Basketball - Video Breakdown, Take Advantage of Opponent Defensive Errors

Progress learning to win includes better defense and closing out games. Melrose hasn't had much success against teams over .500 but takes advantage of opportunities to win this one. 

Erasing hoops at the rim matters:  

Creative special situations plays create high quality offense. This BOB gets a 'screen-the-screener' wing three. 

Basketball is a game of "cutting and passing." Urgent backdoor cutting creates a high quality chance. 

"Look ahead." Burlington generates transition scoring with the long ball. 

Multiple defenses can create confusion and errors. Here the 2-2-1 press gets beaten but the ballhandler travels as the defender steps up.

 

Capitalize against defensive errors. The defense over-helps and exposes and open three at the top. 

More defensive confusion leads to an easy basket attack. 

"See both." Basketball becomes a "make or miss" league at many levels. Here again a defender loses sight of her cover and pays.

 

Lagniappe. "Make it make sense." 

Players will complain that they don’t play enough while also not putting in the time to get better which will get them more playing time - make that make sense

— Anthony Pugh (@Anthony_Pugh2) February 2, 2025

Lagniappe.2. There may be a shot there without a dip. Not saying don't 'dip' but not everyone always does. 

ELITE SHOOTER NO DIP 3’S

I really love this trend for elite shooters that need to get their shot off quickly. It looks like it is really hard to do, but when you understand alignment and sequencing, it’s actually a simple shot.

For elite shooters, they’ll be out in… pic.twitter.com/C3O7pDGwWl

— Steve Dagostino (@DagsBasketball) February 3, 2025

Lagniappe 3. Good teams learn how to win from their coaches.  

“How can a Coach help his team win the close ones?”

1. Keep a calm & positive demeanor in huddles.
2. Use phrases of motivation, but of confidence too.
3. Rehearse late game scenarios as “Special Situations.
4. Have a defense to count on at the end of the game.

Continue ...

— Coach Battenberg (@TerryBattenberg) January 29, 2025