HoopClinics

Contributed by Coach Ken Sartini

I was talking to one of my prior players…. he was a point guard on my sophomore team that went 19-2. He was telling me how I used to explain everything we did and the reason why…. he said all of his other coaches just say “do it my way.”

While that can work and does at times …. I think the players will buy into your system more IF you explain WHY! As the Varsity head coach I told our players that we would be more than happy to explain WHY we are going to do things a certain way… IN PRACTICE……. just don’t question WHY in games because we might not have the time.

I was searching for something in a “Coaching Magazine” and came across an article regarding the running of “Situations” during practices and it being a great teaching tool. It showed a chart with several of them and suggesting that coaches make up their own list along with these.

This was a great idea, the kids loved the competition of the ‘mini games’ and it helped me to explain why we will do certain things in specific situations. It was a great way to end practice, on a high note which encouraged the kids to come to practice the next day.

I don’t remember the name of the magazine or the author of the article BUT I will show you some examples of what it looks like. (remember, make up your own situations) One thing I also did was to put a situation into the next practice plan the day after a game where we didn’t handle anything the right way. Another good way of correcting something without being negative to the players.

SITUATIONS:

Score -

Time on the clock -

Who has possession of the ball -

Where the ball is being take out -

Foul situation -

Free throw situation -

With these things in mind…. one has to think about,

1- is there anyone that we need to cover specifically

2- is there a specific play to be aware of …. lob, multiple screens etc.

3- defending the three point shot

4- do we have any fouls to give

5- who should we foul if we are behind and need the ball

6- how many time outs does each team have

Situation 1-

Down 2, 8 seconds on the clock, we have the ball 84 feet away, we are in the bonus and there are NO timeouts for either team.

Situation 2-

Up 3, 15 seconds on the clock, they have the ball at half court, both teams are in the bonus and NO timeouts for either team.

You have to think about your own personal philosophy….. #1- will we go for the win or the tie? OR will we just take whatever they give us? #2- take away the three and let them have anything inside the arc? Foul after some time is taken off the clock and put them on the line and hope we get the rebound on the miss?

All the situations that come up during games can be difficult IF you have to make them at the last second.. IF you have a general philosophy regarding HOW you will handle things, it will make the decisions easier…. and IF the kids know HOW you want them to react and HAVE PRACTICED THEM… it will be easier on them too.

JMO

Basketball Coaching