The BBD receives the leader of Pro B, Saint-Quentin, Saturday January 28: free throws could be a “game changer” (1), according to the captain…
The BBD receives the leader of Pro B, Saint-Quentin, Saturday January 28: free throws could be a “game changer” (1), according to captain Clément Cavallo, in this clash at the top of the table. That’s good. This season, the Périgourdins have the fourth best address in the division on the line (76.5%). And no one attempts more shots than them (26.6 per game).
1 An upward trend
This strength in free throws is not new to the BBD. Since joining the professional world in 2005-2006, the club has progressed. The tenacious legend of chronic inefficiency was valid in the club’s debut among the big boys. Until 2010-2011, Boulazac still posted less than 70% in the exercise.
With 2009-2010 as annus horribilis: 63.6% success rate and last Pro B in the sector. Then the curve straightened. With the exception of 2018-2019, Boulazac has always exceeded 70% since 2013-2014.
Until reaching a peak in 2017-2018, in Jeep Elite, with 76.9% success. That’s third in the division. But a penultimate place in the standings – and a repechage due to the absence of a training center in Blois.
There is no real correlation between success on the repair line and the final ranking. In 2011-2012, the BBD shot 70.5% (13th average) and ranked second in Pro B. Before moving up to Pro A. Conversely, in 2018-2019, the best season in history de Boulazac (10th in Pro A), the players posted an average 66.8% (12th in Pro A). But this season, the two are sticking. Boulazac is also fourth in the standings. And Ménard does everything to make it last.
2 A strategic fact
“Twice out of three or even three times out of four”, the coach imposes a specific exercise on his players at the end of the session. “To shoot when you are tired, with a little pressure and a carrot at the end. The goal is not to get 10 shots, regardless of the number of attempts. “We challenge the players. »
Ménard aims for “80%” success. This allows you to influence the strategy at the end of the match. “When it’s tight, we put the players with the highest percentages. This is real data. Because Boulazac is the team that causes the most fouls (24 per game). “Our game is made up of a lot of possessions, aggression. This results in more fouls and throws.
The BBD has the players to convert these fouls into points. Bathiste Tchouaffé (86.4%) is the 19th best shooter in Pro B. Olivier Cortale, who is “very good at the moment”, shows 85.2% (23rd). Nic Moore is 27th (84.6%). “These successes speak of trust, a habit, analyzes Ménard. Even when tired, you can put them on. At Le Mans (2), we noticed that the opponents had a low percentage. Because we brewed them. »
Being present on the line, even when the players are in physical pain, is one of the strengths of this Boulazac 2022-2023. Maybe because the players are conditioned.
3 A question of state of mind, of routine
” Ah OK ! Tchouaffé was surprised to learn that he is the best shooter on his team. “Statistics, I don’t care [sic] completely. “For the back, being regular is part of his job description. “It’s my shooter registry. It must be specific. His friend Cortale, an inside player, has an interesting success rate for a large element. “That has always been my forte. »
It remains to maintain this good rhythm. Tchouaffé works on “mental imagery. Because the shoot, I know I have it. As a child, I was inspired by rugby players. I had read an article about their shooting routine. I really immersed myself in their exercises. “All players have a routine from which they do not deviate, or little. Ménard encourages them to set “a beginning and an end” to the shooting sequence.
“When I arrive on the line, my concentration is maximum, poses Tchouaffé. My routine is very precise, I imagine the basket returning, in relaxation. Cortale, like Clément Cavallo, evoke “a little less reflection” or the fact of “not thinking”, to automate. The pivot changed “two, three little things in my routine, like the number of dribbles, the front foot…” “You always need the same end for the same result”, concludes their coach Alexandre Ménard. Who, Friday, January 27, concluded the training session with ten minutes of throws.
(1) Who rocks the match.
(2) Ménard was assistant (2008-2016) then coach (2017) with the Sarthois.
