Basketball Tips & Strategies – February 2010

HoopTactics What’s New

• Newsletter Upgrade: New and improved blog format with archive navigation and search capabilities
• Coaching Strategies: Last Shot Guidelines
• Offensive Player Development: Proper Execution of Off-Ball Screens

Quick Tip: End of Game Preparation

The winning of “BIG” games and championships is not a matter of chance. It is a result of being prepared down to the smallest detail. Be sure to use the scoreboard clock to include both offensive and defensive end of game situations in your practices. Do not ever expect your players to execute anything during a game that you have not covered in practice.

Coaching Tips: Last Shot Situations

End of game situations really become paramount during the end of the season when a single shot can make the difference of winning and losing and also determine a team’s playoff hopes and fate. Therefore, to be successful, teams must prepare for last shot situations. A last shot situation is not just a simple matter of drawing up a play. There are numerous last shot situations to address dependent on court location and time on the clock. End of Game Strategies – Click Here

Last Shot Preparation

When the outcome of the game comes down to a single shot, teams must maintain their poise and confidence. This confidence comes from being prepared. Keep the play simple and execute. The more complex the action, the greater chance that a breakdown will occur. Practice various last shot scenarios using the game clock. This not only develops proper play timing, spacing and execution, but it also builds players confidence that they can score with just seconds remaining.

Be sure to get the ball into the hands of your best player, and let them hit the open shot or teammate. Never allow your best player to take the ball out of bounds. Players must read the defense and immediately take advantage of any defensive overplay. The type of defense being deploy will ultimately determine the last shot option. Normally, they will play soft if ahead and must pressure when behind. Last Shot Guide – Premium Members Click Here

Fundamental Skills & Techniques Required

Last second shot plays may require long passes or skip passes. Therefore, players should practice and master the skill of making a skip pass (a crisp, accurate pass from sideline to sideline) along with a baseball or semi-hook pass from the backcourt endline to the opposite free throw line (“Elbow”).

Players should occasionally practice half court shots. This usually requires developing a two handed shot. With practice some players can become fairly accurate.  Players love the challenge of trying to make half court shots.

Non-shooters should be well drilled to go to the offensive boards instead of watching the flight of the ball. Most last second games are won on putbacks not the shot. Players should practice tipping the basketball and re-directing a pass (less than second). The ability to tip the ball with both the right and left hand also plays an important role in offensive rebounding.

Note: Physical conditioning also plays a vital role late in a game. The team that is in better shape will definitely have the advantage in very tense games where players are physically tired, mentally beat, and emotionally drained. In most cases, you can expect to win at least two games during the season by being in better shape that your opponents.

Defensive Tips: Defending Against the Last Shot

Attack rather than react. Switch all screens, and attack the passing lanes. Be deceptive. Show man, but play zone on inbounds pass, or show zone and play man on inbounds pass. Be disruptive. Double team to disrupt any set play. Use a combination defense, especially against a star player. Be aware of the team foul situation, and if you have a foul(s) to give. Contest all shots, but do not foul.

Rebound!!!  The vast majority of games that are decided by last shots are won on put backs  or rebound shots — NOT the shots. Assume all shots are going to be missed and box out. Do NOT watch the flight of the ball to see if it is going to be successful. In the event that actual ball possession is not possible on a rebound, just tip the ball away from the opponents. Learn much more about Last Shot Strategies – Premium Members Click Here