The Kim Caldwell System

[lvocd]

Describing an organized offense as an inconvenience is attribution of attitude or character. There are other examples in your posts of similar statements. You go beyond comments about observable phenomena to your beliefs about interior mental states of Coach Caldwell and her staff. Such musings are subject to "attributional bias," and they make it difficult to discuss your points, especially for those of us who are inclined to see Coach Caldwell in a more favorable light. Such comments being up values, not behavior.

That's unfortunate, because you make some very good points. They just get mixed in with things you have no way of knowing such as what Kim Caldwell thinks, feels, and believes.

You may be taking this fan forum and its participants a tad too seriously.

 

[RetroVol]

You may be taking this fan forum and its participants a tad too seriously.

Clearly an exercise in futility.

 

[lvocd]

Clearly an exercise in futility.

Like Tennessee, it's not for everyone.

 

[AllVols3]

The first point in the summary of CKC's system that started this post was:

1. Effort. All out, last two minutes of the championship game effort every time you're on the court. Kim has said it's an effort-based system. She's said when done right, players are glad to come out. I see it like interval training -- going really hard for 90 seconds to 3 minutes, then resting, then doing it again. Defense and rebounding are a lot about effort, and we all know what Pat said about offense, defense, and rebounding.

The "interval training" comparison was just an idea. I wondered if there was a basis for Kim's substitution pattern in physiological science. So, I asked ChatGPT for a report. I didn't run this one through multiple, but feel free to double check me. Anyway, here is what I got:

Yes — there is physiology that makes your “interval training” intuition plausible. But there isn’t a magic cliff at 2:00 where biology flips from “fine” to “wrecked.” What is real is a fatigue curve: as an all-out shift gets longer, the stuff that lets you repeat high-power actions (accelerate, stop, jump, press, close out) degrades fast, and the recovery you’d need starts to exceed what basketball naturally gives you unless you sub.

The key mechanism: refueling the “burst” battery (PCr)​

Most of the explosive actions in basketball are powered by the ATP–phosphocreatine system (PCr) plus anaerobic glycolysis. PCr is basically the immediate “battery” that helps you hit repeated bursts.

• PCr recovery after intense work is fast at first (time constants on the order of ~18–30 seconds in healthy people/athletes in many conditions), as long as muscle pH hasn’t dropped too much; acidosis slows recovery. (ScienceDirect)
• In repeated-sprint research, performance recovery tracks PCr recovery: after a brutal sprint bout, PCr resynthesis correlated with how much work athletes could produce when they went again. (PLOS)

Translation to a press-heavy system: you sub so the player’s PCr can come back up enough to have “pop” again, instead of staying out there while that battery is drained and their bursts turn into jogs, late closeouts, and fouls.

Why “going longer” becomes self-defeating​

As you keep the intensity high without a real break, you lean harder on anaerobic glycolysis and accumulate byproducts (including H+), and neuromuscular output drops. Recovery then takes longer.

A nice way to see the idea: in an intermittent sprint study (team-sport relevant), shorter recoveries (60s) led to lower mean power than 90–120s, and the authors point out these rest intervals sit between a fast and slow phase of PCr resynthesis (~20s and ~180s) — meaning you’re getting partial, not complete, recovery. (ScienceDirect)

That maps cleanly onto hockey-style subs: sit 1–3 minutes, come back with restored power.

Why basketball specifically rewards short, hard “shifts”​

Basketball isn’t a steady run; it’s repeated bursts. Even in normal styles, play is starts/stops and short segments. One sports-science summary notes average play segments around 12–20 seconds, with heavy reliance on anaerobic metabolism layered on top of aerobic support. (Gatorade Sports Science Institute)

And match data show the game is physiologically taxing: elite players can sit at very high heart rates and show meaningful lactate levels (a marker that anaerobic glycolysis is heavily involved). (PMC)

Caldwell’s system pushes the game more toward continuous demand (more pressure, more running, more repeated accelerations). That tends to make fatigue show up sooner unless minutes are managed.

So does “under 2 minutes” have scientific meaning?​

Not as a hard threshold. But it’s a reasonable coaching heuristic because:

• A 90–120s shift at max press intensity is long enough to get you deep into the fatigue curve (PCr down, glycolysis up, decision-making and footwork deteriorate).
• Off-court time of 1–3 minutes gives you meaningful partial PCr recovery (fast early recovery), which is exactly what you need for repeated high-intensity bursts. (ScienceDirect)

The first word is whats killing this team . I dont see continuous effort from all players. Without that the other team shoots layups. I wish they'd go all out 110% one game and let it show them how good they could really be.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Some of the players have liked comments about the team needing to play harder and be less selfish. Even saw a player like a comment about the system not being set up for the players strengths

Lastly. saw one of the mens players like a comment doubting the efficiency of this system

I’ve heard some different things but now starting to see it.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

Some of the players have liked comments about the team needing to play harder and be less selfish. Even saw a player like a comment about the system not being set up for the players strengths

Lastly. saw one of the mens players like a comment doubting the efficiency of this system

I’ve heard some different things but now starting to see it.

Wait what

 

[vols90]

Some of the players have liked comments about the team needing to play harder and be less selfish. Even saw a player like a comment about the system not being set up for the players strengths

Lastly. saw one of the mens players like a comment doubting the efficiency of this system

I’ve heard some different things but now starting to see it.

Got screenshots? Lol

 

[WaywardVol]

This hire is more typical of what Danny dollars is like. He thinks he’s brilliant. What’s more frustrating is Kellie was never afforded the NIL support. Spending akin to a sailor on a 3-day leave in Thailand. Danny, in his arrogance, wanted to put his stamp on the LVs return to glory. Nothing personal, but I’m wishing for failure.

 

[Volfan2012]

Second season were 2 and 10 against ranked teams. The SEC record is 8 and 8. I think it was a realization that last years teams was probably middle of the SEC talented. There were some big highs beating UConn and Ohio St and some big lows losing to Vandy twice and Georgia at home. Year two we have played three ranked teams we have lost three times. Were still in the wait and see moment, but I don't think anyone should be skeptical of anyone being suspicious of the results.
Where we go from here looks vitally important to Coach Caldwell's ability to get it done at Tennessee. Regardless of what happens the rest of this season she definitely gets next season. The big expectation she faced was that we were predicted to be number 7 in the country and certainly we still could be going to take an amazing turnaround for that to happen.

I'm willing to accept 10 to 11 conference wins as a successful season. A sweet sixteen would be ok again even if a little disappointing. I think another 8 and 8 would be very disappointing considering how we were so highly regarded going into the season. Not making the sweet sixteen seems really a huge step back if that were to happen. I see 11 games where we should win. All starts Thursday really hoping to see a more focused and efficient team for the rest of this season.

 

[Volfan2012]

This hire is more typical of what Danny dollars is like. He thinks he’s brilliant. What’s more frustrating is Kellie was never afforded the NIL support. Spending akin to a sailor on a 3-day leave in Thailand. Danny, in his arrogance, wanted to put his stamp on the LVs return to glory. Nothing personal, but I’m wishing for failure.

Wow wishing for failure will never be in my DNA for any Tennessee team. For the Lady Vols just seeing where we go from here hasn't been fun thus far. I'll be fine with at least ten conference wins and making the sweet sixteen. Anything less than that will be a huge disappointment.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Got screenshots? Lol

i know how this is going to sound. I do i have 3 lol but im not posting them. it has their names and the actual names of fans and with the way some of our “fans” are im not doing that. But it’s been both on FB and twitter and on official pages they’ve liked comments

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

This hire is more typical of what Danny dollars is like. He thinks he’s brilliant. What’s more frustrating is Kellie was never afforded the NIL support. Spending akin to a sailor on a 3-day leave in Thailand. Danny, in his arrogance, wanted to put his stamp on the LVs return to glory. Nothing personal, but I’m wishing for failure.

A change to the program and direction was needed. TN sports overall under DW is at one of its highest level in many yrs. He will not hesitate to move on from Kim if she does not take the program forward like he expects. That's what good AD's do.

 

[glv98]

Though I loathe the system, I want it, or something, to work for CKC. The last thing this program needs is to step back even further from championship contention.

Most of all, I want the question of system and process to go away and quit hogging the spotlight away from the actual players. I'm sick to death of hearing about it non stop every game.

Thats why I want them to use the full tilt system the rest of this year. Lets get this settled one way or the other and then move the eff on.

 

[RetroVol]

Thats why I want them to use the full tilt system the rest of this year. Lets get this settled one way or the other and then move the eff on.

100%! And while Kim has changed the system as she has gained experience, there is virtually no chance she abandons it. So we will get to see how she and this team can make it work.

I'm a little concerned about the comment above (and others) about how players are feeling. One of Glenville State's players described the system as "real team basketball." And Kim has talked about cohesion and camraderie it can inspire. The system requires that.

The team last year seemed close to her and supportive, but they had both the great pre-season run to help them feel good about their commitment and the experience of being with Kim through Connor's birth.

Trust is a key part of this system, and Kim has mentioned a bit too much of a "get mine" attitude on this team. The loss of Ruby may be playing a role here based on what players have said about what she brought to the team.

All of this gets better with some wins, and January is the month that needs to happen. Otherwise, I can't see us being ready for February.

Low floor, high ceiling, still.

 

[Volfan2012]

Though I loathe the system, I want it, or something, to work for CKC. The last thing this program needs is to step back even further from championship contention.

Most of all, I want the question of system and process to go away and quit hogging the spotlight away from the actual players. I'm sick to death of hearing about it non stop every game.

Thats why I want them to use the full tilt system the rest of this year. Lets get this settled one way or the other and then move the eff on.

Two months in it has to be working at full throttle the rest of the season players have to know their roles. Always going to be just a few players that have played it more than a season because of the transfer portal. Never going to have the returnees you used to have and that she had at previous coaching jobs. Players going to need to have enough knowledge of it by conference season to make it work. No more excuses. Time to find out SEC season two days away.

 

[And1]

This will all go away if they go on an 8-game winning streak, which could very well happen. Let's hope so.

 

[lvocd]

Wow. It's rare (thank goodness) to see a supposed Tennessee supporter wishng for failure for Tennessee. I sure hate to see that.

Other than that person, outside of the CT fans who post here I'm pretty sure everyone else would love nothing more than for our Lady Vols to find another gear, for "the system" to work against top opponents, and to make successful runs in both post-season tournaments. And I would guess that glv98 would be thrilled as he could be to come on here and tell everyone who would listen that he was so glad he'd been wrong to believe it couldn't work, and was celebrating the team and Kim Caldwell's successes.

If we were to even reach the final of the SEC-T and the Elite 8 of the NCAAT I'd be over the moon happy. A Final Four might actually kill me with happiness, but I'd be fine going out like that.

All that to say, obviously this team and staff have a long row to hoe, as those blowout losses to UCLA and Louisville are rightfully concerning. Most of us love the program dearly, but we know the schedule is going to get even tougher. We do love the program so much, and we want SO VERY MUCH for Kim Caldwell to be wildly successful. The skepticism is absolutely warranted for where we currently stand, but that doesn't mean that we aren't hopeful that by the time the season ends Kim gets to stand up at a podium and shout, "I TOLD YOU SO!"

Oh, gawd, how I would LOVE for that to happen.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

Wow. It's rare (thank goodness) to see a supposed Tennessee supporter wishng for failure for Tennessee. I sure hate to see that.


All that to say, obviously this team and staff have a long row to hoe, as those blowout losses to UCLA and Louisville are rightfully concerning. Most of us love the program dearly, but we know the schedule is going to get even tougher. We do love the program so much, and we want SO VERY MUCH for Kim Caldwell to be wildly successful. The skepticism is absolutely warranted for where we currently stand, but that doesn't mean that we aren't hopeful that by the time the season ends Kim gets to stand up at a podium and shout, "I TOLD YOU SO!"

I think it comes with any sports team that's won a lot but has cooled (w/the exception of uc0nn sports who just keep thriving in almost every sport these days ). Like I said I would love nothing but Kim and these girls to turn it on in conference and beat teams the media and country have penciled in for the F4. Winning is always going to be the best cure to our passionate fanbase. Yet until then fans will talk, rant, speculate, and be vocal about the problems of this team this season, CKC and the team knows, at least I would hope. One of the challenges tends to be making our rowdy passionate fans happy by giving us quality, consistent winning. CKC and the LVs have it in them, just when the switch will come on this season or not just adds to the anticipation.

 

[LadyVol1908]

Some of the players have liked comments about the team needing to play harder and be less selfish. Even saw a player like a comment about the system not being set up for the players strengths

Lastly. saw one of the mens players like a comment doubting the efficiency of this system

I’ve heard some different things but now starting to see it.

You should have shared it, you know a couple of us are a little messy up in here! lol

 

[chuckiepoo]

This hire is more typical of what Danny dollars is like. He thinks he’s brilliant. What’s more frustrating is Kellie was never afforded the NIL support. Spending akin to a sailor on a 3-day leave in Thailand. Danny, in his arrogance, wanted to put his stamp on the LVs return to glory. Nothing personal, but I’m wishing for failure.

Wow. The butt hurt is real. You know that it’s an exit portal, not an entrance?

 

[1morevol]

Yeah after reading all the different super Lady VOLS analysis I've deciphered the answer. Really believe playing better defense and rebounding can and will stop the blowouts. Now to have a better shot and winning the most games top 4 players need around 34 minutes next 4 around 6 minutes per game. This should be used against all ranked teams. We don't need to have large deficits to try and overcome , this will just cause more long term fatigue. GLV

I agree, more minutes for the top players. You've accounted for 160 of the 200 minutes available. How should the remaining 40 minutes be divided amongst players?

 

[chuckiepoo]

Second season were 2 and 10 against ranked teams. The SEC record is 8 and 8. I think it was a realization that last years teams was probably middle of the SEC talented. There were some big highs beating UConn and Ohio St and some big lows losing to Vandy twice and Georgia at home. Year two we have played three ranked teams we have lost three times. Were still in the wait and see moment, but I don't think anyone should be skeptical of anyone being suspicious of the results.
Where we go from here looks vitally important to Coach Caldwell's ability to get it done at Tennessee. Regardless of what happens the rest of this season she definitely gets next season. The big expectation she faced was that we were predicted to be number 7 in the country and certainly we still could be going to take an amazing turnaround for that to happen.

I'm willing to accept 10 to 11 conference wins as a successful season. A sweet sixteen would be ok again even if a little disappointing. I think another 8 and 8 would be very disappointing considering how we were so highly regarded going into the season. Not making the sweet sixteen seems really a huge step back if that were to happen. I see 11 games where we should win. All starts Thursday really hoping to see a more focused and efficient team for the rest of this season.

Ugh. It makes me feel dirty, but totally agree. I am chuckiepoo, and I am an avid koolaideric.

 

[chuckiepoo]

i know how this is going to sound. I do i have 3 lol but im not posting them. it has their names and the actual names of fans and with the way some of our “fans” are im not doing that. But it’s been both on FB and twitter and on official pages they’ve liked comments

Good call!

 

[chuckiepoo]

Wow. It's rare (thank goodness) to see a supposed Tennessee supporter wishng for failure for Tennessee. I sure hate to see that.

Other than that person, outside of the CT fans who post here I'm pretty sure everyone else would love nothing more than for our Lady Vols to find another gear, for "the system" to work against top opponents, and to make successful runs in both post-season tournaments. And I would guess that glv98 would be thrilled as he could be to come on here and tell everyone who would listen that he was so glad he'd been wrong to believe it couldn't work, and was celebrating the team and Kim Caldwell's successes.

If we were to even reach the final of the SEC-T and the Elite 8 of the NCAAT I'd be over the moon happy. A Final Four might actually kill me with happiness, but I'd be fine going out like that.

All that to say, obviously this team and staff have a long row to hoe, as those blowout losses to UCLA and Louisville are rightfully concerning. Most of us love the program dearly, but we know the schedule is going to get even tougher. We do love the program so much, and we want SO VERY MUCH for Kim Caldwell to be wildly successful. The skepticism is absolutely warranted for where we currently stand, but that doesn't mean that we aren't hopeful that by the time the season ends Kim gets to stand up at a podium and shout, "I TOLD YOU SO!"

Oh, gawd, how I would LOVE for that to happen.

 

[volsagain]

I agree, more minutes for the top players. You've accounted for 160 of the 200 minutes available. How should the remaining 40 minutes be divided amongst players?

As needed for any specific reason that arise in the game. Foul trouble poor play and just bad matchups. We don't have a Strong inside presents so to defend teams with strong inside games we'll probably have to use different players to defend. Just because you're tall doesn't mean you can defend strong play down low. Just don't think we have the offensive fire power to overcome large deficits game in and game out. That takes a lot of extra energy to come back and has long term wear on the players.