Teaching The Part Method From Pete Newell

Part-method teaching tells a kid why he's doing something. In five-on-five drills you're not teaching, you're coaching. Break it down one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three, go through every option of the offense and defense, and the players will understand why you're doing it. And if they make mistakes, you can point it out. The parts make the whole. It's like your car engine; you work on the sparkplugs or the carburetor or whatever's causing the problem. You don't have to get rid of the whole motor.

Pete Newell on Post Play Reps

Post players need to read and react. They need to feel comfortable doing things or they will not do them. Teach them to play the game. I believe you need to teach a player a few moves, and when they are proficient in one area, then move on. Rhythm is important. Footwork is important. Let them go 4 times in a row. This helps to teach them to set up moves, teaches them rhythm and will help them develop a fluid motion to their game.

Simplify--Simplify--Teach--Simplify

SIMPLICITY

Pete Newell described two groups of coaches: those who believe in simplicity and execution and those who believe in surprise and change. Obviously, he and I are part of the simplicity and execution group
—Bob Knight

Simplicity and execution: How something is most effectively done.
Simplicity says, “Less is more.” It allows players to have a sense that there are specific techniques and strategies that are basic for their success—the success of the team. They gain confidence because of their familiarity and consistency of purpose.

Simplicity demands execution. If every athlete knows what to do and every opponent know what will be done, the anticipation is one of predictability. This is comforting for those who execute and seemingly comfortable for those who believe themselves to be ready to respond.
The coach who uses complex strategies and trickery cannot expect his players to execute them with any consistency, because they are not easy or familiar.

Simplicity says, “I will eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary can be perfectly expressed.”

The greatest truths are the simplest.

Simplicity is an indication of trust of what a coach believes in. No garnishes, no garbage. The desire to be clever sometimes overwhelms the understanding of how to be effective.

Emerson said, “To be simple, is to be great.”

Simplicity & Execution

SIMPLICITY & EXECUTION

Pete Newell described two groups of coaches: those who believe in simplicity and execution and those who believe in surprise and change. Obviously, he and I are part of the simplicity and execution group.
--Bob Knight

Simplicity and execution: the one strikes at the heart of how something is most effectively done, the other at the repetition required to get it done.

Simplicity says , “Less is more.” It allow athletes to have a sense that there are specific techniques and strategies that are basic for their success—the success of the team. They gain confidence because of their familiarity and consistency of purpose.

Simplicity demands execution.

The coach who uses complex strategies and trickery cannot expect his athletes to execute them with any consistency, because, by nature of definition, they are not easy or familiar. The opponents may be initially fooled by the deception but relieved to see that the surprise was wrapped in poor execution.

Simplicity says, “I will eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary can be perfectly expressed.”

The greatest truths are the simplest.

The desire to be clever sometimes overwhelms the understanding of how to be effective. Ralph Waldo Emerson had it right. “To be simple, is to be great.”