"Desperate times require desperate measures."
Remember "technique beats tactics." There won't be many strategies that outperform technique. Some are studied, some not so much.
1. Hack-a-Shaq
Intentionally fouling a bad free throw shooter might have additional benefit at lower levels, inhabited by more bad free throw shooters. Also, at team fouls 7-8-9 in high school, it's one-and-one. Of course, we won't have data for our level so it's seat of our pants decisions. Coach Spins analyzed it at the NBA level (below).
I've never done this at the middle school level, because I think it's a form of unsportsmanlike play for youth ball.
2. Offense-defense substitution.
In offense-defense, substitute in better offensive players during offensive possessions and better defenders when on defense. We won't have enough timeouts or play stoppages to do that regularly. It worked ONE TIME for me as an assistant. Down 17 at the half, the coach asked me to take over. I changed defenses between full and half-court and went offense-defense as possible. We tied the game in regulation.
I didn't think the minutes were well-distributed and got more minutes in overtime for the kids whom I felt I shortchanged. Yes, we lost by two, but we made our point, to compete as worthy opponents.
3. Fouling up three, late (e.g. within ten seconds to play).
Is this unorthodox? Not really. The point is to make an opponent sink three free throws instead of a "lucky" three.
4. Stall ball.
In a preseason tournament without a shot clock, we faced an opponent who played a 2-3 zone for the first 29 minutes. We played 'man' defense for the entire game. With three minutes remaining, up eight, I told the team to hold the ball out and force them to come out of their zone. The other coach went bananas, screaming "play the game." After over a minute, he sent his team out.
5. "Experimental defense."
I was coaching the local girls' high school team in a summer 'tournament' at Boston College. We had solid players with high basketball IQs. To start the second half, I explained the three-quarter 2-2-1 press. I gave them simple rules (no middle advancement, force sideline traps, "back if broken") and promised them it would work. They forced turnovers three of the first four possessions and the opponent took a timeout. I told the girls that execution was everything and we returned to 'man' defense.
Summary:
- Hack-a-Shaq
- Offense-defense substitutions
- Foul up three late
- Stall ball
- Experimental defense
Lagniappe. Close out and other defensive drills.