Young players often struggle with establishing and maintaining space. Let's discuss. Sometimes we don't prioritize it enough.
"Spacing is offense and offense is spacing." - Chuck Daly
Spacing creates headaches for defenses. It makes help and double teams harder and opens driving and passing lanes.
Great defense contains dribble penetration. Loading to the ball compromises offensive spacing, "shrinks space."
One analogy is magnets. Same polarity repels teammates with offensive spacing. On defense, the ball attracts defenders. On the right, note the "Helpside I" such that ballside offense is playing three against five.
Use the 'spacing line', also known as the three-point line. Part of that is "range building" on shooting and part is teaching players to finish with a maximum of two dribbles from the line.
Great players win in space. They also "draw 2" or more and have the ability to pass to open teammates. This is a classic example that didn't work out for LeBron James and Danny Green.
Teach players "do not cut to an occupied post."
Other important spacing concepts include "opening gaps" and "clearing a side." For example, using 'horns' sets and clearing a corner through opens the side.
Keeping the middle open is another spacing concept. How many times have you told defenders to 'see both'. The Celtics make the Knicks pay.
Spacing also happens by staying outside the spacing line.
Efficiency❗️
— Reid Ouse (@reidouse) October 25, 2023
I love incorporating ball handling and footwork concepts into our finishing warm ups.
In this clip we are incorporating “Bound” footwork - bouncing laterally to force a reaction. pic.twitter.com/4XssOfMbi5