Intelligence/Basketball IQ

According to dictionary.com, intelligence is a capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity. I think many coaches use the term basketball IQ, but really don't understand how to relay the characteristics that constitute basketball IQ. It is our responsibility to spend the time and dissect the elements of how to develop good basketball IQ. Through my experiences there are seven elements:

1. Self-Realization of Skills/Role
A player's basketball IQ starts with their analysis of their skills in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Then taking their strengths and weaknesses, and what role does that fit within in their program/team.

2. Styles of Play
I think understanding different types of defenses (half-court, 3/4 court, and full-court) and offenses (transition to half-court). The differences between man to man and zone defenses, and how to execute and exploit both styles of defense.

3. Court Awareness
A player's court awareness comes down to the understanding the location of three elements: the ball, the player, and his/her teammates.

4. Game Situation Awareness
One of the biggest areas that is overlooked and most importantly under-taught to today's player, and especially at the point guard position is game situation awareness. Game situation awareness is broken down into score, clock, fouls, time-outs, and game flow.

5. Floor Situations
Understanding floor situations come through practice repetitions, film work, and then implementation in a game situations (i.e., real game, pick-up basketball). Basketball is a game of match-ups, and understanding where your strengths are in comparasion to the other team is crucial for proper strategy and execution. In addition, understanding the importance of freedom of play, and reading/reacting to what the situation calls for. Also, the player needs to have knowledge of number situations in transition, as well as positions on the floor.

6. Rules and Game Protocol
Rules and game protocol are important in understanding the basic elements of the game. This is usually developed at a younger age, and as the players move up in levels there are minor changes to game protocol But, it is also surprising how many players don't under the simplicity of an over and back call.

7. Terminology
Terminology can broken down in several elements, such as; goals, team/program expectations, and universal understanding of offenses/defenses.