Mid Game Adjustments Part 3: Move your best player
Often the other team that is killing you early in the game is doing so with either one or two players. It is a rare thing at any level for all 5 players to equal on offense and defense. Recognize early the match ups and if you need to, change those match ups.
On the defensive side of the ball do get caught up on your guards covering guards and post players covering post players. Know who your best defender is and do not be afraid to switch them to guard someone that is taller or shorter than them.
For example, let’s say your best defender is a small guard and other team is beating with their tall post player. Here are some things to consider:
1. Is your post player getting beat?
2. Can your best defender stop the other player from even catching the ball?
3. Can your best defender be active enough to move that post player off the ball?
The same idea can be applied if your best defender is a tall post but the other team is scoring off their guard. You can ask the same questions as above but also think about is the height of your player going to change their guard’s shot. Again, if you’re already getting beat it may be worth switch your best player to guard their best player; even the matchup doesn’t seem traditional.
Offensively, you’re just not scoring. Who’s your best player and what can he do? Are you getting shots or just not getting shots? For me if we are getting the shots we want but they are just not following the only change I make is ask my players to drive move. I have told my team “no jump shots until after 3 passes.” I’ve also told my team “if you get in the paint, you are required to shoot, guarded or not.” It amazes me the shots they can get up with that expectation.
Let’s assume you’re still not scoring; now thinking moving your best player. If he’s guard move him low instead of outside. I’m not saying have him attempt to post up against their 7 footer the rest of the game but you do want to make the defense switch and move. If your post is goes low then maybe your screens can pop him open from low to the spots you want him. Ask your guard to shoot of those screens.
If your best player is a post player and you’re just not getting the ball to him move him to the elbow or free throw line. If that doesn’t work have him set up at the three point line and set him screens outside that bring him inside.
Too many times players start each offensive set right on the spot they want the ball. Move them away from that spot and then have them come to it. The added bonus of moving your big to the outside just might be that you also move out the other teams best defender.
Finally, make sure you practice these kinds of switches during practice. It’s tough to ask players to do things during the game they have not practiced. You just never know who might be hurt or what you may need during a game. As the season gets latter and latter, all the good coaches have seen all the video and ready for what you do well. They may have no idea what to do if your best player just moves to different spots.
Craig Shorey Bio:
Maricopa, Arizona
Graduated form Western Governors University and is currently pursuing a Masters from Grand Canyon University.
Coaching Experience: Craig is in his 6th season combined at the Middle School, and High School level. He also coached for the Phoenix Suns Basketball Summer Camp program. He has two middle school championships with one undefeated season.
Work: Currently he is teaching U.S. History at a middle school in Maricopa, Arizona. He was also his districts Coach of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year.
Favorite Quote: “Do not let what you cannot do get in the way of what you can do.” John Wooden
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