The most overlooked quote in “The Last Dance”

Hello there,

Just like so many of us, I’m completely into “The Last Dance” nowadays. Every episode is a nostalgic throwback to my childhood. Despite knowing how every important shot or action ends. I watched them over and over again when I was a teenager. 

Allthough it’s the first time I see them through coaches eyes. And it gives you yet another perspective. On the X’s and O’s of the 90’s, but also on how the game has evolved throughout the years.

But this week there’s one quote on the show that keeps spinning in my head. To understand it better, I first have to make a confession.

Often, when doing individual shooting sessions with my players, I’m alone. That means that I’m the rebounder and the passer at the same time. Then I want my shooter to get into a flow. I want to avoid a broken rhythm after every missed shot because I have to go and get the ball. Therefore, early on the trajectory of the ball, I try to predict where the ball will end up. Which also depends on the shooter and his position on the floor.

It’s a personal challenge to stay focused and committed to my task. Like the floor is lava for the ball 😅 . And actually, I’m getting very good at it. It has nothing to do with maths, I’m just training my eyes. 

During the latest episode of The Last Dance, this quote by Dennis Rodman made me smile: “In my third year in the NBA, I figured out what I could do best and started to learn how to perfect that … I had my friends late at night come to the gym to shoot the ball.  From all different positions … I studied a lot about the angle and trajectory of the ball … Basically I was learning how to put myself into position to get the ball, based upon the flight of the ball“

It’s one of the reasons why Rodman is the best rebounder in the history of the game. And like so often in basketball, there’s no shortcut to it. Train your eyes. It takes you thousands and thousands of shots.

Whevener I ask my players to pair up to do some shooting, I get anoyed when they’re not focused enough. Because the shooter is not getting into a flow. And the rebounder is waisting his time. He’s not training his eyes.

In the future I’ll bring up this story by Dennis Rodman.
I might skip the fact that he did it often at 4AM though… 😉

Keep an eye on my website www.pascalmeurs.com for more future content. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy!