“Mouse! Cheetah!” – The Post Play Advantage You’re Gonna Want to Steal 🧠🏀
Ever hear a player yell out “Mouse!” or “Cheetah!” and wonder if you missed the zoo field trip?
Well, if you caught our latest online clinic with Coach Mike Meek (University of Portland WBB), you know those aren’t random animal calls—they’re code for something way more strategic.
We dove deep into how Coach Meek uses these simple terms to unlock big-time advantages in post play. It's not just clever lingo—it’s a system built to help players recognize mismatches in real time and act on them without waiting for the coach to make the call.
🐭 Mouse = Post Advantage
Your big has a little on its back? That’s a mouse. Player calls it out, and everyone knows: feed the post, get out of the way, space properly, and let your teammate eat.
🐆 Cheetah = Speed Advantage
Got a quick guard matched up with a slow-footed defender? That’s a cheetah. Call it, space the floor, and let that player attack off the dribble with the right support behind them.
The best part? These aren't top-down commands. Coach Meek teaches his players to recognize these situations, communicate them clearly, and take immediate action. And when the whole team is on the same page—it’s beautiful basketball.
Why This Works (And Why You Might Steal It)
Players take ownership – They start thinking the game, not just playing it.
Less wasted motion – Fewer empty possessions because you’re actively hunting advantages.
Everyone’s locked in – When a “mouse” is called, every player knows their job.
And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a little creativity in how we teach the game?
How You Can Try It This Summer
Thinking about how to bring this into your gym?
Pick your animals – Mouse and cheetah work, but maybe you’ve got your own twist (shark? sloth? Your call).
Rep the reactions – Once it’s called, what does everyone do? Rep the timing, the spacing, the reads.
Let your players lead – The more they see it and call it out, the better your flow becomes.
Coach Meek reminded us: great post play isn’t about being tall—it’s about being smart. These animal calls are just one tool in a system built to make players proactive, not reactive.
🔥 Missed the clinic? Don’t worry.
The full breakdown with Coach Meek is available on-demand inside the System Basketball Community, and more real-time teaching ideas you can use this offseason.
Let’s keep building smarter, more connected teams together.
Talk soon,
Marc Hart
System Basketball
P.S. Got a unique "code word" or player-led system you use? Hit reply—I’d love to hear how you’re empowering your team to think and talk the game.