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. 

Love this drill

✅ Guard the ball
✅Guard without fouling
✅Get used to being able to create at end of shot clocks
✅Compete

Big believer that one on one should be played every day

Players win games

pic.twitter.com/RFpW1CNiur

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) January 23, 2024

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

Tough pill for many to swallow. It’s easier than ever to have a voice. But opinions don’t equal action. It’s your actions that create change - not your empty words and opinions. Want change? Make it happen through your actions pic.twitter.com/tpguQDML4m

— Coach Ray Ostrowski (@CoachRayO3313) February 1, 2024

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. 

There’s a reason coaches recruit kids from teams on the “circuits” & it isn’t b/c of a logo. It’s b/c to win programs must teach something. Rolling out the ball doesn’t cut it. Closeouts, Help side, ball-screen D, passing & cutting, 1-more pass. Things you need @ next level.

— Marsha Frese (@CoachFrese) January 29, 2024