In the age of advanced analytics, data has taken a starring role in determining shot selection, identifying the most efficient scoring opportunities and discouraging low-percentage attempts. Though there are obvious merits to this approach, at our recent SG SoCal Coaches Summit, Penn State Assistant Coach, Joe Crispin, offered an alternative and refreshingly different perspective on the topic of modern offense, challenging coaches to look beyond analytics and instead focus first on fostering creativity and simplicity before attempting to define “what is a bad shot” for their team or players.
As Coach Crispin presents on, in an effort to optimize offensive efficiency, coaches are often quick to judge or label shots as “bad” without first fostering an environment that allows players to truly explore their capabilities. This rush to judgment can come at the expense of a team’s offensive potential. How can a coach accurately assess what constitutes a “good” or “bad” shot without first exploring the boundaries of what their team and players are capable of? By setting narrow limitations from the outset, coaches risk stifling a player’s unique strengths—all in the name of what analytics may pre-determine.
 |
Coach Crispin challenges this approach, urging coaches to avoid starting the season with rigid definitions of “good” or “bad” shots. Instead, he promotes playing games from the onset of preseason, empowering players to explore their offensive range. As the season progresses and data and results provide insights, Coach Crispin will begin to define shot selection for each player. However, his philosophy is clear: a coach can better define effective shot selection through game-like practice environments designed to encourage exploration and embraces potential rather than imposing early restrictions.
Here’s a look at how Crispin’s framework transforms the way players see and select their shots:
1. Creativity and Simplicity Drive Offensive Identity
“Simplicity is the foundation for well-run complexity.”
For Crispin, the foundation of a successful offense is simplicity. He emphasizes that straightforward concepts help players navigate the game with clarity, empowering them to create on the fly without overthinking. Crispin believes that by keeping things simple, players can tap into a natural creativity that defines a team’s offensive identity.
His approach encourages players to embrace structured freedom, where simplicity lays the groundwork for more complex actions and decision-making. Rather than overwhelming players with a number of intricate plays, Crispin focuses on building habits that foster a sense of flow and adaptability. This balance of creativity and simplicity allows players to stay engaged, anticipate opportunities, and contribute to the team’s unique offensive rhythm without losing sight of their roles.
2. The “Abundance” Mindset for Shot Selection
Crispin’s philosophy on shot selection is rooted in an “abundance mindset.” In his view, too often players are conditioned with a “scarcity mindset,” where scoring is not a habit they are use to. When shots are perceived as limited, players are more likely to take ill-advised attempts, as they do not view shooting opportunities as abundant. He encourages players to view shot opportunities as plentiful, which relieves the pressure to take every open look and reduces the fear of missed chances. This mindset shift allows for more fluid ball movement and helps players make shot decisions based on rhythm and context, rather than a scarcity mentality that can stifle offensive flow.
|
By allowing players the freedom to explore their shot selection, Crispin creates an environment where they can push boundaries and make mistakes—an essential part of the learning process. He believes that as players adapt to this abundance mindset, they naturally develop a sense of what constitutes a high-value shot within both their skill set and the team’s offense. Crispin encourages his players to challenge him, pushing him to tell them when to stop shooting, because “crossing the line” is an inevitable part of learning to “walk the line.”
3. “Did You Mean It?” – Confidence and Intent in Every Shot
At the heart of Crispin’s shot selection philosophy is a guiding question for his players: “Did you mean it?” Each shot is nuanced and requires context to determine its quality; however, the guiding factor behind every attempt should always be intent. A player must step into each shot with belief, fully aware that they possess both the skill and the intent to make it. For Crispin, if a player doesn’t truly “mean” to take the shot, then it is likely a poor choice.
This concept teaches players to take shots that align with their strengths and to be deliberate in their choices. By emphasizing intent, Crispin instills a level of self-awareness that helps players evaluate whether their shot is the right decision for both themselves and the team. While statistics and outcomes will certainly guide shot selection conversations at a certain point, it’s crucial to recognize that if a player takes even a “good” shot without intent, the chances of success for that shot diminish significantly. The “Did you mean it?” question fosters a culture of confident shooting, encouraging players to shoot within their abilities and with full commitment, ultimately leading to more effective offensive performance. The wrong decision with intent will always yield better results than the right decision with no intent.
|
Joe Crispin’s shot selection framework transforms offense by focusing on creativity, abundance, and confidence. His approach encourages players to craft shots with simplicity, see opportunities as limitless, and step into each shot with a genuine sense of purpose. With these principles, Crispin’s players are empowered to make intentional decisions that align with their skills and fuel the team’s offensive identity.
Coach Crispin’s thoughts on shot selection was only one of several interesting insights and methodologieshe shared with us during his clinic. View the full presentation now on SGTV!
