Maryland and Split.
Which play you use depends on how much time is left, your team's strengths (best scorers), whether you need a two or three-point shot, and how many time-outs you have left. Using one of these plays does not necessarily have to be at the end of the game, but could also be used at the end of any period.
A "3" counts just as much at the end of the half as it does at the end of the game, and can be a big momentum boost at the end of the half. Like any plays, you must explain and practice these, and get a sense of the time factor. Kids like practicing these "situation plays".
"Maryland"
You only have a few seconds left and must go the length of the floor, and you need a three-pointer. This play might at least get you a final shot.Setup:
We start in our usual "80" press break, so the defense thinks the pass will go to O1, who is actually a decoy.
Running the play:
On "go", O5 cuts hard to the half court line and receives the long pass. O2 and O4 take a couple steps toward the ball and then back-cut to the three-point arc on either side. O5 catches the ball, pivots and fires the pass to either O2 or O4, who gets the shot for the three-pointer.
It's a desperation attempt, but it may at least give you a chance to pull it off!
"Split"
To run this play, you need more than 5 or 6 seconds left in the period (game). It is probably less risky than "Maryland" above and is better for getting a two-point shot (or a foul on the drive to the hoop). Get the ball to your best player... in this example, we give it to our point guard O1. This play will put some pressure on the defense, who is trying not to foul, and yet trying to stop your best player.O1 is the in-bounder. O3 and O2 break in opposite directions for the in-bounds pass. O1 passes to either O2 or O3, sprints through and gets the return pass from O2 or O3, and speed-dribbles up the floor trying to find a seam and must take that last shot - there usually won't be time for a pass. We yell the seconds out as they are counting down, to help let O1 know how much time is left. But O1 must have a sense of the time as opposing fans will also be yelling.
If O1 is denied, the player with the ball (O3 or O2) will have to speed-dribble and make the play.
O4 splits opposite and runs wide up the sidelines. O5 goes deep, and could get the pass from O1 (if there is enough time).
