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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Basketball: Substitutions

 


Substitution presents an important and difficult coaching function. Coaches substitute for a myriad of reasons. We work to construct rotations that work and players that play well together, not always the five 'best' players. 

In developmental play, substitution help assure 'fair' (not always equal) playing time. Sometimes that meant substitutions to avoid having two 'softer' players playing together or assure two rebounders on the court at once. 

Coaches also substitute:
  • To create more favorable matchups. 
  • For tempo (to play faster or slower)
  • To rest a fatigued player, especial those playing hardest
  • To avoid further foul trouble for a player
  • To play 'offense-defense' putting in a better defender or offensive threat
  • To put in a player without fouls to commit fouls
  • To use a player in a defined "sixth man" role
  • Seeking more speed or physical play 
  • To allow the crowd to 'award' a player an ovation
Lagniappe. Contain the ball. I'd break the team up at multiple baskets to get more reps. We do something similar called, "dog drill" keeping the dribbler between the lane line and side line, running both sides simultaneously. 

Lagniappe 2. A great quote is no substitute for action. 

Know when to turn a phrase and whether to rebound for a player who needs to get up more shots. 

Lagniappe 3. Coaches 'know 'who can play.