As tournament time approaches, the difference between winning and losing and advancing to the State Tournament, is often a result of handling close games, dealing with adversity and the ability to execute in a charged atmosphere. Here are a few thoughts that may make a difference as you prepare for the Regional playoffs.

Late Game Preparation

1. Take a few minutes every day to work on late game situations. Do not assume your players will know what to do. I try to address the following:

1. Know how to deny a star player from receiving the ball in a key possession.
2. Know how to foul so it is not flagrant and gives you an opportunity for a steal.
3. Signal a foul without alerting the other team.
4. With a three point lead and less than 10 seconds to go, your players should know if you want to foul or take a chance and defend against the three.
5. When you are behind late, get the ball to the basket. It will usually result in a high percentage shot or a foul that stops the clock and allows you to pressure.
6. Know how to intentionally miss a free throw and secure the rebound.
7. Practice plays for late in the game when you have to go the length of the court, inbound from the sides or inbound from under the hoop.
8. When you have the last possession, do you call a timeout or signal a play or shot you want.
9. On a late game shot by your opponent, do you want to send everyone to the boards for a rebound or leak a player down the court?
10. Do players understand the term, “time and score?”
11. Do your players understand how to play “keep a way” to keep from being fouled.

You can certainly add more situations but I believe that the basics I have addressed will give your team a sense of confidence in their ability to hold the lead or come from behind.

Adversity

1. The ability to deal with adversity and turn adversity into a positive may make all the difference in a big game. Calling a timeout after losing your point guard to fouls and confidently saying to a backup, “Johnny/Mary it’s your game now, just like practice. Dominate on defense and be hard with the ball. Let’s go put this away.”

1. Place the backup or another player in a position of responsibility during practice in anticipation of losing a key player. Create different situations until the backup has success and leave him/her with that success in mind.
2. Practice a couple of days with music blaring in the gym and coach from the sidelines just like it is a real game.
3. Practice without allowing your star to shoot outside of five feet or only after a steal or an offensive rebound.

Preparation

I like to have a few execution keys (you don’t want to give them too much) and really focus on our preparation of those keys.

1. Defense
   1. How to handle the dribble over (pick and roll).
   2. How to fight through screens.
   3. When to double down in the post.
   4. How to trap without the foul.
2. Offense
   1. Make a fake to make a pass.
   2. Turning their pressure into our attack.
   3. Late game IQ.

I hope this helps and good luck to everyone!

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