Every season is packed full of learning opportunities and this new season will be no different. Here are three elements to learning from last season to insure this season is different.

These game were played with such intensity. Bodies are flying all over the court, or skying for a rebound, finishing with an and-1, or sprinting the floor to make plays. Maximum effort was on display.

It's early in the season, but it matters. Each possession mattered and all the teams wanted it.

From pin downs into dribble hand offs or various screening actions it means defense had to be ready. It will only get better as the season progresses too because teams and players will make more plays off a variety of actions. 

Whether it was physical or finesse; players know how to finish at the rim with either hand and from a variety of angles.

The games were fast! Not just offensive transition, but defensive transition too. The ball went through the net and players had to be ready for the next action because it was coming. O to D or D to O it was happening and the players had to have a sense of urgency and awareness to be ready.

Stopping quickly in basketball is important. Stopping on balance is important too. Stopping on balance, quickly with contact is really important because players can make more plays for their teammates.

Here is a quick 4 phase progression working on stopping on balance. This is a portion of a workout.

This is really good for players who want to get in the paint and make plays for their team.