In my research into the difference between the American game and the International game some interesting observations are evident. This article will share with you my thoughts after watching many teams over the past month. The differences will surprise you!

In the past month I have worked diligently on a project for FIBA, the Federation of International Basketball. The task is to watch and develop scouting reports on each team, men’s and women’s, that participated int he 2006 World Championships.
The men’s teams include Spain (Champion), Turkey, USA, Argentina, Germany, France and Greece. Women’s teams include Australia, France, Russia, Spain, USA, Czechoslovakia, Brazil and Lithuania.

One of the most interesting observations I’ve made during the past month is the differences in our game and the game played Internationally. The style of play contains some differences but our way of playing is severely being overshadowed by the creativity of our foreign counterparts.

Imagine a player from the USA flying down the lane with his defender riding his shoulder. As the pivot foot is planted firmly, the anticipation is that of a thunderous slam dunk, right? We’ve become brain washed to expect a vicious attack on the rim. Nothing wrong with a dunk down the lane, but creativity has become a lost art.

Do you remember the artistry demonstrated by Dave Bing, Pistol Pete Maravich, Tiny Archibald, Magic Johnson, and George Gervin? I loved the way those guys “finished” a play. The variety of shots were endless from the finger roll to the scoop shot, these guys had it all. Those shots are a thing of the past because the game has become so physical and aggressive. Is there a place in the game for these shots to make a comeback? The International game would say “YES” and I’ve got the DVD’s to prove it.

My plan is to put together several groups of clips to show the differences in the two games. Here are some areas where the “Spain’s” of the word have an advantage on us.

1. The art of the on ball screen is at an extremely high level in International ball. The usage of this screen is creative and very hard to guard. Why? The fact that they “read the defense” vs. the defense reading the dribbler makes it an art form all by itself. There are no less than six unique ways that are used to attack the defense in these on ball screening situations.

2. Pass-oriented basketball. The passing is impressive on teams like Argentina, Greece, and Spain. The passes are quick, crisp and have a definite purpose. The number of passes per possession by these teams is higher than Team USA. I know you can’t score points for passing, but it sure can move the defense and lead to some very good scoring opportunities. I thought the idea was to “move the defense” with ball and player movement. My beef with team USA in this summer 2006 tournament is the lack of ball and player movement. It seems that a team is easier to guard if it is more stagnant in its movement.

3. Movement away from the ball. I’m amazed at how well the International players play off of each other. Every move is calculated and done efficiently. There are no “ball watchers” on ball penetration. Again, this kind of feel for the game and awareness of your teammates is impressive. You could blindfold the dribbler and he would still hit his teammate as if he has 18 sets of eyes in his head.

4. Finishing with a variety of shots. It seems that in our game you must power or muscle the ball to the basket. At some point, the finesse needed to finish shots went out the window. The International women in particular are very adept as they approach the basket on the dribble. Rolling layups, hook shots, and reverse over-the-shoulder shots are common place in their game. Shots are made with both hands with amazing precision.

5. Team play. There is nothing like it in my book. Basketball is a team game and needs to be played like it. I get ill watching 4 players stand and watch a teammate try to beat his man AND the rest of the defense to the basket. Is that team ball?

I am using an incredible editing system for this project; the Sideline Analyzer and Organizer. If you have this software you could easily watch hundreds of clips that I have stored on my Sideline system. Sideline is easy to use and cost effective. I would recommend this system to the high school and college coach without hesitation or reservation. I will be making more observations as time goes due to this fascinating project.

Randy Brown has passion for the game of basketball. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. Visit him at http://www.coachrb.com for free resources, Q & A, newsletter, and coaching programs. A speaker and writer, he has authored 75 articles on coaching and is nationally published. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Resume includes positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio, 5 Conference Championships and 5 NCAA appearances. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. To contact Randy, email him at rb@coachrb.com.