January/February 2019 - 15

create steals, deflect passes and effectively use traps.
8. Knowing when to pull back and slow things down.
Championship teams are coached on how to respond to
different situations. At the end of a tight game with a
lead, they know the score and make smart decisions. They
typically don't force bad shots, and they understand that
the clock is their ally.
9. Stay poised in end-of-game situations. These teams
thrive on pressure and want to play in pressure-packed
environments. They can block out noise and focus on
the task at hand. They know what they must do and can
overcome any mistakes that could arise.
10. Finding finishers and free-throw shooters near
the end of the game. As a young coach, I once heard
Hubie Brown at a clinic talk about " knowing who your
closers are. " Championship teams know who their closers
and best free-throw shooters are, and they know how to
find them on the floor. They design plays to make sure
these players have the ball at the end of the game. Their
teammates are well aware of this too, and they understand
how and when to get them the basketball.
11. Implement effective delay game when ahead.
Knowing the situation is important for any team. Superior
teams know that when they're ahead, killing time takes
precedence over scoring. They have practiced their delay
game and can effectively execute it as needed. They tend
to thrive in this situation and embrace the pressure.
12. Utilize excellent spacing. Spacing is important
because it enables offenses to be more effectively
executed. It creates better passing angles and penetration
opportunities. It allows for isolation plays as well as pickand-roll
opportunities.
A good friend once said, " You can always learn
something in coaching. " Like coach Hurley, I continue
to bring a notepad to each gym when scouting so I can
expand on this list and become a better coach.
Kevin Weigand is an assistant girls basketball coach at
Cape Coral High School in Florida. He can be reached at
ktcw1@comcast.net.
GET MORE
Free e-newsletters featuring top
news stories and winning strategies
delivered directly to your inbox.
FROM WINNING
HOOPS
SIGN UP NOW
winninghoops.com/signup
94 Feet
A monthly roundup of the basketball industry's biggest stories, motivation
and team management strategies, drills and plays for coaches, and online
exclusives readers won't find anywhere else.
Special Offers
Sponsored content that takes an inside look at the latest products,
services and solutions to elevate your basketball program.
Week In Review
A weekly rundown of the top stories impacting high school and college
basketball programs worldwide.
WINNINGHOOPS.COM 15
http://www.winninghoops.com/signup http://www.WINNINGHOOPS.COM
January/February 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2019
