Justin Leslie on Creating an Adaptable Offense, Attacking Through the Middle Third, and Valuable Career Relationships {Westmont College}
May 2, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Justin Leslie, Head Coach at Westmont College and former Midwestern State coach, shares his expertise in creating adaptable basketball offenses. He emphasizes simplifying plays and effectively utilizing the court, especially through the middle third. Leslie also explores the dynamic between player engagement and strategy development, touching on the importance of mentorship for young coaches. His insights into balancing offensive efficiency and player roles provide a valuable roadmap for both players and coaches.
Coach Leslie emphasizes the importance of creating an adaptable offense that aligns with player strengths through simplified concepts and core principles.
Effective communication and a shared language among players are crucial for streamlining offense and adapting quickly to defensive changes.
Nurturing authentic relationships and seeking mentorship within the coaching community significantly benefits career growth and opportunities in the profession.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Offensive Strategy
The coach discusses the necessity of evolving offensive strategies to become more adaptable and player-focused. Early in his coaching journey, he recognized the dangers of overcomplicating concepts, preferring instead to design an offense that fits the strengths of his players. The approach starts with fundamental two-on-two actions, teaching players to create advantages before expanding into larger concepts. This method emphasizes a few core principles that allow for flexibility, enabling players to react effectively during games based on their understanding of spacing and movement.
The Importance of Communication
A significant aspect of building an effective offense lies in naming actions and fostering communication among players. The coach emphasizes the need for players to articulate their movements during plays, which creates greater cohesion and understanding on the court. By establishing a shared language around offensive actions, players can quickly adapt to shifts in defensive strategies. This discussion highlights how clear communication and terminology can streamline the offense and build trust among teammates.
Building Relationships for Career Advancement
In discussing career growth, the coach outlines the importance of nurturing relationships with fellow assistants, mentors, and other industry professionals. He points out that authentic connections with peers can lead to lasting career benefits and opportunities, particularly when those relationships are cultivated without ulterior motives. He also mentions the role of mentors in providing guidance and support, as well as the value of having friends in the coaching profession who truly understand the challenges it presents. This perspective reflects a broader understanding of how collaboration and networking can significantly impact a coach's career trajectory.
Guard Play and Defensive Adaptability
The conversation shifts to the role of guards in defensive strategies, highlighting their importance as the first line of defense against opposing offenses. The coach elaborates on how the physical characteristics of his guards inform the defensive system he implements, allowing for flexibility in how they approach covering ball handlers and navigating screens. Understanding when to switch defenses based on the strengths and weaknesses of his players ensures a more cohesive team defense. This approach underscores the necessity of adapting defensive tactics while maintaining a consistent core philosophy.
Dominating the Margins
Throughout the discussion, the coach references the concept of dominating the margins as a critical aspect of success in college basketball. This idea encompasses the small details that can ultimately influence the outcome of games, such as effective communication, rebounding, and shot contesting. He emphasizes a focus on maximizing opportunities and minimizing mistakes to gain an advantage. By honing in on these margins, the team can elevate their performance, showcasing how success often lies in the execution of seemingly minor elements of the game.
Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Head Coach of Westmont College, after a successful tenure at Midwestern State, Justin Leslie! In this highly insightful conversation the trio explore Coach Leslie's thoughts on creating an adaptable offense, simplifying actions, attacking through the middle third of the floor, and discuss how guards can anchor a defense, and valuable career growth advice during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"
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