X3 or X4 (diagr. 26). We the dribbler, guarded by X4 in corner, is bow will have his inside hand in the passing
want the weakside guard ready to stunt on a bumped by X4 to wing, where X2 is ready to lane and the defender on the center, who is
pass back to the pop. guarded him. We find the opposite situation between the ball and the basket, will have
in the diagram 29 where the dribbler, guard- his outside hand in the passing lane to dis-
DEFENDING SCREENS ALONG THE BASELINE/ ed in the wing by X2, is bumped to corner courage a high post entry pass. They should
WEAKSIDE SCREEN-INS where he will be guarded by X4. The difen- make it appear that there is no opening for
We do not want to be screened in along the sive exchange in the central position is dif- the entry. Defenders on the weakside must
baseline. The majority of the time we want to ferent (diagr. 30). X2 bumps X1 off the ball. communicate to the strongside defenders
sit on the high side of the screen and move They exchange “point” at the pro lane. On that a cutter is coming to the high post. They
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 29
 COACHES - DEFENSE

D.38 D.39 D.41

may have to take the cut a couple of steps

then pass off the cutter to a teammate. The
defender on the wings must costantly work
on a rotating to take away a high post pass
(diagr. 31, 32 and 33). “Move when the ball
moves”.

DEFENDING VERSUS 4 OUT-1 IN

If 5 starts inside the three-second lane and
he steps out to the perimeter, X5 have to
“point” him (diagr. 34). If 5 starts outside and
stays on the perimeter, one of the “small” D.40 D.42
defenders have to “point” him (diagr. 35).

D.43

bow, X1 does the same on the strongside

while X4 follows 4 coming back to the
strongside low post and X5 guards the pos-
sible flash of 5 to high post (diagr. 38).

TRAPS IN THE POINT ZONE

We have five different traps we can execute
boxes and be alert to a quick return pass in the point zone.
DEFENDING WHEN THE BALL GETS out to perimeter shooters. X5 should pres- 1. We will trap all baseline drives (diagr.
INTO THE HIGH POST sure the big offensive player with the ball 39).
If the ball is caught in the high post, it is X5's only when he turns and faces. 2. On a call from the bench, we can trap a
“point.” We want the other four defenders short pass to the corner (diagr. 40).
to “pinch and flare”. We want to protect DEFENDING HIGH-LOW FLASHES 3. On a call from the bench, we can trap
our free-throws corners and the low post When the ball goes from 1 to a wing and the the low post (diagr. 41).
areas, when the ball is in the high post. If weakside low post flash to high post posi- 4. On a call from the bench, we can trap
they have shooters on the perimeter, we tion to receive, the defense moves like this the first pass to the wing (diagr. 42).
want our defender closest to the free- (diagr. 37): X1 goes to high post position to 5. On a call from the bench, we can trap a
throw area to flare out and cheat towards close the pass lane, X4 follows his man corner pass versus a bob (diagr. 43).
the shooters (diagr. 36). Based on scouting, flashing, guarding him from the behind, X5 In all of our traps in the midcourt we will
there may be times we have the defenders defends the low post on the strongside in have two trappers, two interceptors and one
closest to the elbow dig the ball out of the front of 5. If the ball doesn't goes to the high goaltender/flyer. If we do not get a steal or
high post. We do not want to turn our heads post, he goes back to 1 and then to the other deflection out of our trap, we are still able to
and be ball magnets. We must protect our wing, X3 goes to defend on the weakside el- stay in our zone.
page 30 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 COACHES - hoop market

FIBA Coaching
by Raffaele Imbrogno
Library
Raffaele Imbrogno has been coaching
since 1980. He is an Instructor for the Ital- In this section, we introduce the latest books, videos, CDs, and other tools that are
ian National Coaches Committee of the primarily aimed at coaches, but certainly useful for all of our readers. Please send
Federation and has been Director of the your suggestions and comments about our basketball-related media for review in
Italian Basketball Federation Study Cen- this section.
ter. Imbrogno is also the author of several
technical basketball publications.

“Founding libraries is like still building

public granaries, amassing stores of food
for the spirit’s winter coming in spite of
me.”
Marguerite Yourcenar,
Memoirs of Hadrian

In Memoirs of Hadrian, one of the most

beautiful novels ever written, Marguerite
Yourcenar (the first female elected to the
prestigious Academie Francaise) de-
scribes how Roman Emperor Hadrian dis-
cusses the importance of founding
libraries, places in which
the memory of what has
happened and what has
been written by human be-
ings is put in the right place.
Today, this valuable lesson
has been applied in world off
sport, especially in basketball..
We would have many prob--
lems if we moved or planned d
our daily life with no cultural al
heritage available to help us
avoid old mistakes and no way ay
to understand all the good od
things that have been already ady
achieved. Surely, we are not four different sections: Drills, Exercises
Exercises, that have appeared in FIBA Assist Maga-
Martians who have suddenly been cata- Articles, and Scouting, each available zine, and these are updated monthly. Fi-
pulted on Earth. with different multimedia supports. nally, in the Scouting section, there are
Students and fans of the game of basket- In the first section, there are a great num- scouting reports on all the national teams
ball will be happy to learn that FIBA has ber of drills formed into different groups playing in various FIBA competitions.
now opened its library for all who care to (Offense, Defense, Transition, and Break- Again, every report has computerized
search and learn. In fact, by clicking on to down). These groups are then divided in graphics and video, just like those found
FIBA.com, you can have access to the categories. Every single drill is comprised in the first and the second sections.
section FIBA Coaching Library (http:// of text, computerized graphics developed The good news is that the four sections of
www.fiba.com/subsites/sideLine/coacLi- by the SidelineSport program (www.side- the FIBA E-Library are updated daily, and
br/home.asp). Click to Experts (under linesports.com FIBA’s partner), and video each day, the amount of useful technical
Coaches Corner) and you can find a trea- clips. You will find the same structure in information for basketball coaches grows
sure trove of technical material for coach- the second section, Exercises, in which larger. I suggest that you add the FIBA
es. Now you can have access to there are also aspects about conditioning Coaching Library link into your “favorites”
something much more organized and rich. and strength training. In the third section and consult it often. Enjoy your naviga-
In the Coaching Library, you can now find are some of the main technical articles tion.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 31
 referees and game administration

Understanding
3-Person Mechanics
Hopefully, this article can shed more light this is another situation requiring the lead
on that potential weakness, help you un- official to begin a rotation. The set-up po-
derstand why, and increase your level of sition on the opposite side is exactly the
comfort in using this set of mechanics. same, approximately one meter off the
endline and in the best position to observe
LEAD OFFICIAL play.
As with 2-person mechanics, the lead of-
ficial’s prime responsibility is to referee It is important that all three officials an-
the post play. Whether right after the ticipate when a rotation is to occur. In
opening toss or during transition, when transition to the opposite end of the floor,
by Jim Cervo moving to the set-up position, the lead the lead official becomes the new trail of-
needs to observe the post players as soon ficial and follows the play up the court.
as possible in order to see the entire play
and ensure neither player is being dis- TRAIL OFFICIAL
Jim Cervo is currently serving as the Ed- placed. The initial set-up position should In 3-person mechanics, the trail position
ucation Officer for CABO (Canadian be approximately a meter (three ft.) off is not very different from what it is in the
Association of Basketball Officials). He the endline and in the best spot to ob- 2-person system. However, since an extra
also is the Chairman of CABO's National serve play and see the space between set of eyes is assisting from the center
Evaluators Panel. He was official for 24 players. The lead official should not be position, the trail can focus more atten-
years, officiating 10 National Champion- more than a step or two on either side of tion on the ball carrier.
ship Tournaments; he also was a CIS the restricted area and on ball side.
(University) official. In 2005 he received When there is full court pressure, the
the CABO Wink Willox Award. Always “referee the defense.” This is center official will cover play on the side
critical in the lead position whether the of the floor opposite from the trail, but the
The use of 3-person mechanics is becom- ball is passed into the post or if the defen- trail official still has the responsibility for
ing more prevalent at all levels of play, sive post player leaves his/her initial the back court count. As the ball moves
from the international level, down to the assignment to become the secondary de- up the floor, the trail official follows the
university, and now U17 and high school fender on another opponent. Any time the play as it moves into the front court. In or-
games. Not only is it a more effective and lead official makes a call, he/she must de- der to always keep the play in front of
efficient way to officiate and manage a termine whether or not the defensive him/her after a score, the new trail should
game, it is adding longevity to the careers player established legal guarding posi- not leave the endline until the ball is
of many senior officials. What a great tion. When a double whistle occurs, the thrown in and play begins to progress up
benefit to have these individuals nurture lead official should take the call since it is the floor.
the “up and coming” group of officials likely the play is coming towards him/her
that we are seeing in many countries. Un- and he/she has probably seen the entire The trail official sets up on the same side
fortunately in some instances, when the play. The lead official sets up on the same of the floor as the lead official so they are
concept of 3-person mechanics is not side of the floor as the trail official so he/ usually on the ball side, whether the ball
well understood, it may not result in any- she is usually on the ball side. The lead is in the trail or in the lead official’s area.
thing more than having a third official official has the responsibility to initiate The set-up position is at the edge of the
added to a 2-person game. When used ef- rotations and there are a few triggers to team bench area near the sideline. As the
fectively, however, the credibility of the key on, with the location of the ball being play moves towards the basket, the trail
crew is enhanced, the call selection im- the main element. The lead should “mir- official needs to penetrate and referee
proves and the end result is a better ror” the ball. In other words, if the ball is the play all the way to the basket and then
officiated game. near the side his/her on their side of the be prepared for rebounding action. If the
floor, positioning should be just outside ball is passed into the post player, the trail
A more accurate understanding of each the restricted area; when the play moves official needs to trust his partner and al-
position will make the transition from 2- towards the middle of the floor, the lead low the lead official to referee the play.
person to 3-person more accessible and should move closer to the basket. Anytime the ball is in his/her area and the
effective. This article is directed towards offensive player is being closely guarded,
those individuals, who are new to these The first key for the lead official to initiate the trail official must begin a visual 5-sec-
mechanics or only have limited experi- a rotation is when the ball moves to the ond count. When a shot is attempted from
ence. Sometimes we are taught where to opposite side of the floor. When the cent- the center official’s area, the trail official
stand and where to go, but without a com- er official is refereeing more than 2 must observe activity around the basket
prehensive explanation of the purpose. players and the ball is on that same side, and be prepared to call basket interfer-
page 32 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
ence if it occurs. If the ball moves to the area, particularly on jump shots and not get caught up in your position; that
opposite side of the floor, the trail official drives to the basket. This takes a lot of will come with time. Because your area
must be prepared to rotate to the centre pressure and responsibility off the trail of responsibility is reduced, you can be
official position as soon as a rotation is official. When the ball swings to the cen- more patient and eliminate some of the
initiated by the lead official. tre’s side of the floor, the centre needs to guessing that happens in 2-person me-
anticipate the lead official rotating to his/ chanics because there is another official
CENTRE OFFICIAL her side of the floor and, if so, move to taking care of a blind spot on the floor.
The centre official position in the 3-per- the trail position. Anytime the ball is in
son system really represents the most his/her area and the offensive player is By and large, the success of a 3-person
significant difference from to the 2-per- being closely guarded, the centre official crew is predicated to the following princi-
son system. The centre set-up position is needs to begin a 5 second visual count. ples: teamwork, trust, respect, and
one or two steps below the free-throw When the ball turns over in the front patience. Referee your primary and allow
line on the opposite side of the floor from court or following a made basket, the your partners to take care of their respec-
the trail and lead officials. The ball is usu- centre official needs to hold his/her posi- tive areas; be ready to help but only when
ally on the opposite side of the floor so tion, read the play and not abandon the needed. Trust and respect your partners
the centre official has a prime responsi- lead official. as you expect them to have faith in your
bility for off ball coverage. ability to make the correct calls.
As with most things in life, experience is
In today’s game, a lot of action takes the best teacher. The more opportunity Be patient. It may be that nothing is hap-
place at the “elbows”. Therefore, in this you have to use 3-person mechanics, the pening in your area for a while. Don’t start
position, particular attention is required better it will be; your comfort level will in- looking for infractions outside your area;
to observe illegal screening and bump- crease. Even while learning these observe play as it occurs. Be ready to in-
ing. The centre official is in an excellent mechanics, you must remember the most tervene to help the flow of the game
position to referee play in the restricted important thing is to referee the game and proceed in the spirit of fairness.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 33
 referees and game administration

RIGHT OR WRONG?
The following questions focus on the docu-
ment, “FIBA Official Basketball Rules: Offi-
cial Interpretations”. A free download is
provided on the FIBA website (www.fiba.
com). For additional clarifications, explana-
tions or examples, please consult this doc-
ument.

1. A3 is crossing the centre line while

dribbling the ball from the backcourt to
the frontcourt. Shall the ball be consid-
ered to have moved to the frontcourt at
the moment when A3 touches the front-
court?
2. The ball has already touched the ring
and is bouncing above it when a player
reaches through the basket from below
and touches the ball. Has interference
occurred?
3. While holding the ball and being closely
guarded, A3 excessively swings elbows
but does not make contact with an op-
ponent. Can a technical foul be called
on A3?
4. A2 gains control of the ball while mov-
ing quickly. A2 loses balance and falls
to the floor, after which momentum
causes A2 to slide a short distance be-
fore coming to a stop. Has A2 commit-
ted a traveling violation?
5. A3 gains control of a rebound and at-
tempts a long pass. B3, in the team B
frontcourt near the centre line, jumps to
intercept the pass, gains control of the
ball and returns to the floor touching
the team B backcourt. Has B3 illegally
returned the ball to the backcourt?
6. While dribbling from the team A back-
court, A4 is closely guarded by B2 and
B3 for six seconds, after which A4
comes to a stop straddling the centre
line and ends the dribble. Is the ball
now in team A’s frontcourt?
7. A2 has a clear fast break with no oppo- 10. On the jump ball that begins the 1st trol of the ball in the air and then lands
nent between A2 and the opponents’ period, the ball has been legally in the team A backcourt. Has A5 ille-
basket when B3 causes contact from tapped by A3. His team mate A5 jumps gally returned the ball to the back-
behind in an attempt to end A2’s fast from the team A frontcourt, gains con- court?
break opportunity. Shall an unsports-
manlike foul be called against B3? ANSWERS
8. Shall players be permitted to wear T-
1. No (Art. 28.1.3, 3rd bullet) 9. Yes (Art. 28) (When A5 ends the
shirts under playing shirts?
2. Yes (Art. 31.2.4, 2nd bullet) dribble while straddling the centre
9. A5 dribbles from the team A backcourt
3. Yes (Art. 38.3.1) line, Art. 28.1.3, 3rd bullet, no longer
and comes to a stop straddling the cen-
4. No (Art. 25.2.3) applies. Art. 28.1.3, 2nd bullet dictates
tre line while still dribbling. A5 then
5. No. (Art. 30.1.2) that the ball is now in the team A front-
ends the dribble and immediately pass-
6. Yes (Art. 28.1.3, 2nd bullet) court. Therefore when A5 passes the
es the ball to A2 who is in the team B
7. Yes (Art. 36.1.4) ball to A2, the violation occurs.)
backcourt. Has A5 illegally returned to
8. No (Art. 4.3.1) 10. No (Art. 30.1.2)
the backcourt?
page 34 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 SPORT MARKETING and MANAGEMENT

FIBA Oceania’s Women’s

Basketball Initiative
in the Pacific Islands

by Judy Smith

Judy Smith has coached for 18 years in

Australia's high schools. She has been
15 years the representative of the
Coaches Association and she has been
Regional High Schools competition co-
ordinator for 18 years. She also was
Administrator for the New South Wales
Conference, NSW Combine High
Schools State Co-ordinator and Event
Manager (Basketball NSW and Bas-
ketball Australia). She has been Ad-
minstrator of the local basketball
association for 3 years.

As the FIBA Oceania’s Special Projects

Manager, I submitted applications for
the funding for this program through the
Australian High Commissions in various
Pacific Island countries.

The Australian Government is a major

sponsor of development programs in
the Pacific region, and has supported
many basketball initiatives put forward
by FIBA Oceania over recent years.

One of the most successful initiatives

was a recent 3-country women’s bas-
ketball initiative, called “Women: On
the Ball and On the Move”, which was
conducted in Fiji, Papua New Guinea
and the Solomon Islands. The funding
provided by the Australian Government
allowed the Basketball Federations in
each country to cover the cost of court
hire, transport, meals, uniforms and
equipment for the participants.

The program had three components:

1. “Come and Play” – A program to get
young girls involved in basketball for
the first time.
page 36 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
2. “Come and Help” – A referee, coach In the Solomon Islands the organisers Veitu Diro and her enthusiastic band of
and administrators program aimed included an HIV/AIDS Awareness volunteers followed up the program
at encouraging more women into workshop in their program, highlighting with more coaching clinics for primary
these areas of basketball. how basketball can help spread health and high school aged girls, and in just
messages to the community. three months, there are more than 400
3. “Come Back and Play” – Aimed at girls in 53 teams playing basketball at
women who have stopped playing Overall more than 500 young girls and the Hohola courts every Tuesday and
basketball. women participated in the program Thursday afternoon and evening. This
across the three countries. A large is an outstanding result and the fruits of
Each of the countries conducted their number of female school teachers at- this labour will surely be seen when
programs differently, in keeping with tended the programs, with will ensure players are selected from these com-
their cultural perspective. However, in that basketball is included in the Physi- petitions into the national youth training
all three countries the programs were a cal Education and Sports curriculum in programs.
great success. the schools.
In Fiji the program funded bus transport
In all three countries high to bring almost 300 girls from schools
ranking female Govern- around the capital city of Suva to the
ment officials and Aus- Vodaphone arena for coaching clinics
tralian High Commission and introductory games. A highlight for
staff were invited to the these girls was the appearance of their
opening and closing cer- National Women’s team who attended
emonies. In Papua New the FIBA pre-Olympic tournament in
Guinea, this included the Spain. Many of the young girls took the
Sports Minister, Dame opportunity to get autographs and have
Carol Kidu and the Na- their photos taken with the National
tional Olympic Committee Players.
Women in Sport Chair,
and National Basketball In Fiji the “Come Back and Play” pro-
Coach, Mrs Veitu Diro. In gram was very well supported by young
Fiji, the National Chair of mothers in the Suva community, and
the Women In Sport com- also by older women, who played bas-
mittee attended the cer- ketball in their youth. These women,
emonies, while in the once they got back on the court, were
Solomon Islands the playing along side their daughters,
Australian High Commis- laughing and enjoying themselves. As a
sion’s Anthea Blaikie was result of this program, a "mothers" com-
in attendance. petition is now being conducted in the
Raiwai Youth Hall every Wednesday
The Women’s Basketball evening. It has been reported that the
initiative attracted great laughter from the hall can be heard
media interest, with the from kilometres away.
national newspapers
and television covering In the Solomon Islands, the “Come and
the event in all three na- Help” program was held first. This was
tions. a training program where volunteers
undertook courses to improve their
The Papua New Guinea coaching and refereeing skills.
program was conducted Coaching clinics for primary school
in the capital city of Port girls were followed up with a 3-on-3
Moresby, and attracted girls only competition with prizes do-
over 70 young women nated by businesses in the capital city
and girls. The five day Honiara. Once again, the girls in the
program included National Women’s team came along to
coaching clinics con- assist with the clinics and to act as role
ducted by members of models for the younger girls.
the National Women’s
team, as well as officiat- The “Come Back and Play” program in
ing sessions with na- Honiara centred around a social bas-
tional referee educators. ketball competition for women aged 30
The surprise was not so years and over. Solomon Islands Bas-
much the interest shown ketball Federation President, Freda Ma-
in the program, but more tangi, conducted and played in this
in the success of the competition, which ran for many weeks
follow-on programs. after the program concluded.

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 37

 fiba research and study centre

How are sports

by Hans Peter Knauf
floors
monitored?
Hans Peter Knauf graduated civil engi- ty, ball rebound, humidity, and heat Protective function stands for the two ma-
neer at the Technical University of Stutt- insulation. Several versions were intro- jor issues:
gart, where he studied from 1966 to 1972. duced over the years, with the fully revised ▼ Shock Absorption (reducing the load
Since 1972 he was testing engineer at the standard called pre-standard DIN V 18032- on the human body when falling on the
former FMPA, now MPA. Since 1980 he is 2:2001-04 accepted as the valid version in sports floor).
Section Leader, Sports floors and sports 1994. ▼ Sliding Properties (prevent uncon-
facilities. He is member or convenor of trolled sliding).
the appropriate national (DIN) and Euro- The three basic functions were covered in Sports function means that different sports
pean (EN) standardization committees re- this version. can be played on the floor.
garding sports surfaces (indoor, outdoor)
and sports facilities. He is also consultant
and international sports governing bodies
and founding member of ISSS.
SPORTS
I. HISTORY
According to the available literature, the
first area-elastic sprung floor was installed PROTECTIVE SPORTS TECHNICAL
for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Con- FUNCTION FUNCTION FUNCTION
sisting of two layers of crossed bars on
levelled supports and a top layer of solid
parquet, this was the first attempt to con-
struct an indoor sports floor.
In April 1965, the first standard for flooring
was published in Germany. The German
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung)
standard was then used in the ensuing
years when testing indoor sports floors.
This standard was also used for the later
development of the EN (European Norm)
14904 standard.
The following characteristics were first
considered for DIN-standard flooring:
▼ elasticity (non-elastic sports floors
may cause injuries to the sportsmen);
▼ unbreakable;
▼ splinter-proo;f
▼ sound and heat insulation;
▼ foot stability;
▼ sliding property (not too slippery, not
too sticky);
▼ wearing resistance.

Additionally it was stated that cleaning

and maintenance should be effortless.

The next edition for floor standards was

published in July 1975 as DIN 18032 part 1.
This version provided standards for sur-
face regularity, resilience, loading capaci-
page 38 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
Technical function covers all the proper- elastic construction (wooden sprung at the end of the 1980s on area-elastic
ties of a sports floor regarding static, fall- floor); (hardwood) sports floors with solid maple
ing and rolling loads (rollers, wheels), as ▼ combined-elastic sports floor with an strips. Most of the systems of the different
well as wearing resistance. elastic layer (mostly foam). suppliers seemed to be quite similar with
constructions with rubber shock pads or
II. CONSTRUCTION d) Mixed-elastic sports floor bars (some anchored to the sub floor).
In the pre-standard mentioned before (DIN Point-elastic sports floor with an area-
V 18032-2:2001-04), the indoor sports floor elastic element. Due to the stiffness of the (mainly maple)
constructions are categorized according strips, however, it was very difficult for
to their construction principles by descrip- III. EUROPE these constructions to come within the
tion of the effects when loaded and defined In 1988, it was decided that in the Euro- DIN requirements regarding the property
by their area deflections (see figure 1). pean Standardization process, indoor area deflection.
sports floors were handled as building
a) Area-elastic sports floor products and should therefore be dealt
Resilient, rigid sports floor with the char- within a working group. To avoid cover- V. FIBA – OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES –
acteristic property to form a wide-spread age of synthetic floors only, CEN was BASKETBALL EQUIPMENT
deflection when loaded. This leads to two asked to establish a separate Technical Valid since October 1, 2006, FIBA pub-
construction principles: Committee (TC) for sports surfaces in lished the revised Official Basketball
general (indoor/outdoor). A TC was es- Rules – Basketball Equipment with new
▼ area-elastic sports floor with an elastic tablished in Manchester in 1989. In oppo- Level 1 requirements for permanent (sec-
construction (wooden sprung floor); sition to other sports floors, indoor sports tion 15.3) and mobile (15.4) wooden floor-
▼ area-elastic sports floor with an elastic floors became partly mandated for CE- ings.
layer (mostly foam). marking. The essential requirements re- As testing procedures, the appropriate
garding the European Building Directive EN standards are mentioned whereas the
b) Point-elastic sports floor became valid. The outcome of all the dis- requirements for permanent wooden
Resilient, soft sports floor with the charac- cussions was the creation of the EN floors are mainly based on DIN-require-
teristic property to form a narrow deflec- 14904 standard, published in April 2006. ments; some are more restraining, such
tion on top of the surface. as vertical ball behaviour and some are
IV. NORTH AMERICA less regulated, such as area deflection
c) Combined-elastic sports floor The situation in North America is different and sliding properties. In addition, condi-
A combination of the two above floors. than in Europe due to non-existing stan- tions for some properties and require-
As per the area-elastic sports floors, there dards (now in work). However, some ments regarding uniformity were fixed so
are two construction principles: American companies have had their prod- that floors fully complying with these FI-
ucts tested according to the DIN stan- BA requirements had to be engineered
▼ combined-elastic sports floor with an dard. The first testing activities took place on the highest level.
Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 39
 doctors, trainers and Conditioning Coaches

BAND
by Rich Dalatri
EXERCISEs
Rich Dalatri was the first full-time strength with heavier band loads in a controlled OVERHEAD THROW
and conditioning coach in the NBA in the speed for strength, as in regular weight The band is anchored at chest height, 3
1987 with the New Jersey Nets. He has training, or with lesser resistance for higher sets of 8 reps for each side, on Tue and Fri.
worked with the Nets since 1987 to 1992 speed of movement. Each has its own spe- Start in a throwing position with the arm
and since 1997 to now. He also worked cific benefits. You can use the band for any extended overhead, and behind you as in
with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, exercise you do with weights. The band the start of a throw. The band is anchored
the New York Giants in the NFL and the can also be used in sport specific move- behind you. Start the movement by pulling
Mississippi University. He was strength ments to overload exact movements of the the handle forward as in a throw. Try to
and conditioning coach in Italy of Fortitudo sport you play. We use this in basketball to keep the hand and arm a little higher and
Bologna and Phonola Caserta. Since 2001 overload a specific court movement at top extended than you would in a normal throw
to 2007 he has been conditioning coach of speed with no overload. This training stimu- (photo 5). Finish in a balanced position with
the Italian National Team with whom he lates the neuromuscular system to higher the arm extended out in front of you (photo
won the bronze medal in the 2007 European levels of development than can be attained 6). The movement should be fast and explo-
Championship and the silver medal in the by regular strength training or practice sive. Return to the start position under con-
2004 Olympic Games. He is also an author alone. This option of band work has en- trol and do the prescribed reps.
of many sport's books and articles and he hanced the variety of our program tremen-
coached many clinics around the Europe. dously because of the limitless number of OUTLET PASS
exercises you can do. The band is anchored at chest height, 3
The use of elastic bands in our training pro- sets of 8 reps, on Tue and Fri. Start facing
gram gives us another variable to work our CHEST PRESS WITH TWIST forward with the feet shoulder width apart,
player's strength, core, body control and The band is anchored at chest height, 3 and the band anchored behind you. Grip
balance. The band work is used in different sets of 8 reps for each side, on Mon and one handle with each hand. Start the move-
ways on different days, depending on the Thu. Start in a sideways stance with feet ment by stepping forward with one foot and
intensity of the day's workload. We use the shoulder width apart. Hold the handle of pulling the bands forward with the hands
exercises combined with a strength exer- the band with palm down at the side of and arms extended upward as if you were
cise to give us a super set of strength, and your chest with the elbow back (photo 1). throwing an outlet pass (photo 7). Exager-
functional strength together. By combining In a single motion turn and push the band ate the extension of the arms overhead.
the exercises this way we overload the out directly in front of you as if you are Finish the movement balanced and with the
specific muscle group with a weight exer- throwing a punch (photo 2). The move- arms in front of you (photo 8). The move-
cise then immediately follow this exercise ment should be fast and explosive. Be ment should be done fast and explosive.
with the band exercise that uses the same sure to stay balanced over your center of Return to the start position under control
muscle group in a much faster athletic type gravity the whole movement. Return back and do the prescribed reps.
movement. In the band exercise there is a to start position under control and repeat
total body movement which you must coor- for reps. TOTAL BODY EXTENSION
dinate the body from start to finish using the The band is anchored at foot level, 3 sets of
core as an anchor to stabilize the complete TENNIS BACKHAND 5 reps, on Mon and Thur. Start in a quarter
movement. The exercise entails pushing, The band is anchored low, 3 sets of 8 reps, squat position with your back straight, and
twisting, balancing and controlled eccen- on Tue and Fri. Start in a sideways stance your arms extended down and in front of
tric contraction in each rep. with feet shoulder width apart. Hold the you. Your feet are shoulder width, and you
The band work can be used on another day handle of the band with the palm facing are holding one handle in each hand. You
by itself for training the athlete with less backward at chest height, and with the arm are facing the band which is anchored in
overload on a day of lower intensity train- extended out in front of you (photo 3). From front of you (photo 9). In one motion extend-
ing. This is a good option during the com- this position pull the band forward as if you ed as much as possible throughout the
petitive season to give a player a lighter are doing a backhand stroke in tennis. Turn movement (photo 10). The movement should
training load. as you pull and finish facing forward (photo be fast and explosive. Be sure to return to a
There are different size bands each having 4). Be sure to keep the arm extended out in quarter squat position before starting next
its own level of resistance. In each exercise front of you the whole movement. The rep. Return under control and do the pre-
it is imperative to start with the band taunt movement should be fast and explosive. scribed reps. There are 3 parts to this exer-
with no slack and maintain this throughout Return to the start position under control cise, straight overhead, pull to the right
the exercise. The exercise can be done and do the prescribed reps. (photo 11), pull to the left (photo 12). When
page 40 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
1 4 7

2 5 8
pulling to the sides be sure both hands pull
togheter and finish behind the shoulder of
the side you are pulling to, and torso twist
to that side.

SHOTPUT
The band is anchored at foot height, 3 sets
of 8 reps, on monday and Thursday. Start in
a sideways stance with feet shoulder width
apart, and holding the handle of the band at
the side of your chest with the palm facing
down with the elbow back (photo 13). From
this position turn and push the band for-
ward and up as if you were throwing a shot
put. Finish fully extended forward and in a
balanced position (photo 14). The move-
ment should be fast and explosive. Return
to the start position under control and do
the reps.

3 6 STEP-UP WITH SHOULDER PRESS

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 41

 doctors, trainers and Conditioning Coaches

9 11 14

10 12 15
The band is anchored behind you at foot
level, 3 sets of 6 reps for each side, on Tues-
day and Friday. Start the movement with
one foot on a box or bench 18”- 24” (45-60
cm) high. The other foot is on the ground in
a position of a normal stride. Be sure not to
place the back ground foot directly behind
that on the box. This will cause you to be
unbalanced. In the opposite hand of the foot
on the box hold the handle of the band (pho-
to 15). The hand is at shoulder height with
the palm down, and elbow back. Start the
movement by at the same time stepping up
to the box and pushing the band forward
and up as if you are doing a layup (photo
16). Finish fully extended on the box, and re-
turn to the start position. Do the reps on one
foot, then switch and do the same with the
other side. The movement should be done
fast and explosive. Stay balanced and over
your center of gravity the entire movement. 13 16
page 42 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 news

Remedial Tonic
takes Iran's
basketball
one-on-one
to Beijing
I was the head-coach in a big international fore. But, that was the conclusion I arrived at
camp in Serbia when the Iranian national for the team. I have put very strong rules on
team was there in a preparation camp. I al- the team and they will get even tougher as
ready had a lot of info about Iran's basket- we get closer to the Beijing Games. We are
ball. I was there when the Iranian national newcomers and little known in the world of
team was playing for the last night and that basketball, but people are now beginning to
was my first close contact with the Iranian notice us. What can make us competitive is
national team. hard work and even more discipline that
what we already have. If any player shows
You are the one who has finally succeeded weakness, he won't be in the Olympics. We
in taking the Iranian basketball team to the need warriors, players with characters, and
Olympics after half a century. What was your we need those who fight hard. I told the play-
remedy? ers in Japan that being nice with others is for
First of all I tried to understand Iranian bas- the end of the game. If they beat us, we will
ketball. I realized that Iranian players were show them respect, but before the game we
very athletic, very physical and with lots of must be ready to fight. These guys will play
basketball skills. The problem was embed- in the Olympics against teams like Argentina
ded in the lack of discipline, both on and off which might have five NBA players. Most of
court. I began my training with them only 4 our players haven't even seen those players
months before the Asian Championship on TV and now they have to step in the court
Rajco Toroman is the coach of Iran's nation- Games in Japan and my working style was and play against them. And this requires a
al basketball team. Though Iranian basket- very hard for everybody to digest immedi- strong character, to be able to keep tough for
ball began to show signs of life long before ately. I have to say that no one has ever a big battle.
he arrived in the country to coach the na- worked like us for those games. I started
tional team, it was his diagnosis of the play- with two things on my agenda. I tried very So, they shouldn't get scared of the big
ers weaknesses and strength that gave the hard to bring discipline to the team, and I names?
national team zest for life. His quick fix has tried very hard to improve the games tacti- Yes, that's exactly what I want from the play-
sent Iran's basketball, after half a century, cally. Those were the areas we concentrated ers; not to get scared to fight, and no niceties
to the Beijing Olympic Games. FIBA's Hou- on. We sent two DVDs of our games in the before the games. Last season, I was new
man Bagheri talked to him to find out the finals with Qatar and Lebanon to NBA to see here and I set up a new national team with a
ingredients of his remedy. if Iran could play in NBA Summer League. few novice players. Now, everyone knows
They predicted Iran would lose all games be- that if he doesn't try hard, he'll be out.
Could you tell us about your coaching ca- cause the outside players were not as strong
reer? as those in the Summer League. But they Qualifying for the Olympics has made every
I have been coaching basketball teams for were extremely satisfied and surprised with Iranian happy. In fact, you have made a long
almost 20 years. I have worked in Serbia, the discipline and tactical game Iranians awaited dream come true. What was your
Greece, Belgium, Holland, Poland, China, showed in Japan. That's a big success and I own impression when Iran beat Lebanon in
Cyprus, and many other countries. In ex-Yu- think it is a great achievement for us that big the finals and cleared its way to the 2008
goslavia, I was the assistant-coach of the NBA coaches praised our work. So, the ba- Beijing Olympic Games?
national team, when we won the FIBA Euro- sic things are discipline, hard work and tacti- In the first instance I was very tired and
pean Championships twice, once in 1991 in cal improvements. I think we played well but emotionally worn out. I could not even at-
Rome, and then in Athens in 1995. I was also our players have not yet reached their full tend the celebrations after the game. This
the coach of U-22 national team when our potentials. I think we must work on that and was due to the heavy pressure I was under
team won third place in Istanbul. Working in improve our games both offensively and de- during those days. But after ten minutes, I
a lot of different countries has given me lots fensively in transitions. felt really proud of the Iranian players. That
of handy experience. was the main point and I think we had an
Does this mean that previous local coaches excellent emotional interaction there after. I
How did you first hear about Iran and the were incapable to do this? was respecting them, and they were re-
coaching vacancy here? I did not say that, because I was not here be- specting me which made us get closer than
page 44 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 and Mike Jones is a good player too. I be-
lieve they could have helped Kaveh tremen-
dously. Kaveh could have reached the finals
if the team had been a bit stronger and lucki-
er. Overall, it was very good for Kaveh.

Did you have any offers from other countries

at the same time you were contacted from
Iran? And what was your motivation to work
here?
First of all, I was free when Mr. Zoran Ra-
dovic from FIBA called me and asked me if I
wanted to take the offer. I said I had to see
the whole situation first, and gather some
information. I called a Serbian coach, who
was in Iran, then Bosnjak, and they both told
me the potential here is really good. I
thought I could do something and so I ac-
cepted the offer and arrived here during the
play-offs in 2006-07 season. I watched a
ever before. We had a very difficult period rope was against their rules and regulations, couple of games like Mahram-Saba and
of time before that victory. Mehdi Kamrani a European coach was hired for the national Saba-Petrochimi and I saw some really
who was away because of injury joined the team. I have had a long conversation on this good and promising players. So, for me it
national team again after an absence of issue with my friend, who is the Serbian was easy to decide to come here.
three and a half months just seven days be- coach of Iran's national volleyball team. He
fore we flew to Japan. Hamed Afagh had a said the only way to improve performance is Despite the success, our basketball is suffer-
personal problem, so he had not practiced to go to Turkey with three of the Iranian na- ing from poor international liaison. There are
for the last 8 days. The biggest downside for tional team players. There they can pick Eu- lots of people overseas who are very inter-
us has been the tragic and premature death ropean experience from the best European ested about Iranian basketball. What mea-
of Aidin Bahrami. If he were with us, we teams. That's how they can jump to a higher sures do you think the federation should take
would have had a different team and a to- level. in this regard?
tally different situation now. The problem of One thing is to organize high-level clinics
replacing someone in his position is still lin- And do you believe that we have the poten- here in Iran and invite high-level coaches to
gering. I told his brother, Samad, to stay tial among Iranian players to play in good come. We should not think we know every-
stronger than ever, both for the sake of Aid- foreign teams? thing. Last season, the federation received
in's spirit and for the sake of the national Yes, I do. We agreed for Hamed Haddadi to invitations from a few low-level or mid-level
team. I believe that if all the negative load play with one of the best European teams, teams, but this season the invitations are
was not on the team at that time we could Partizan Belgrade. But, unfortunately, the from famous countries in basketball such as
have even played with a more competitive deal was not finalized because Hamed Slovenia, Australia, Italy, and many others.
force. However, I was satisfied with the re- turned it down. If he had played one season We have to grab this opportunity to improve
sults and with the players' behavior. They in Partizan, it would have projected a differ- the level of Iranian basketball. I think if we
sacrificed everything for the team. ent mentality here in Iran. Partizan's coach play with good teams here in Iran during
has so far sent three players to NBA. This which we can also organize some clinics it
What is your idea about Asian and Iran's team has over 70 very difficult games each would help our players a lot.
basketball in particular? season, and Hamed could have opened the
Before I came here, I had a relatively good door for other Iranian players too. For the Have you ever encountered any communica-
knowledge of the teams. I had a very good moment, I think Samad Bahrami and Mehdi tion gaps with players or other people?
friend who was coaching a team in Qatar for Kamrani are ready to play in Europe. These No, I speak English, and sometimes when
15 years. He passed on a lot of information three are the tops. They can play even in someone doesn't understand my assistant
about Asian basketball. I also had a good ULEB and the Euro League. I believe they translates my words.
contact in China, who gave me some useful have the potential.
tips. The main point with most Asian teams is How much can sports bring countries with
that though they have the physical power How much, if any, do you believe foreign conflicts together?
and basketball skills, tactically they are far players in Iran have helped to improve Irani- A lot. We should not think about politics but
behind European teams. an basketball? only friendship in sports.
Of course they have. There are lots of good
You mean in teamwork? players, who are helping the teams, more- Will you consider staying in Iran after the
Yes, I remember the words of a famous NBA over good teams are choosing better im- Olympics?
coach, who said the only way to be success- ports. Through their experience, the imports I like it here, but I do not know about my de-
ful in Beijing is to send the best players to can help Iranian players produce a higher cision after the Olympics. I should see what
Europe to pick up tactical skills for a better standard competition. Making the right is best for me and what is best for the Feder-
tactical game. If you look at the first five choice is also very important. For example, ation.
teams, four of them have European coaches. Kaveh signed on with good players last sea-
Even in China where sending players to Eu- son. Omar Sneed was my player in Belgium FIND MORE INTERVIEWS ON WWW.FIBA.COM

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 45

 news
news

the world
in brief
Planet
basketball

announcement. The IOC chose Yao and

other leading athletes to star in a dramatic
video extolling the Olympic ideals of deter-
mination and perseverance. Yao, a 2,28 m
(7 ft 6 in) giant, who has been China’s most
recognisable sportsman due in large part
to his successful NBA career with the
Houston Rockets, appears at the start of
the message and again near the end. An-
other of the Olympians is Russia’s world-
record pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva
who, as a wise man says while she jumps
over a ravine, is “the woman who jumps
the highest” who can prove that “no ob-
stacle is too great to overcome”.
Yao, China’s national team center, is bat-
tling his way back from foot surgery to
play at the Beijing Games. Some of the
other current sporting greats shown as
superheroes looking to achieve the seem-
ingly impossible in the public service an-
nouncement are Swiss tennis star Roger
"BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERS" YAO APPEARS IN IOC ANNOUNCEMENT Federer, France’s excellent swimmer Lau-
IN INDIA FULL SUCCESS Basketball in China and around the world re Manaudou and Italian gymnast Vanessa
The "Basketball Without Borders Asia" has been honoured with the appearance Ferrari. “Heroes” is part of the multi-di-
camp in July, witnessing renowned FIBA/ of Yao Ming in "Heroes", the International mensional “The Best of Us” global promo-
NBA players and coaches guiding Asian Olympic Committee’s latest public service tional campaign.
talents, was a great success. The four-
day under-19 camp represented the first AITO ALL SMILES AS SPAIN LOOK
ever occasion that this successful joint TO REIGN IN CHINA
FIBA/NBA program took place in India Aito Garcia Reneses, the recently appoint-
and counted with the participation of 50 ed coach of Spain’s national team, couldn’t
budding basketball players from 15 coun- be happier. The former DKV Joventut boss,
tries, including five representatives from embarking on one of the biggest challeng-
India. 'Basketball Without Borders Asia', es of his coaching career, has arguably
organized by FIBA and the NBA in coop- the most talented squad in the country’s
eration with the Basketball Federation of history and will be hoping the team
India, proved to be a huge boost to the achieves great things at the Beijing
trainees who had their skills sharpened Games. In Cadiz, where Spain was train-
by top FIBA/NBA coaches like Don Casey, ing for the Olympics, Garcia Reneses said:
Dave Hopla and Sam Perkins. In addition, "This is a good generation of players, who
"Basketball without Borders" campers al- are very good individually and as a team.
so attended daily life skills seminars fo- They know how to be teammates and from
cusing on HIV/AIDS education and that point of view, it´s a delight to coach a
prevention. team that has this attitude”.
The program in the Indian capital coin- Most of the players in the squad celebrat-
cided with the visit of FIBA President Bob ed a world title triumph two years ago in
Elphinston and FIBA Secretary General Japan, and last year’s silver medal suc-
and IOC member Patrick Baumann. cess at the EuroBasket in Madrid. Ricky
page 46 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
 Ansary, the Mayor of Dehli, Ms Arti Mehra, has a tremendous quality and has
the Government Secretary For Youth Af- strengthened our team certainly very sig-
fairs and Sport, Mr. Sudhir Nath, the Di- nificantly,” said national team boss Bauer-
rector General of Sports Authority for mann. Germany talisman Dirk Nowitzki,
India, Mr. Sayan Chatterjee and the Chief the star player of the Dallas Mavericks,
Minister of Dehli Ms Smt Sheila Dikshit. In also expressed his delight over the addi-
all the discussions particular focus was tion of the 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) Kaman – a play-
given to a 10 years development program er he has competed against frequently.
accompanied by the need for new indoor "Fantastic, this is a good message,” Now-
facilities, for enhanced quality coaching itzki said. “With Chris, we are even stron-
structures and for better integration of ger under the basket”. Germany had been
sport at schools, while capitalizing on the hit by a couple of high-profile withdrawals
growing popularity of the basketball in In- due to injuries. Mithat Demirel (eye) and
dia, especially amongst girls. Jo Herber (knee) had to pull out of the pre-
Rubio, 17, who played for Garcia at DKV, The establishment of a permanent basket- liminary squad. While Germany still have
and veteran playmaker Raul Lopez of Real ball academy in New Dehli after the 2010 veteran center Patrick Femerling, Kaman
Madrid have made this year’s squad in Commonwealth Games was also submit- gave them an imposing presence on the
place of Sergio Rodriguez and Carlos ted to the authorities for their consider- interior on both ends of the floor. The 26-
Cabezas. Spain will have a lot of friendlies ation as part of the legacy of the Games. year-old is a leading player with the Clip-
to use as warm-up games for the Olym- In a separate meeting with the Indian pers, having averaged 15.7 points, 12.7
pics. “I want to get the players in good Olympic Committee and its Secretary Gen- rebounds and 2.8 blocks during the 2007-
shape in order to take advantage of our eral and IOC member Randir Singh, poten- 08 campaign. Thanks also to Kaman, Ger-
first games and then we will try to intro- tial synergies between basketball and the many has qualyfied to Beijing.
duce other things like transitions to our program of the National Clubs Games
game,” he said. were discussed and will be further exam- USA BASKETBALL ANNOUNCES OLYMPIC SQUAD
ined in a meeting in Beijing during the Featuring Olympic gold medalist Jason
FIBA AND BFI SET COURSE Olympic Games. The nationwide program Kidd (Dallas Mav-
FOR BASKETBALL IN INDIA may reach out to as many as 24,000 bas- ericks) and four
While the FIBA/NBA joint project "Basket- ketball teams in the lead up to the 2010 2004 Olympians,
ball without Borders" has successfuly Games. At the reception evening hosted USA Basketball
by BFI for the "Basketball without Borders" Men's Senior Na-
camp, it was announced the India will be tional Team man-
hosting the 1st FIBA Commonwealth Bas- aging director
ketball Championship for Men in 2010 with Jerry Colangelo
8 teams. announced the 12-
players, who will
KAMAN RECEIVES GERMAN PASSPORT represent the
NBA center Chris Kaman has received his United States in
German passport and played for the coun- the Aug. 8-24
try’s national side at the FIBA Olympic Olympic Summer
Qualifying Tournament in Athens. "Chris Games in Beijing,
China. Named to
the 2008 USA Bas-
ketball Senior Na-
tional Team were: Carmelo Anthony
(Denver Nuggets); Carlos Boozer (Utah
Jazz); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe
Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Dwight How-
ard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James
(Cleveland Cavaliers); Jason Kidd (Dallas
Mavericks); Chris Paul (New Orleans Hor-
started in New Dehli, top leaders from FI- nets); Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons);
BA, FIBA Asia and the Basketball Federa- Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); Dwya-
tion of India (BFI) held marathon meetings ne Wade (Miami Heat); and Deron Wil-
over the past two days in New Dehli with liams (Utah Jazz). "This has been, to say
local and national sporting and public au- the least, an extremely difficult selection
thorities. President Bob Elphinston, Secre- process. The 33 players, who committed
tary General Patrick Baumann, FIBA Asia to be part of the USA Senior National Team
Secretary General Dato Yeoh Choo Hock program and have been involved in our
met with the full Board of BFI under the various training camps and competitions
leadership of President Gill and Secretary the past two summers, deserve recogni-
General Sharma to discuss the state of tion and acknowledgment for their contri-
basketball in the country before meeting butions and for their commitment to their
with the Vice-President of India, Mr. M.H. country," said Colangelo. "I'm excited

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 47

dddd

news
about the players, who comprise this games. In the NBA’s biggest rivalry, Bos- also not covered by insurance. Cleveland
team. The selections were very difficult ton have now won nine of the 11 meetings had privately told Lithuania before they
and something we've been working to- between the two teams in the finals. This would not allow him to play and after re-
ward since we initially got the Senior Na- year’s crown was the first ever claimed in ceiving a petition from Lithuania with thou-
tional Team together in the 2006 summer. the TD Banknorth Garden. The old Boston sands of signatures on it, the Cavs did not
Unfortunately we are limited to a roster of Garden was demolished in 1997. budge. "Zydrunas is an important member
12 players and we had incredible commit- The Lakers’ NBA MVP Kobe Bryant had of our team and has generally been a high-
ment for the 33 players in our Senior Team 22 points, but was just seven of 22 from er risk player due to his injury history,"
program," said US coach Mike Krzyzewski, the floor. Pau Gasol, the Spain interna- Cavs general manager Danny Ferry said.
who has directed the team the part two tional, finished with 11 points and eight "We declined consent for Zydrunas."
summers. "Our team has excellent athleti- rebounds but turned the ball over a game- Ilgauskas averaged 14.1 points, a career-
cism and great versatility. We have play- high five times. high 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 73
ers who are experienced in the games this season.
international game thanks to the last two CAVS SAY NO-GO FOR BIG Z AT OLYMPICS
summers' training and competitions. I feel Lithuania’s hopes of adding Cleveland FIBA CREATES ACADEMY FOR EXECUTIVES
really good where we are, we have the Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to The World Academy of Sport and FIBA
foundation in but we have a lot work their Olympic squad appear to have been concluded an agreement to establish the
ahead." Of the 12 selected players, six dashed by the NBA club. The 2,21 m (7 ft 3 FIBA Academy. This is a global education
were part of the 2006 FIBA World Champi- in) giant was desperate to play for his initiative of FIBA, its aim being to further
onship Team, and eight were part of the country this summer, but he has a long strengthen the expertise and skills of the
2007 FIBA Americas Championship that history of injuries and this season, a com- executives within its 213 National Basket-
qualified the U.S. for the 2008 Olympics. pressed disk in his lower back caused him ball Federation membership. FIBA Secre-
to miss some games. Ilgauskas’ feet are tary General and IOC member Patrick
CELTICS CLAIM FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP Baumann stated: "We are delighted to be
IN 22 YEARS working with the World Academy of Sport
The Boston Celtics captured their first on this important educational initiative for
NBA title since 1986 by annihilating the World Basketball and our many valuable
Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the members. Through this partnership, we
league finals, 131-92. With club legends
Bill Russell, John Havlicek and JoJo
White looking on from the raucous crowd,
Boston cruised to their 17th crown with
future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett’s 26
points and 14 rebounds leading the way.
Boston, who nearly sacked coach Doc
Rivers after their abysmal 24-win cam-
paign in 2006-07, were richly rewarded
for keeping him in charge as he turned
the Celtics into a defensive juggernaut
that was mentally tough in the play-offs.
The Celtics survived seven-game series
against both Atlanta and Cleveland in the
first two rounds of the post-season be-
fore defeating both Detroit and LA in six

will be able to offer high quality online

courses to executives and administrators
in National Basketball Federations around
the world." The majority of the FIBA Acad-
emy courses will be offered online for FI-
BA members. They will be divided into 10
modules in the sectors 'administration',
'marketing' and 'events', culminating with
an online exam and a certificate at the
end. The FIBA online modules will be of-
fered free of charge to members.
The FIBA Academy will be officially
launched in January 2009 and will provide
Administrative learning opportunities to
the global FIBA family. The FIBA Academy
project comes as a logical development of
FIBA's "National Federations Manual". In a
second stage, an Athlete Certificate will
be added to the FIBA Academy Program.
page 48 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine
Courses will be part of a new FIBA admin- for the second consecutive time. Jan Bo- cess of the 2014 FIBA World Champion-
istrative ranking system and participation brovsky’s team, which finished a disap- ship for Men and through all details
by member federation officers in the pointing fifth at last year’s EuroBasket in necessary to guarantee a successful or-
course will be awarded with specific bo- Italy, completed a perfect FIBA Olympic ganization of FIBA's premier champion-
nus points. The FIBA Academy will be lo- Qualifying Tournament with a 76-64 win ship. After having carefully studied the
cated and managed by the foundation that over the Japanese – a team that has 'FIBA World Championship for Men 2014
the International Basketball Federation is caused the Latvians and Czechs a lot of Bid and Event Manual' and after having
in the process of setting up. problems but been unable to prevail.It participated in the Workshop, those Na-
wasn’t easy, but Brazil finally booked a re- tional Federations having decided to con-
SPAIN, BELARUS, LATVIA, CZECHS AND BRAZIL turn trip to the Olympics with a thrilling 72- tinue with their respective bidding
QUALIFY FOR BEIJING 67 win against Cuba on the final day. Paulo processes will be invited to hand over
The last five women’s teams have qualified Bassul’s young team, which lost an over- their candidature files in person, in Gene-
for the Olympic Basketball Tournament time heartbreaker to Belarus in their quar- va, on 5th December 2008 (date to be con-
during the FIBA Olympic Qualifier in Ma- ter-final, clinched the final spot up for firmed), during an official presentation
drid in early June. Spain rode the hot hand grabs by beating Angola and ceremony in presence of the FIBA Central
of Elisa Aguilar into the Beijing Games on then Cuba in the last game. Board. Between December 2008 and
Friday. The veteran point guard erupted for March 2009 the FIBA Evaluation Commis-
17 of her game-high 28 points in the sec- 9 BIDS FOR 2010 FIBA U17 sion shall examine all presented and duly
ond half to fire Spain past an impressive WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS confirmed bids and shall present a com-
Cuba with 82-68. Evaristo Perez’s team, Seven countries have submit- plete report, after conducting visits to all
which played so hard against Russia in the ted their official candidature bidding National Federations, to the FIBA
gold medal game of the EuroBasket Wom- for the organization of the Central Board. The complete bidding pro-
en but missed out on that title, booked a first edition of the 12-team cess will end in May 2009, when the FIBA
trip to the Olympics for a second time in a FIBA U17 World Champion- Central Board decides the host of the 2014
row. Belarus beat Brazil 86-79 in an over- ship for Men and Women World Championship for Men.
time thriller to reach the Olympics for the that will be played in July 2010.
first time. In a dramatic last contest, Brazil Six candidates lined up for the Men’s
veteran Iziane refused to enter the game event: China, France, Germany, Italy, Ka-
in the second half following a heated dis- zakhstan and Morocco. Three countries
cussion during the intermission with coach have expressed their interest in hosting
Paulo Bassul. He later revealed that he the Women’s event: Chile, France and Ka-
has dropped her from the national team. zakhstan. The FIBA Central Board, at its
Latvia cruised past Angola to reach the meeting in May 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey,
Olympics for the first time in the nation's will take decisions as with regards to the
history. The Baltic country won 84-26 to hosts of the 2010 U17 World Championship
become the fourth European team to reach for Men and Women. On a completely dif-
the Beijing Games after EuroBasket cham- ferent note, the race to become the host
pions Russia, Spain and the Czech Repub- organizers of the 2014 FIBA World Cham-
lic. Victory may have come at a cost for pionship continues. On 26th and 27th June
Ainars Zvirgzdins' team, though, with vet- 2008, the National Federations of China,
eran forward Ieva Tare going down with a Denmark, France, Italy and Spain took LATVIA WOMEN REPLACE JAPAN
dislocated elbow early in the second half. part in a two-day workshop in Geneva, IN DIAMOND BALL
The Czech Republic passed a real test Switzerland, where they were guided European juggernauts Latvia have jumped
against Japan to advance to the Olympics through all the steps of the bidding pro- at the chance to play at the FIBA Diamond
Ball for Women ahead of this summer’s
Beijing Games. The Latvians, who clinched
a spot in China at the FIBA Olympic Quali-
fying Tournament for Women in Madrid,
have replaced Japan following after the
Asian country’s decision to withdraw. The
addition of the Baltic country means that
all six national teams - Australia, China,
Latvia, Mali, Russia and the United States
- taking part in the Diamond Ball are sides
that will also be competing at the Olym-
pics. The Latvians will take on Russia - the
team that beat them in the semi-finals of
last year’s EuroBasket - on August 2 and
square off against the United States on
August 3. Once at the Olympics, Latvia will
be in Group A with Australia, Korea, Rus-
sia, Brazil and Belarus.
FIBA CREATES ACADEMY for executive

Fiba Assist Magazine | 33 2008 | Page 49

 news

THE ODD -
THE FUNNY -
Off-the-court
THE UNUSUAL
LAVRINOVIC ENJOYS A GOOD WALK IN THE PARK my parents, the coach I mentioned before, of course, you are with Sporting Club Al
Montepaschi Siena’s Ksystof Lavrinovic Vitautas Poteliunas, but it has been above Riyadh Beirut. Tell us, Fadi, what is your
will be one of Lithuania’s stars at the Beijing all the example set by Arvydas Sabonis to favourite meal?
Games, but before travelling to China with spark our pride and our quality,” Lavrinovic EL KHATIB: Anything Lebanese.
the national says. Lithuania certainly benefit from the FIBA: What has been the best book that
team, the pow- presence of the Lavrinovic brothers and you've read recently?
er forward/ there is talk that Montepaschi may attempt EL KHATIB: "War on Lebanon: A Reader" by
center will be to sign Darjus for next season. "I really hope Rashid Khalidi and Nubar Hovsepian.
sure to spend so and so does he,” Lavrinovic says. “We FIBA: One more question, Fadi. Tell us what
some time off have a great relationship, we are our first your favourite film is.
the hardwood. fans. I always say he is the stronger and EL KHATIB: "Count of Monte Cristo". I love
Lavrinovic, who Darjus says vice-versa. We played together the way he challenges his life and friends,
has helped de- for five years in l'Alita and one in Kazan. It but how he is not angry but smart.
fending Italian would be nice to play together in Italy."
champions GINOBILI CHOSEN AS ARGENTINA FLAGBEARER
Mens Sana EL KHATIB LIKES ‘TO CHILL’ TO R&B South America basketball icon Manu Gino-
reach the Lega A play-off semi-finals, likes One of international basketball’s best known bili has been se-
the outdoors. "I like to have direct contact players, Lebanon’s Fadi El Khatib, knew that lected as the
with nature,” he says. “I adore the walks in he and his country faced a enormous chal- flagbearer for
the forests of my country, fishing in lakes. lenge to reach the Beijing Games. There’s a Argentina at the
My wife was Miss Russia and we have a pretty good chance El Khatib relaxed his Opening Cere-
son who is 14 months old and takes a lot of mind ahead of those vital Group A games by monies of the
our time." Lavrinovic and his twin brother listening to some of his favourite tunes, and Beijing Games.
Darjus did not start playing basketball until FIBA found out what kind of music is likely The veteran San
their early teens. "I was 13 when my mother to be streaming through his headphones in Antonio Spurs
arrived home with a brochure from a bas- a recent interview with the popular player. guard was the
ketball school for tall children of Sarunas FIBA: Fadi, what kind of music do you listen most valuable
Marciulonis,” he says. “My twin brother to? player of the Olympics four years ago after
Darjus and I did a lot of sports, like swim- EL KHATIB: R&B, all kinds, but more slow leading Argentina to the gold medal. How-
ming, karate and athletics and we decided and not so hard. And I love U2, but just gen- ever, the participation of Manu is still an
to try out basketball”. erally music to chill out to. uncertainty after he hurt his ankle during
"At the beginning it wasn't easy. We were FIBA: We were wondering, what’s the first the NBA play-offs. A statement on the Ar-
the tallest, but we were very thin. The thing that pops into your mind when you get gentina Basketball Federation website said:
coaching staff (at the school) didn't want up in the morn- "Cristina Fernandez, president of the nation,
us, but our coach saw something good in ing? will on Friday hand the Argentinian flag to
us and made us train for a year without EL KHATIB: My basketball player Emanuel Ginobili, who
playing. Two years later, we were in the kids. My new has been selected as the flagbearer for his
first team of l'Alita in Lithuania's top divi- born, who is six country at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
sion.” They have other talents as well, in- months old, and The best basketball Argentinian player in
cluding a mastery of different languages. my three-and-a- the history was chosen by the bosses of the
"My dad is Polish and my mother is from half-year-old son. delegations in the Argentinian Olympic
Belarus,” Lavrinovic says. “But they moved FIBA: We suspect Committee headquarters.” There was no
to Lithuania where my brother and I were you missed the mention of a contingency plan should Gino-
born. At home, we speak three languages, good cooking that bili decide not to play because of the injury.
especially Russian. My parents have al- so many talk Argentina defeated Team USA in the semi-
ways encouraged us to be professional about in Beirut finals at Athens before thumping Italy in the
sportsmen.” It’s not surprising that in sports, when you played final to capture the gold medal.
Lavrinovic cites one of the country’s leg- in Ukraine earlier
endary figures as an inspiration. "Besides this season. Now, Find more stories on www.fiba.com

page 50 | 33 2008 | Fiba Assist Magazine

"Dual-Cushion" Technology basketballs are not available in the United States.