Thursday, January 11, 2024

Basketball: Key Offensive Points, Some Players Don't Understand Structure

Professionals are professionals because they think and execute the game at elite levels. Never presume young players appreciate the big picture.

Offensive organization leverages:
  • Spacing
  • Creating advantage
  • Exploiting advantage
Spacing. Pro spacing is elite (see clip under Ball Movement). This creates driving and passing lanes, long closeouts, and makes doubling hard. Pros don't cut to occupied posts and rarely obstruct a driver. Ask "am I in the right spot?"
Player movement. Players move for themselves (e.g. cut) or for others (e.g. clear an area, open a gap, screen). Cuts fail when the player doesn't set it up or fails to cut urgently. Remember, "the ball is a camera" and cannot see you unless you create separation. 

Ball movement/ball reversal. "The ball has energy." Make the extra pass.
 


Ball reversal goes over (skip), around, or through (middle) the defense. This may occur via short roll passing.
  

Sometimes this can create layups. 


To become a scorer find easier shots. 

Lagniappe. Make life hard for opponents. 

Lagniappe 2. Excellent players sacrifice for the game and for the team. 

Lagniappe 3. We can't stop "every little thing." Find core opportunities to reduce opponents' scoring. What I see watching high school games and video...

  • Reduce opponents' transition baskets.
  • Contest shots without fouling. 
  • Contain dribble penetration. No contain, no defense.