Fast Five Plus: Become a Better Offensive Player Today

"Do more to become more; become more to do more." If you're not happy with your offensive role and your playing time, that's on you. Kevin Eastman suggests, "you are responsible for your paycheck." 

If we drill down on 'controlling what you can control' that encompasses attitude, choices, and effort. 

1. Make a commitment to invest your time not spend it. What any of us doesn't know about basketball can fill volumes. Becoming a lifelong learner means "start today". 

2. Location, location, location. 

Relocate. You want the ball more. Become visible. Imagine that the ball is a camera; it can't find you if it can't see you. 

3. Read the defense. READ THE DEFENSE. If you're one-on-one, attack the front foot (or hand). If your defender is a head turner, you'll get open cuts. More aggressive defense encourages drives, screens, and back cuts. 

4. Screen according to ball position. 

Away from the ball, if 5 screens x4 (above the ball), she screens the low side. If 5 screens x2 (below the ball), she screens above the defender. 

5. Cut to score, screen, and move defenders. Sometimes you help a teammate most by leaving. "Emptying" a space may be the best way to help a teammate. 

6. Be an offensive 'nerd'. Know the percentages. Pete Carril noted, "non-shooters are always open." Bobby Knight says, "just because I want you on the floor doesn't mean I want you to shoot." And Jay Bilas' iconic Toughness rule is "it's not your shot, it's our shot." Just because you're open doesn't make your shot a good shot. Clarify your offensive role - scorer, facilitator, screener. Make the TEAM better when you're on the floor.