Play-Based Basketball Practice with Joe Crispin
Welcome to the world of Play-Based Practice with Joe Crispin! In this blog, we will explore the importance of creativity and freedom in basketball practice, the benefits of a constraints-led approach, and how you can help your players play the game better and enjoy the game more by creating a happier basketball environment with insights from Joe Crispin.
Joe Crispin is a former professional basketball player who has dedicated his career to helping coaches and players develop their skills and reach their full potential. His approach to basketball practice is centered around the idea of play-based learning, which emphasizes the importance of creativity, freedom, and fun in the learning process.
So, whether you are a coach looking to improve your team’s performance or a player looking to take your skills to the next level, this blog is for you. Get ready to have some fun and learn how to play better basketball with Joe Crispin!
Offense: Scoring with Efficiency
Crispin’s team’s offensive prowess was good enough to rank fourth in the country in scoring and third in tempo during the 2022-23 season. However, Crispin believes that his team was not efficient offensively, despite their high-scoring games. He explains that their offensive strategy focused on creating more possessions and opportunities for their players, as they had a deep roster of talented individuals. Crispin emphasizes that their offensive success was not solely based on shooting efficiency, but rather on the volume of shots they took. In this blog, we’ll look at how Crispin helps his players enjoy the game more through fast-paced, play-based practices.
Getting to the Free Throw Line
Crispin attributes their success in getting to the free throw line to their fast-paced style of play. By creating more possessions, they were able to draw fouls and get to the line. He also mentions that their strategy was influenced by their personnel, as they had strong one-on-one players but lacked exceptional shooting. Crispin wanted to make the game more enjoyable for his players and believed that creating more opportunities would keep them engaged and motivated.
The Philosophy of Pace
Crispin explains that his coaching philosophy is centered around pace and avoiding boredom. He believes that playing an exciting and fast-paced style of basketball attracts talented players and improves recruiting. He wanted his players to have the freedom to play and make decisions on the court, rather than relying on strict play-calling. Crispin acknowledges that there are trade-offs with this approach, but he believes that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. By giving players the opportunity to shine in live action, he can identify their strengths and weaknesses more effectively.
Defense: Aggression and Disruption
Crispin’s defensive strategy revolves around being aggressive and disrupting the opponent’s offense. He aims to make scoring easier for his team by playing defense in a way that makes offense harder for the opponent. Crispin emphasizes the importance of volume and the balance between taking better shots and taking more shots. He believes that by increasing the number of shots taken, players have more opportunities to find their rhythm and improve their shooting percentages. Crispin also mentions that their defensive approach involves pressing and disrupting the opponent’s rhythm, preventing them from running their offense effectively.
The Importance of Creativity and Freedom
Crispin values creativity and freedom in both offense and defense. He believes that players should have the freedom to express themselves and be the best version of themselves on the court. Crispin encourages players to take shots and make decisions based on their instincts and abilities. He emphasizes that players surprise coaches with their capabilities, and by giving them the freedom to explore and learn from their mistakes, they can reach their full potential. Crispin also challenges traditional coaching norms and encourages coaches to think outside the box and be open to new ideas.
The Benefits of a Constraints-Led Approach
Crispin follows a constraints-led approach in his coaching, using limitations to encourage players’ development. He believes that constraints can be used to create a competitive advantage and foster creativity. By setting specific constraints in practice and games, Crispin helps players develop their decision-making skills and adapt to different situations. He emphasizes the importance of providing players with a broad-based structure that allows them to explore and learn from their experiences.
The Impact of Shot Clocks
Crispin advocates for the use of shot clocks in basketball, as he believes it leads to better basketball and player development. He argues that shot clocks create a sense of urgency and force players to make quicker decisions. Crispin points out that playing without a shot clock often leads to inefficient basketball, as players tend to hold onto the ball and wait for the perfect opportunity. He believes that shot clocks would improve the overall quality of the game and enhance coaching strategies.
Joe Crispin’s unique coaching approach focuses on pace, creativity, and freedom. By emphasizing aggressive defense and a fast-paced offense, he aims to create an exciting and engaging playing style. Crispin encourages coaches to think outside the box, challenge traditional norms, and provide players with the freedom to express themselves on the court. He believes that constraints, such as shot clocks, can enhance player development and lead to better basketball. Through his innovative coaching methods, Crispin aims to create well-rounded and adaptable players who can excel at any level of the game.
Joe Crispin’s Play-Based Practice All-Access Series
Help your players play the game better and enjoy the game more by creating a happier basketball environment.
This All Access Joe Crispin Practice Series from Immersion Videos provides a unique chance to watch how to impart joy in a practice environment while still developing your players and team to have success. Coaching interventions, game-based competitive play, small-sided games, time and score situations, constraints and the use of the shot clock and scoring system, are all used to shape player and team development.
If you are determined to help your players improve in basketball through an engaging learning process that leads to long-term success, then these are the practice videos for you. Instead of doing a bunch of drills, these practices will help you develop a better understanding of how to play more basketball in practice and provide the space for your players to become the best version of themselves. Get access now at joecrispinbasketball.com
Who is Joe Crispin?
One of Penn State’s all-time great players and longtime professional athlete, Joe Crispin enters his first season as Assistant to the Head Coach in 2023-24 at Penn State University.
Crispin spent the last seven seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. where he guided the Profs to a 114-54 record, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two conference titles and the 2023 Sweet 16. He collected the fourth-most wins by a head coach in school history through his seven years on the sideline.
Crispin engineered one of the most prolific offenses in the country at Rowan, as the Profs averaged more than 80 points per game in each of his final six seasons including 90+ points per game in each of the last two years. A longtime professional player, Crispin joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001 as a free agent and enjoyed a highly successful career in Europe for more than a decade.
