Captain Ball Engineers the game within the game with a method of winning between the lines. Underdogs and True Teams Thrive here.
Chasing space between the Free throw lines
This space creates that Edge that Underdogs and True Teams search for in the talent game of basketball.
The Pony Express Fast Break Offense along with the Captain Ball process was designed for teams looking for a way to Level The Playing field or for True Teams looking for a way to maximize their superior talent.
So, here’s how I have looked at it for years. Let’s give a more talented team a value of 1.0. The Underdog team’s value might be at a .75. If both teams wait to compete vs. each other after the half court level, the 1.0 team has the best chance of winning the majority of the time. However, if the .75 team can win the FT line to the FT line space, the outcome can be impacted before the 1.0 team has a chance to set up. This is where the Captain Ball creates that Game Within The Game. The Captain Ball process engineers that game because of its rules.
Chasing Space Between the Free Throw Lines
The open area between the free throw lines is a Critical Area where the rules-based movements can force defensive transition break downs. The intention isn’t to try to out-talent the opponent, but rather, stretch the opponent’s talent and defensive structure so it can’t fully settle (ex. 1.0 team). The constant defensive adjustments causes rotations to lag along with communication breakdowns and making matchups to feel off. This has all happened with basically no contact, but rather, just the movement process from Captain Ball.
Contained inside the Captain Ball process are some battles we try to win:
1. Hitting opens spots. 2. Execution of rules. 3. Solid contact box outs. 4. On-time defensive positioning and closeouts. 5. Team assists. 6. Converting layups (you’re gonna get ’em). 7. Making FT’s.
If we control these outcomes, the scoreboard usually takes care of itself.
2 vs. 1: Creating Mathematical Advantages
The Power of Math:
When two .75’s use principles correctly–following the rules, the cutting, hitting spots, etc.– with purpose, they can create a 1.5 vs. 1.0 situation. The collective talents of the 2 .75’s now have the hammer. An important thought: a committed team of 1.0 players to the Pony Express system would be nearly impossible to stop. Remember: the Pony Express system is not about glorifying the underdog. This system is glorfying the total team concept. Players who focus on expressing themselves individually may struggle with the culture and sacrifice that fuels the Pony Express.
Trying to combine the Pony Express philosophy with the status quo will produce very minimal results at best. They don’t mix. The Pony Express requires total buy-in from every player, every possession, and every lane, spot, and line.
You can’t understand the Pony express process from the sidelines
Viewing the Pony Express from outside the floor boundaries doesn’t come close to reality on the floor. What can look disorganized from the stands feels totally different when you’re inside it trying to execute it. It is a structured fast system, it’s layered, it’s disorienting, and it’s demanding. If you can, play it–a lot– to truly understand it. It’s truly another world in there. If your program is committed to the Pony Express process, it is really difficult to scout as well. This process never gives the same look. The rules are concrete but not concrete in terms of where players could end up.
Learning from my coaching mistakes: Don’t ever insult a player by your thinking that some player in your program can’t handle some aspect of the Pony Express Fast Break Offense. There is no equation that truly measures the size of a human heart. If a player(s) senses that he/she has a real chance at quality playing time, that player will pay any price to live that dream. The most unassuming players will rise to the top with this system. You may find that your roster is deeper than you think. The Pony Express Fast Break Offense offers that opportunity.
The Pony Express is not about favorites, but rather, who commits to this total team concept. This system has a place for everyone. That’s why teaching this mindset is so challenging–although there are high rewards–we’re not just teaching rules based movement, but we’re teaching self-confidence. The more a team commits to the Pony Express discipline, the harder it is for the opponent to perform. At the end of the day, though, isn’t that the job of a coach is to promote belief, self-confidence, and discipline?
Want to talk about how to install it? It starts with lanes, sections, spots and rules.
Let’s get to Breakin’?
Matt Ellis