Flow-Ball Basketball Philosophy by Walter Carvalho
I would like to share a basic basketball philosophy with my fellow coaches and colleagues that I call “Flow-Ball.”
This philosophy is based on continuous player movement, aggressive defense and proper utilization of space in an offense scheme attempting to isolate players, in their area of strength, aiming at maximizing the impact of their individual abilities and creativity over the defense.
During my years of participation as an athlete and coach in the North American, Brazilian and International basketball, I had the opportunity to meet other coaches, attend clinics, and share professional experiences and philosophies. As a result, a basketball philosophy that I call “Flow-Ball” was born. “Flow-Ball” emphasizes aggressive defense and a fast-paced transition game. This combination facilitates the control of the game rhythm, a very important factor in determining the winning team.
The offensive basketball philosophy that I have adopted with my teams consists of a fast transition game, defense to offense, designed to create scoring opportunities without having to resort to a five-man half-court set play. Of course, I want my teams to be able to score off the primary and secondary break situations. If a scoring opportunity cannot be created, I have my team move into a two and three-man secondary motion attempting to isolate players in their respective areas of strength so they can use their abilities to overcome the defense.
We are always looking for a high percentage scoring opportunity. A high percentage scoring opportunity is the one, not always the closest to the basket, but the one that finds one of our players in his respective area of strength attempting an uncontested shot.
By adopting this rapid pace game, my teams are able to control the rhythm of the game which I believe represents one-third of the way to victory. The other two-thirds are included in the efficiency of the defensive system, execution of game plan and player’s performances. This system does not diminish the importance of defense. In the past my teams defended well but could not take full advantage of ball possession against teams with superior talent. The increased speed and improved ability of my players in a full-court game have also improved the defensive efficiency of my teams.
In order to adopt this game concept, practice sessions must be geared to the development of players’ individual skills on a full-court setting simulating game situations of two, three, four and five-man transition drills. Day-today preparation and dedication to the teaching and development of individual skills is extremely important. Practice sessions organized on a full-court setting enforcing efficiency of performance as related to time, speed and space would also improve players’ physical conditioning and reaction time. Players will be able to read, recognize and react to a variety of situations making better and more efficient decisions during games.
“Flow-Ball’s” effective implementation is based on the following:
Aggressive Defense – Pressure on the ball. Attempt to impose a game rhythm that does not favor the opponent. The goal is to minimize the opponent’s scoring percentage per possession and to be on the attack when losing possession of the ball.
Rebound – In order to make a commitment to run, a team must work hard and have a commitment to get the ball. Keeping opponents from second chance scoring opportunities is also fundamental.
Fast Break Assignments – Players must know their responsibilities and assignments while running the break. We like to utilize a numbered break option.
Continuous Movement and Flow with and without the Ball – This is also very important in creating space and openings in the defense without being predictable.
Shot Selection – Players must have good shot selection options playing within their strengths. The goal is to maximize scoring percentage per possession.
CONTINUOUS MOTION PLAY
Diagrams below illustrate one of the continuous motion plays that I have utilized against man-to-man and match-up defensive systems.
This play fits well with the “Flow-Ball” concept because it enhances the individual ability of my players (shooting and penetration). It can be organized as a continuation of the secondary break. This play also facilitates the maneuvers and the offense flow of a team that does not possess a dominant post and/or lacks height. I have had tremendous success in the past utilizing this motion play because of the many scoring opportunities it creates. In clutch situations, there will always be a player open in scoring position in his area of strength.
Important ingredients for this type of motion play philosophy are:
Good pressure defense.
Good rebound – Box-out.
Instinctive runners.
Proper utilization of lanes – Spacing.
Unselfish players.
Intelligent shot selection.
One of the most important aspects of continuous motion play is to instill in all players, through the repetition of full-court drills, the importance to read the defense situation, to use space effectively and to constantly move with and without the ball (in perpendicular and diagonal cuts to the basket), in the attempt to create high percentage scoring situations.
Drill must simulate realistic game-like situations where players are at maximum speed and, while sprinting, expected to pass, dribble, catch and shoot the ball. Players must be trained to recognize and to read the defense making use of high percentage shots at increased pace. It is important that every ball possession turns into a potential fast break situation. In order to utilize this concept effectively, the coach first must be committed to it and second, must be very patient during the teaching and learning phases.
On my next article, I will add other continuous motion plays that I have effectively utilized with other teams I coached.
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Coach Carvalho holds a Masters Degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham and a BS. Degree from the State University of New York. Walter has coached at the University level in the US and professional clubs in Brazil, U.A.E., Lebanon and is currently coaching a professional Club and the national team of Bahrain.
Career Highlights
1981 – Signed first professional coaching contract in Brazil
1984 – Coached in the United Arab Emirates
1992 – Assistant coach Men’s Olympic Team of Brazil
1994 – Assistant Coach at U.A.B.
1998 – National Team Coach of Bahrain – Arab Championship Cup qualifier
2000 – Selected FIBA Expert for Asia
2003 – Selected Master Coach by the Bahrain Basketball Association
2002 – Coached in Lebanon
2003 – Coached in Bahrain – National League and Cup championship titles
2010 – Selected National Team Coach of Bahrain – Asia Games qualifier
2013 – Director of International Programs – Birmingham Basketball Academy
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