Thursday, August 10, 2023

Basketball: Emergency Hacks

Balance "don't major in the minors" with 'emergency shots'. Devote a small amount of practice to low use actions. 

Catch-and-shoot practice first. Varying shooting workouts has value.  

Closing actions. If you're a 'closer' for your team, spend a few minutes on your primary "go to" and "counter" move. Having a great jab and go, shimmy, or jab and rip through are worth cultivating. 


Emergency shots. In low shot clock or 'bailout' situations, players have to take the best available shot, often with little separation. Examples:

  • Step backs
  • Fallaways 
  • Flyaways (off balance laterally)
  • Runners 
  • Double pumps
  • Shoot off elevated catch (low clock inbounds plays)
Of course, it's worth separating what's a bailout. Best to respect pros for being pros. 


Lagniappe. College coaches don't ask about your statistics. They want to know what kind of person you are and 'what's under the hood'? They have enough headaches without adding yours. 


Lagniappe 2. 
Use probability to predict not emotion.  

Lagniappe 3. Hard running moves defenders and opens teammates. 
















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