False Hustle
Brian Williams
The Coaching Toolbox
In most situations during a basketball game, there is no substitute for hustle. However, like most skills and intangibles, “hustle” can be overdone. Working hard is of no use to your team if it is not channeled into your team concept.
For example, when a player dives for a steal or runs through a passing lane and takes him or herself out of the play, it looks like hustle, but in reality it has created a 5 on 4 advantage for the offense, and that is hard to defend. Having players who sprint to their new defensive position when each pass is in the air is a lot more productive use of hustle than running or diving through passing lanes.
Another example of hustle that is not productive is attempting to take a charge anywhere on the floor other than in the lane and on the baseline. Not always, but usually the offense will get the blocking call if the defender attempts to take a charge out on the floor. The only time it is worth the risk to try to take a charge out on the floor is if you are fouling late in the game to stop the clock. Make it a rule to only take charges in the lane and on the baseline.
Staying away from plays like these that appear to be hustle plays to the average observer help keep a team and players from putting themselves in difficult positions and out of foul trouble. As a coach, spending some time thinking about these types of little things that make a difference and then teaching and drilling them in your basketball practices will help your team’s performance.
Basketball Coaching
Seattle Basketball
Brian,
I agree with NOT taking yourself out of the play and putting your team at a disadvantage, I think we all have had a player like that from time to time… I know, I had one in my first year as the head coach. He drove me nuts! Wouldn’t have been so bad if he had some quicks but I’ve seen rust form faster than this kid. :-)
Here’s another thought…. what if the other team has a break away and you have one play back…. maybe at half court… how about attempting a charge? Get the charge, GREAT defensive play…. You don’t get the call… its a block and they take the ball out of bounds. Either way its a win…. or they shoot a 1 and 1, you could come out ahead on that situation. I guess it all depends on the situation in the game.
We had our players very concious about attempting to take a charge, we felt those were game changers and I agree, most of them were in the lane. Good thoughts Brian.