Late Game Plays

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Simplicity and spacing add beauty. Every coach has her own view. 

Long bombs. Full court plays in a few seconds seldom come close. I'd be kidding you to say we've pulled them off. Saving a time out to advance the ball to half court gives us a better chance. 

The Bryce Drew Valpo shot was the industry standard (Dukies may rightly say, "but Laettner.")

This has a chance, but when defenses "know" you need a touchdown, there's no reason for them to get beaten by back screens. 

Half court hopes. 

Elevator/sandwich screens are usually unfamiliar to young players. 

This screen-the-screener action has worked multiple times in late game situations. 

Here's a play from John Beilein and CoachingToolbox.net. The spacing doesn't appeal to me...also as a youth coach, I assure you that few passers will complete the initial pass. 

Neighborhood plays (BOBs)

"Great offense is multiple actions." The key is stressing x3. 2 cuts through forcing x3 to make a decision and 3 sets a diagonal screen for the cutter while the 5 screens the middle. 

The LION is the screener across (can screen any player). She can "ghost screen" as the CUB. 

Here are the receipts where it worked on the slip/ghost screen. 

Lagniappe (something extra). 

Corner 3 work. Contested cuts, bad pass, chase down. 

Lagniappe 2. Advice for boosting confidence: 

3. Keep a compliment journal

Begin your day by writing yourself some compliments. These compliments can focus on both professional and personal traits and skills. For example, you may express appreciation for your willingness to help others at work or for your karaoke skills. This tactic allows you to focus on your positive aspects rather than your insecurities. Documenting these compliments in a journal enables you to return to them when you feel less confident.

This reminds me of the Identity and Performance Statements from Jason Selk's Ten Minute Toughness. 

Lagniappe 3. Masterpiece theater? 

Shey Peddy, the young woman in the center (at 28 seconds of the video) had ten points and five assists in twenty-two minutes last night for the Phoenix Mercury in her second WNBA Finals. Dreams become reality.