We all want to help our team out, after all the goal is to win. It only takes one weak link to derail a team. So what can you do to make sure that you are not a weak link? Here are 5 things.
- Draw 2 and Kick: If you can beat your defender and force another to come help you have created an advantage for the rest of your team. Every seasoned PG uses this rule countless times every game. As soon as you draw the second defender all you have to do is kick the ball out to your next teammate and they will immediately have an advantage over the shifting defense. The ball moves faster than players so this simple strategy will give your team more 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 opportunities.
- Communicate, communicate, and communicate: Be the ultimate communicator, use every opportunity you can get to relay information from your coach to the rest of the team. Constantly ask your teammates during dead ball situations what play you are running, where the mismatches are, etc. Use questions to make sure other players are communicating “What inbounds play are we running?”
- Take only good shots: Never force up a shot because you feel that you have to “get yours”. If you don’t get looks in the flow of the offense then it may not be your night to score 25. Now there can be exceptions like if your team NEEDS you to score 25 a night to win.
- Always know time and score: Keep track of the clock at all times. When you are down by 1 with 30 seconds left in the quarter may not be the best time to shoot a contested 3.
- Set solid screens: Many times players attempt to set screens but end of giving a halfhearted attempt because they are too anxious to get to the next spot. Set a solid screen that will really get your teammate open and force your defender to help (many times setting a great screen will get you an open shot).