May/June 2019 - 11

Practice time
During practice, coaches can simulate the last five
minutes in scrimmages. The timer and score can be set
appropriately, the team can be divided, and coaches can
be split between the teams. If feasible, one coach can
act as an official. Each team is awarded a set number
of timeouts.
The reason it's helpful to plan for closing time in this
way is because it prepares players in a less stressful
environment. They can also better recognize things like
properly using timeouts, identifying who to foul, and
how to deal with calls that go against them. Furthermore,
they become better acclimated to shooting free throws
under pressure, running end-of-game/special situation
plays, and coming together as a team.
The film room
A film session during game week can be instrumental
in preparing your team for closing time. This session can
be used to help players better identify:
* Specific plays used by the opposition. Do they run
isolation plays for specific players? Do they run the
same plays throughout the game? Do they look to
attack certain players based upon fouls?
* Personnel/substitution patterns. Based on the film,
players can identify the personnel used at the end of
a game. Do opponents bring in players who are great
free-throw or 3-point shooters? Will they use quick
substitution patterns depending on the situation?
* Delay game. Do they have a delay game? If so, who
is the primary ball handler? Do they screen for this
player? Can traps be run against this system.
Coaches also can use film sessions to help players
identify how identifying who prepare based on past
performances. This can be done by looking at film and
identifying:
* What system works best. Are they better at running
their usual system, or do they need to implement a
delay game? Having the players answer this can give
them stake in the game plan. The coach may choose to
adapt strategy based on player input.
* Rebounding skills. Players can self-assess how they
performed at the boards. Did they limit second-chance
opportunities? If not, how can they improve?
* Getting the ball to the best player in any given
situation. Players need to assess how they're doing
this. Are they making good passes? Do they need to
dribble to get the ball where it needs to go?
Pregame: locker room
It's during this time when crucial parts of the scouting
report can be reviewed. Specifically, knowing which
players are the best shooters from the floor and the freethrow
line. Also, identify their favorite plays.
Make sure players are briefed on things like:
* Who is the opponent's best scorer?
* Who is their best free-throw shooter?
* What plays do they run best at the end of the game?
Players can even be asked to break it down on the
whiteboard.
Going over these details can build confidence for the
players in knowing what they have to do to succeed. It
also enables the coaching staff to know if more details
must be reviewed.
During the game
It's important that coaches emphasize:
* The number of remaining timeouts.
* The number of fouls by both teams.
* The score. This dictates strategy. If you're ahead, you
can use clock. If you're behind, you may need to push
the ball up the floor and look to make a 3-pointer.
Emotions run high during the game and players can
get away from the details. That's why it's critical to
review this information to help improve recognition
and concentration. Proper preparation undoubtedly
improves execution.
Kevin Weigand is the assistant girls basketball coach
at Cape Coral High School in Florida.
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May/June 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May/June 2019
