WTF & Racing Through Dead Space

If you were to listen to the old ’90s hip-hop song “I Wish” by Skee-Lo about wishing you were a little taller, a little more athletic, or had all the things you thought would finally make life easier, you’d get a really good sense of the soundtrack playing inside many young basketball players minds.

“I wish I was taller… I wish I was bigger and stronger… I wish I could jump higher”

And on and on, the soundtrack goes.

The problem isn’t having those wishes. The problem is believing they are the reason you have not become the player you want to be. Physical development certainly matters, but the athletes who separate themselves over time discover something many players never do: basketball rewards intelligence just as much as athleticism. Every possession is filled with opportunities to create value without jumping higher, running faster, or scoring more points.

This week’s Think The Game Thursday videos highlight two perfect examples. One teaches players how a simple, unselfish habit can dramatically improve their impact on the game. The other shows coaches how a timeless sideline out-of-bounds action continues to work, not because of the play itself, but because of the basketball IQ behind it.

Let’s dive in…

The Most Important Thankless Job in Basketball

The fastest player isn’t always the most valuable player.

One of the quickest ways to earn your coach’s trust is by sprinting the floor every single possession, even when you know you probably won’t receive the ball. Great players understand that racing to the rim, or sprinting to the corner creates layups, opens driving lanes, stretches the defense, and creates mismatches for their teammates. These are the “thankless jobs” that rarely appear in the box score but consistently help teams win games.

Play the video to learn why coaches immediately notice players who sprint with purpose.

The Warriors’ “WTF” Action and the Principle Behind It

Great plays rarely stay great for long.

With advancements in AI technology and scouting, opponents are recognizing your favorite actions quicker than ever, and looking for ways to disrupt them. That’s why the best offensive systems aren’t built around memorizing plays, they’re built around teaching players how to recognize defensive reactions and exploit them.

In this breakdown of the Warriors’ famous “WTF” sideline out-of-bounds play, you’ll see how one subtle counter turns an anticipated action into a wide-open layup. More importantly, you’ll see why teaching your players how to think is always more valuable than teaching them what to run.

Play the video to steal this action for your own team.

Nurturing Your Child’s Basketball IQ

It is easy to get caught up in the highlight reels of spectacular dunks or blazing speed. But if you want to give your child a lasting advantage in their basketball journey, help them fall in love with the substance of the game, not just the spectacle.

Here is how you can help them build The Cerebral Advantage from home