6 Ways To Improve End-of-Game situations By Nathan Livesay, Sumter (SC) High School N othing is more agonizing for a coach than to see a lead disappear and have what seemed like a certain victory turn into a gutwrenching defeat in the final minutes of a game. How many times has your team had an opportunity to win a game in the final seconds only to fail to take advantage of the situation with poor execution or mistakes? How many times has your team had an opportunity to win a game in the final seconds only to fail to take advantage of the situation with poor execution or mistakes? After a good deal of studying, reading, and talking to other coaches regarding end-of-game situations, these are the ideas we have decided are most important. 1. Properly Conditioned - There's no substitute for a well-conditioned team. It's important to make sure that your offensive and defensive drills make practice physically demanding and tougher than the games. 2. Mastering the Fundamentals - Proper execution of the little things is 18 COACH & A.D. | WINNING HOOPS COACHES PLAYBOOK 2023