TWO

game _a er who made from
four to etx benkate Meee ntaee haa ne et be ° a guard or

a forward scores from four baskets and upward without playing

the full game. In other words to me defensive basketball is but

a very small part of the game. I have watched high scool,college,
independent league,church teams,semi-pro and pro games this season.
Where the team is composed mainly of seasoned players they attempt
a fast break if they can get a man loose - if that doesn't work
they slow up the play and work the ball around some but shoot much
more often than they dié under the old game. As for the younger boys
all the/ did was run - run - run. Such_a thing az.a set shot is
seldom - most shots are attempted while in motion. What chance has
a coach to teach fundamentals to those youngsters ? All they want
is the ball and a crack at the hoope They would welcome a smaller
ball and a larger hoop. It isn't to them a question of making a
basket - but rather - “how many did you throw in to-day” - What do
they want to practice dribble in and step in shots for when they
seldom work the ball in closer that to the key hole ? Do you like
the new game Mr.Qllen ? Have you found players who like this game
because they can take it easy on defense ?

The other night I had a rather interesting
conversation at a basketball game with the chap who sat next to
mee He proved to be from the East and I found his remarks most
interesting. One thing in particular he said made me decide to
ask you about ite He claims that the coach of the high scoring
Long Island teams instructs his men to shoot without looking at
the ball - he states that by concentrating on the hoop you will
be more successful particularly on long shots. That is contrary
to every coach from whom I have ever received instructionse I was
told to avoid concentrating on the hoop because by constantly
looking at the hoop I would be trying to "fit" the ball inte that
hoop. I'd sure like to get your reaction to this shooting idea,

It occured to me that you might get a kick
out of the attached clipping.

Sincerely yours,

O

L.H. Olson

910 S.Michigan Ave.
Room 804 - Personal
Chicago,Illinois ©