Newsletter #295

Today's Theme... Late Game Strategies for Winning Close Games

Smart court side coaching can influence the outcome of a close game.  The late game pointers discussed below can also apply to closing out a half, or a quarter.  Getting an additional basket just before halftime, or at the end of a quarter, can be big in a close game.

End of quarter/half strategy - if you have the lead, hold the ball for the last shot, to increase your lead, and at worse, maintain your present lead without allowing the opponent a last second chance.

In high school or under, I want the shot to go up with about 5 seconds left. This allows time for an offensive rebound and put-back.  Also, it takes some of the pressure off the shooter as he/she knows there is a chance for a rebound and put back.

Know your players' strengths - substitutions - in a close game with a lead, have your good ball-handlers/dribblers/passers in the game as you are going to get pressed all over the court. Keep the turnover-prone players on the bench.

Get the ball to your best free-throw shooters. Who is your "go-to" player? Get the ball in his/her hands for the key shot(s). Don't settle for 3-point shots... get the ball inside and get to the free-throw line.  Make sure your five players are all solid on defense... no obvious mis-matches.

If you are behind, put quick, aggressive defensive players in the game to get a steal or create a turnover. When you get the turnover/steal, you can substitute in your better offensive players. Having a feel of how to substitute "offense for defense" and "defense for offense" is an important coaching tactic.

Costly late game mistakes - NO! NO's! - there are several critical errors that can kill your chances of winning a close game.

1. Missing key free-throws.
2. Turnovers - passing errors, traveling, forcing a bad shot.
3. Shooting a 3-pointer when there is still plenty of time, and all you need is a solid 2.
4. Fouling a 3-point shooter.
5. Not blocking out, especially on a free-throw. Allowing the opponent an extra shot and possession.
6. Getting caught and double-teamed in a trapping area (see "trapping areas").
7. Getting caught with a 5-second call.

Notice that I did not list missing a good, open shot... it happens. It's not an error.

For late game time and score special situations, see Basketball Late Game Strategies for Winning Close Games