I've had some HD success over the years, due almost entirely to being a good recruiter, and a bad coach. We've started each of the last 10 seasons ranked in the top 10, and underperformed nearly every time. What success I have had is through defense -- somehow, I've never been able to get the hang of running the triangle. This season's team is perhaps the most glaring example. Now to be sure, I have no complaints with a #4 ranking and 2 RPI. But I feel like we could be doing more on offense, and I'm just not sure what; 64 ppg running uptempo with this team--

http://www.whatifsports.com/hd/TeamProfile/Ratings.aspx?tid=5200

--seems awfully low. This isn't me complaining -- it's me trying to learn to get better, because everything I've tried so far just hasn't seemed to work. Any thoughtful input from experienced coaches would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

(of note -- I'm playing Thomas at PG, Patterson SG, Seidman SF)

Tell people to stop playing slowdown vs you. I think that is really what is causing the low scoring. After a quick look I only noticed 1 or 2 games that you scored less then 64 that your opponent did not run slowdown.

You are scoring 14 pts more per game then your opposition. I wouldn't worry about a thing.

I tried that :-)

No, you may be right. And maybe there's not quite enough scoring in HD these days (just saw two ranked teams play a 37-28 game, or something). And it's not that I'm worried -- but it's my defense that's winning games for me. Somehow, getting my offense to run smoothly has always felt like an uphill battle, and all the tinkering in the world hasn't gotten me into a groove. And if I can't get this team into a scoring groove, I don't think I ever will. Just thought I'd see if there were thoughts out there that I may not be thinking...

It has something to do with running a M2M defense. Not sure why that would affect offensive output that much, but it happens time and time again with my M2M teams.

Check my team in Phelan (Maryland). It's a talented team running uptempo for the most part and it is averaging 66 ppg. Generally, my M2M teams average scoring in the 60s no matter what offense or tempo I run.

That is weird. Wonder if those steals running the press at Florida leads to 4 extra easy baskets, ergo the 8 more points per game. Because otherwise, that MD team is, if anything, a little stronger offensively.

jeff, you might try calculating a basic offensive efficiency, using: points / (FGA + FTA * 0.5 + TO). Yours and #1 RPI FL is pretty similar, so efficiency-wise, your team is doing well. Pace is the issue, and I think the HD engine is more responsible than your team or coaching. That's one heck of a DI team you've put together. Good luck this season.

jeff, points per game is not a particularly important measure of your offense's true effectiveness. What you need to be focusing on is how efficiently you're scoring (points-per-shot, etc.)

And your efficiency looks to be pretty good. Not fantastic, but good. And I think if you were shooting 70% as a team from the line rather than 62% (what's a matter, you're not a good enough recruiter to sign anyone who can hit their ft's, lol?) that would probably move you up to the area of being great.

EDIT: js beat me to it on the efficiency stuff.

Thanks guys -- I've seen these efficiency calculations floating around before, but always forgot to write one down :-) Makes me feel a little better.

BTW -- glad you're back, dalter!

Quote: Originally posted by jskenner on 9/28/2009jeff, you might try calculating a basic offensive efficiency, using: points / (FGA + FTA * 0.5 + TO - ORB). Yours and #1 RPI FL is pretty similar, so efficiency-wise, your team is doing well. Pace is the issue, and I think the HD engine is more responsible than your team or coaching. That's one heck of a DI team you've put together. Good luck this season.

FTFY

I don't agree with simply subtracting offensive rebounds. I understand what you're going for, but I think it's overkill to the point of skewing the #'s the wrong way.

Heck, I'm not even so sure about including turnovers, simply because the way the engine assigns them is awfully random and often ridiculous.

Well, I'm simply including it for accuracy purposes. I didn't come up with the formula obviously, but when you look at the Pomeroy ratings and stuff, they add TO's and subtract ORB. Having effective offensive rebounders sure helps score more points by getting easy putbacks or extending possessions, so I don't think it's overkill fwiw.

But maybe you're thinking this formula is applied for individual players. This is for a team as a whole w/r/t offensive efficiency. I def. think it's worthwhile tracking Off. Eff. and Defensive Efficiency, as it helps show where your team's strengths and weaknesses are and can help you focus your attention on a particular side of the court. Just my $0.02 here.